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Get ready for a closer look at the NEW Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge coming to Magic Kingdom! Welcome to Adventureland The Beak and Barrel is a new Pirates of the Caribbean tavern coming to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland later this year. While we know a little bit about what the tavern will offer (such as “tasty options for pirates of all ages — as well as refreshing cocktails for Guests ages 21 and up”) within a couple of lively spaces themed after the famous swashbucklers, Disney recently gave us a more in-depth look at some of the restaurant’s aesthetics! In an Instagram post, Disney Imagineering shared some imagery we can expect to see when the restaurant opens! In the video, Mackenzie, an associate graphic designer for Imagineering who designed the logo for The Beak and Barrel, explained that the goal was to make the restaurant feel like it bridged a gap between the Pirates of the Caribbean films and attraction. The logo has “its own story and its own character.” The Beak and Barrel ©Disney As you can see, the black letter font “incorporates some fun hidden imagery.” You’ll notice a nod to the Barker Bird, Rummy in the “B” in Break, as well as a hidden cutlass in the “K”. ©Disney In a separate post, Imagineers shared some concept art from Marc Davis, who served as a designer on the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. For example, you can get a great look at the art for the skeleton in bed scene from the ride below! ©Disney This art featuring treasure on the beach should be familiar to Pirates fans far and wide! ©Disney Then there’s a look at the art featuring the pirate struggling to load all of his loot into the boat! Marc Davis’ art and designs will play an integral part in how this tavern will look and feel. ©Disney We’re super stoked to see the finished product and can’t wait to see all the little homages to the ride and movies! In the meantime, stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest Disney World updates! CONFIRMED: Disney Will Serve Alcohol at the NEW Pirates of the Caribbean Bar in Magic Kingdom DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What are YOU hoping to see inside The Beak and Barrel? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post Disney Shares a NEW Pirates Lounge Update first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Nearly 70 years after Disneyland launched the modern theme park industry, Disney continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation and small businesses across the United States. Disney Parks & Resorts in Florida and California generated a historic nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact from coast to coast, standing as a cornerstone of America’s tourism economy and beyond, supporting more than 403,000 direct and indirect jobs in California, Florida and in all 50 states. “Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks, and when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows.” For the last 20 years, Disney has conducted studies on how it impacts local economies where it does business, and a new report prepared by economists from Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, sheds light on the profound economic impact of the theme park that started it all. Key findings show that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. generated $16.1 billion in annual economic impact across Southern California and supports more than 102,000 jobs in the Southern California region (directly and indirectly). “Disney is an iconic economic engine powering entire ecosystems of jobs, small businesses and public revenue. What began as a single destination has evolved into one of the most impressive examples of local and national economic growth — generating more than $16 billion in economic impact across Southern California alone in 2023.” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company. The new report arrives as Disney moves forward with plans to ‘turbocharge’ the growth of Disney’s domestic theme parks with plans to increase capital expenditures in the U.S. to $30 billion. Anaheim: From Rural to Roaring When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on Anaheim, let alone the nation. Anaheim, a once rural community known more for its oranges than anything else, would go from a small, sleepy town to a major tourist destination in less than a decade. “As we celebrate 70 incredible years in Southern California, we are deeply proud of the lasting impact Disneyland Resort has made — creating thousands of jobs, fueling the local economy and welcoming the world to this extraordinary region,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, Disneyland Resort. “And we’re just getting started — the decades ahead hold even greater promise, and we look forward to growing, evolving and contributing more to the community we call home.” As Disneyland’s popularity increased, Anaheim grew up around it, featuring motels, restaurants and other tourism-driven businesses that still line the streets around the Disneyland Resort today. Looking ahead, Disneyland Resort has committed to investing a minimum of $1.9 billion in new experiences which could generate up to $30 million in annual revenues for the city. This includes Disney’s investment of $30 million in affordable housing, $8 million for city parks and $45 million for street and sewer improvements. With the new developments, guests can look forward to Disney doubling the size of Avenger’s Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park, and the creation of new attractions at Disneyland Resort based on Disney and Pixar’s Coco and Avatar. Expanding Impact from Coast to Coast Just a decade after Disneyland’s opening, in 1965, Disney officially announced the “Florida Project,” now known globally today as Walt Disney World Resort. Throughout its more than 50 years in operation, Walt Disney World has fueled Florida’s economy, tourism and small businesses. Like its counterpart on the west coast, Disney World catalyzed the transformation of Central Florida into the global tourist destination it is today. Key findings from previous research about the economic impact of Disney’s operations in Florida in fiscal year 2022 show that Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., along with Disney Signature Experiences, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line, generated $40.3 billion in annual economic impact across the state and supports more than 263,000 jobs in Florida (directly and indirectly). Its impact will continue to grow as Disney moves forward with the largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, including a reimagined section of Frontierland inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film Cars and a new land themed around Disney Villains from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films. Additionally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to grow with a new Tropical Americas land featuring attractions based on Encanto from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Indiana Jones. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the first-ever land based on Pixar Animation Studios’ Monsters, Inc. is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Empowering Local Businesses Disney’s operations in both Florida and California power a massive small business ecosystem across the country. The company works with thousands of local businesses across all 50 states, which employ workers and provide a wide range of goods and services — from the paint used on Sleeping Beauty Castle to specialty popcorn served in the theme parks, towels and linens provided for guests across Disney Resort hotels and more. One example is Advantage ColorGraphics, a regional commercial printing firm based in Anaheim, Calif. that helps bring Disneyland’s park maps to life. The company began as a small mailbox shop over 30 years ago, and has since grown into a world class service, working with global and local companies, including Disneyland Resort. “The business that Disneyland provides ensures that we’re able to impact Anaheim and the local communities,” shared Tom Ling, founder, Advantage ColorGraphics. Beyond working with domestic suppliers, Disney prioritizes providing education and training opportunities for entrepreneurs and collaborates with local businesses to develop innovative new experiences and products through programs like Disney Accelerator. To visitors of all ages, Disneyland is a magical land — a place to create happy memories and spend time with family and friends. And to the local community in Southern California, Disney’s work with suppliers also enables the community and economy to prosper and grow. Disney’s Commitment to the Community Disney’s impact on American communities extends further, bringing comfort, optimism and joy, and inspiring hope, especially for children. Every year, the company continues Walt Disney’s commitment to bringing positive, meaningful and measurable impact to communities across the country, through financial contributions, collaborations with nonprofit organizations, in-kind donations and employee volunteering. Since 1983, Disney employees and cast members have collectively contributed nearly 14 million hours to their communities worldwide through the Disney VoluntEARS program. Additionally, Disney contributed more than $263 million in charitable giving (cash and in-kind) in fiscal year 2024, and most recently, committed $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts related to wildfires in the Los Angeles region. As the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish®, Disney grants half of all wishes made in the U.S. in a typical year and has granted over 165,000 wishes globally since 1980. On average, a Disney wish is granted every hour of every day — and the company is honored that wish kids choose Disney for their most heartfelt wish. Continuing Walt Disney’s Legacy of Entrepreneurship Walt Disney’s dream of a place where families could immerse themselves in their favorite Disney stories caused a profound ripple effect, starting in Southern California, growing across the country to Florida, and around the world. Disney embodied the quintessential American dreamer, characterized by modest beginnings, perseverance and ultimately significant success through calculated risks. As a symbol of American ingenuity, Disney’s creations embody the optimism and innovative spirit that are hallmarks of the nation’s identity. The company’s impact extends beyond the realms of imagination; it also plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. economy and enhancing societal well-being. By producing captivating content and experiences, Disney not only creates happiness but also generates employment, stimulates tourism and contributes to charitable endeavors that enrich communities. For more details about Disney’s impact on the U.S. economy, visit economicimpact.disneyexperiences.com. The post Disney Parks Generate Nearly $67 Billion for the U.S. Economy, Supporting More Than 400,000 U.S. Jobs appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Nearly 70 years after Disneyland launched the modern theme park industry, Disney continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation and small businesses across the United States. Disney Parks & Resorts in Florida and California generated a historic nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact from coast to coast, standing as a cornerstone of America’s tourism economy and beyond, supporting more than 403,000 direct and indirect jobs in California, Florida and in all 50 states. “Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks, and when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows.” For the last 20 years, Disney has conducted studies on how it impacts local economies where it does business, and a new report prepared by economists from Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, sheds light on the profound economic impact of the theme park that started it all. Key findings show that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. generated $16.1 billion in annual economic impact across Southern California and supports more than 102,000 jobs in the Southern California region (directly and indirectly). “Disney is an iconic economic engine powering entire ecosystems of jobs, small businesses and public revenue. What began as a single destination has evolved into one of the most impressive examples of local and national economic growth — generating more than $16 billion in economic impact across Southern California alone in 2023.” