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Disney+ is about to offer a whole lot more for subscribers because a bunch of new stuff is coming to the streaming platform! ©Disney Disney recently had its 2025 Upfront, a showcase of the company’s programming and media offerings for the upcoming year. It was filled with celebrities and big announcements, getting fans excited for the next slate of content coming to Disney+. We have all the information on what’s to come right here! Disney opened its showcase with NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Saquon Barkley, surprising fans as they introduced Disney CEO Bob Iger to the stage. The introduction was enough to promise an exciting and impactful showcase of Disney’s large portfolio across sports, streaming, entertainment, and technology. ©Disney The show unexpectedly started with a live musical number from, you wouldn’t have guessed this, Peyton and Eli Manning! Their performance included stars such as Kaitlin Olson, Sterling K. Brown, Mike Greenberg, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The group came together to help the NFL superstars in a formal pitch to executives for projects across Disney brands featuring the Manning brothers. So, maybe somewhere down the line we’ll be getting content with the NFL greats — maybe even a musical. ©Disney OK, now it’s time to get into what’s coming to Disney+, because there is A LOT we have to cover! Starting with your favorite chefs from Hulu, Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach took the stage. The cast from the Emmy Award-winning series, The Bear, officially announced that the long-awaited fourth season will debut on June 25th on Hulu. All ten episodes will be available on Disney+! ©Disney (Cast of The Bear) Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike are some of ESPN’s best when it comes to women’s college basketball and WNBA analysts, and they helped confirm an all-new female-led sports show called Vibe Check. The show will feature an all-female cast, as it focuses on bringing the biggest stories in sports to light. ©Disney (Vibe Check) New episodes will be released three times a week, and it has a lot to offer. It will deliver coverage of every sport with elite expert analysis, all-access moments, hot takes and opinions, bold perspectives, and, of course, great vibes. ©ESPN Burke Magnus, the President of Content at ESPN, stated, “We are incredibly excited to launch this new show, which will provide a powerful platform for the brilliant women at ESPN. The voices that will be leading this program have long been shaping the sports landscape, and now they’ll have this additional platform to bring their unique insights to the forefront in an even more impactful way for Disney+ subscribers.” The show officially debuts this June and is available exclusively on Disney+! ©Disney Those in attendance at the Upfront were given a first look at The Beauty, an upcoming series from FX. The show was introduced by stars Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, and Ashton Kutcher. They then introduced their co-stars Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Teyana Taylor. Together, they treated the audience to the first teaser trailer. We don’t have much else information on the show, but it has a star-studded cast and is sure to deliver! ©Disney You know who’s really been on the rise lately? Glen Powell! If you’re a fan of his work, you’re going to love the next announcement. Glen Powell is set to star as Chad Powers, the new face of college football! The new Hulu comedy series, Chad Powers, will premiere on September 30th — launching with two episodes. Someone is going undercover! ©Hulu Speaking of football, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes went on stage to announce a new show called The Kingdom. This will be a six-episode ESPN Original Series that takes you through the storied history of the Kansas City Chiefs. ©ESPN Alright, Marvel fans, it’s your turn to get some love. The hit return of the devil from Hell’s Kitchen, Daredevil: Born Again, is getting a second season with a special surprise. Krysten Ritter is returning to Marvel to reprise her role as Jessica Jones! ©Disney The Alien franchise is making a thrilling return with Alien: Earth. Stars Sydney Chandler, Timothy Olyphant, and Babou Ceesay gave guests an early look at the highly anticipated series. See the Xenomorph once again as the show premieres on August 12th. ©IGN Lastly, The Rich Eisen Show is officially coming to Disney+! That’s right, after 22 years, Disney, ESPN and Rich Eisen are coming together. The Rich Eisen Show is set to debut on Disney+ and ESPN+ beginning this fall. The highly acclaimed program will stream on weekdays noon to 3 PM ET. ©92.5 The Ticket Make sure you have your Disney+ subscription renewed, and set some time aside, because there is clearly a lot we’ll have to tune into! We’re so excited for everything Disney has in store for streaming, and can’t wait for every one of these to officially release. For more on the latest news and updates on Disney, be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog! Everything Coming to Disney+ in May 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Just Dropped 8 BIG Announcements About NEW Additions Coming to Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! 🤩🎉 #Disneyland70 #Disneyland #DisneyParksView the full article

Falcon’s Beyond Global, an attractions and experiences developer, has completed the purchase of Oceaneering Entertainment Systems, a designer of ride systems. Both businesses are based in Orlando and have been in operation for more than two decades. “We started our companies almost simultaneously. We opened our doors in downtown Windermere more than 25 years ago,” said Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO and co-founder of Falcon’s Beyond. Collaboration with OES began within months, he said. “We had this opportunity to now leverage 25 years of history of Oceaneering Entertainment Systems and their capabilities of creating some of the most profound and innovative attractions to be now merged into Falcon’s Beyond and our specific division of Falcon’s Attractions of which we’re known for developing attractions ourselves as well,” Magpuri said. “This has basically boosted and accelerated that growth of our Falcon’s Attractions division and expanded its reach with client base and capabilities,” he said. OES has developed technology used in award-winning rides including the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Transformers: The Ride 3D at Universal Orlando and the Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It was a division of Houston-based Oceaneering International. Falcon’s purchase includes patented technologies, proprietary engineering and manufacturing processes of OES as well as a 106,000-square-foot facility that will be used for research, development and testing. Financial terms of the purchase have not been announced. The potential of a deal was announced during IAAPA Expo in November. The acquisition moves 29 employees from Oceaneering into the Falcon’s fold, which includes more than 200 people in Orlando. “I think what we’re most excited about is what gets unlocked by bringing these two superpowers together,” said Dave Mauck, president of Falcon’s Attractions and former vice president and general manager of OES. Falcon’s will provide support for all existing OES products, ensuring continuity with the same personnel and technology that had been provided by OES. Business units of Falcon’s Beyond concentrate on content, technology and experience, developing master plans, location-based entertainment, movies, merchandising, gaming and immersive rides. While some companies develop attractions in-house, that’s not always an option, Mauck said. “They don’t have the time to onboard the people or to put 20 years of experience under the belt,” he said. “This is a way that they could activate big visions and hire this capability in from the outside rather than develop it within.” dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

