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It’s certainly no secret that there’s plenty to see, eat, drink, and do at the brand-new Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. Burning Blade Tavern We’ve made our way around the five themed lands, and Dark Universe might just be our favorite of them all. Here, visitors will “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.” And that includes checking out the Burning Blade Tavern! Atmosphere Found in Dark Universe, The Burning Blade Tavern is a quick-service restaurant that pays homage to the iconic windmill from Universal’s 1931 classic, Frankenstein! The Tavern gives diners the chance to eat in an “old mill which Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters have transformed into their hangout.” Burning Blade Tavern But don’t be SCARED… Instead of monsters being portrayed as heroes (as will be the case at Das Stakehaus), The Burning Blade Tavern shines the spotlight on hunters who protect regular folk from these legendary beasts. Entrance Since this is a quick-service restaurant, you can order from the bartenders or Epic Universe team members stationed at the counters, but you can also mobile order and pick up your food from a nearby pickup window. It’s dark in here! Surrounded by trophy heads of conquered monsters, diners will be able to enjoy a menu of burgers, pretzels (including the “Hunter’s Garlic Stake”), and specialty beverages while they listen to tales of victory from the hunters themselves! Inside seating In addition to indoor seating, there’s also a section of outside seating should you prefer being able to actually see what you’re eating! Outside seating But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu At the Burning Blade Tavern, you’ll find a selection of specialty drinks (like the Monocane and the Pure of Heart) and draft beer (like the Reaper’s Reserve brown ale and the Darkthorne Mead). But, you can also get some enticing eats like a burger, loaded potato, grilled chicken, and some other fun bites. Burning Blade Tavern menu And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats To kick things off, we grabbed the Hunter’s Garlic Stake for $8.99. This is a crispy garlic butter pretzel with garlic dipping sauce — which is essentially music to our ears. We had high hopes for the garlic stake, but it was a little too tame for us. It’s definitely got garlic on it — but not as much as you might expect. The garlic was strong in flavor, but there was less of it than what you might get on garlic knots from your local pizza joint. Same goes for the butter — it was there, but there could have been more. The pretzel itself had a decent flavor, but it was a bit on the tough side — we would have liked it to be more pillowy. Hunter’s Garlic Stake The garlic dipping sauce was tangy and buttery and definitely helped elevate this snack a bit. We also grabbed the Burning Cheddar Bites for $11.99, which are described as crispy fried poppers with sriracha ranch. Burning Cheddar Bites These cheddar cheese bites are incredible and definitely shareable. If you love Taco Bell, this is your dish. The burnt cheddar bites have a cheddar cheese consistency similar to what Taco Bell uses in their quesadillas, or at least that’s what it reminded us of. There’s definitely some heat to these that sneaks up on you if you’re not careful. The perfect dip The sriracha ranch sauce is also reminiscent of what Taco Bell uses in their quesadillas. These were warm, cheesy, and poppable. We could have eaten 300 of them, probably Look at that cheese! For the main event, we picked up the Burning Blade Burger made from a 4-oz. black angus patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, jalapeño bacon on a potato bun for $12.99. Burning Blade Burger This wasn’t the best burger we’ve ever had — even by theme park standards. This one was more of a medium or medium-well consistency, and it had some charred or grilled flavor going on with the patty, which we really enjoyed. The cheese was great — nice and melty, and the bacon had a crunchy consistency while still having some chew to it. Not super big The onions were nice and caramelized, but there weren’t many of them. The black bun was a bit hard to get over at first, but it kind of looked purple on the inside when you actually cut into it. Luckily, it was a normal potato bun that wasn’t anything to write home about. The chips served on the side were also quite familiar; they tasted like Lays Potato Chips (and probably were) so they weren’t too exciting, but they did the job. A solid burger! Enough about the food, we’ve gotta wash it all down with something right?! Drinks To wash everything down, we grabbed the Darkthorne Mead for $14. This is a blackcurrant-boysenberry session mead infused with pink peppercorn. Darkthorne Mead The Darkthorne Mead might be our new favorite drink of all time — for real! We almost wish it wasn’t alcoholic because we could chug this