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company. The new report arrives as Disney moves forward with plans to ‘turbocharge’ the growth of Disney’s domestic theme parks with plans to increase capital expenditures in the U.S. to $30 billion. Anaheim: From Rural to Roaring When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on Anaheim, let alone the nation. Anaheim, a once rural community known more for its oranges than anything else, would go from a small, sleepy town to a major tourist destination in less than a decade. “As we celebrate 70 incredible years in Southern California, we are deeply proud of the lasting impact Disneyland Resort has made — creating thousands of jobs, fueling the local economy and welcoming the world to this extraordinary region,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, Disneyland Resort. “And we’re just getting started — the decades ahead hold even greater promise, and we look forward to growing, evolving and contributing more to the community we call home.” As Disneyland’s popularity increased, Anaheim grew up around it, featuring motels, restaurants and other tourism-driven businesses that still line the streets around the Disneyland Resort today. Looking ahead, Disneyland Resort has committed to investing a minimum of $1.9 billion in new experiences which could generate up to $30 million in annual revenues for the city. This includes Disney’s investment of $30 million in affordable housing, $8 million for city parks and $45 million for street and sewer improvements. With the new developments, guests can look forward to Disney doubling the size of Avenger’s Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park, and the creation of new attractions at Disneyland Resort based on Disney and Pixar’s Coco and Avatar. Expanding Impact from Coast to Coast Just a decade after Disneyland’s opening, in 1965, Disney officially announced the “Florida Project,” now known globally today as Walt Disney World Resort. Throughout its more than 50 years in operation, Walt Disney World has fueled Florida’s economy, tourism and small businesses. Like its counterpart on the west coast, Disney World catalyzed the transformation of Central Florida into the global tourist destination it is today. Key findings from previous research about the economic impact of Disney’s operations in Florida in fiscal year 2022 show that Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., along with Disney Signature Experiences, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line, generated $40.3 billion in annual economic impact across the state and supports more than 263,000 jobs in Florida (directly and indirectly). Its impact will continue to grow as Disney moves forward with the largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, including a reimagined section of Frontierland inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film Cars and a new land themed around Disney Villains from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films. Additionally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to grow with a new Tropical Americas land featuring attractions based on Encanto from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Indiana Jones. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the first-ever land based on Pixar Animation Studios’ Monsters, Inc. is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Empowering Local Businesses Disney’s operations in both Florida and California power a massive small business ecosystem across the country. The company works with thousands of local businesses across all 50 states, which employ workers and provide a wide range of goods and services — from the paint used on Sleeping Beauty Castle to specialty popcorn served in the theme parks, towels and linens provided for guests across Disney Resort hotels and more. One example is Advantage ColorGraphics, a regional commercial printing firm based in Anaheim, Calif. that helps bring Disneyland’s park maps to life. The company began as a small mailbox shop over 30 years ago, and has since grown into a world class service, working with global and local companies, including Disneyland Resort. “The business that Disneyland provides ensures that we’re able to impact Anaheim and the local communities,” shared Tom Ling, founder, Advantage ColorGraphics. Beyond working with domestic suppliers, Disney prioritizes providing education and training opportunities for entrepreneurs and collaborates with local businesses to develop innovative new experiences and products through programs like Disney Accelerator. To visitors of all ages, Disneyland is a magical land — a place to create happy memories and spend time with family and friends. And to the local community in Southern California, Disney’s work with suppliers also enables the community and economy to prosper and grow. Disney’s Commitment to the Community Disney’s impact on American communities extends further, bringing comfort, optimism and joy, and inspiring hope, especially for children. Every year, the company continues Walt Disney’s commitment to bringing positive, meaningful and measurable impact to communities across the country, through financial contributions, collaborations with nonprofit organizations, in-kind donations and employee volunteering. Since 1983, Disney employees and cast members have collectively contributed nearly 14 million hours to their communities worldwide through the Disney VoluntEARS program. Additionally, Disney contributed more than $263 million in charitable giving (cash and in-kind) in fiscal year 2024, and most recently, committed $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts related to wildfires in the Los Angeles region. As the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish®, Disney grants half of all wishes made in the U.S. in a typical year and has granted over 165,000 wishes globally since 1980. On average, a Disney wish is granted every hour of every day — and the company is honored that wish kids choose Disney for their most heartfelt wish. Continuing Walt Disney’s Legacy of Entrepreneurship Walt Disney’s dream of a place where families could immerse themselves in their favorite Disney stories caused a profound ripple effect, starting in Southern California, growing across the country to Florida, and around the world. Disney embodied the quintessential American dreamer, characterized by modest beginnings, perseverance and ultimately significant success through calculated risks. As a symbol of American ingenuity, Disney’s creations embody the optimism and innovative spirit that are hallmarks of the nation’s identity. The company’s impact extends beyond the realms of imagination; it also plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. economy and enhancing societal well-being. By producing captivating content and experiences, Disney not only creates happiness but also generates employment, stimulates tourism and contributes to charitable endeavors that enrich communities. For more details about Disney’s impact on the U.S. economy, visit economicimpact.disneyexperiences.com. The post Disney Parks Generate Nearly $67 Billion for the U.S. Economy, Supporting More Than 400,000 U.S. Jobs appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

It’s certainly no secret that The Walt Disney Company is a powerhouse. With divisions in media, theme parks, merchandise, and more, Disney is a massive company whose reach stretches far and wide. Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank And, a new report has revealed that even just the Disney Parks alone have had a massive impact on the United States’ economy. Disney and Oxford Economics have released a new report showing just how much of an impact the domestic Disney Parks — Disney World and Disneyland — have had annually on the United States’ economy. Disney shared that nearly 70 years after the official launch of Disneyland, “Disney continued to play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation, and small businesses across the United States.” ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters The report reveals that Disney Parks & Resorts generated a historic $67 billion in annual economic impacts from coast to coast. Not only that, but this impact also extends to supporting more than 403,000 direct and indirect jobs in California, Florida, and all 50 states. ©Disney Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said, “Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country. Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks, and when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows.” Sleeping Beauty Castle for the 70th Anniversary Celebration In California alone, Disneyland Resort generated $16.1 billion in annual economic impact and currently supports more than 102,000 jobs in the Southern California region, whether directly or indirectly. “As we celebrate 70 incredible years in Southern California, we are deeply proud of the lasting impact Disneyland Resort has made—creating thousands of jobs, fueling the local economy and welcoming the world to this extraordinary region,” said Thomas Mazloum, President, Disneyland Resort. California Adventure While Disney has often compiled and shared this data for Disneyland and Disney World, this is the first time the studies have been combined to “emphasize the company’s significant contributions to the US economy, across all 50 states.” Not only that, but nearly 1 out of every 20 jobs in Orange County, California, and 1 out of every 8 jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to Disney. Hollywood Studios The report builds on previous research about the economic impact of Disney’s operations in Florida from fiscal year 2022 (which revealed a whopping $40.3 billion economic impact in the state) and emphasizes Disney’s plan to “turbocharge” the growth of the domestic parks. This includes increasing capital expenditures in the US to $30 billion through 2033. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney confirmed where some of that money is being invested: The largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, including a reimagined section of Frontierland inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” and a new land themed around Disney Villains from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films A new Tropical Americas land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring attractions based on “Encanto” from Walt Disney Animation Studios and “Indiana Jones” The first-ever land based on Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Doubling the size of Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park Also at Disneyland Resort: New attractions based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” and “Avatar” EPCOT Part of this massive impact can also be attributed to the thousands of small businesses Disney works with across all 50 states, which employ workers and provide a wide range of goods and services. Anything from the paint used on Sleeping Beauty Castle to specialty popcorn to towels and linens might come from a small business. “it’s a small world” We can’t wait to see more exciting new experiences from Disney as the company continues to grow. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! Disney Announces $30 Billion Will Go To Park Expansions Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning any upcoming trips to Disney World or Disneyland? Let us know in the comments. The post NEW Report Reveals Disney's BILLION Impact on US Economy first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Fun Spot again is celebrating its birthday Saturday with a one-day sale on one-day tickets that can be used on future dates. It’s the attraction’s 27th birthday, so it selling the one-day passes for $27. A single-day pass normally sells for $69.95. The online sale begins right at midnight Saturday and ends at 11:59 p.m. The deal can be purchased at any Fun Spot location during regular operating hours Saturday. Passes sold at this time will be valid through June 6, 2026. A pass gives one day of access to the attractions’ roller coasters, Go-Kart tracks and other rides at Fun Spot locations in Orlando, Kissimmee and Atlanta. SkyCoaster tickets can be added for $10 each at checkout. Customers who buy 10 single-day passes get two more passes for free as a bonus. “Our annual birthday sale lets us celebrate our loyal fans and guests all year long,” John Arie Jr., Fun Spot’s CEO, said in a news release. Three additional rides will be added at the Florida parks this year, he said. For tickets and more information, go to fun-spot.com. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

It’s time to stop the music. It’s time to dim the lights. After a 34-year run at Walt Disney World, the curtain is dropping on MuppetVision 3D. The final day to see the presentation is Saturday, June 7. The attraction is being closed to make room for the “Monsters, Inc.”-inspired land planned for the Grand Avenue area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The show, which premiered in 1991, is a special-effects movie, augmented by a few animatronics, that takes park guests on a tour of Muppet Studios, which is prepping for an extravaganza with musical numbers, fireworks. Muppet-style chaos ensues. For a final spin through MuppetVision, we tried to take in all the sights and sight gags with fresh eyes. In the beginning In the MuppetVision pre-show, there are stacks of backstage props plus on-screen instructions to audience members played for laughs. Looming above all this is a banner of a Muppetized Jim Henson. MuppetVision is widely considered the final major project that involved Henson, who died unexpectedly of pneumonia in 1990. He was 53. Walt Disney Co. and Henson Associates had been in negotiations for a merger, but after Henson’s death, things got complicated with lawsuits and countersuits about rights and merchandising. (The Orlando Sentinel referred to these documents as “strongly worded.”) But things were worked out in time for MuppetVision to debut on May 16, 1991, exactly one year after Henson’s death. Fast forward 14 years to Disney, under Chairman Michael Eisner, buying the Muppets for a reported $90 million. A salute to Sam The show is packed with one-liners, and I noticed the audience responds with both giggles and guffaws to cracks from characters including Statler and Waldorf up in the booth and to the dad jokes courtesy of Fozzie. But the enduring joke is a throwaway line from Sam Eagle, who says the title of the musical finale is “A Salute to All Nations, but Mostly America.” That may hit differently in 2025, but it’s so very Sam. Later, when Kermit the Frog tells Sam that he must cram his “glorious three-hour finale” into a minute and a half, he gives out a humorous little eek. Sam may not be the star, but he may be the best supporting actor. I see Paris MuppetVision may be the only place you can see Miss Piggy’s undergarments twice in one sitting. Audience members get full-on bloomers as she suddenly is pulled behind a ski boat, then again as the finale goes amuck and her Lady Liberty costume peels away. It’s not bawdy; no skin is shown. This may be dated humor. Or maybe just all wrong for today. Or maybe it’s just a puppet. A pig puppet. Finally In the final scene, after the chaos of the finale, MuppetVision literally breaks down the fourth wall behind the stage for a 3D gag with Kermit (voiced by Henson) on the end of a Muppet Labs Fire Department ladder appearing to extend above the audience. Through the gape in the background, one can see costumed character Pluto as if in the actual theme park. There’s also Mickey Mouse-shaped balloons. It’s very ‘90s back there. What next? Want to talk longevity? Elsewhere in Orlando theme parks that season, “The American Tail Show” was introduced at Universal Studios as was the “Terrors of the Deep” underwater exhibit at SeaWorld Orlando. The Muppets apparently will still have a home at Hollywood Studios. The gang will be incorporated into a new version of the park’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which has featured Aerosmith since its launch in 1999. Poster art of the reimagined ride showed characters such as Kermit, Piggy, Animal and other members of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem in a convertible with a license plate that reads MUPP3TS. 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

Disneyland Resort is booked and busy right now! California Adventure in Disneyland Disneyland Park is turning 70 years old, and they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate! With all of the partying going on, some special friends have decided to visit during the party, and the latest invitee is too cute to handle. We’re headed into the parks to say hi, and we’re bringing you along with us! We stopped by to say hi to Rex during our latest trip to the park! He is located across from the Pixar Pal-A-Round attraction. Woah! He will be meeting periodically throughout the day, so be sure to check your Disneyland app for specific times. So cute We can’t believe how much he looks like a toy dinosaur! Rex! Rex isn’t the only friend making a special appearance during the 70th anniversary celebrations! Duffy and ShellieMay have also traveled across the world to participate in the Disneyland 70th Cavalcade. Duffy and ShellieMay! These two adorable teddy bears are incredibly popular in Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney, however, they have been absent from the U.S. parks for several years, aside from a few special appearances. They have finally returned for the big birthday celebrations, and we couldn’t be happier. Not only are friends returning, but special parades are back, new shows have debuted, and there are SO MANY SNACKS! So many 70th snacks! We are loving this party so far, which officially runs from May 16th, 2025, until Summer 2026. If you’re really hoping to say hi to our favorite nervous Rex, you might want to stop by sooner rather than later, since Disney didn’t provide an end date. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. ALL of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Limited-Time TREATS 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 say hi to this special character? Tell us in the comments! The post If Meeting This Disney Character Wasn’t on Your Bucket List, Add It Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new lounge has just opened in EPCOT, and yes, we’ve been anxiously awaiting its arrival. Geo-82 Now, we previously got a sneak peek at this new lounge, GEO-82, ahead of its opening. However, it’s officially open now, so we’re going back inside again to try out all the food and drinks the new lounge has to offer! So join us as we review EPCOT’s brand new GEO-82! Atmosphere GEO-82 is an adults-only (as in 21 and over) space that takes its inspiration from Spaceship Earth, so a lot of the design elements here are going to look very familiar. You’ll find the entrance near the back of Spaceship Earth. Where it located The check-in desk is downstairs from the lounge in Project Tomorrow — look for the lighted sign and gold hallway. Check-in Here, we were handed a cold towel and told it was “tranquility scented,” and YES, we believed it. It smells like a spa and helps set the relaxed, yet upscale tone of the whole lounge experience. Scented towels Once you’ve checked in, you’ll go up the stairs or elevator. There, you’ll see a little waiting area. You’ll hear some nice smooth jazz music (what else would you expect?). Waiting area Once you step inside GEO-82, you’ll be greeted with geometric shapes, rich textures, and warm metallic tones. The view is also pretty stunning, and yes, you can watch the EPCOT nighttime show from here. Also, look at those fun lighting fixtures. By the way, in case you haven’t noticed, this place is FANCY. GEO-82 There is plenty of seating inside the lounge, including tables and chairs, as well as booths. Seating Pro tip: Request a seat at the bar. You might lose out on the great view, but the bar is GORGEOUS (and the bartenders are incredible, and it’s so much fun watching them do their thing). Sit at the bar…trust us. But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu Disney describes the GEO-82 menu as featuring “global flavors blended with culinary artistry in classic cocktails and small plates.” The food menu features small bites like Cannellini Hummus, a Charcuterie selection, and more. Small Bites menu Of course, this is a lounge, so it’s all about the cocktails, and there’s a good variety of unique drinks to choose from. Featured Cocktails For those looking for non-alcoholic options, there are two Zero-Proof Cocktails available. There’s also a decent selection of beer and