A NEW nighttime spectacular parade is coming to the Magic Kingdom this summer! ©Disney | Spectromagic Parade in the Magic Kingdom Nighttime parades have been a staple of Disney’s theme parks since the Main Street Electrical Parade debuted at Disneyland in 1972. A clone of that original debuted at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1977, and played at the park until 1991. That same year, the Magic Kingdom original SpectroMagic parade debuted at the park, and became a fan-favorite, playing at the park until 1999, and then again from 2001 to 2010. In the years since, the original Electrical Parade appeared intermittently. We would imagine that the parade could run two performances a night on this route, with the second traveling in the opposite direction of the first. Whether that’s the case or not, given Starlight’s emphasis on lights and star iconography, the parade will not run until the sun goes down, which during the Orlando summer will likely be after 8:00 PM. ©Disney Disney Starlight is scheduled to premiere this summer! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the newest Disney World additions, and FULL coverage of the parade when it debuts. Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: 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 Are you excited for Starlight? Let us know in the comments below. The post Disney Starlight Set to Open in Magic Kingdom This Summer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe officially opens to the public on May 22nd, but after several early visits to Universal Orlando’s new theme park through a special tour, as well as through Universal Orlando Annual Passholder previews, we’re quickly becoming acquainted with all the food this park has to offer. Pizza Moon We’ve been on a mission to eat EVERYTHING (and we do mean everything) in the new theme park. Now we’ve previously visited Pizza Moon in Celestial Park (you can read our full review here), but we decided to revisit this pizza joint to try even MORE items on the menu. So let’s go! First up, we’ve been seeing a lot of internet chatter about Pizza Moon’s Pizza Lunare due to its ube crust. So obviously, we had to try it out. For $18.99, you get a pizza with roasted garlic béchamel, fromage de lune, ricotta, pancetta, and garlic confit on ube pizza crust. Yep, this baby is UNIQUE. It’s even served with some fanfare, and we were told something like we’d been blessed by the universe. Okay, there’s some hype…but does the pizza deserve it? Pizza Lunare So, first, it’s cute, but the ricotta is VERY forward, and if you don’t like ricotta (and a lot of folks don’t), you’re probably not going to like this pizza. The other flavors are mild, and the ube turns out to not be that big of a deal. The crust is bready and not a thin New York-style crust. Overall, we liked it, but again, that ricotta could turn a lot of people off. But it really does fit the vibe of the restaurant. Ube crust The next pizza took us on a trip, as in it’s called A Trip To Vesuvio. This pizza is made with Fromage de lune, pepperoni, fennel sausage, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, cherry peppers, Calabrian chili, arugula, and hot honey for $18.99. Yep, this one is a spicy little number. This pizza is LOADED with toppings, including a lot of arugula…but if you don’t like arugula, you can just pull it off. Note that if you mobile order, you can’t customize your pizza, but you can if you visit the counter instead. A Trip To Vesuvio This pizza was SO nice. It’s spicy, sure, but there’s a lot of flavor here, more so than heat. We will admit that it was a little veggie-heavy for us, but that’s a personal opinion. Your veggie-hating kids are going to turn their noses up at it. However, this is one of our favorite things we’ve had at Epic Universe so far, so that’s saying a lot! Loads of flavor So Pizza Moon is a lot of fun, and you can get some unique pizzas that fit in with the restaurant’s celestial theme. Overall, we’ll probably be here again during our many visits to Epic Universe. Stay tuned to DFB for more.  Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be visiting Epic Universe this summer? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried the VIRAL Pizza in Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe is days away from opening! Celestial Park in Epic Universe Universal’s newest theme park officially opens on May 22nd, 2025, but the park is already running previews, so we’ve been checking out the park every chance we get. One of the biggest issues we’ve seen during these previews is the controversial Virtual Queue system, but will it be your problem when the park opens? Big changes may indicate a no! If you haven’t been keeping up with the Epic Universe of it all, one of the biggest ticket attractions is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This attraction takes you into the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films and books, where you’ll find Dolores Umbridge at her trial for her crimes within the Ministry. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry As chaos ensues, you’ll have to help Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they battle throughout the ride! One key factor of this attraction is that throughout theme park previews, the only way to hop on this attraction was with a virtual queue. There have been three different drops each day at 11 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Virtual queue sign in Epic Universe In our experience, getting a virtual queue has been a huge hit-or-miss scenario. Sometimes, we’ve seen time selections pop up, other times, we don’t even see it as an option before it’s gone. Today, May 16th, the ride opened without a virtual queue, and it’s thrown us for a loop! Note that the park is still under technical rehearsals, so Universal could still be working out exactly what kind of system it will use for this attraction. The Queue of Battle at the Ministry The ride opened with the park and immediately experienced lines of 100 minutes! Woah! ©Universal The ride then moved to a 120-minute wait before going down for a bit. The ride is now back up to a 150-minute wait! Anyone busy for the next two and a half hours? ©Universal There is a single rider line, although it isn’t guaranteed to be an option, and parties will be split up if it’s open. We are really eager to see if this lasts once the park officially opens in just a few days. It’s important to note that previews are a limited-capacity experience, so these wait times could see even higher wait times once the park formally opens. It’s impossible to say until the park opens, but note that this WILL be a popular ride. The Office of Professor Delores Umbridge We have been blown away by this attraction, along with everything else in the new theme park, but we’re very eager to see how things progress once the crowds potentially get even bigger. This attraction, and the Viking Training Camp, were closed from May 10th through May 16th. Universal has not confirmed if this virtual queue removal is permanent. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic We can’t wait to see how this will impact rope drop strategies and other wait times throughout the park. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Universal news and updates! Learn more about Epic Universe here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be going to Epic Universe soon? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: NEW Harry Potter Ride Hit With Virtual Queue CHANGE at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are two kinds of people in the world: 1) those who think planning outfits for vacation is half the fun of going on vacation, and 2) those who absolutely dread packing. I’m in the first group — you tell me where we’re going and I’m already brainstorming outfits for every day of the trip. But sometimes, cute outfits come at a cost…especially in Disney World. Oh, you thought it would be fun to wear a flowy sundress to Magic Kingdom? Good luck riding TRON Lightcycle / Run. TRON Lightcycle / Run I write about Disney World for a living, so you would think I’d know by now what NOT to wear to Disney World. But sometimes, I can’t help but sacrifice comfort for fashion. I need a chance to wear all my cute clothing, after all! After my recent experience diving into unforgiving the world of bodysuits, though, I have a warning for you. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve all seen the ads. Viral brands like Skims and Spanx spare no expense on marketing, and yeah, it works. I wanted to pack a couple of dresses for Disney World (smart, right? Dresses are nice and cool on a hot summer day), but I knew I would need something to go underneath my dress. You’re sitting, walking, and contorting your body in all kinds of weird ways in Disney World, so I needed peace of mind if I was going to pack a couple of dresses for vacation. Good luck riding Space Mountain in a dress I packed a couple of options. I wanted a few pairs of short (I like the three-inch) biker shorts and a bodysuit to wear under my dresses. This isn’t my first rodeo, so I had a stash of little shorts perfect for this scenario. The shorts can’t be too long; otherwise, they’ll peek out past the hem of my dresses. If you’re looking for recommendations, you can pick up a multi-pack like this on Amazon. ©Amazon But wearing a bodysuit to Disney World? That’s different. There’s a whole different set of logistics involved with a bodysuit. It’s uncomfortable. It’s suffocating (this may be a slight exaggeration, but seriously — bodysuits are NOT for the weak). It’s, frankly, unnecessary. After my nightmare experience, I stand by this. If you’re wearing a dress to Disney World, skip the full-blown bodysuit. Just wear a pair of shorts under your dress. Magic Kingdom! What’s so bad about it, you may ask? Ugh. I shudder to recall the experience. I packed a “mid thigh bodysuit” to go under my dress. I thought it would be great because it had straps AND shorts built in, so I didn’t have to worry about the shorts sliding around under my dress. Well, that peace of mind comes at a cost. Sure, the shorts stay where they need to, but that’s because the fabric is so tight and compressing that it’s like wearing a layer of compression socks…over your thighs and stomach. Combine that already uncomfortable feeling with the brutal Florida heat, and, yeah. I’m sure you get it. Not comfortable. Not worth it. Don’t do it! EPCOT Is it fun to wear cute outfits to Disney World? Of course! But that fun is instantly ruined when you start feeling uncomfortable in the park. Pack STRATEGIC on vacation — wear the cute outfit, but pack an emergency change of clothes you can change into if needed. Better yet? Try it on before your trip. Your future self will thank you! Pandora So, there ya go. I hope my word of warning helps you! No matter how strong you think you are, life at Disney World is WAY different than life at home. Just skip the bodysuit! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. I Wore This VIRAL Dress All Day in Disney World – Here’s Why It Was a Total Disaster Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever worn a bodysuit in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post I Wore a Viral Bodysuit All Day at Disney World — Here’s Why It Was a Total Disaster first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A major departure from past pricing policies at Disney’s Military Resort For the first time in its history, Shades of Green is offering a tiered room discount based on active-duty military rank—and it’s a big shift from the norm. Last month, the resort surprised the military community with a new, very limited discount available only […] The post Shades of Green’s New Tiered Active Duty Discounts for Summer 2025 appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, recently participated in a Q&A session at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference on May 14th, 2025. During the Q&A session, he commented on the affordability of Disney, and we are breaking down what he had to say. Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney A Disney vacation is not cheap, but how does Disney feel about the affordability of their own parks? We have some thoughts directly from the Chairman of Disney Experiences, so let’s dive in! He began the session by pointing out that Disney believes that for every 1 theme park visitor they have, there are 10 more who want to come but haven’t had the opportunity yet. In fact, he stated that Disney believes there are half a billion consumers who have the income and affinity for Disney to visit one of its theme parks. EPCOT “Deliver great value.” D’Amaro focused on the subject of value when discussing affordability at Disney. He mentioned how there are very few places in the world where you can have a 10-, 12-, or 16-hour experience with the amount of value the Disney parks offer. You can experience the best stories on full display in front of you, world-class attractions, Broadway-style entertainment, an array of food options, opportunities to meet your favorite characters, and end the day with a fireworks show. He stated that there is “literally nothing like it in the World. We’re always making sure that we’re delivering value to every one of our guests that comes into one of our experiences or theme parks.” Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland He further emphasized that they feel very good about the value that the Disney parks can deliver around the world. Disney is trying to offer flexibility and as many options as possible so guests can choose what works best for their budget. D’Amaro pointed out that you can still go to Disneyland today for $104, the same price as in 2018 or 2019. You can also choose to book a cheaper hotel to keep the price for the vacation lower. Of course, many add-ons and more expensive hotels are available, but guests can create a lower-cost vacation with their choices. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Josh D’Amaro wants guests to know they have options for their Disney vacation. Guests can pick and choose which experiences they want to include in their vacation so they can fit their budget. If a visitor has a tighter budget, they can opt for tickets without park hoppers, choose to stay at a value resort, and minimize the number of table service meals. On the other hand, there are also lots of options for a more luxurious stay that guests can choose if they have a larger budget. Josh D’Amaro stated that they key for Disney is providing that flexibility so visitors can curate their vacation to fit their wants and needs. Additionally, utilizing seasonality in their pricing has helped allow more families to visit for cheaper prices during periods of low demand. Disney California Adventure On top of that flexibility, they want to provide great value for visitors. The value of the vacation is a huge focus for Disney and D’Amaro said that Disney knows they are providing that value because that is what guests are telling them. They are closely monitoring guest experience and feedback to ensure that visitors have a good experience and remain advocates for the parks after they leave — “we are watching very closely what our guests are telling us.” They want guests to return and to spread the word about the great time they had at the Disney parks. Magic Kingdom Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! Check out the 5 big announcements Disney made during their most recent earnings call! 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 about Josh D’Amaro’s comments about Disney and affordability? Let us know in the comments! The post “We Are Watching Very Closely What Our Guests Are Telling Us.” Josh D’Amaro Comments on Affordability at Disney Parks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While Universal is known for crafting compelling movies that transport people to faraway worlds, the company has also developed its prowess in making those come to life through its captivating theme parks. Nowhere is this more true than at Epic Universe, Orlando’s brand new park that features five immersive worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and the all-original Celestial Park. As Universal gets ready to open the gates of its new high-tech park on May 22, visitors can do their own preparations at home by watching the films that inspired the new worlds. Here is a guide for what to watch before spending a full day at Epic Universe. Hiccup befriends Toothless, an injured Night Fury — the rarest dragon of all — in DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” released in March 2010. (Courtesy DreamWorks Animation)How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk Visitors stepping foot onto the Isle of Berk can find themselves surrounded by Viking statues and ships, soaring through the air while clutching dragon wings or drinking mead (for adult guests, anyway). The movie franchise behind this new world started with the original “How to Train Your Dragon,” which was released in 2010. The animated film, loosely based on a book series by Cressida Cowell, follows the journey of Hiccup, a 15-year-old son of the village chieftain, Stoick the Vast. After fumbling to become the great warrior his father wants him to be, Hiccup finds his voice as a dragon trainer and peacekeeper, as well as Toothless the dragon’s best friend. Hiccup, voiced by Jay Baruchel, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” (DreamWorks Animation/Universal Pictures via AP)Sequels “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (2019) find dragons and Vikings co-existing and inhabiting Berk together while facing foes from the outside. A live-action remake of the 2010 film is set to be released on June 13 and will represent the fourth full-length movie in the franchise. An actor playing Hiccup facilitates guest interactions with Toothless the dragon within How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)For fans looking to get further into the fantasy world crafted in the films, the “Dragons” show has eight seasons in a series that serves as a bridge between the first film and the sequel. These can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu and Peacock depending on the season. In Epic Universe’s Berk, guests can interact with Toothless and other dragons, characters from the film and may even see mythical beasts flying overhead. Imelda Staunton is Dolores Umbridge in Warner Bros. Pictures’ movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” (Courtesy Warner Bros.)The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Epic Universe’s Harry Potter world provides Potterheads with a brand new space to explore, adding to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. The new world features aspects of both “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films, transporting visitors to the streets of 1920s wizarding Paris. Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein and Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander in the movie “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” (Courtesy Warner Bros.)Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the three “Fantastic Beasts” movies, is featured in the park’s “Le Cirque Arcanus” show and in cameos found within the newest Wizarding World addition. The Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction centers on the trial of Dolores Umbridge, a villainess in the main “Harry Potter” movies. The ride is set in the 1990s Ministry of Magic and features appearances from Harry, Hermione and Ron, among other popular “Potter” characters. The queue for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry takes guests inside the Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Umbridge is featured in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (2007) and both parts of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” (2010 and 2011). But there’s no reason not to binge all eight movies again, just for a good refresher. British actor Boris Karloff appears in a scene from the 1931 classic film ”Frankenstein.” (Courtesy Universal Pictures)Dark Universe The advent of Dark Universe represents a return to roots for Universal Studios, which began producing monster movies in 1913 with “Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde.” The most prominent movies — including “Dracula” (1931), “Frankenstein” (1931), “The Mummy” (1932), “The Invisible Man” (1933), “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), “Werewolf of London” (1935) and “Wolf Man” (1941) — came out during the Great Depression as a way for people to escape the harsh realities of real life at the theater. Universal’s horror classics include”Dracula” (1931). (Courtesy Universal Pictures)As pioneers of the horror genre, Universal crafted this new world to pay homage to the spooky and macabre stories that helped get the company through the 1930s and stay in business. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a ride with animatronics depicting many of the monsters in the films listed above and several others, such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Phantom of the Opera and Quasimodo from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923). Frankenstein and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein are focal points of the pre-show leading up to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Ygor, a lab assistant and mad scientist who makes appearances in some of the “Frankenstein” movies, is a focal point of the ride and in Darkmoor Village, the setting for Dark Universe. The Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Invisible Man can also be found within the town. Another one of Universal’s monsters features prominently in the Curse of the Werewolf spinning coaster. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendent of Victor Frankenstein, is a new original character crafted for Epic Universe who features prominently in the Monsters Unchained ride. This image released by Nintendo and Universal Studios shows Mario, voiced by Chris Pratt, left, and Luigi, voiced by Charlie Day in Nintendo’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” (Courtesy Universal Pictures)Super Nintendo World When Epic Universe guests ascend the escalators into Super Nintendo World, they step through Peach’s Castle and into a vibrant area featuring a life-sized Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country, which is home to the Mine-Cart Madness coaster. The world draws inspiration from a variety of Nintendo games, starting with the original “Super Mario Bros” that was released in 1985. Newer games available on the Nintendo Switch, including “New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe” (2019) and “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” (2023) help set the stage for the immersive space that video games fans can explore at Universal’s new park. “Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is a fun game to play to warm up before heading to Super Nintendo World. (Courtesy Nintendo)The Yoshi’s Adventure ride highlights the lovable dinosaur that’s found in many games starting with the 1990 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game “Super Mario World.” All of Super Nintendo World offers interactive elements that are brought to life through Power-Up Bands, which are brightly colored wristbands that help each wearer keep score through the Universal Orlando app. A guest takes advantage of a meet-and-greet with Mario and Luigi in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Extra gameplay is offered on the Mario Kart: Bower’s Challenge ride, which uses augmented-reality glasses to put riders into a race with other characters and turtle shells abound. Visitors who want to get some extra practice in before visiting can play “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” on Nintendo Switch. For those looking for something to watch rather than play, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) follows Mario and Luigi as they go on a quest to defeat Bowser. Guests take a ride on the Stardust Racers dueling coaster as it’s lit up at night at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Celestial Park Due to its nature as an original creation, Celestial Park doesn’t have a lengthy watchlist or any movies in particular that it is based on. The world serves as the central hub of Epic Universe and the gateway to all of the other portals, which lead into separate themed worlds. Helios, the Greek god of the sun, and Luna, the mythical goddess of the moon, stand guard at either end of Celestial Park. The sun, moon and stars are central to the world’s theming, which ties together the park’s “cosmic heart.” 1985’s “Back to the Future” is a worthwhile watch before heading to the new Universal Park. (Courtesy Universal Pictures)There is, however, a nod to one of Universal’s classic movies on the Stardust Racers dueling coaster. Each ride car is powered by a flux capacitor, the same futuristic technology that enabled Doc Brown’s DeLorean to time travel in “Back to the Future.” The 1985 film and its sequels are worth revisiting before a trip to Epic Universe, even if just for grins. Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

Standing tall along the northeast edge of the new Epic Universe theme park is the Helios Grand Hotel, a 14-story hotel built by Universal Orlando, that expects to benefit from location, location, location. More than half of the 500 Helios Grand units — plus the rooftop bar area — have views down into the park. It’s a colorful, complicated sight by day then a dark and sparkling experience by night, punctuated by fountain shows. But it’s not just for looking. Hotel guests with park tickets have all but immediate access to Epic Universe from Helios. Through a dedicated entrance, they’re mere steps away from Celestial Park, the area that leads to themed worlds populated by Harry Potter, Donkey Kong, a dragon named Toothless and the monster made by Dr. Frankenstein’s great-granddaughter Victoria, among others. “We’ve got this great little amenity right outside the back door, which is so cool,” Russ Dagon, senior vice president for resort development for Universal Creative, said during a hotel preview this spring. Helios Grand Hotel is situated within Universal Epic Universe. The new 500-room Loews Hotel overlooks the new theme park and provides a dedicated entrance. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Helios Grand visitors will see the theme park even before they get to their rooms. The hotel lobby looks out onto Epic through tall floor-to-ceiling windows. “From Day One, it’s how do we get that view out to the park. How do we get people energized to go out and experience the park?” Dagon said. Another dramatic angle of the park is found at Bar Helios on the top floor, where there’s an indoor, domed bar with views of both sides of the building. This section includes a dining area and an outdoor patio facing Epic. Bar Helios, a 10th-floor bar at Helios Grand Hotel features high-up views of Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Signature cocktails continue the starry theme with names such as Athenian Milk Punch, Nectar of the Gods, Pandora’s Box and the Iliad & Odyssey. Among the food options are crunchy crab cake, charred octopus, sea scallop crudo and the seafood tower, built with Florida blue crab claws, poached Florida prawns, oyster and tuna sashimi. Bar Helios opens at 4 p.m. daily. The three-meal main restaurant downstairs is named Flora Taverna and leans both Greek and Italian with menu items such as pan-seared scallops, grilled lamb chops, bucatini and olive oil cake. A standard queen room (325 square feet) on the sixth floor of Helios Grand Hotel provides views of Epic Universe theme park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Helios also offers a grab-and-go option known as Aurora Market and a poolside eatery named Lotus Lagoon. Notable on that drink menu: Prosecco Popsicle, Lotus Blossom and Padova Paloma. The pool area can’t really be spotted from the theme park, although it’s wedged beside Epic’s Dark Universe area. It features a zero-entry pool, cabanas and a hot tub. Helios Grand Hotel, which is situated within Universal Epic Universe, has an expansive outdoor pool area with lounge chairs and cabanas. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)The interior and exterior styling of Helios Grand, which is co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels with Universal, is Mediterranean-inspired. “With the design, one of the things that we were looking for is we wanted a very sophisticated property, but we wanted to be comfortable and casual,” Dagon said. In the Helios lineup are kids suites themed to 'How to Train Your Dragon.' (Universal Orlando)Standard rooms are 325 square feet. Helios Grand also offers kids suites themed to “How to Train Your Dragon” (Think Viking architecture, flying dragons, woodwork). It also offers a fitness center, arcade, business center and Universal Studios Store. The resort provides bus transportation to Universal CityWalk, about 2.5 miles away, which leads to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme park plus Volcano Bay water park. The Celestial Park fountain is illuminated at night with the Helios Grand Hotel in the background at Universal Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Universal Orlando groups Helios into its “signature collection” of hotels, a category that includes Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls and Portofino Bay. As of opening, guests are Helios and Sapphire Falls do not receive free Universal Express Unlimited, a feature that allows holders to skip regular lines at many attractions inside Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks. Another unusual aspect of Helios Grand is the $125 parking charge for day guests ($128 for valet). That should discourage the notion of parking at the hotel to scoot right into the park rather than using the designated park area. Helios’ registered overnight guests pay $36 per night per vehicle. A Celestial Park fountain puts on a show with the Helios Grand Hotel in the background. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)Helios Grand is the third hotel to open at Universal Orlando this year. It joined Epic neighbors Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts, which each have 750 rooms. The addition of these resorts brings Universal’s on-property total to 11,000 rooms at 11 hotels. 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. A dedicated park entrance is available to guests at Helios Grand Hotel in Orlando.(Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel) View the full article

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For all you Disney adults, if you aren’t bringing these items to Disney World, it’s probably time to do that! Cinderella Castle Luckily, these 6 Disney essentials are available on Amazon. So, no more excuses, Disney adults, you need to have these during your trips to Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Mini Handheld Mickey Fan ©Amazon Everyone knows that it can get pretty toasty at Disney World, especially in those summer months. Which, if you haven’t noticed, are right around the corner. That’s why you need this Mini Handheld Mickey Fan! This fan is perfect cooling speed, has a little finger holding attachment, and has Mickey ears — it can’t get much better than that. Well, the price makes it even better! View on Amazon This Portable Charger works wonders ©Amazon Portable chargers are a MUST-HAVE when going to the park. You spend lots of time on your phone checking wait times, taking pictures, and getting lightning lanes. You need to stay recharged, and these Mini Portable Charging Power Banks are our choice! It uses USB-C, for fast and efficient charging. The pack on Amazon comes with two of them, white and black, for a steal of a deal! View on Amazon We love this Hairbrush ©Amazon We talked about the weather in the summer, and how hot it can get. Well, it’s also very humid at Disney World, and it can rain…a lot. So we think this Foldable Hairbrush is essential to have! This hairbrush works very well and is extremely easy to carry around. It’s perfect for traveling, and of course, bringing to the parks. Oh, and it has a mirror attached to it! The price is too good to not grab this! View on Amazon Or, you can grab these Eco Travel Soap Leaves ©Amazon Check out these Eco Travel Soap Leaves! When at Disney, you’re touching a lot of stuff. Rails, seat belts, lap bars, door handles, you name it. We love carrying around these portable hand cleansers, making it easy to wash up. What are they? They are biodegradable scented hand washing sheets — like paper soap! Simply pour water on your hands, grab a sheet, and wash away. They’re also available at an amazing price. View on Amazon Don’t forget Hand Sanitizer ©Amazon Speaking of staying clean, another option we love is this Power Mist Hand Sanitizer! Simply spray and scrub — it’s that simple. The spray is available on Amazon as a trio set, so it’ll last you quite some time. The scents are the bonus, coming in Watermelon, Berry, and Peach. View on Amazon And finally, this Handheld Mini Fan JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan We have one more fan for you, and it’s the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan! You’ve probably seen us bring this up a few times, but we LOVE it! It’s a 3-in-1 USB rechargeable portable fan. It offers great cooling while you’re at the park, a power bank that can last 12-19 hours, and a flashlight. It’s small and easy to carry around, and it’s 17% off! 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 6 Items Every Disney Adult Needs from Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A classic Hollywood Studios show is returning to the park with a NEW twist! The original Voyage of the Little Mermaid The Little Mermaid show has been a staple of Hollywood Studios since 1992. Voyage of The Little Mermaid debuted on January 7th of that year, and featured an abridged version of the film’s story, utilizing a mix of live actors, puppets, special effects, and laser projections on the auditorium walls and ceilings to mimic being underwater. This original version of the show ran until 2020, closing along with the rest of Disney World at the onset of the COVID pandemic and never reopening. In December of 2023, Disney confirmed that a new version of the show entitled The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure would replace the original. 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 According to Disney, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will keep “the lively puppets, props, and scenery center stage. But new to this production, get ready to be dazzled with new digital puppetry and jaw-dropping effects.” Disney also confirmed that “cutting-edge digital imagery motion capture” would be used to recreate several characters, including King Triton and Ursula. The new show will also feature the addition of several “new-to-the-show” songs, including “Kiss the Girl” and “Daughters of Triton.” “Part of Your World”, “Under the Sea”, and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” will return from the classic version. ©GMA The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure — along with Unfairly Ever After, a “spellbinding show with moving music and a most memorable finale—where you help decide who has been treated most unfairly” — are scheduled to open at Hollywood Studios on May 27th. ©GMA Weeks before the show’s scheduled premiere, Disney’s website and the My Disney Experience app confirmed that the show would run from 9:15 AM through 7:15 PM each day. Disney also quietly confirmed that Lightning Lane access will be offered for this show, though it hasn’t been announced if the Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass system will accommodate the show, so stay tuned for more details. ©Disney The Little Mermaid is back at Hollywood Studios in a BRAND NEW way! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s latest attractions! 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 Are you excited for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure? Let us know in the comments below. The post Disney’s Hollywood Studios Is Planning a Dramatic Attraction Overhaul — Here’s Everything We Know first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Forget the summertime, we want to start talking about Halloween! Universal Orlando HHN Disney is already announcing new details for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and even put tickets on sale! Well Universal said it’s there turn now, because Universal Studios Orlando has just announced their dates for Halloween Horror Nights! It’s time to clear your calendars horror fans! We have details for the iconic event put on by Universal Orlando for fans of all things horror. We’ve always enjoyed our time at HHN, it has so much to offer guests — including immersive haunted houses, sinister scare zones, themed food and drinks, breathtaking live entertainment, and much more! Think you have the courage to take it all on? @Universal Studios Fans will encounter scares unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else, and their bravery will be put to the test. Halloween Horror Nights will give guests a night(mare) to remember! This event features many haunted houses inspired by some of the most iconic horror movies of all time. ©Universal If you think the horror only exists within the haunted houses, you’d be mistaken. Around the park, you’ll find yourselves stuck in the sinister scare zones. So yes, the terror will continue to follow you around no matter where you are! Torture Faire Scare Zone This is Universal Studios after all, which means you’ll have to get on some of their most thrilling and exciting attractions. There will be a select number of rides and attractions that will remain open for the event! See, we told you this event had lots to