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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay plans to spend about $40 million in theme park projects as well as an expansion of its Adventure Island water park. That figure includes the Wild Oasis at Jungala attraction set to debut in May. “The additions and improvements will be made across our infrastructure, operations, staff recruiting, equipment, as well as adding to our aesthetics with more beautiful gardens and plant life,” Jeff Davis, park president, said in a news release. “New animal arrivals are also in the plans, such as the reimaged meerkat habitat set to open this summer, to inspire awe and wonder for all who visit,” said Davis, who moved into his Busch Gardens role in February. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is owned by Orlando-based United Parks & Resorts, which also operates SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica water park in Central Florida. Improvements to the park’s animal habitats will include a climbing structure for a new group of chimpanzees, a new barn for giraffes and accessibility features for the park’s geriatric Asian elephants. Wild Oasis, set to open this spring, will spotlight capybaras, squirrel monkeys, tropical birds and giant anteaters. It also will feature a 35-foot drop tower in an immersive environment, a canopy climb activity and interactive splash pad. A precise opening date has not been announced. A new element at Adventure Island is Castaway Falls, a multilevel play and splash area. The attraction teases more spring announcements regarding “new thrills and interactive events.” Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival and Concert Series is currently underway, and its Summer Nights event will be held on select dates between May 23 and August 10. 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

Hold on to your Mickey ears because Disney Cruise Line might be testing a new feature that could totally change the way you cruise. Disney Wish Most people don’t enjoy waiting in line, especially on a cruise when there’s so much to do, and this experiment could help reduce in-person wait times. Disney Cruise Line hasn’t released anything official, but this might be a new system they’re trying out to potentially add to all ships or the newer ships, which will have more attractions and activities. Pool deck The Disney Adventure, a ship sailing out of Singapore at the end of 2025, will have Marvel Landing on one of the outside decks, where you can ride attractions like the Groot Galaxy Spin, Pym Quantum Racers, and Ironcycle Test Run. Lines can be challenging to manage on cruise ships due to space limitations, and we would love to get a return time to come back when they’re ready for us to ride. ©Disney || Marvel Landing Other ships, like the Disney Destiny, the heroes and villains-themed ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025, look to have quite a few characters on board who hopefully do meet-and-greets. The virtual queue would be amazing, not having to wait in long lines to meet your favorite hero! Cruella at the Disney Destiny Showcase Even just for the AquaMouse or AquaDuck, the lines can get long, and we’d much rather be eating unlimited ice cream and soda while we wait to make a splash. ©Disney We’re not sure if this virtual queue system will come to more cruises or if it was just a one-time experience, but we’ll keep an eye on things to see how it affects your Disney Cruise! In the meantime, make sure you’re following Disney Food Blog for the latest news surrounding your next vacation. THE BEST TIMES TO GO ON A DISNEY CRUISE IN 2025 What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months 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 virtual queue system? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! The post Your Next Disney Cruise Might Look a Little Different first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that can seriously throw off your Disney World day. Toy Story Land restrooms When you’re racing from ride to ride or trying to snag that next snack, the last thing you want is for a basic bathroom break to be…awkward. And yet, there are a few nagging issues with Disney World bathrooms that somehow still haven’t been addressed. Today, we’re calling them out and sharing three changes we think Disney seriously needs to make when it comes to their bathrooms. Better (Softer) Toilet Paper Look, Disney, you charge $150+ a day for park admission — we deserve toilet paper that doesn’t feel like it was made for sandpapering wood. The toilet paper in Disney World bathrooms is rough and thin. We’re not expecting five-star hotel-level luxury here (although that would be nice), but something softer and more durable would go a long way. Toilet Paper Especially after a full day of eating churros, cheeseburger pods, and Mickey waffles, your guests deserve a little comfort during their pit stops. And hey, Disney is all about “guest experience,” right? Well, this is a part of the experience too. Better Visual Privacy If you’ve ever been in a Disney bathroom stall and accidentally made eye contact through the gaping door gaps with a stranger washing their hands — you know. It’s awkward. It’s weird. And it feels totally preventable. For whatever reason, a lot of the bathroom stalls in Disney World leave about a quarter-inch to half-inch gap between the door and the frame. When you’re just trying to handle your business and someone can basically see you sitting there, let’s just say it’s not the most magical experience. Restrooms Some newer Disney hotels and restaurants have a little better design, but the majority of park bathrooms still feel like they were built before anyone cared about privacy standards. It’s 2025. We have MagicBands that open hotel doors and mobile order for chicken nuggets — surely we can figure out doors that actually close without leaving you on public display. Better Acoustical Privacy Okay, this one might sound bougie at first, but hear us out: Disney needs to install sound masking in the bathrooms. Japan has been doing it for years. Many public restrooms over there play white noise or little melodies to drown out any awkward, ahem, “bathroom sounds.” It’s subtle, it’s thoughtful, and it makes the entire bathroom experience feel way less embarrassing. Restrooms Right now in Disney World bathrooms, everything is echo-y tile and booming hand dryers. There’s zero attempt to dampen noise, which means you hear every little thing happening in every single stall. If Disney added white noise machines, gentle music, or even low-level ambient sounds (think: subtle forest sounds, trickling water, something), it would make bathroom breaks way less uncomfortable — especially for little kids or anyone who’s a bit shy. Restrooms Plus, it fits with Disney’s brand. They’re all about creating immersive environments, right? Why not extend that idea into the bathrooms with ambient soundscapes that actually make guests feel more comfortable and relaxed? Restrooms Honestly, none of these fixes seem that complicated — and they would make a huge difference for guests. Until then, we’ll just keep packing our own toilet paper, awkwardly avoiding eye contact, and pretending we’re invisible when the bathroom gets weirdly quiet. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2025 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which upgrade do you think Disney World bathrooms need the most? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 New Things Disney World Bathrooms Desperately Need first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Expansion plans are already in talks for Universal’s park coming to the UK! ©Universal Universal’s been busy bees lately, building multiple theme parks, hotels, and more all around the same time. As Epic Universe’s construction has come to a close and welcomed in its first public visitors before its official opening day, Universal seems to be turning its focus to its other theme park projects and how much more they can expand on existing plans. It doesn’t seem like it was too long ago that we had just caught wind that Universal was eyeing a potential spot in the United Kingdom to build their newest international theme park destination. And most recently, we got our first look at concept art when Universal confirmed plans for a new park were underway and expected to open in 2031! ©Universal | UK Theme Park While the plans for the proposed park are still pending, that hasn’t exactly kept Universal from dreaming up more to add to what they already intend to bring to life over the 476 acres they’ve purchased in Bedford. Currently, the plans pending consent approvals are for “an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.” ©Universal According BBC, Universal is planning expansion areas for the proposed park already, which could take a decade in total to build out. Page Thompson said, “We try to think about the next 100 years.” Thompson continued, “We have a lot more land that we intend to develop… in ways that bring more people to the area and hopefully [is] beneficial for everybody.” ©Universal via BBC According to Thompson, the theme park, a 500-room hotel, and some restaurants that people can visit without buying a theme park ticket are just phase one of Universal’s planned development in the Bedford area. He also alluded to plans that Universal intends to keep this one destination as the sole Universal park for all of Europe, adding, “This is probably our real destination in Europe, and we do expect to draw from all over Europe.” So, it would make sense that if Universal intends to drive local traffic from all over the continent to this one park and destination, plans to expand would be a logical next step. As for how well Universal thinks this newest park and expansion will be received in Europe, he said, “We feel very confident that demand is there.” Well, it sounds like Universal has some ambitious plans they intend to roll out in full force as they continue ahead with their new destination, which means we’ve got to start getting our “ducks in a row,” so to speak, for when they’re ready to open! We’ll continue to keep watch for future updates on Universal’s parks and more. Be sure to stay tuned with us at DFB for all the latest! Universal Put an Epic Universe Portal WHERE?!  Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Which of Universal’s newest parks are on your list to visit? Tell us in the comments below! The post NEWS: Universal's New UK Park Already Has Plans To EXPAND first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are countless places to dine around Disney World — how do you know which ones are worth your time? Swan and Dolphin Hotels We’ve done all the important research, so trust us when we tell you that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is home to some of the best dining on Disney World property — and beyond. And, an exciting new restaurant announcement was just revealed by this Disney World hotel! Chef Devin Queen has officially been promoted to executive chef at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort! After joining the Swan and Dolphin as a sous chef at Shula’s Steak House, Queen was then promoted to the restaurant chef position. He also worked as the opening restaurant chef for Il Mulino at the hotel, and was later appointed as the Swan and Dolphin’s banquet chef. ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Chef Queen started his career as a dishwasher at age 12 and trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, later working his way up to an executive chef position. He shared, “This is an enormous role where you want to succeed,” adding, “My goal is to succeed while staying grounded at the same time.” Swan and Dolphin This announcement comes shortly after the news that Shula’s Steak House will be permanently closing at this hotel. A new fine dining experience from celebrity Chef Michael Mina — called Bourbon Steak — will be taking its place. ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Bourbon Steak has several locations around the country already — and we even visited one in California to get an idea of what we might expect at the Orlando location. Check out our full review here! The full spread! We’ll be on the lookout for more news from the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates! The Complete Guide to Eating at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels The “I’m So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do” Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What's New at the Disney World Hotels All About Disney World's Resort Hotel Refillable Mugs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you stayed at the Disney World Swan and Dolphin? Tell us in the comments. The post JUST ANNOUNCED: NEW Executive Chef Revealed for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s my job to go to EPCOT. Yes, REALLY! I go to EPCOT a LOT for my job. For my job as a Disney World Reporter, I spend quite a bit of time in the theme parks, especially in EPCOT (I am the mayor of the tiny train town, after all). And let’s be real, that park can get pretty swampy and scorchy during the summertime. So today, I’m sharing the list of places where I hide in EPCOT when it’s just too dang hot. Come sweat with me! House of the Whispering Willows We’re starting this list off in the place that inspired this article — the House of the Whispering Willows. This is currently home to the Shanghai Disneyland exhibit in the China Pavilion, and it’s the holy grail of air-conditioned areas. It’s quiet, it’s not too crowded, and there’s seating available. Inside Shanghai Disney Resort In here, I often sit in one of the chairs or on the benches and take a little water break in the summertime. If you’re in the mood to stand up, you can walk around and read the exhibits. And if the seats are taken in the gallery, you can also sit on the benches in the waiting area for Reflections of China. American Adventure Rotunda Want a little entertainment with your chill moment? If so, head to the American Adventure rotunda. This space inside the American Adventure Pavilion is where the Voices of Liberty a cappella group performs throughout the day, and listening to them is a treat for your ears. Voices of Liberty There are benches stationed around the room, and in addition to the Voices of Liberty, you can check out the Portraits of Courage exhibit or the American Heritage Gallery in here. A great place to relax with some AC. Advanced Training Lab Heading over to World Discovery, one of the best places to camp out when it’s toasty season is inside the Advanced Training Lab. This