stuff, no joke. It’s got a grape-like flavor, and it’s kind of a fluorescent bluish purple, like an indigo. It’s got a great presentation and is served to you cold. This drink is a 10 out of 10, and we wish we could give it way, way, way more points. This is our new favorite drink Nosh or Not This Epic Universe restaurant is a must-visit if… You love all things Universal Monsters and want to experience all of Dark Universe. You’re looking for specialty drinks or beers. You’re in the mood for a snack while you’re in Darkmoor. You should skip this Epic Universe spot if… You’re looking for a sit-down meal. You’re really hungry and want a wide selection of eats. You want to be able to see what you’re eating while still being inside. Overall We were really impressed with Burning Blade Tavern! To us, this seems like a spot that is best for drinks and light bites while you’re still making your way around Epic Universe. It’s relatively quick — at least when we visited — which makes it a great pit stop for sustenance before you continue your day. We didn’t love the burger, but the mead, cheddar bites, and garlic stake were worth making another trip! Full spread at Burning Blade Tavern In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort, and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! A Definitive Ranking of Everything To Do in Dark Universe Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you eaten at this Epic Universe restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried the NEW Burning Blade Tavern at Universal's Epic Universe first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s so much more to Mobile Order than just skipping the line. Mobile Order pickup We’ve tested pretty much every Mobile Order trick in the book during our Disney World visits — and let me tell you, some of these hacks have totally changed how we eat in the parks. Whether you’re a park open-to-close kind of person or someone who takes mid-day breaks back at the resort, there’s a Mobile Order strategy that can save you time, stress, and maybe even your sanity. Here are five of our absolute favorite Mobile Order tips that we swear by. Hit “I’m Here” Before You’re Actually There Look, we’re not saying to lie to the app… but if you hit “I’m Here” about five minutes before you actually walk up to the restaurant, it can make a huge difference. By the time you are there, your food’s probably already being prepped or ready to grab. Mobile Order window It might not sound like much, but five minutes here and there adds up — especially on those days when your whole schedule is go-go-go. Just make sure you’re close enough that you’re not leaving your food sitting too long. No one likes soggy fries. Order Early and Schedule Like a Pro This one is a game changer if you’re someone who doesn’t like leaving things up to chance. Instead of trying to order food right when you’re hungry (along with the rest of the park), hop on the My Disney Experience app earlier in the day and place a Mobile Order for your lunch or dinner in advance. ©Disney You’ll be able to scroll through available pickup windows and choose one that works for you. We’ve locked in popular times at places like Columbia Harbour House or Woody’s Lunch Box hours in advance, then strolled up at mealtime with zero stress. No scrambling, no hangry vibes. Mobile Order Takeout From Table Service Spots Yep, a few table service restaurants at Disney World now let you order their food to go — and honestly, we’re shocked more people aren’t using this. You can Mobile Order from places like Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Kona Café at the Polynesian, pick it up, and eat wherever you want. ©Disney Want to have a little picnic outside? Cool. Want to bring your food back to your room in your pajamas? Even better. This is a solid option for anyone who doesn’t want to lock into a full sit-down dining experience but still wants something a step above standard quick service. Use the Filters (Seriously, Just Do It) When you first go to place a Mobile Order, the list of options can be… overwhelming. The app will usually default to what’s nearby or sort things by location, but here’s the key: use the filters. There’s a little “Filters” button in the top left corner of the Mobile Order screen, and it’s a small but mighty feature. ©Disney || The filters button is in the top left corner You can filter by location, but the real MVPs are “Nearby” and “Available Now.” These are lifesavers when you’re trying to grab something quickly without endlessly scrolling through every restaurant on property. ©Disney || Mobile Order page is now refined to show what is available to order now We use these filters constantly when we’re hopping between parks or just trying to find a snack we don’t have to wait 45 minutes to pick up. End Your Day With a Sweet Exit Strategy After a long day at Magic Kingdom, the last thing most people want to do is wait in another line for