offer guests. Scare Zone at Halloween Horror Nights Then there’s the crazy live entertainment that you’ll have to check out. Halloween Horror Nights is also a place to view shows and performances unlike any other. Universal truly puts together world-class entertainment specifically for HHN! Halloween Horror Nights line in 2024 If you’re getting hungry, you’ll love the themed food that they have to offer! Select dining spots will be open, serving guests treats and eats that will be themed to the featured haunted houses. If you’re feeling thirsty, there are going to be themed drinks concocted just for the event as well. Nothing has been announced for what’s on the menu for this year, but we can’t wait to see what’s in store! Gotta’ make time to eat (HHN 2024) Of course, there is going to be a handful of exclusive merchandise available as well! Show off that you made it through the night with shirts, hats, and more, themed to the thrilling night. If you head to Universal’s website, there is an option to start shopping now! Inside the HHN 2024 Tribute Store Enough about the event, let’s check out the dates that you can go! Tickets are very popular for the event, so it’s good that we have the chance to get ahead of the schedule before tickets go on sale. The first dates for HHN will be August 29th, 30th, and 31st. September will then roll out with HHN happening five days a week! ©Universal In October, Universal will host HHN on Wednesday through Sunday each week. You’re safe on Mondays and Tuesdays! ©Universal The event comes to an end on November 2nd, so you can visit on either the 1st or the 2nd. ©Universal It doesn’t look like any information was announced regarding tickets available for purchase, despite getting the dates dropped. We’re expecting a lot of updates over the next few months, and we’ll keep you in the loop! To stay up to date with all the latest news and updates on the terrifying event, be sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be attending HHN this year? Let us know in the comments! The post DATES ANNOUNCED for 2025 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summertime is officially right around the corner, and it’s time to get ready for your upcoming trip. Mad Tea Party However, if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, it’s important you know about a few closures happening in June that could impact your trip. Here are all the rides that will be closed in June 2025. Magic Kingdom Three attractions will be closed for the entire month of June — Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January this year to begin a year-long (at minimum) refurbishment. While we know it’s getting some TLC, Disney has also teased that some surprises may be underway, so we’re looking forward to riding the attraction again when it reopens in 2026. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Hall of Presidents has also been closed since the middle of January, as it often does after the United States new President is sworn into office. At this time, we haven’t heard about a potential reopening date for this Liberty Square show, but we’ll keep you updated. The Hall of Presidents Finally, Astro Orbiter has also been closed since the beginning of January for a refurbishment that has happened nearly entirely off-site. Astro Orbiter However, we have seen a recent permit that could indicate the ride pieces will be moved back into the area soon, so we’re hoping to see the attraction reopen in July! EPCOT Meanwhile, over in EPCOT, the refurbishment and retheme of Test Track continues, but we have hope we’re reaching the end of this nearly year-long closure! This attraction closed on June 17th, 2024 for its makeover, and currently, our only reopening timeline is “Summer 2025.” Test Track construction Now, keep in mind that we’re entering into the rainy season in Disney World, and many rides have unexpected closures throughout the day due to mechanical issues as well, so when you’re on vacation, have a Plan A, B, and C in mind in case your top attraction goes down. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Looking for more recent news from the parks and beyond? Check out our posts below! More Recent Disney News! PERFECT PASTA NEWS: California Grill Is Bringing Back One of Our FAVORITE Menu Items!These NEW Features Just Made Disney MagicBands 10X BetterRELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ on Disney+Are We Just Going To Ignore This HUGE Disney Breakfast Announcement?!CONFIRMED: Disneyland Abu Dhabi Will Be an Indoor Theme Park Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news to help you plan your trip! The ULTIMATE Guide to Planning A Walt Disney World Vacation Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these rides are you most looking forward to riding again? Tell us in the comments! The post 4 Disney World Rides Will Be Closed for Refurbishment in June 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We don’t want to toot our horns or anything, but we like to think we’re experts on finding the perfect backpack for Disney World! It’s so hard to choose which backpack is the best! Let us tell you, it isn’t easy finding the perfect bag for a Disney day. Our search has been going on for while, but we finally found it! Check out this NEW backpack collection that just dropped on Amazon. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Stanley Backpack ©Amazon Take a look at this Stanley All Day Madeleine Midi Backpack! It’s available in many different colors, so you’re sure to find one that suits you best. Put in some ice packs, and the bag will keep things cool for 24 hours, perfect for that Disney World summer heat. Bringing snacks and food to the parks can save you time and money; this bag makes that so much easier. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but you can’t deny its value for what you get for it! View on Amazon Try this color of the Stanley Backpack ©Amazon We have another color of the Stanley All Day Madeleine Midi Backpack to show you, it’s a gorgeous lilac! This one really stood out to us, and we thought we wouldn’t be the only ones thinking that. On top of staying cold for 24 hours with ice, there are some more features you have to hear about! A mesh pocket is located on the side to hold your water bottle, so no more excuses for not staying hydrated at the park! There are also zipper pockets on the front and back. View on Amazon Another Stanley Backpack we loved ©Amazon We were big fans of the seafoam color of the Stanley All Day Madeleine Midi Backpack! Obviously, you’ve picked up that we absolutely LOVE this bag. These were some of our favorite colors, but like we mentioned before, there are a lot of different options available. Oh, and the backpack straps are padded, by the way! With this backpack, you’ll venture around Disney World with all your essentials, in style and comfort. 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 The Ultimate New Disney Parks Bag Collection Just Launched On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, there’s a lot to think about. You’ll need to figure out your budget, how long you want to stay, what tickets you need, where to stay, and more! ALDI Finds However, you also need to think about what to pack, and although we’re always giving you ideas for what you need for your hotel room and park bag, let’s also talk about what you might need if you’re staying in a Disney World hotel and either taking advantage of the pool or that free water park ticket perk. Well, turns out that ALDI has you covered and will have some essentials you’ll need for water park and pool days. These ALDI finds will be available from May 21st through May 27th. Crane Casual Sandals ©ALDI First up, you’ll be able to grab some sandals for the whole family in both kids and adults sizes. Now, these might not be right for park shoes, but they’ll be perfect for days by the pool or at the water parks. Lily & Dan Children’s Outfit Multipack ©ALDI Stock up on clothes for the parks, especially if you’re visiting Disney World this summer with these multipacks that feature dresses and shorts. Beach Cover-ups ©ALDI Need a cover-up for the pool or the water parks? There are several colors and styles that will be available at ALDI next week. Beach Hats ©ALDI Protect your head and face from the sun’s harmful UV rays with a snazzy beach hat. You’ll find several different beach hat options at ALDI next week. Beach Towels ©ALDI You’ll certainly need beach towels if you’re hanging out at the pool or the water parks. Stock up on beach towels for the whole family at ALDI. Cooler Bags ©ALDI If you plan on taking snacks with you while you’re in the parks, these cooler bags could be just what you need. They even come with their own bottle opener. So be sure to stop by your local ALDI next week to pick up these essentials. And stay tuned to DFB for more. A Word of Warning for Your Water Park Day 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 Will you be visiting a Disney World water park during your next stay? The post Why Every Disney Adult Is Shopping at ALDI Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are just ONE week away from the grand opening of Epic Universe! It is hard to believe the time has almost arrived! While