is the kids’ play area at the end of Mission: SPACE, and people often sit in here to wait for their family members when they don’t want to do the ride. Because of that, there’s plenty of bench seating. Advanced Training Lab This is definitely not one of the quieter options on the list, considering it’s home to a playground, but it’s super interesting with interactive games and exhibits. Plus, it’s connected to a gift shop! The SeaBase The SeaBase aquarium inside The Seas Pavilion is a great place to hang out during the daytime, because the air conditioning in here is ELITE. There are plenty of marine life exhibits to check out, including the beloved manatees. SeaBase The downside to visiting this spot is that there isn’t much seating available. However, the bathrooms in this building are typically not very busy. Pros and cons. Sunshine Seasons On the other hand, if you’re looking for a plethora of indoor seating, you’ll want to visit Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion. Outside of major meal times, this place is fairly chill, and there are lots of tables available. I don’t recommend taking a table here if it’s busy (you want to save those for customers with food), but if it’s quiet, find a nice corner in which to relax. Sunshine Seasons seating Also, I often stop by this location to refill my water bottle with bone-chillingly cold ice water at their soda fountain. Gotta stay hydrated during those hot days, folks! Soarin’ Exit Near the exit of Soarin’, there’s a seating area often used by the family and friends of people riding the attraction. It’s a great place to wait with small children, but there’s also plenty of seating if you just need to pop a squat and take a break. Soarin’ Around the World The seats are designed to look like a gate area at an airport, so they’re not the comfiest in the world, but they’ll do in a pinch. The good news is that there are plenty of outlets available over here! ImageWorks And finally, I have to mention ImageWorks, the lab and gift shop area at the exit of Journey Into Imagination with Figment! This space is usually pretty busy, but I can often find an unoccupied bench in the air conditioning, and that’s a hot commodity on a summer day. ImageWorks This is also one of my go-to spots for swapping my FuelRod, and I love watching Figment walk past me to head to his meet-and-greet. A great space for people watching if you’re into that! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips from Disney World! And if you’re going to EPCOT soon, check out our video with a list of must-dos. Keep following along for more Disney World news, updates, and information for your next vacation. Check Out the Complete Guide to EPCOT Here! 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 places do you prefer for relaxing on a hot day? Tell us in the comments! The post I Go to EPCOT Every Week. Here's Where I Hide When It's Too Dang Hot first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who wants to go to Universal Orlando? Meeeeee! Epic Universe If you want to go to Universal for FREE, listen up! WWE is giving away a free trip to Universal Orlando Resort so you can experience all four theme parks, including the new Epic Universe park, which opens May 22nd. Mario and Luigi! What’s included? You and three other people get: Round-trip airfare to Orlando, Florida Ground transportation between the airport and the hotel in Orlando Accommodations at Universal Terra Luna Resort for four nights Admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay, plus 1-day at Epic Universe Opportunity to meet WWE talent Cody Rhodes (subject to talent availability) Terra Luna Resort is one of Universal’s brand-new hotels, which opened this year in honor of Epic Universe. When staying at the resort, you also get early park admission and complimentary transportation, which just adds to your amazing trip. Dreaming of a chance to go to Epic Universe? Where are you going to go first? Celestial Park Are you going to hop on the mine carts in Super Nintendo World? Super Nintendo World Or maybe cast a few spells at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic? Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Maybe you’ll want to fly on a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk… Toothless and Hiccup! …and meet your favorite monsters in Dark Universe. Monsters Unchained To visit Epic Universe, plus the other two theme parks and the water park, sounds like a dream. You’ll truly get the full Universal Orlando experience. You can enter here and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the best theme park news! WE JUST VISITED EPIC UNIVERSE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AND WE HAVE SO MUCH TO TELL YOU! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you going to enter this giveaway? Let us know in the comments! The post GIVE AWAY ALERT! Win a FREE Trip to Universal Orlando Including Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We LOVE a little teamwork — especially when Disney combines forces with major fashion and beauty brands to create chic new items for you! Pandora Mickey charm If you’re in the market for a Mother’s Day gift or just want to treat yourself to something new, you’re in luck! There’s a NEW Disney x Kendra Scott collection available online now, and the new jewelry is instantly popular. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Strand Necklace by Kendra Scott ©Disney Looking for Disney accessories that are sparkly, chic, and subtly Disney? This is the necklace you’ve been looking for! We love the Mickey and Minnie Mouse charms on this Kendra Scott strand necklace, and the 14k gold finish will complement any necklace stack you have! View online This Mickey Mouse Elisa Necklace by Kendra Scott is already so popular ©Disney Another stunner! This is a signature Kendra Scott piece with a little Disney magic! The pendant features Mickey’s name on one side and an iridescent dichroic glass stone on the other. It’s finished in 14k gold and works beautifully with a necklace stack or as a single statement piece. Get it before it sells out online! View online We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Disney Just Dropped a Mickey Mouse X Kendra Scott Collection Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Gatorland, the long-standing Orlando animal attraction, has made its Gatorland Global conservation effort an official 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Gatorland Global acts locally and internationally, protecting and rescuing alligators in Florida while also acting outside the U.S. with efforts in nations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela and Colombia. Formally becoming a not-for-profit allows the group to provide dedicated resources to conservation groups. Gatorland Global was established in 2018. “Internationally, Gatorland Global supports several research facilities and sanctuaries to conserve critically endangered crocodilians and their dwindling habitats,” Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland, said in a news release. “Globally, we educate people, schools, and communities on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to healthy ecosystems and teach people how to safely live near these dangerous, yet incredible animals.” Gatorland Global also partners with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and trappers to rescue wild alligators that might be sold for hides and meat otherwise. It has saved more than 100 alligators and relocated them to the attraction, which has been open on Orange Blossom Trail since 1949. This year, Gatorland experts will travel to Venezuela to release two Orinoco crocodiles raised since they were hatchlings at the attraction. Savannah Boan, Gatorland Global international ambassador, travels with Gatorland team members several times a year for collaborations. “Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect Florida wildlife and wildlife around the world,” Boan said. For more information, go to gatorlandglobal.org. 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