snacks. But what if we told you that you could Mobile Order from the Main Street Confectionery on your way out? It’s true — and it’s one of our favorite under-the-radar tricks. You can schedule an order ahead of time and just pop in to pick up your treats as you leave the park. This is especially clutch if you’re trying to catch the fireworks from Main Street — just order right before or during the show, then grab your goodies and go. We love the Main Street Confectionery! Mobile Order at Disney World isn’t just about skipping a line — it’s about knowing how to use the system to work for you. These five hacks are the ones we come back to again and again, and they’ve helped us eat better, save time, and avoid more than a few hangry meltdowns. Whether you’re a Disney first-timer or a seasoned passholder, there’s something here that can make your trip a little smoother. For more Disney hacks like these, make sure to continue to follow along with DFB! This Disney World Snack Trick Feels Illegal Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your best tips and tricks for using Mobile Order at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post I've Tried Every Mobile Order Hack for Disney World, and I'm Sharing My 5 Favorites first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Something BIG is changing in Disney World, and it could affect your upcoming Disney World hotel stay. Typhoon Lagoon As you may know, Disney World hotel guests get some pretty good perks. That includes Early Theme Park Entry for those staying at ALL Disney World hotels, as well as Extended Evening Hours for those staying in Deluxe hotels. However, there’s a new perk that just started this year, which guests can also take advantage of for FREE. Heads up; that perk is changing a little on May 1st. Let’s talk about it. Disney World hotel guests can currently get free tickets to Disney World’s water parks on the day of their arrival. Right now, that means that hotel guests can visit Blizzard Beach water park. Although Disney World has TWO water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), we haven’t seen both open at the same time since 2020. Generally, Disney will close one water park for refurbishment while the other is open. Blizzard Beach On May 1st, though, Blizzard Beach will be closing for refurbishment, while Typhoon Lagoon will reopen. If you’re visiting Disney World on May 1st, the water park perk will be available at Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon Lagoon HOWEVER, that will change on May 21st when Blizzard Beach will reopen, while Typhoon Lagoon remains open, making it the first time in six years that both water parks will be open at the same time. That means if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel on May 21st or later, you’ll be able to choose which water park you want to visit for FREE on the day of check-in. Castaway Creek at Typhoon Lagoon You’ll probably want to go ahead and start thinking over which water park you’ll want to visit before you head to Disney World if you’re going to be staying at a Disney World hotel. For the first time since this new perk was announced, you’ll have options. 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. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach — Disney World Water Parks Showdown 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 water park do you prefer? Share with us in the comments! The post ALERT! HUGE Hotel Perk Change Coming SOON to Disney World (and You’re Gonna LOVE It!) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning your first trip to Disney World — DON’T WORRY! We’re here to help! Magic Kingdom Planning a trip to Disney World can be tricky, whether or not it’s your first visit. Perhaps the hardest part of planning is making the money work. Let’s face the facts: a Disney World vacation is never going to be cheap, especially if you’re covering costs for more than just yourself. While the cost anxiety of a Disney World vacation is very real, we’re here to provide some advice that might ease your worries. When it comes to evaluating Disney World costs, there are some things you can’t really cut around, like park tickets. However, you actually have a lot more control of cost than you might realize… Budget The first tip is simple: Budget. ©Disney Figure out what you want to do at Disney World. Figure out where you want to stay, where you want to eat, what kind of upgrades you want to pay for, how much money you want to spend on souvenirs, etc. Your intended itinerary will yield estimated costs, and you can start tailoring down what you’re willing to spend on. Main Street USA Understand your financial limitations and go from there. Disney World can be done on all sorts of budgets, so don’t be discouraged if you have to cut down your ideal itinerary a bit. Columbia Harbour House For example, you don’t need to eat at the most expensive restaurants every night and still find really