wine. Mocktails, Beer, and Wine And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up, we grabbed the Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments for $29. We got three cheeses, three meats, three toppings, and three breads. The cheeses are on the pungent side, though, so if you’re a more mild cheese fan, this could be off-putting. Note, though, that this could change because it’s the chef’s selection (but it’s expertly put together). However, we found these cheeses very flavorful. The meats also had a lot of great flavor, and they were cut nice and thin. Charcuterie We also liked the bread, which included a cranberry loaf (SO soft) and pecan brittle, which almost gave us dessert vibes. The cheeses and breads all paired perfectly together, no matter how you mixed and matched. When we say this thing is expertly put together, we mean it. Usually, with cheese and bread, we find that one combo we love more than anything else and eat mostly that, but this one…well, let’s just say we were almost picking this plate up and licking it clean. EVERYTHING on this board goes together We also ordered the Truffled Ahi Tuna with Japanese Whisky Barrel-aged Soy-Truffle Ponzu, Citrus, Scallion, Tobiko, and Black Sesame Seeds for $23. First, this looks beautiful. When we bit into it, we were impressed with the texture. It’s cooked perfectly: seared on the outside and raw on the inside. Plus, you get the texture of the toppings and the mushiness of the fruit, and a crunch from the tobiko and sesame seeds. Truffled Ahi Tuna The flavors here are a little acidic, a little salty, and not super fishy. The ponzu adds a touch of complexity to the overall flavor. The scallion offers a bit of onion flavor. This plate is gorgeous Honestly, this is the kind of food we’d expect to be served at some place as upscale as Victoria & Albert’s…that’s how elevated it is. Drinks To drink, we picked up the Caramelized Leek Martini for $26. Now, this unique drink is made with Ford’s Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry, Caramelized Leek, and Pickled Onion. How this drink works is beyond us, but y’all, it’s…well…INCREDIBLE. So they use the leek-infused gin and a regular gin mixed together so you get a great balance of pungent, tangy, and savory, and an explosion of flavors. You also get a hint of sweetness from the caramelization. Caramelized Leek Martini It’s served with these pickled cocktail onions that are the size of ping pong balls. And we get that not everyone will enjoy this, but if you like pickled onions in your salad or eating pearl onions in things, you want to order this drink. Pickled Onion Our second drink was the Brûlée Banana Highball for $26. It’s made with Toki Suntory Whisky, Lustau ‘Don Nuño’ Oloroso Sherry, Banana, Coffee, Cacao, and Bubbles (BUBBLES!). This was a drink we needed a few sips of to understand. It’s a sweet cocktail without being dessert-like, but it has those flavors. The banana flavor is the most forward flavor, but then you get that spiced rum and the whiskey and coffee, and it becomes something super complex. Brulee Banana Highball The drink also stays cold because the ice is literally a cylinder of ice in your highball glass. There’s also a little caramelized banana on top they make RIGHT there behind the bar (and yes, we just popped the whole thing in our mouth before drinking the cocktail — but it’s okay because the sugar got stuck in our teeth and made the drink’s sweetness pop). One thing we thought was that the drinks here are ADULT drinks and not “just turned 21” kinda’ drinks. These are for more sophisticated drinkers who’ve been around the block a few times. It’s got a massive cylinder of ice in it The Strawberry-Black Pepper Sour is made with Campari Liqueur, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Strawberry, Lemon, and Black Pepper for $25. Yep, this one is pretty unique, too. You really get that lovely strawberry flavor, and it’s sort of like a daiquiri meets a martini with that touch of black pepper zing. Strawberry-Black Pepper Sour Don’t worry, though, the pepper isn’t overwhelming, and the strawberry isn’t super sweet or sour. It’s just a good strawberry flavor for people who love strawberries. Great strawberry flavor Finally, we ordered the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash made with Toki Suntory Whisky, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Peach and Mint Shrub, and Bubbles (MORE BUBBLES!) for $26. It’s like a whiskey sour, but it’s also bubbly, which adds extra carbonation. They even have a special bubbling process going on that goes BEYOND soda-making. Peach Shrub Whiskey Smash Flavor-wise, this cocktail tasted like a candy peach with a slight sour tang, but not enough to make your lips pucker. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for an upscale experience. This lounge is FANCY, and we mean that in the best way possible. The dining and cocktails are elevated, and the fact that kids aren’t allowed means you’re getting a sophisticated experience meant just for adults. You are a cocktail enthusiast. The cocktails here are expertly crafted and well-thought-out, and you’re going to find things here that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney World. It’s also fantastic to sit at the bar to watch the bartenders do their thing as they explain more about the mixology of each drink. You want to escape from park life. If you’re ready to get away from the whole theme park vibe and be somewhere that doesn’t feel like a theme park, this lounge is for you. It’s a little culinary oasis in the middle of EPCOT. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re drinking around the world. This is not that. At all. These cocktails are pretty strong and could put you off other cocktails in the park. You like simpler cocktails that are sweeter and fruitier. Now you can get sweet and fruity options here, but these cocktails are more elevated and complex. If you’re go-to drink is a vodka cranberry, this is not the spot for you. It’s family day. As we explained, kids are not allowed in this lounge, and you probably shouldn’t ditch family time for fancy drinks. Of course, if you’re on a long trip with a large group…that point could be argued. Overall We are SUPER impressed with GEO-82, mostly because it’s such an upscale experience that truly is made with just adults in mind (which is not something you’ll find much of in Disney World). The food is elevated, the cocktails are complex, and it’s easy to forget that you’re sitting in the middle of a theme park when you’re there. Now, don’t get us wrong, the food and cocktails are a little pricey, but we sat here for two hours and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. You know that little midday break we always recommend — this could be a good place to take it. 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! Will you be stopping by GEO-82 during your next EPCOT visit? Tell us in the comments! The post FULL REVIEW: EPCOT's NEW Adults-Only Lounge Is Officially Open! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

World travelers, we found your next favorite popcorn bucket, and we think you’re going to be obsessed as we are. EPCOT This popcorn bucket is perfect for those who thank the phoneicians every day. We changed the colors to blue, red, purple, and green, and we think this popcorn bucket is going to sell out fast. People are serious about their popcorn buckets (and so are we!), and every collector or EPCOT lover is going to need this one. Changing colors We absolutely adore our EPCOT popcorn buckets. This bucket from the Festival of the Arts had guests standing in line for HOURS to snag this adorable little Figment. Hello Figment Popcorn Bucket! In 2024, another spectacular bucket was the Imagination Pavilion bucket, which featured Figment diving into a rainbow of popcorn. 2024 Figment popcorn bucket It’s pretty hard to find a popcorn bucket we don’t love, and this new EPCOT Mickey Mouse Balloon bucket is no exception. We love how it lights up like the real Spaceship Earth and will look so incredible on our shelves. Feels like Festival of the Arts! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT POPCORN BUCKETS IN DISNEY WORLD Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite popcorn bucket you’ve seen? Tell us about it in the comments! The post A NEW Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket Dropped at EPCOT and We’re OBSESSED first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Finding affordable Disney souvenirs can be overwhelming, and we understand that. Disney Shopping You want something that is Disney, that you can use regularly, and that isn’t breaking the bank. Since we’re shopping experts when it comes to Disney, we know a thing or two. Luckily for you, this is the one Disney item on Amazon that is basically perfect. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Grab This Disney Simple Modern Tote Bag! ©Amazon This Simple Modern Disney Tote Bag is lightweight and waterproof, making it the perfect bag for summer. The dimensions of the bag are 14.5″L x 5.5″W x 10.75″H, giving you plenty of space to carry it to the pool, Disney World, or any summer activity you are doing. Our favorite feature is the tiny hidden Mickey heads all over the bag, giving it a subtle Disney touch. It’s giving BOGG bag, but it’s much cheaper and Disney!! ©Amazon The bag includes a detachable water-resistant zipper pocket to hold phones or small items, so you aren’t left digging through your bag for the important things. We love that the handles fold flat, don’t twist, and stay down when not in use. The best part is that it is 30% off right now on Amazon, so grab it quick. View on Amazon Looking for more Disney finds? Check out our Amazon storefront!The post The One Disney Amazon Souvenir that's Practically Perfect, According to Just About Everybody first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You guys are NEVER gonna believe what I just got… Hi, I’m Breea! But let me back up first. (I’m getting too excited and already getting ahead of myself.) DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The popular Disney card game — Lorcana — recently released its newest (and eighth) set in the series, Reign of Jafar, to stores on June 6th, 2025. It also had a pre-release to select hobby and local game stores on May 30th, 2025. Reign of Jafar You might not know this about me, but my husband and I have been HUGE Lorcana fans ever since he bought the Gateway (or starter) Box for me last year on my birthday. It’s now got us in a chokehold — so much so that during the LAST Lorcana release for Archazia’s Island, we opened up Single Player Decks on the Hub Grass of Magic Kingdom. (GREAT memory, by the way.) This was SO fun! So imagine how excited I was to FINALLY get my hands on the latest Reign of Jafar Single Player Decks, as well as the Illuminer’s Trove and Palace Heist collaborative game. (Spoiler alert: I was very excited. But Past Me had **NO IDEA** how TRULY exciting things were about to get…) Check out the haul! Just to break it down, Single Player Decks are pre-built Lorcana decks that don’t require you to do any extra deck-building