Epic Universe is opening on May 22nd, and we’ve been celebrating this major achievement by trying as many restaurants and snack stands as we can so we can give you all the best information for your upcoming trip. Celestial Park We stopped by Comet Dogs in Celestial Park to bring you a full review so you can decide if you need to visit on your day in Epic Universe. Come with us and let’s try one of the ultimate theme park foods! Atmosphere Comet Dogs is located in the shadow of the Constellation Carousel, a stunning carousel where guests can climb onto different animals and “whirl and twirl together across the Milky Way.” Celestial Park This is a snack stand with no designated seating, but we were able to find a table in Celestial Park, just a little further away from the stand. You might need to look for a more shaded spot, but we appreciated how big the cover was on the actual snack stand for shade while we were ordering and waiting for our hot dog. Comet Dogs Let’s talk about what’s on the menu! Menu This snack stand had a limited menu of hot dogs and a few drinks. There are currently three different hot dogs available: the Bulgogi Dog, the Comet Dog, which is a classic chili cheese hot dog with onion, and the Smokey Carrot Dog, their vegan option made with carrots and seasoned to taste like a traditional hot dog. The Team Members also told us we could get the Comet Dog with some of the toppings off to get a classic hot dog, a cheese hot dog, or any variation you enjoy. While there are only three hot dogs on the menu, the staff informed us that some might change seasonally, so we’ll be sure to check back to see what they add in the future. Comet Dogs For drinks, there are several beverage options: seltzer, soda, bottled water, and energy drinks. You won’t find any sides like chips or fries here because they’re focusing on the hot dog. Constellation Carousel Enough about the menu, we’re ready to eat. Eats We had the Bulgogi Dog for $13.99. Bulgogi Dog This hot dog is served with kimchi slaw, salsa verde, and yuzu aioli in a bun. Yum! The bun was more like a sandwich roll, buttered and toasted, inside and out, which got us off to a good start for this hot dog. The actual hot dog was more of a beef sausage, but with the strong seasonings of bulgogi. It starts as a round sausage but is then cut in half and grilled, adding a beautiful texture to the dish. While it was heavily seasoned, it wasn’t spicy, but had more of a peppery bite, which we really enjoyed. Bulgogi Dog When combined with the other toppings, we were in for a real treat. The kimchi slaw had a strong vinegar taste with a pickled crunch. We loved this slaw so much that we would eat it on a classic hot dog (and probably in a bowl on the side as well). The yuzu aioli was creamy with a bit of sweetness and tang that matched the slaw beautifully. So many toppings! The size was filling, which we appreciated for a higher price than we’re traditionally used to for a hot dog, but this hot dog was also taken to the next level and gave it a more upscale feel. Nosh or Not You have to visit Comet Dog when you go to Epic Universe if… Hot dogs are one of your favorite foods You want a quick meal that you can take on the go (Make sure to bring napkins!) You’re looking for traditional theme park food taken to the next level You might want to skip Comet Dog if… Hot dogs aren’t your thing You want a wider variety of food offerings You want designated seating and to stay indoors Bulgogi Dog Overall For us, having a hot dog in a theme park is a deeply nostalgic experience, and Comet Dogs took our childhood love for hot dogs and elevated the flavors. The flavors were on point and combined well, and we can’t wait to go back and try the other items on the menu. Whenever we need a quick snack that will fill us up, we’ll be running to Comet Dogs to grab a hot dog before racing back to our next attraction. We’re reviewing all the food in Epic Universe so you can have the best trip ever. Keep following Disney Food Blog for all the food news you need to know before you visit. COME WITH US INSIDE EPIC UNIVERSE! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you going to try Comet Dogs when you go to Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Comet Dogs in Celestial Park at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World’s been making a LOT of changes to Animal Kingdom recently… so we’re making some changes of our own! Expedition Everest Here are the top 10 must dos for Animal Kingdom that WE think you should prioritize THIS YEAR (because SOME of them you might NEVER be able to experience AGAIN). Check out our video below: 10 MUST-DOS in Animal Kingdom This Year  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: 10 MUST-DOS in Animal Kingdom This Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A HUGE Disney World hotel perk will be changing SOON! Tree of Life With so many great deals and promotions Disney World has recently released, we wouldn’t blame you if you said you were caught between a few choices of where to stay for your next visit. However, if extra time after the normal park hours are finished on select days makes your ears perk up, there’s a specific change happening soon you’ll want to take notice of before you arrive! In just a few days, Disney World will be making a major change to two of its parks’ hours, AND this change will also affect a huge hotel perk offering. Disney’s BoardWalk Depending on which Disney World hotel you choose to call “home” during your vacation, the hotel you’ve chosen to stay at may offer you the opportunity for Extended Evening Hours. This extra time in Disney World’s parks happens after the park has closed for the day from its regular park hours, and starting on May 5th, this perk will be switching Disney World parks! Spaceship Earth crowds during EPCOT’s Extended Evening park hours Right now, Extended Evening Hours are offered at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on select days throughout the week, but starting May 5th, EPCOT will be discontinuing hours for this perk for a bit. However, it’s not entirely going away for a second park because Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be stepping in to take over its spot. Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours It’s a rare occasion we’re able to catch Animal Kingdom open for any length of time after the sunsets for too long since it is home to so many animals and wildlife, so when we get the opportunity to enjoy it later than usual, it’s a very welcome sight! These extended hours are currently planned to run from 6-8 PM on the days it is offered. An empty park during Extended Evening Hours in Animal Kingdom Since Disney World’s park hours calendar only goes out so far for now, we’re not certain when this new change will end, so if you’ve ever wanted to experience Animal Kingdom a little longer after dark, this is the best time to do it! Don’t go anywhere! We’re keeping up with the latest Disney World news, updates, changes, and more! Be sure to stay tuned with us at DFB so you don’t miss a thing. NEW Perk Announced For Disney World Hotel Guests, But There’s A Catch 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 taking advantage of this extra time in Disney World? Tell us in the comments below! The post Don't Forget! This Exclusive Disney World Hotel Perk CHANGES on May 5th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal’s Epic Universe will see the opening of the resort’s third Harry Potter land: Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic. While the new land is incredibly immersive, there’s something missing… Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry The first two Wizarding World installations in Orlando – – Islands of Adventure’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and Universal Studios Florida’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley – – were revolutionary for the theme park industry, and certainly elements of the Ministry of Magic portal seem like they will (we’re looking you you, Battle of the Ministry). However, certain elements of the land may be lacking. No Broom Experience Flying on a broom is one of the most iconic elements of the Harry Potter series. From Harry’s first flight on his Nimbus 2000 to countless games of Quidditch to the Flight of the 7 Potters or the Battle of Hogwarts, broom flight is a major part of many of the series’ best-known moments. ©Universal Which makes it all the more mystifying that, FOR THE THIRD TIME IN A ROW, Universal has built a Harry Potter-themed lantern without an experience that recreates flying a broom. Now, to be fair, Universal has allegedly tried. Supposedly, a broom experience was planned for both Universal Studios Florida and Epic Universe before it was dropped from both. No Magical “Weenie” While the lack of broom experience is the thing that sticks out the most, there are also a couple of other issues we’ve noticed. The exterior of the land is themed to the 1920s “magical” version of Paris which, while being incredibly well-detailed and themed, is mostly the muggle world and is lacking the massive Wizarding World “weenies” (a term long-given to theme park architecture that draws the eye) like Hogwarts Castle or Gringott’s and its rooftop dragon featured in other parks. Universal’s Islands of Adventure The lack of weenie isn’t the only aspect of the land hurt by the Parisian setting. Timeline Issues Rumors about Epic Universe’s Wizarding World have long said that the whole land was planned to be themed to the Fantastic Beasts films series, and that its relative failure led to Universal pivoting. While this has never been confirmed, the fact that the land is principally themed to Fantastic Beasts’ version of Paris while its star attraction is set in the 1990s London of the original series seems to point to it being true. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Also, as good as the ride is, the timeline incongruity – – which is hand-waved away with Floo Powder time travel – – does throw the whole experience of the portal a bit off-kilter. Traveling by Floo Powder Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic is the latest Universal land to focus on the “boy who lived”, but something is missing. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Epic Universe. Epic Universe Could Lead to MAJOR CHANGES at Universal Orlando’s Other Parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of Epic Universe’s Potter land? Do any of these issues ring true to you? Let us know in the comments below. The post One MAJOR Thing Is Missing from the New Harry Potter Land at Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

All aboard! Getting around Central Florida might be getting a little easier. Brightline train Traffic is no joke in Florida, so we’re always looking for different means of transportation that can get us where we need to go efficiently, and this new project might help. The SunRail board approved a $6M study that would help the proposed Sunshine Corridor with Brightline and SunRail, according to the Orlando Business Journal. ©SunRail This is a two-year project development and environmental study, and is a key step towards a trainline expansion. The study will help with learning the project costs, construction timeline, and answer important questions. It will also help with applying for federal government funding. Brightline Train Station Part of the study will be to see how much private, federal, or state funding the project can obtain, so they can estimate how much local government money may be needed. ©SunRail Chair of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission and Seminole County commissioner said, “Every funding partner will have a different view on how they think they can best participate. We all have a different level of resources available to us, so we will need to make sure we allow flexibility for partners to participate in the ways they can.” Princess Cruise wrap on Brightline train Currently, the proposed stops would be at Orlando International Airport (MCO), near the Orange County Convention Center, and on South International Drive. There will even be a route along Interstate 4 to go to Tampa. A stop will eventually be added to Disney Springs, as well! MCO Airport The $6 million is coming from: Florida Department of Transportation — $2 million Universal Destinations & Expereinces — $2 million City of Orlando Central Florida Tourism Oversign District Seminole County Osceola County Orange County The Florida Department of Transportation will start advertising for a consultant to lead the study, and one will be picked at the end of June. The study will run now until May 2027. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more updates on the project and how it will affect travel in Central Florida. 5 MOST IMPORTANT RULES FOR ORLANDO AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION TO 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 do you think about a SunRail and Brightline expansion in Florida? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. The post The Potential New Disney World Train Route to the Airport Just Cleared a MAJOR Hurdle first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Dining in Disney World isn’t cheap, that much is for sure, so we’re always on the lookout for the best deals you can find while you’re experiencing the parks. EPCOT Most of the time, we say these deals are found at quick service locations around the parks, not at table service restaurants, and certainly not those with prix-fixe meals. However, that’s changing, because there’s a NEW $29 prix-fixe meal coming to a restaurant in EPCOT this summer, and you won’t want to miss it! Over at Tutto Italia in the Italy Pavilion, this summer you’ll find a new Prix-Fixe meal option that will only cost you $29! Tutto Italia Prex-Fixe Menu options As part of this menu you’ll get to choose one Antipasti, one Secondi, and one Dolci. You can also add on a wine pairing if you’d like. Prix-Fixe Menu When we tried it out early, we tried the Caesar Salad which we adored (it was one of the best ones we’ve ever had), and got a half and half plate of the Penne Garibaldi and Fettuccine All’ Alfredo, both of which we really enjoyed as well. Our meal! Currently there’s no exact date for when this meal will go into effect, but we heard it mentioned that it would be June at the latest, but more likely sometime in May! We think this is a fantastic meal deal for those looking for a solid, filling table service meal while they’re in the park. It’ll give you a great opportunity to sit down and take a break without breaking the bank. Tutto Italia Looking for more EPCOT news? Check out our posts below! More Recent EPCOT News! ALERT! A NEW Prix Fixe Menu Is Coming to EPCOT This Summer (And It’ll Cost You LESS Than $30!)EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town Is Better Than BookTok (I Said What I Said)Inside Disney World’s Cosmic Rewind Coaster: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are OutWe’re FREAKING OUT About This EPCOT Spaceship Earth Lounge NewsREMINDER: Reservations for EPCOT’s New Adults-Only Lounge Open SOON! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! I’ve Tried Every Snack in EPCOT, and This One Is Still a Classic Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to try this new option? Tell us in the comments! The post ALERT! A NEW Prix Fixe Menu Is Coming to EPCOT This Summer (And It'll Cost You LESS Than !) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Best Free Things To Do While Staying at Walt Disney World | planDisneyView the full article

Legoland Florida and its visitors are participating in a global event with an emphasis on creative play and Fortnite videogame-inspired experiences. The Winter Haven theme park and six sister attractions in California, New York, England, Germany, Denmark and South Korea playing host to the Lego Festival, which begins Saturday. “It is our first global event,” said Shay Davis, entertainment specialist at Legoland Florida. “So it is the first event that all Legoland parks are launching at the exact same time.” The event is broken down into five new play zones – music, dance, creative, gaming and chill out. “It’s very much like if you were to go to a music festival, all the different stages and all the different experiences,” Davis said. So while participants may see a battle of the bands in the music zone, go to a dance party featuring DJ GoodVibes or meet Adventure Peely, the banana-ish Fortnite minifigure, there’s a building activity nearby too. “If you love to build with Lego, every zone will have something, and it’s all customized to the zone as well,” Davis said. That includes adding to the Build & Bloom flower wall in the chill-out zone, where preschoolers also may encounter the Hopsy character. The gaming zone has multiple activities, including a show with Fortnite-themed games. “We also have just like a chill area where you can watch different YouTube streamers play through the game,” Davis said. “There’s a sushi bar in the game, and we’ve brought that to life in the gaming zone, where you can build sushi out of Lego bricks like you would in the game.” There’s also a brick-built model of the Cuddle Team Leader from Fortnite. Legoland says the figure has more than 21,000 bricks and it took 75 hours for builders to complete. “Those who have played the game will walk into the gaming zone and definitely have their chance to nerd out about the game,” Davis said. The festival will be held on Saturdays and Sundays between May 3 and June 8. It’s included with regular Legoland admission, and the park’s usual attractions also are available. For ticketing and more information, go to legolandflorida.com. News nuggets • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has added a Hurricane Simulator machine that recreates the winds on sounds of a Category 1 storm. Taking a spin in the contraption – about the size of a doublewide phone booth – costs $4. The Sanford attraction is again throwing its Sunset at the Zoo event on the fourth Friday of the month from May through September. First up: May 23, celebrating Native American and Alaska native heritage. More info: centralfloridazoo.org • Sea Life Orlando Aquarium returns its Meet a Mermaid event this weekend with underwater shows, meet-and-greets on dry land and new interactive education stations. The performers will be on hand at the Icon Park attraction on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May (plus Memorial Day) from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and in the water 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m. More info: VisitSeaLife.com/orlando • The Orange County Regional History Center will introduce a pocket exhibit called “The 85ers,” which focuses on the first U.S. women’s national soccer team and its ties to Central Florida. It debuts May 10. More info: thehistorycenter.org • Great Wolf Lodge recruited ‘N Sync members Joey Fatone and Lance Bass for a “It’s Gonna Be May” promotion which pushes discounted stays at the indoor water park resort in Naples as well as the 25th anniversary of the hit “It’s Gonna Be Me” song turned meme. More info: greatwolf.com/naples • Odd study of the week: Epcot’s Spaceship Earth has been named the third most beautiful landmark in the U.S., based on the divine proportion formula. It trails Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Hoover Dam in Nevada while edging out St. Louis’ Gateway Arch. The study was touted by Level Frames, an online framing service. 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

A new perk is coming to Disney World and we’re giving you all the details! Cocktails One of the BEST things about visiting Disney World is the perks! From hotel incentives to free dining opportunities, there are a lot of ways to save some time and cash when booking a Disney World vacation — including a newly announced dining and drinks perk! However, be warned that this perk comes with a MASSIVE catch… Disney World just announced a NEW Free Dining and Drinks promotion! Full spread from our meal According to the deal, if you book your hotel and ticket package by November 5th, 2025, for selected arrivals between January 7th through December 19th, 2026, you’ll enjoy FREE Disney dining and drinks (excluding gratuities) on selected meals when staying at selected Disney Resort hotels. The catch? It’s only available for UK and Ireland-based guests. UK Pavilion Disney described the offer, stating, “For example, stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and everyone on your booking enjoys a FREE Disney Dining Plan (worth €1,273 per adult). With over 170+ dining locations to choose from, from quick bites to fine cuisine, there’s something to tickle every tastebud! Plus, enjoy a whole load of extra drink options with your meal.” Animal Kingdom Lodge The package includes the following: 14-Day Ticket for the Price of 7 Save Up to €300 on your Booking FREE Disney Dining Plan at your selected Resort hotel, with savings worth €1,273 per adult 1 non-alcoholic / alcoholic drink to enjoy per meal Park Hopper Memory Maker (worth $210) A €200 saving on your Hotel & Ticket package The package is valid at over 170 dining locations. Raglan Road We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest Disney World deals and perks, so stay tuned right here at DFB to stay in the know! 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking the FREE Dining Plan Deal for Disney World Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you eligible for this Disney World perk and plan on using it? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Perk Announced for Disney World Hotel Guests, But There's a Catch first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Honey, he’s home! ❤️ #RedGuardian is arriving at #AvengersCampus. #Disneyland #DisneyParksView the full article