we have been enjoying exploring the park during multiple previews, we also can’t wait for the park to be officially open. Epic Universe Epic Universe officially opens on May 22nd, 2025, and we spotted some permits that gave us a glimpse into some of Universal’s plans for celebrating the grand opening. There were permits for pyrotechnics, drones, and celebrity guests. Additionally, plans revealed that the TODAY show will be in attendance, and there are also areas outlined for pyro launch and drone launch. That sounds like quite the celebration! If all of that sounds like an amazing time, but you can’t make it all the way to Epic Universe for the celebration, we have some GREAT news! Universal is planning on live streaming the Grand Opening Celebration of Universal Epic Universe, and you are invited! That’s right, you can enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your sofa. It’s hard to beat being cuddled up on your couch, preferably in your pajamas, and enjoying a bowl of popcorn while watching the celebration! ©Universal Orlando The live stream will be on Wednesday, May 21st, at 6 PM ET. Yes, you read that right. The celebration is happening the night BEFORE the park officially opens, so mark your calendar accordingly. We have a feeling it will be a night to remember! You can sign up for updates from Universal Orlando and updates about the livestream on Universal Orlando’s website. Celestial Park While we have seen some permits for pyrotechnics, drone, and celebrity guests, you never know what else make happen during the celebration. Based on plans, we are expecting to possibly see fireworks too! However, Universal hasn’t officially announced what to expect at the celebration yet, so we will just have to tune in to see. Super Nintendo World Epic Universe features five themed lands: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. There is so much to see and do, and we are working hard to make sure you have the best tips and tricks for you trip! We have already tried so much food, ridden all the rides, and tried out various tricks, and we are sharing everything with you. Isle of Berk We can’t wait to see Epic Universe’s Grand Opening Celebration, and of course we will be sharing it all with you. So don’t worry if you can’t tune in live, we will have a recap for you! Stay tuned to DFB for all your Epic Universe news. 3 Secrets Epic Universe Doesn’t Want You to Know Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be tuning in for the Epic Universe Grand Opening Livestream? Let us know in the comments! The post Epic Universe Is Livestreaming Its Grand Opening Celebration -- And You Are Invited! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Menu alert! If there’s one thing we LOVE, it’s trying all the new (and returning) menu additions around Disney World. Whether Disney is trying something new — like an OCTOPUS Cocktail — or bringing back an old menu item, there’s never a dull moment in the world of Disney dining. California Grill In fact, Disney just announced a special anniversary, and in honor of the occasion, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is making some fun menu changes. Let’s see what’s cookin’! Happy birthday, California Grill! This beloved Disney restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here’s a fun fact for ya — California Grill was Disney World’s first signature dining experience. What a legacy! The California Grill is truly a masterpiece of fine dining; it has even been recognized by the Michelin Guide. California Grill dining room Of course, the restaurant has gone through quite a few changes since it opened 30 years ago, but the one thing that has remained consistent? The hard work and dedication displayed by Disney Cast Members every day! In fact, one of the restaurant’s opening day Cast Members, Ray, said, “That opening team was really special, everyone brought a different talent and was constantly learning for each other.” ©Disney Ray even created one of California Grill’s most popular cocktails, the Monterey, or as his regulars call it, the “Ray Ray.” Want to try it? You’re in luck! Disney just confirmed that this signature cocktail will be returning as part of a NEW limited-time anniversary menu. The Monterey is BACK, people! If you’re wondering what’s in it, Ray explained, “The Monterey was made with [flavors of vanilla, pineapple] and lemonade made from scratch.” The menu is CHANGING! Wanna know what else will be on the special new menu? According to a Cast Member, several returning items will be on the menu from now through May 2026. Look for selections marked with a ’30’ on the menu. So far, we know that the following items will be returning: Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli Grilled Pork Tenderloin Blueberry-Goat Cheese Cheesecake The Monterey (Ray’s signature cocktail) Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli Disney teased that other returning favorites will also be added to the menu, so if you’re an original California Grill fan, make sure to stop by through May 2026! Grilled Pork Tenderloin We’ve tried a LOT of food in Disney World, and California Grill consistently delivers on flavor, quality, and overall experience. You can even catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from an exclusive viewing location at the TOP of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Fireworks viewing at California Grill With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. DFB Guides In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite menu item at California Grill? Let us know in the comments! The post PERFECT PASTA NEWS: California Grill Is Bringing Back One of Our FAVORITE Menu Items! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You won't BEE-lieve what we found at #EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival! 🐝🌻 #planDisney #DisneyParksView the full article

EPCOT may be known for world-class festivals and iconic rides, but if you’re not here for the food…what are you even doing? L’Artisan Des Glaces We recently took on the very serious (and very delicious) task of revisiting six often overlooked EPCOT snacks, and let’s just say — we were not disappointed. From savory to sweet, creamy to crunchy, we covered a LOT of flavor territory, and there’s something on this list for just about every kind of snacker. Ready to see which ones made the cut? Let’s get into it. Café Liégeois – $7.50 (Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – France Pavilion) First up, the Café Liégeois. This one feels like what would happen if your favorite mousse and your fanciest coffee met up for dessert. It’s layered with a super-light coffee mousse, fluffy whipped cream, and little chocolate cake crumbles underneath. Café Liégeois We liked it, but we really wanted more of that cake in the middle to ground the whole thing. As it stands, it’s heavy on the mousse and cream, light on the cake — so if texture is a thing for you, just keep that in mind. Still, the flavor is smooth and not overly bitter. The crispy pearls on top? A+ crunch. This is the kind of snack you grab when you want to feel like you’re treating yourself but don’t want something super heavy. Tarte au Citron – $7.25 (Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – France Pavilion) Then we got hit in the tastebuds by the Tarte au Citron. This thing does not play around. It’s bold, tart, citrus-forward, and refreshingly zippy — like, almost lemonade-level tart. If you love lemon (or even sour candy), you’re going to vibe with this. Tarte au Citron The meringue on top brings in just enough sweetness to balance it, and the crust threw us for a loop in the best way. We expected a classic crunchy tart shell, but what we got was a soft, almost cookie-like base. It worked. This is one of those snacks you remember for being different, and we’re all about that. Pretzel Nuggets with Beer Cheese – $8.50 (Block & Hans – American Adventure Pavilion) Okay, we know EPCOT has pretzels everywhere, but these pretzel nuggets with beer cheese at Block & Hans are on another level. Think soft, buttery pretzel bites tossed in garlic butter and a smoky BBQ rub — they’re already good on their own. But then you dunk them into the house-made beer cheese, and it’s game over. That cheese sauce, though The dip is warm, creamy, and has just enough kick to keep things interesting. Our only complaint? You don’t get much cheese. Like, you’ll probably need more. But honestly, that’s just more reason to go back and grab another round. These are easily one of the best salty snacks in the park right now. Chermoula Chicken Kebab – $6.25 (Tangierine Café – Morocco Pavilion) This was the surprise hit of the day. The Chermoula Chicken Kebab from Tangierine Café isn’t trying too hard — it’s just good food, plain and simple. The chicken is grilled and seasoned with warm spices that bring just the tiniest bit of heat (nothing crazy, we promise). Chermoula Chicken Kebab The garlic aïoli on top takes it up a notch, and the carrot-chickpea salad on the side has a few raisins that sneak in a little sweetness. It’s one of those snacks that’s flavorful, filling enough to keep you going, and super easy to eat on the go. If you’re not in the mood for sugar but still want something that feels like a full snack moment, this is a solid pick. Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries – $6.49 (Connections Eatery) Let’s talk fries. Specifically, the Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries from Connections Eatery. These might sound a little fancy for theme park food, but don’t let that stop you — they’re so good. The black garlic-truffle aïoli is rich and earthy without being too heavy, and the parmesan on top adds the perfect amount of sharpness. These look GOOD The fries themselves? Crispy, hot, and basically begging to be devoured. These aren’t your basic fries with a side of ketchup — they feel upgraded, but still super snackable. If you’re not afraid of bold flavors, put this on your must-try list. Churro Sundae – $7.99 (La Cantina de San Angel – Mexico Pavilion) The Churro Sundae is part soft-serve float, part churro treat, part sugar bomb. It’s built with mango Dole Whip, lime Dole Whip, whipped cream, sprinkles, and churro bites poking out of the top like crunchy little flags. Flavor-wise, we actually liked it a lot — the lime and mango combo is fruity and refreshing, especially on a hot Florida day. Churro sundae But the churros? They were doing their best, but they were pretty tough (as Disney churros often are, especially when stuck in cold treats). Still, the overall vibe is fun, and the Dole Whip layers are totally worth the mess. Just eat fast before the Florida sun turns it into a puddle. Final Thoughts EPCOT is kind of snack heaven if you know where to look — and honestly, these six picks prove that. Whether you’re chasing something sweet and citrusy, looking for warm pretzels to dip in cheese, or in need of fries with a fancy twist, EPCOT has you covered. Some of these snacks are low-key classics, others feel like hidden gems, but they’re all worth a stop next time you’re eating your way around the World Showcase. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose, but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! We’re always trying different snacks around Disney World so stayed tuned to us here on DFB for even more food reviews! REVIEW: We Tried 5 (!!!) EPCOT Snacks at Les Halles — Here’s What You Should NOT Skip, Even When the Line Is out the Door 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 EPCOT snack right now? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments! The post We Reviewed 6 Snacks Under in EPCOT (and the Results Were Shocking) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A BIG change just hit Universal Orlando Resort, and it could impact your next vacation! Universal has made changes to its designated smoking areas, and we have all the details for you. Universal Studios Effective today, May 15th, 2025, Universal Orlando has made changes to the designated smoking areas at its parks. While previously, there were locations inside each of the parks that guests could smoke, going forward, there will only be smoking areas located outside of the park entrance (except for Volcano Bay, which is keeping its in-park smoking area for now). Epic Universe will have its smoking area near the restrooms at the park exit. Universal Studios’ designated smoking area will be outside the park exit near the Studio archway. Islands of Adventure will have its designated smoking area outside the park exit opposite the lighthouse. You will find Universal CityWalk’s smoking area to the left of the Red Coconut Club. There will no longer be designated smoking areas inside these parks, so make sure to plan accordingly if you or someone in your group needs to stop for smoke breaks. Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, will be the only park to keep its designated smoking area inside the park. However, once TapuTapu is no longer in use, the smoking area will also be moved to outside the park entrance. TapuTapu is the wearable band that facilitates joining the virtual lines, contactless payments, and interactive experiences. So, while you will still be able to smoke at the Wave Village (East) for now, the smoking area will also be moved to outside the park entrance eventually. TapuTapu will no longer be used beginning October 1st, so we will likely see the smoking area move around that time. ©Universal Orlando Disney World already made this change to its smoking policies in May 2019, when it moved all designated smoking areas to locations outside the park’s entrance. The policy is still in effect, and guests must exit the park to find designated smoking areas. Magic Kingdom Stay tuned to DFB for all your Universal Orlando news! I’ve Been on Every Ride at Epic Universe, and I’m Sharing My 3 Favorites Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think about this change at Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments! The post A BIG Change Just Hit Universal Orlando Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Go ahead and apologize to your wallets now. ©ColourPop The highly anticipated live-action Lilo & Stitch movie officially releases in theaters, and to celebrate, ColourPop just released a new themed makeup collection online! It’s one of the most fun collections we’ve seen recently (hence the wallet apology), so let’s go shopping! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’re obsessed with the Keepin’ It Sweet Lip Gloss Set! ©ColourPop We immediately hit “Add to Cart” after seeing this Stitch lip gloss set…and for good reason! It comes with three shades in these adorable popsicle-shaped containers. You’ll find guava, coconut, and passion fruit flavor,s and each is made with Hyaluronic Acid, Kakadu Plum, and Sweet Cherry Oil. Now you’ll have a shade for every occasion! Get It Here! Grab Beach Dreamin’ Eyeshadow Palette ©ColourPop The Stitch-themed eyeshadow palette includes 12 colors inspired by the tropics. Some might argue that the photo of Stitch is reason enough to buy this, but the eyeshadows are actually made of an ultra-pigmented pressed powder formula, so they can last you all day. What’s not to love? Get It Here! Don’t miss out on this color-changing blush! ©ColourPop While there are so many things to obsess over in this collection, we HAD to show you this color-changing blush! It reacts to your unique pH to create a custom pink shade that works for you. It’s creamy and non-greasy, and it’s infused with Cupuaçu Butter & Shea Butter plus a blend of Strawberry, Apricot, Raspberry & Elderberry. We’ll take 50! Get It Here! There’s more where that came from! Want to see the entire collection? You can do so by clicking the button below. See the entire collection right here! Keep following DFB for more Disney merchandise! Don’t miss out on more Disney souvenirs on our Amazon storefront!The post Say Goodbye to -- Disney Just Dropped a NEW Stitch Collection Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been obsessing over every detail for the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration, and it’s finally here! Paint the Night Parade Disneyland is bringing back the Paint the Night parade, and while we’re screaming from excitement, we got a sneak peek at the parade that we’re so happy to share with you. Paint the Night is back as of May 16th to kick off Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, which will run until the end of summer 2026. Sorcerer Mickey float This parade has over one million lights spread out through the parade floats, characters, and dancers, and truly lights up the park. Currently, the parade is set to have start times of 8:45 and 10:45 PM, but make sure you’re checking the Disneyland app for the most up-to-date information. This parade is SO GOOD! With this parade coming back, Disney has updated costumes and floats to make this parade even more spectacular! Little Mermaid float The parade has also brought back the Frozen float, which hasn’t been seen since 2018, when it was replaced with The Incredibles float. Frozen float If you’re looking for an exclusive parade viewing opportunity, you can purchase a Paint the Night Dining Package at Plaza Inn. This package includes reserved viewing and a meal that you can pick up from 1 to 4 p.m. Plaza Inn Wondering why we keep on saying Paint the Night is back and not new? That’s because it started in 2015 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration at Disneyland. It was the successor of the very well-loved The Main Street Electrical Parade (and the song for the new Paint the Night will be a nod to this prior parade!). Paint the Night ran consistently until 2016 and then became a seasonal offering or had limited-time showings. Goofy and Donald We cannot express how happy we are that this parade is coming back and ready to roll down Main Street. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the park that started it all. Cars float Keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news and updates. OVER 70 NEW TREATS ARE COMING TO DISNEYLAND FOR THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What do you think about the Paint the Night parade coming back? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Paint the Night. 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 We've Waited YEARS to See This Nighttime Disney Parade Again! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article