yourself, if you don’t want to. You just pick ‘em up, open them, and GO. The Single Player Decks for Reign of Jafar come with two specialty foil cards. The Amber/Amethyst set features foil cards with Bruno and Tiana, while the Ruby/Steel set features foil cards with Mulan and Stitch. Single-Player Decks These Single Player Decks also come with one extra Booster Pack of cards, which, much like any Lorcana Booster Pack, are TOTALLY RANDOM. (That’s important info for later. Keep it in your back pocket.) Here’s a peek at the cards! Initially, I was probably most excited to be the proud owner of Palace Heist. As much as I love schooling my husband at Lorcana (love ya, babe), it’s fun to play a collaborative version of this game with him where we get to team up and work to bring down Jafar and his hypnotized minions together. Palace Heist But then….. I opened the Illuminer’s Trove. Illuminer’s Trove The Illuminer’s Trove comes with EIGHT Booster Packs of cards, along with extra accessories to help you play the game. Like I mentioned before, Booster Packs are completely RANDOM. So you never know what your card rarities are going to look like until you open the packs. It’s a fun surprise! Rarity levels in Lorcana range from common, uncommon, rare, super rare, legendary, and — the most coveted level of all — enchanted. Here’s a look at some of the cards I got! Now would you BELIEVE that when I opened my very first Booster Pack from the Illuminer’s Trove, I got…………… Is the suspense killing you?!! AN ENCHANTED STITCH?!! I GOT STITCH! NO, I’M SO NOT KIDDING. LOOK, HERE’S A PICTURE OF ME WITH IT, NOT QUITE BELIEVING IT MYSELF. PURE SHOCK The enchanted cards are GORGEOUS. One might even say they’re “shining, shimmering, splendid.” Look at the detail! But really, ALL the Lorcana cards are STUNNING. That’s one of the reasons why I love this game so much. The artwork is phenomenal and depicts several of my favorite Disney characters inside magical scenarios and new storylines that I can’t help but get swept up in. This game is so fun! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve some unfinished business to attend to. Jafar isn’t gonna defeat himself. View on Amazon! It’s My DREAM To Get This Ultra-Specific Job in EPCOT. Here’s My (In)Formal Audition Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you play Lorcana? Let us know 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, Lorcana sent us some items from the new launch. 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 Disney Lorcana HAUL: You Guys Are NEVER Gonna Believe What I Just Got in the Mail! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, Goofy lovers! We found new merch that you’re going to be obsessed with. Max and Goofy This collection showcases A Goofy Movie! Max and Goofy are on a road trip, and this collection is all about it. They even have amazing sweatshirts for it! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First is this Lake Destiny Quarter Zip. ©Disney You’ll find Max and Goofy on the front with “Enjoy the serenity of Lake Destiny” embroidered. The green and tan colored quarter zip makes this an easy bag to throw into a bag or keep in the car when you need an extra jacket. SHOP NOW We love this Grand Canyon Crewneck, too. ©Disney Goofy and Max are looking over their map as they head to the Grand Canyon. Embroidered on the bottom, it says, “Father and son road trip,” which is great for your own family trips or a reference to your favorite movie. SHOP NOW Check out this Allover Print Button Up! ©Disney Throughout the film, Max and Goofy are looking at maps, in the car, and hanging out together on the perfect road trip. It’s a short-sleeved button-up shirt, and we like how you can wear it buttoned up or with a t-shirt underneath. SHOP NOW Last is this Perfect Cast Ringer Shirt. ©Disney This shirt gives off summer camp vibes and features Goofy fishing on it! If we had to pick one piece, we’d wear this all summer long, especially on camping trips. We love that the ringer collars are striped blue and green, too. SHOP NOW All of these are Boxlunch exclusive and will show off your favorite ’90s movie. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney merch finds. Like what you’re seeing and looking for more? Check out our Amazon Storefront with a whole collection of our favorite items.The post Why Every ‘90s Kid is Buying this Boxlunch Disney Collection first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, we know there are a lot of fans of BaubleBar jewelery and accessories out there, especially when it comes to Disney merchandise. Stitch Necklace! We’ve seen BaubleBar release everything from gorgeous ears to beautiful jewelry to fun charms that you can use to give your bags a whole lot of personality. Well, BaubleBar just dropped a brand NEW Disney collection of accessories that you’re going to want to “add to cart.” DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. So let’s check out this fun new collection, okay? Get the Mickey Mouse Gold 3D Bag Charm ©BaubleBar Mickey is ready to make a hole in one on this charm where he’s dressed in his golf outfit and carrying his bag of clubs. Mickey is also accented with glass stones for a little extra bling. Buy at BaubleBar Buy the Minnie Mouse Pickleball 3D Charm ©BaubleBar Minnie is ready for a round of pickle ball on this charm and she looks stunning in her pickleball outfit as she raises her paddle high. She’ll add a lot of fun sparkle to your bag. Buy at BaubleBar Get the Grogu 3D Bag Charm ©BaubleBar Okay, how much fun does Grogu look like he’s having as this bag charm? This glittery version of everyone’s favorite baby Yoda will add a lot of personality to your bag and make you — and others — smile when they see it. Buy at BaubleBar Buy the Grogu 18K Gold Cutout Ring ©BaubleBar This ring is perfect for something a bit more subtle that still says “I love Grogu!” The 18K ring stack has little cutout images of Grogu’s head on it. Buy at BaubleBar Get the Stitch 3D Bag Charm ©BaubleBar Stitch is both cute and bedazzling on this 3D charm that can add your love of Stitch to any bag. Look at the detail on this thing? It’s jam-packed with sparkling stones and accents. Buy at BaubleBar We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Yes, This Is Your Excuse To Buy New Disney Accessories first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you know us, you know we LOVE Disney-themed accessories. Loungefly Wall at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom Between all the members of our team, we have pretty large collections of things like Minnie ears, Loungefly backpacks, Lug bags, and Disney hats. And if you’re as obsessed as we are, then you’ll probably be hyped about this — we’re sharing a sneak peek at a NEW Loungefly collection coming soon! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Stitch Mini Backpack ©Loungefly This new collection is dedicated to Stitch (we’re seeing a lot of Stitch merchandise with the new live-action movie out!). It starts off with the Stitch Embroidered Floral Drawstring Mini Backpack. This one is a little different in style than your typical Loungefly mini backpack, as it has a flap-top cover and zippers going down the sides for storage. View on Amazon This bag is convertible! ©Loungefly What if you can’t decide what kind of bag you want? Well, this one is PERFECT for that! The Stitch Embroidered Floral Convertible Backpack & Tote Crossbody Bag changes between three different bag styles to adapt to your needs. It has carrying handles on the top and a large zip pocket, as well as side slip pockets. Lots of storage! View on Amazon We love the crossbody bag ©Loungefly If you’re more of a purse-style person, you can snag the Stitch Embroidered Floral Crossbody Bag. Like the others, this is available for pre-sale with an estimated ship date of June 6th, 2025. It’s made with faux leather. View on Amazon Or, you can grab the matching wallet ©Loungefly Last but not least, there’s a Stitch Embroidered Floral Wallet. It has the same cute Stitch pattern as the other items in the collection, and it’ll also be available on June 6th. It comes with 5 card slots, 1 clear slot for an ID, and a zippered compartment with 2 accordion-style slots. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post First Look at 4 New Loungeflys Releasing SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As the warm summer months are in full force in Orlando, there is nothing quite like a relaxing day, cooling off in the water at one of the Disney World water parks. Disney World has TWO water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are great ways to beat the heat, but fun in the sun also requires some fuel! Typhoon Lagoon We are covering our favorite eats at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and what to avoid! We want to ensure your day by the water is filled with delicious food. We have tried it all, and we are bringing you our favorites. Let’s dive in! Pork Elote Nachos from Leaning Palms These nachos contain roasted pork over nacho chips with elote cheese sauce, guacamole, sour cream, roasted corn, jalapeños, and Pico de Gallo. They are loaded with fresh toppings and perfect for a quick bite during your day at Typhoon Lagoon. Pork Elote Nachos They are a bit on the heavier side, which is great to fuel you up, but also give them some time to settle before you jump right back into the fun. We could definitely taste the elote flavor they were going for, and we really enjoyed these nachos! Check out our review of the Pork Elote Nachos! Mini Donuts from Joffrey’s We have been long-time fans of these little nuggets of sweetness! You can get them by the dozen or the half dozen, and you can choose from three dipping sauces: chocolate, raspberry, and white chocolate. Mini Donuts! We have noticed that the quality has been dropping a bit over the years, but they are still earning a spot in our top treats. However, we are keeping a close eye on them! We love the fluffy, sweet donut with the combination of yummy dipping sauces. Dole Whip Bathtub Sundae from Snack Shack We have to admit, part of the reason we love this snack so much is because it is served in a bathtub. But it is also hard to go wrong with some delicious Dole Whip! This treat is pretty iconic, but we do want to give you a fair warning that it is just Dole Whip and popping boba pearls. Dole Whip Bathtub Sundae But, eating the Dole Whip and popping boba pearls out of a bathtub makes it such a fun and refreshing experience. The sundae features three flavors: pineapple, strawberry, and orange. It is a great treat to enjoy sitting by the water! Read our review of the Dole Whip Bathtub Sundae! Captain’s Mai Tai from Hammerhead Fred’s Bait Shop This drink is made with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Bols Amaretto Liqueur, and tropical juices, tipped with a float of Myer’s Original Dark Rum. It is heavy on the rum flavor, but we think that is what really made this drink stand out! It has lots of spice flavor, and it almost tastes like Christmas in your mouth. Captain’s Mai Tai Along with lots of pineapple flavor, we were huge fans of this drink! Be prepared, though, this