Disney World has so many places where you can get sweet treats and beverages. Some are great options, and others are not so much. That’s what we’re here for! Riviera Resort We recently went to Disney’s Riviera Resort to try a popular spot for quickly grabbing pastries and coffee. Whether you’re looking for something to eat before you start your Disney, need a relaxing break, or want a treat before going up to your room, this spot is a good option. Disney’s Riviera Resort is a beautiful hotel — it’s one of Disney’s newest ones they have to offer. When you enter the lobby, you’ll find Le Petit Café. Like we mentioned before, it’s pretty convenient for grabbing something fast before you start your Disney day. There’s also a work area connected to the cafe for anyone wanting a drink while working at the resort! Le Petit at Disney’s Riviera Resort It’s one of those spots where it makes more sense to go if you’re either staying at the resort or resort hopping. It’s never really that busy, and they have some great options to choose from. Enough about the vibe, though, let’s talk about what we recently ordered from there! Le Petit Café counter First off, we tried the Orange Cream Éclair for $7.49. Is it just us, or does it seem like Disney has been making a lot of stuff orange creamsicle flavor, and bright orangey colors? Maybe it’s because we’re getting closer to summer, who knows? It is a softer orange éclair with an outer crackle to it. The outside also has a whipped vanilla bean icing, with a couple of jelly orange peel pieces sitting on top. As well as a white chocolate piece, with the Riviera name printed on it. Orange Cream Éclair On the inside is where most of its flavor lies. It has a thicker vanilla cream flavor on the inside. There was also some orange filling on the inside, and it almost coated the inner cream in a way. The orange filling was oozier than the cream; it was kind of like mousse. There’s a chance that could’ve been the case because we were in the hot sun. Look at the inside! All in all, there’s a lot of orange flavor going on with this thing! There are the orange peels, the orange crust, and the orange cream. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a good snack. We haven’t even talked about the fact that it’s a pretty thin pastry for $7.49! So we don’t really think it’s worth the price, to be completely honest. Orange Éclair at the Riviera Secondly, we tried the Wine Poached Pear Entremet, which was also $7.49. This thing looked pretty, so it naturally drew our attention for how nicely it’s made. There are a lot of layers to it, and we liked the sponge cake that was at the bottom! It’s got this breakfast coffee cake crumble layer to it as well, which gives the treat a really nice light crunch. This is going to sound crazy, but imagine dipping a chip into ice cream (that’s the best analogy we got). However, the weirdest part was that there was no flavor to it!? Wine Poached Pear Entremet This pastry also has that vanilla bean icing on the top! The pear has that gelatinous consistency to it, but there are fresh-cut pears on the treat. They were good, but that was all the flavor was. It’s one of those treats where if you are looking for something that doesn’t have a range of flavors, and isn’t super sweet, then this would work for you! We enjoyed this one more than the orange cream éclair, to be honest. It had a better taste to it, and we enjoyed the pear on top. It was actually worth the $7.49 with the portion you got. Look how pretty this one looks! For both of these, we don’t NEED to get them again. If we were at the Riviera, we’d probably buy the Wine Poached Pear Entremet — but we definitely aren’t going out of our way for either of these. Even if you go to the cafe, you’ll find that other treats are more eye-catching and pretty! Especially cause they had some other desserts featuring chocolate. Le Petit Cafe We love trying out food and letting you know what we think, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more food reviews! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Would you try these treats? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried Two NEW Disney Desserts So You Don't Have To first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s water park, will abandon its wearable technology called TapuTapu later this year, the company announced Tuesday. The complimentary wristband devices, used since the park debuted in 2017, have been used to hold reservations — and alert when to get in the physical line — for Krakatau Aqua Coaster, one of the centerpiece rides of Volcano Bay, and to open rental lockers. The attraction will no longer use TapuTapu as of October 1, according to a Universal Orlando news release. The change will “allow guests to access attractions queues at their leisure,” the release says. Universal also announced a multi-month closure for Volcano Bay that will start Oct. 26, 2026. It said the down time will be used to conduct annual maintenance on several unnamed attractions and areas within the park. The planned reopening is set for on or before March 24, 2027. “We are working with guests who have purchased tickets to visit Volcano Bay during this timeframe as well as Universal annual and seasonal passholders affected by this update,” the release said. Earlier this year, Universal introduced a separately ticketed, after-hours event called Volcano Bay Nights. Three dates in May remain for the offering, which costs $99 per person. 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

Who’s ready to visit EPCOT’s most problematic (and only!) tiny village? Welcome back! The tiny train town in the Germany Pavilion is one of my favorite places to visit because there are so many quirky stories to uncover among the residents there. In fact, I visit and report on their shenanigans so often that I’ve been dubbed the mayor of the itty bitty city. And during Madam Mayor’s most recent visit, I found some interesting tidbits. Starting off things strong at the wedding chapel, there is TEA. This wedding has been missing its bride for ages, and the poor jilted groom has been all alone. Well, thankfully, the lovely lady in the blue dress has come to comfort her good friend…and I think we’re going to see a best friends to lovers situation blooming here in the future! (By the way, his name is Tom and her name is Madison — start shipping it now!) Can you tell that I spend a lot of my time on BookTok? The wedding chapel! It’s not often that I visit the outskirts of the tiny town, but this week I stopped by to check on some of the residents who live near the woods. They’re out there doing the Lord’s work, defending our people from the critters who live in the forest. Ya know, like the WEREWOLVES?! Anyone remember that recurring werewolf attack the town had last year? We’re past that now, thanks to lovely people like Bill and his wife Jan. What’s happening back here? In more criminal news this week, I had to bust up a group of moonshiners who were doing some underground smuggling. These guys had stationed their shack near the rail line and were trying to sneak their unauthorized product aboard the trains. C’mon, folks, we’ve got to go through the proper channels, here! Tiny train town shenanigans And last but not least, some elderly men from the town would like to start a chess club. The sad thing is, they don’t have any chessboards! They’ve managed to build a table for playing the game, but as of right now, they’ve just been sitting and gabbing about the weather. If someone has a tiny chessboard they’d like to donate, contact Richard at the retirement center. A meeting of the minds Thanks for coming along with us to Tiny Train Town! And if you’re heading to EPCOT soon, check out our video below that covers the park’s must-dos. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! We’ll keep you in the loop. Click Here to See More Tiny Train Town Shenanigans! 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 visited the tiny train town in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments! The post EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town Is Better Than BookTok (I Said What I Said) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A strong case could be made that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is currently the most popular ride at Walt Disney World. The coaster has dominated the resort’s average wait times nearly every week since it transitioned from a virtual queue to a traditional standby line earlier this year. Behind the scenes, the ride is one of the resort’s most advanced. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind The attraction, which first opened in May of 2022, is based on the popular spacefaring Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise. Rumors of the Guardians characters coming to Walt Disney World began almost immediately after the first film was released, partially because the first film was a monstrous hit, and partially because the characters are some of the only Marvel properties not barred from appearing at Walt Disney World due to Marvel’s preexisting licensing deal with Universal. These rumors only strengthened with the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout at Disney’s California Adventure in May of 2017. Later that year, Cosmic Rewind was announced as coming to EPCOT, and replacing Ellen’s Energy Adventure, which was a light retheme of the opening day EPCOT attraction Universe of Energy. The ride also features a new character, Centurion Tal Marik, portrayed by Terry Crews. Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel – – the voices of Rocket and Groot respectively – – did not return for the attraction. Of course, we can’t talk about Cosmic Rewind without touching on the music. Like the Guardians films, the ride uses popular rock and pop songs from the 1970s and 1980s, each set to match the motion profile of the ride vehicles. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind The songs are randomly selected by computer for each ride. The songs currently available on the attraction are: “Disco Inferno” by the Trammps “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears “One Way or Another” by Blondie “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of Disney World’s most technologically popular attractions, and boasts an impressive bit of technology behind the scenes. Stay tuned to DFB for more of the secret’s behind Disney’s biggest 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 a fan of Cosmic Rewind? Let us know in the comments below. The post Inside Disney World's Cosmic Rewind Coaster: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando has expanded its previews for Epic Universe theme park to the general public. Tickets are now for sale for dates through May 19. Previously, the official peeks at the attractions have been limited primarily to Universal employees, their invited guests, Universal Orlando hotel guests and the resort’s annual passholders ahead of Epic’s grand opening on May 22. Epic continues to put “the final touches in place and rehearsing, so some attractions and experiences may not be available,” Universal’s website advises. There are a limited — although unspecified — number of preview tickets available. Preview date prices vary with the date, ranging from $144 to $154 per day. Universal also is selling multiday tickets that include a visit to Epic. For tickets or more information, go to universalorlando.com. Epic Universe includes themed lands named Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe (featuring classic monsters) and Celestial Park, a star-driven introductory land with restaurants, retail and a few rides. The theme park has 11 rides, including four roller coasters, and two stage shows in its lineup. The grand opening of Epic Universe will mark the first debut of a major theme park in Orlando since Universal’s Islands of Adventure arrived in 1999 and Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998. 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

Summer is a relatively popular time to visit Disney World since most kids are out of school, and that’s when families often choose to take their vacations. Stormalong Bay The beginning of May is usually pretty hit or miss since many schools don’t get out until the middle of the month, but sometimes college students get out earlier and those crowds descend upon the parks pretty much the moment the calendar flips to May. However, if you’re heading to Disney World this week, we KNOW it’s about to be more crowded, but not for the reason you’re expecting! From May 1st through May 4th a massive championship will be taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. This means that Disney’s value hotels will be especially crowded and the parks themselves will potentially be a madhouse. Competitions often bring long lines for check-in The Summit Championship is a big cheer competition that happens each year and was founded by Varsity All Star in 2013. Competitors from all over the world are invited to participate and compete, and marks the end of the cheerleading season — being many teams’ last championship of a season sometimes makes it more popular than others! ©The Summit Championship According to their website, this event is “a unique experience for athletes in the non-Worlds divisions to compete against the best of the best in all levels of competition across the globe.” This means that you’ll want to expect for the parks to be extra crowded with large groups this upcoming week, and hotels may be more noisy due to those same groups. Watch out for those crowds! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest events happening in Disney World so you can plan your trip accordingly! You May Want to Avoid Driving to Disney World on These 6 Dates 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 Have you ever been in the parks during a competition? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney World Is Gonna Get MORE Crowded This Week -- Here's Why first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article