one is a strong one! Read our review of Captain’s Mai Tai! Sand Pail Sundae from Happy Landings Ice Cream There is a bit of a theme going on here, apparently, we just really like eating sundaes out of unique things! The Sand Pail Sundae is another one of our favorites from Typhoon Lagoon. It is BIG and we highly recommend sharing it with at least one other person. It is served in a fun souvenir sand pail, and the spoon is a shovel! The pail changes occasionally; for example, they even had a special pail for the 50th anniversary of Disney World. Sand Pail Sundae Inside the sand pail, you will find layers of vanilla and chocolate swirl soft-serve, vanilla cake, cookies and cream crumbles, hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, M&M’s, milk chocolate candies, and a cherry. Pineapple Upside Down Cone from Happy Landings Ice Cream We are also loving the Pineapple Upside Down Ice Cream from Happy Landings Ice Cream. This treat is Dole Whip pineapple and vanilla soft-serve, caramel sauce, vanilla cake, caramelized pineapple, and a cherry served under a white chocolate-dipped cone. Pineapple Upside-down Cone It was an inventive take on the pineapple upside-down cake that we really enjoyed. It tastes just like a pineapple upside-down cake, and we will definitely be getting this treat again! Read our review of the Pineapple Upside Down Ice Cream here! Healthier Option: Tropical Salad from Typhoon Tilly’s or Leaning Palms If you are looking for a healthier option, we highly recommend the Tropical Salad. You can find this at either Typhoon Tilly’s or Leaning Palms. This salad features assorted greens with tomatoes, cucumber, mango, pineapple, red pepper hummus, and chickpeas served with tropical vinaigrette. You can also choose to add chicken to it for some more protein! Tropical Salad The ingredients are super fresh, and even though it is a salad, we found it to be very filling while not making you sluggish. It is perfect to nosh on in between slides or laps in the lazy river. Plus, we could really taste the tropical flavors in this salad! Read our review of the Tropical Salad! There isn’t necessarily anything you should avoid at all costs at Typhoon Lagoon. We have tried almost everything at the waterpark, and while some of the food may not be as unique, sometimes your tummy just wants a good ol’ cheeseburger or a hot dog. It won’t be the best cheeseburger you have ever had in your life, but it will prepare you to head to your next slide or make another lap in the lazy river. You can also find classic snacks like a Mickey pretzel, and they taste just like you can find elsewhere in Disney World. Listen to what your tummy desires, and even if it isn’t one of our top picks, we think you will still enjoy your meal! Foot-long All-Beef Hot Dog Don’t forget! If you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can take advantage of the free water park perk. On your check-in day, you can enjoy complimentary entrance into one of the Disney World water parks. This perk is ONLY available on your check-in day, so make sure to work a visit to a waterpark into your schedule. The water park perk is available all year in 2025 and will also be returning in summer 2026. This can be a great way to spend a few hours on your check-in day to kick off your vacation! Typhoon Lagoon Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, tricks, and news! Are These 6 Treats Worth Your Money at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon? DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What is your favorite thing to eat at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEWS: What to Eat (And What to AVOID) at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Star Wars has been prominent in many forms of products — movies, toys, video games, and more! The involvement of the galaxy far far away within video games specifically has been growing for years, and that is about to continue. ©Lucasfilm If you’re keeping up with the gaming world, you may have heard the news. Disney and Epic Games have officially announced that new Star Wars features, templates and assets are coming to Unreal Editor for Fortnite — let’s talk about it! Since it’s release on July 17th, 2017, Fortnite has been an absolute powerhouse within the gaming community. Some would argue it’s the greatest game of all time, or at least had the greatest prime of all time! Of course, because of it’s popularity, all sorts of brands and studios wanted to hop on board with the game. ©Epic Games This included Disney, which resulted in multiple collaborations — including Star Wars, Marvel, and even Pixar! This created a type of multiverse war within the game of Fortnite. What started out as a Battle Royale between all sorts of fun, unknown skins turned into a fight where you’ll see the Mandalorian and Ariana Grande take on Peter Griffin and Mr. Incredible. The rise of the game has been fascinating, and it continues to grow! ©Fortnite Fortnite recently started its Galactic Battle Royale, a Star Wars collaboration. The game mode saw players watch Star Wars: Tales of the Outworlds before it debuted on Disney+, as well as an AI Darth Vader that would walk around the map engaging with players. ©Disney During the State of Unreal 2025, Epic Games announced that Star Wars is coming to Unreal Editor for Fortnite. This will give creators the power to make their own stories in the popular game using AI language models for emergent gameplay. Sounds crazy, right?! So, it sounds like we can expect MORE Disney content coming to Fortnite in the future. ©Unreal This is going to be an awesome integration of Star Wars into the game, and will be groundbreaking to say the least. We’re sure we’ll be seeing more of this with other franchises in the future. Although it’ll be a cool expansion, Star Wars fans have been taking to social media asking for a new original game, and they’ve been pretty vocal about it! ©EA There have been many video game successes within the franchise — including Fallen Order, Outlaws, LEGO Star Wars, and others. One in particular that fans ADORE is the Battlefront series! Star Wars fans have recently revived EA’s Battlefront 2, which came out in 2017, with the hopes of pushing the franchise to make a Battlefront 3. ©Empire Who knows if Battlefront 3 will ever become a thing — it would sure make Star Wars fans and video game fans alike extremely thrilled! This new Star Wars and Unreal Editor collab for Fortnite will be pretty cool to play, so we might have to hop on for a gaming session. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more news and updates! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the news? Are you wanting a new original Star Wars game? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Reveals the 'Star Wars' Fortnite World Is Getting a MAJOR Update first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While Disney’s latest show has made a good impression, some fans wish it were something different. ©Disney May 27, 2025, saw the opening of two new shows at Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, AND Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. The latter, a “spellbinding show with moving music and a most memorable finale—where you help decide who has been treated most unfairly” is our focus today. The villain-centric show — located in the former home of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, the Sunset Showcase Theater — has received relative praise from most fans for its unique mixture of live actors and screens, plus a catchy original song. However, some fans wish the show were something different. Captain Hook Specifically, they WANT THE MUPPETS. As evidenced by the replies under our recent X (formerly Twitter) post about the new show, many fans believe that the Sunshine Showcase should become the new home of Muppet*Vision 3D. In fact, the majority of readers who commented brought up Kermit and co. @TheCleverCarny started things off, writing “You could fit so many muppets in that theater.” A slew of further readers kept the Muppet train going… @DisneyFoodBlog Twitter …with demands to turn over the theater to the Muppets.. @DisneyFoodBlog Twitter … which, to be fair, does at least make sense in concept since the theater is located right next to the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, which the Muppets will soon be taking over. However, things may not be that simple. @DisneyFoodBlog Twitter For starters, there’s the matter of the Unfairly Ever After show. This new production saw a full technological overhaul of the theater, with many elements that would not fit with Muppet*Vision 3D and would be cost-prohibitive to remove. Plus, even if, as some speculate, the villains show is a “placeholder” set to be replaced when the upcoming Villains Land opens at the Magic Kingdom, that’s still YEARS away, The new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom will feature fan-favorite Disney Villains from popular Walt Disney Animation Studios films and two new attractions. Beyond the new show, there’s also the issue of transposing Muppet*Vision 3D across the park. Even if Disney were to bring the film over, it’s unlikely that Disney would transfer over all of the practical physical effects and theming currently housed in the Muppet*Vision theater — not to mention all the easter eggs — the lack of which would significantly lessen the experience. Hi, Waldo! While many Disney fans are hoping hard that the Sunshine Showcase could be the new home of Muppet*Vision 3D, it seems like a long shot. However, what’s being a fan of being The Muppets if not holding on to hope? Stay tuned to DFB for more on Hollywood Studios’ transformation. Inside Disney’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you want Disney to keep Muppet*Vision 3D alive in a new venue? Let us know where in the comments below! The post “You Could Fit So Many Muppets in That Theater.” Disney Fans React to NEW Villains Show in Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, we just got some HUGE Magic Kingdom news. Now, we were already aware that Disney had plans to close Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to make room for its new Cars expansion in Frontierland. However, we just got a lot of HUGE news about the new expansion and how it will relate to the rest of the park. Piston Peak ©Disney Piston Peak (yep, that’s its name!) will take up space in front of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and bring an entirely new area to the park, as well as two new rides. However, Disney also made some other big reveals about this area that you might have missed, so let’s talk about it. The Cars expansion will feature tons of trees and waterfalls There’s one thing we’ve always complained about in Magic Kingdom and that’s the lack of shade in each land. However, Piston Peak is going to bring a ton of trees in little forested areas, which means this will be one area with a lot of shade (which will be MUCH appreciated in those hotter months). ©Disney We also learned that the area will have some waterfalls, so many that Imagineers say they lost count of how many they’re planning on putting into the new land. Water and shade? Okay, that sounds like HEAVEN. We have a feeling this part of Frontierland is going to be VERY popular in the summer. How Piston Peak relates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad We also learned that some of the updates currently being done to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be to help it fit better into the Piston Peak area. Disney Imagineers promised rainbow geyser pools scattered around the base of Big Thunder Mountain and possibly tire treads in the dirt around it. ©Disney Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is already getting a HUGE refurbishment that also includes new track for the ride, so we’ll be looking to some other little subtle details being added to it, too. The Inspiration for Piston Peak When designing Piston Peak, Imagineers looked at Rocky Mountain National Park, which includes red rocks, mountains, rivers, and lots of diverse landscapes. HOWEVER, it’s also taking inspiration from existing Disney movies and even gets its name from Planes: Fire & Rescue, which is a spin-off of Cars. ©Disney You’ll also find some inspiration for Piston Peak taken from existing Disney park buildings, including Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, as well as the Grizzly Peak land in Disney California Adventure. The ride queues You might have missed some details about the two ride queues, too. One ride is a family-friendly ride geared towards younger kids. The queue for this ride will be housed in the park ranger lodge. This ride will also introduce a new character: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore. Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore ©Disney Another attraction, a rally race ride, will race through mountain trails as you dodge geysers and splash through mud holes. The queue for this ride will be housed in the visitor lodge area of Piston Peak and will be constructed to look like an A-frame mountain lodge. Lots of Cars elements Piston Peak will be “car-ified” so that it looks like the perfect spot for the characters of Cars. Buildings will have features like lower windows so cars can see out of them, as well as entrances and building additions that are big enough for cars. ©Disney Piston’s Peak architecture will be a lot like Radiator Springs in Disney California Adventure, with lots of found elements that the cars used in building the area. So expect things like old wagon wheels in the buildings. We’re looking forward to learning even more about Piston Peak in the coming year, and we’ll be keeping an eye on construction (especially since we know Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will be closing on July 6th). So stay tuned to DFB for more Everything we know about Piston Peak so far 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 Piston Peak? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Just Dropped 5 HUGE Announcements About Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has plenty of restaurants to choose from while you’re on vacation. From quick service to full table service meals, you’ll have a wide range of options. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano However, as we say, one thing is certain about Disney World: it will change. We have seen restaurants close and change a lot over the years. Recently, two restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been set to close — Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and PizzeRizzo. That had us wondering if Disney fans are tired of seeing restaurants close, so we asked our readers, “What have you HAD IT with as far as restaurant closures in Disney World go?” Trail’s End Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Trail’s End saw a BIG change in 2023. After a year-long closure, the restaurant reopened as a quick-service spot with market-style service. If you’re a longtime Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue fan and you want to indulge in the fried chicken or the strawberry shortcake, you can stop here and get them for cheaper. However, not every Disney fan is happy about the change. Trail’s End A reader, Julie, wrote, “I was extremely disappointed when Trail’s End was converted from a sit-down buffet to a cafeteria restaurant.” Before the reopening in 2023, the restaurant was a family-style meal when Disney World reopened after the pandemic closure. Breakfast at Trail’s End in 2021 Before the global health crisis, Trail’s End ran as a beloved buffet. The shift from buffet to the quick service style is a big change, and we understand why there are guests who are not happy about it. Hot foods Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Several of our readers shared that they are sad that Mickey’s Backyard BBQ closed in 2018. This was a fun event, held at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, that brought together the best parts of summer fun — BBQ, picnics, music, dancing, and…Disney characters! You were able to join Mickey and Friends for a family-style dinner, complete with line dancing, rope tricks, and a dinner show. Nothing has taken the place of Mickey’s Backyard BBQ since the closure, so maybe with some begging (and pixie dust), it could be brought back! Mickey’s Backyard BBQ sign Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn Amy shared, “Pecos Bill, when they used to have a hamburger toppings bar, I miss that.” Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is a quick-service restaurant located in Magic Kingdom. Before 2020, this restaurant was known for its large toppings bar for their burgers, including pickles, lettuce, and more. However, it is still missing after 5 years. No full topping bar Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace, located in Magic Kingdom, is another restaurant that has Disney fans annoyed. Kat shared, “I want the Tomorrowland terrace to open up as either a quick service or a sit-down.” Another wrote in response, “that needs to be better utilized.” Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is typically only open seasonally on peak crowd days in the park. It does serve, however, as the location for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Viewing Parties in the evenings. Firework Party at Tomorrowland Terrace Artist Point A reader really took it back to the original Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Don wrote, “Original Artist’s Point at Wilderness Lodge was *amazing*!!!” In 2018, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White opened as a Character Meal. Storybook Dining at Artist Point For more Disney World restaurant information, be sure to follow us at DFB! We’re here to help you on your Disney World vacation. 5 Things That Should Be Illegal at Disney World Restaurants 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 is a restaurant that has closed that you miss at Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post "The New Version is Terrible" Fans Have HAD IT With These Disney World Restaurant Closures first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Last month in honor of Central Florida’s new theme park Epic Universe’s opening, we asked readers to nominate their favorite theme park features. The nominations are in across 20 categories and now it’s time to vote for the best theme park rides, shows, food and more. Voting will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, after which we will compile and announce the winners. Later this year, after giving everyone at least a chance to experience Epic Universe, look for another best of round of voting tied specifically to Universal’s new theme park. So go ahead and vote on the best of what Central Florida’s theme parks have to offer now. If you don’t see a form below, click here. Fill out my Wufoo form! View the full article

A Cars-themed area is coming to Magic Kingdom at Disney World, and fans have some thoughts. The biggest being: how does Cars fit into Frontierland? Piston Peak ©Disney The new area, called Piston Peak, will take over Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America. Piston Peak will be nestled right by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. That doesn’t really scream Cars, does it? We may be freaking out the themeing but fear not — Disney Imagineering has already thought about it. The biggest thing they are doing is creating a National Park-themed land, based explicitly on Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. ©Disney When Big Thunder Mountain was heavily influenced by Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, right next to Colorado. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad One way they’re connecting the areas is with geysers and tire marks. You’ll be able to walk around Big Thunder, and they’re currently planning on adding the geyser field and rainbow pools along with tire marks from cars in the area. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad While riding Big Thunder Mountain, there are water elements and even more geysers, and Piston Peak will use those features as well. Frontierland Disney is utilizing “Parkitecture,” a term coined by the National Park Service to design buildings that blend harmoniously with their surroundings. This will really help Piston Peak feel more natural. Frontierland A big part that Disney is aware of is sightlines. Trees will be a natural barrier between the off-road rally attraction and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. They also say, “Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall, and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.” ©Disney If we know anything about Disney, they likely have more tricks up their sleeves that we don’t even know about. At the very least, we’re crossing our fingers that Piston Peak won’t be similar to the transition area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. What if we told you this was 5 feet away from Fantasyland? We’ll be keeping an eye on the project, and we’ll be dropping all the details here, so make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT PISTON PEAK COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you think the theming will tie into Big Thunder Mountain? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! The post Disney Revealed Big Thunder Mountain Will CHANGE with the NEW 'Cars' Land -- But How? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Just beyond Walt Disney World’s world-class attractions lies something truly incredible—the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This sprawling interconnected network of natural habitats stretches across nearly 18 million acres of Florida, offering a lifeline for wildlife and endangered species like the Florida panther, black bear, and manatee. And Walt Disney World plays a key role, acting as a crossroads that connects east and west coast animal migration patterns and offering a safe space for species to move and thrive. Today, the Disney Conservation Fund continued its 30-year commitment to conservation by awarding $1 million to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation during the Florida Corridor Connect Summit at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, to help protect and share the magic of nature across the state. “Nature is essential to our health and happiness, and here in Florida, we are tremendously fortunate to have such a rich diversity of awe-inspiring landscapes to enjoy,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, vice president, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company. “That’s why we are excited to grow our collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, to carry forward a shared commitment to preserving our natural heritage and sharing the magic of wildlife and wild places for generations to come.” Disney’s donation will fund conservation efforts by training and coordinating local partners to protect key areas of the Corridor. The donation will also fund the expansion of access to these beautiful spaces, especially in communities where access is limited. By supporting new trailheads and public entry points, conservation groups hope to make nature more accessible to all Floridians, helping them connect with and appreciate the state’s wild beauty. Collaborating to Preserve Natural Pathways As the state continues to see record growth year-after-year, the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides essential wildlife passages, allowing species to thrive and migrate without being hindered by fragmented habitats that are uprooted by developments. These corridors are critical for wildlife survival and the state’s environmental health, strengthening resilience against storms, protecting water quality and offering recreation opportunities that benefit the wellbeing of Florida communities. “Disney’s continued and growing commitment to conservation in their own backyard is both inspiring and impactful,” said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. “We’re grateful for Disney’s support of the Corridor Connect Summit and their significant grant, which will empower partners to expand access to trails within the Corridor and accelerate conservation in its most vulnerable areas. A Legacy of Conservation and Magic Disney’s commitment to conservation extends far beyond protecting land — it’s also about connecting people to nature. Spanning approximately 40 square miles, about one-third of Walt Disney World’s property is dedicated to wildlife conservation. During the development of Walt Disney World, Walt Disney himself set aside large areas of land for conservation, ensuring that these areas would benefit wildlife and future generations. One prime example of Disney’s commitment is the Disney Wilderness Preserve, an 11,500-acre conservation restoration success story that serves as a key piece of the Everglades ecosystem and is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals. Though it’s not part of the theme parks at the resort, Disney’s support for the preserve, including funding for restoration and wildlife monitoring, is a testament to Walt Disney’s deep love for nature and his legacy of environmental stewardship. As Disney continues its environmental stewardship through efforts like these, it’s clear that conservation is part of the magic. Walt Disney’s vision of preserving natural landscapes and inspiring people to take action lives on through the company’s ongoing work with the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This $1 million donation is just one part of the larger commitment to helping future generations enjoy the same natural wonders that make Florida — and Walt Disney World Resort — so special. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the environment through Disney Planet Possible, visit impact.disney.com. The post Disney’s $1M Donation Helping Protect and Connect Communities to the Florida Wildlife Corridor appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Just beyond Walt Disney World’s world-class attractions lies something truly incredible—the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This sprawling interconnected network of natural habitats stretches across nearly 18 million acres of Florida, offering a lifeline for wildlife and endangered species like the Florida panther, black bear, and manatee. And Walt Disney World plays a key role, acting as a crossroads that connects east and west coast animal migration patterns and offering a safe space for species to move and thrive. Today, the Disney Conservation Fund continued its 30-year commitment to conservation by awarding $1 million to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation during the Florida Corridor Connect Summit at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, to help protect and share the magic of nature across the state. “Nature is essential to our health and happiness, and here in Florida, we are tremendously fortunate to have such a rich diversity of awe-inspiring landscapes to enjoy,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, vice president, Environmental Sustainability at The Walt Disney Company. “That’s why we are excited to grow our collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, to carry forward a shared commitment to preserving our natural heritage and sharing the magic of wildlife and wild places for generations to come.” Disney’s donation will fund conservation efforts by training and coordinating local partners to protect key areas of the Corridor. The donation will also fund the expansion of access to these beautiful spaces, especially in communities where access is limited. By supporting new trailheads and public entry points, conservation groups hope to make nature more accessible to all Floridians, helping them connect with and appreciate the state’s wild beauty. Collaborating to Preserve Natural Pathways As the state continues to see record growth year-after-year, the Florida Wildlife Corridor provides essential wildlife passages, allowing species to thrive and migrate without being hindered by fragmented habitats that are uprooted by developments. These corridors are critical for wildlife survival and the state’s environmental health, strengthening resilience against storms, protecting water quality and offering recreation opportunities that benefit the wellbeing of Florida communities. “Disney’s continued and growing commitment to conservation in their own backyard is both inspiring and impactful,” said Mallory Dimmitt, CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. “We’re grateful for Disney’s support of the Corridor Connect Summit and their significant grant, which will empower partners to expand access to trails within the Corridor and accelerate conservation in its most vulnerable areas. A Legacy of Conservation and Magic Disney’s commitment to conservation extends far beyond protecting land — it’s also about connecting people to nature. Spanning approximately 40 square miles, about one-third of Walt Disney World’s property is dedicated to wildlife conservation. During the development of Walt Disney World, Walt Disney himself set aside large areas of land for conservation, ensuring that these areas would benefit wildlife and future generations. One prime example of Disney’s commitment is the Disney Wilderness Preserve, an 11,500-acre conservation restoration success story that serves as a key piece of the Everglades ecosystem and is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals. Though it’s not part of the theme parks at the resort, Disney’s support for the preserve, including funding for restoration and wildlife monitoring, is a testament to Walt Disney’s deep love for nature and his legacy of environmental stewardship. As Disney continues its environmental stewardship through efforts like these, it’s clear that conservation is part of the magic. Walt Disney’s vision of preserving natural landscapes and inspiring people to take action lives on through the company’s ongoing work with the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This $1 million donation is just one part of the larger commitment to helping future generations enjoy the same natural wonders that make Florida — and Walt Disney World Resort — so special. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the environment through Disney Planet Possible, visit impact.disney.com. The post Disney’s $1M Donation Helping Protect and Connect Communities to the Florida Wildlife Corridor appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Well, it’s really happening, and maybe we have been in denial, but we can’t deny it anymore: Muppets Courtyard is officially going away to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. land. Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios In fact, we’ve already had to say goodbye to a few Muppets Courtyard institutions, like Mama Melrose’s. We’ll also soon be saying goodbye to the rest of Muppets Courtyard including PizzeRizzo (okay, so we haven ‘t been kind to PizzeRizzo in the past, but we’ll still miss it). However, the hardest thing for us is going to be bidding farewell to Muppet*Vision 3D, but we’ve got some good news: Disney is giving us an extra hour to do so on its final day. Muppet*Vision 3D and the rest of Muppets Courtyard are officially closing on June 8th and we noticed something interesting when looking at the Disney World calendar. Just ahead of the ride’s last day, June 7th, Disney World has extended the hours for Hollywood Studios from 9 PM to 10 PM on June 5th through 7th. We’re not sure if this is because it’s the last day for Muppet*Vision 3D, but you’ll have one extra hour to enjoy the attraction before it goes away forever. ©Disney On June 8th, we imagine construction walls might be going up around the entire area as Disney starts working on converting that space into a new Monsters, Inc. land. This new land will bring a new ride to Hollywood Studios which will be the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park. ©Disney Muppets fans need not worry, though, because they’re not gone FOREVER from Hollywood Studios. They’ll be moving over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster when that ride gets a Muppets re-theme. ©Disney We’ll be keeping an eye out for construction updates on the new Monsters, Inc. land, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Close-Up Look at the New Restaurants Coming to Disney World’s Monsters, Inc. Land 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? Will you be visiting Muppet*Vision for the last time soon? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney's Hollywood Studios Extends Hours Ahead of Muppet*Vision 3D Closure first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Where are YOU going to find the BEST RIDES during your next Florida vacation? Will it be Universal’s trinity of theme parks? Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Or Disney World’s quadruple park action? We’re laying out the COLD HARD FACTS to — once and for all — find the answers for Orlando’s TRICKIEST question. Check out our video below: Universal vs Disney World — Which Park REALLY Has Better Rides? 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: Universal vs Disney World -- Which Park REALLY Has Better Rides? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article