great quality at more affordable restaurants. Look for Airfare Deals Depending on where you’re traveling from, airfare can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re traveling with a family. We recommend keeping an eye out year-round for deals. Let’s fly! Airlines will have deals all throughout the year. Keep on eye on consumer-friendly seasons like summer deals in the spring and Black Friday from all kinds of airlines, such as budget airlines like Spirit or favorites like Southwest. Orlando International Airport According to experts, to get the best rates, you should book your airfare within 2-3 months of departure for domestic flights and over 90 days out for international travel. Alter Length of Stay You may have heard this before: You can’t do everything in Disney World in one trip. Not only is that true, but it may take you several trips to do everything on your to-do list, let alone everything. Because of this, you might be tempted to do a longer stay. Disney’s Contemporary Resort With longer stays and park visits, ticket prices will decrease, so in the long run you’ll be saving cash — but only if you’re going to the parks for basically a week-plus. And this can only really be considered a true savings if you’re a local. The longer the stay, the more you’ll pay in the parks and the more you’ll pay for your hotel (which will likely be super pricey) and food. Art of Animation If you’re worried about costs to the point of anxiety, consider a shorter trip. You can also return to Disney World when you have more money to play with and you’ll still have an amazing experience, regardless of the length of stay. Stay at Universal or Off-Property Disney World hotels can be incredibly expensive. Even the cheapest hotels you’re looking at around $200-300 per night if you’re lucky. If you want any semblance of luxury, those numbers skyrocket. Universal Stella Nova Universal Orlando’s hotels are operated by Loews and are all much more cost-effective than Disney World’s. The bottom tier of Universal hotels are also pretty nice despite the lower price point, and if you plan on visiting the Universal parks, they’re conveniently located with their own set of Universal perks. If not, you’re still a reasonable drive or rideshare to the Disney Parks. Swan and Dolphin Hotels Similarly, Good Neighbor hotels are local hotels that partner with Disney and are usually much more affordable. These hotels also have their own transportation and many include the same perks you’d get at one of Disney’s hotels. Consider the Disney Dining Plan We briefly talked about food, and that’s fair considering it’ll take up a huge portion of your budget. That’s where the Disney Dining Plan can help. The Disney Dining Plan is back! There are two plans: Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following: 2 Quick-Service Meals (per night of stay) 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay) 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug Disney Dining Plan Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following: 1 Quick-Service Meal (per night of stay) 1 Table-Service Meal (per night of stay) 1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay) 1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug Coral Reef Restaurant The Disney Dining Plan isn’t for everyone, so you’ll have to do your homework to see if it’s right for you and your family. However, Disney World often offers a promotion where you can get the plan FOR FREE with select hotel and ticket packages. In 2025, the dates where this offer qualified are June 29th through September 30th, October 20th through November 1st, and December 6th through the 22nd. To see which hotels qualify for which plan, refer to the Disney Dining Plan website. Plan Where are you going to eat? How much are you willing to spend? Do you need souvenirs? Are you shelling out on Lightning Lanes and other upgrades? What kind of essentials might you need to purchase during the trip? Planning it all out takes away from the magic, but if you’re like the rest us and don’t have unlimited money, it’s crucial. Create a budget for food, goodies, and perks and you’ll give yourself so much more control of your vacation. Cinderella Castle A Disney World vacation will never be “cheap”, but you can have a full understanding of the costs by planning ahead and staying up-to-date on all the latest Resort developments. We’re happy to keep you in the know and help you get the most out of your vacation, so be sure to stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog! 9 ESSENTIAL Rules You Need To Know For Your First Trip 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 are some tips you have for saving money at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post The New First Timer Travel Anxiety in Disney World: "Can I Afford a Trip?" first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to planning your trips, how you get there is important! Let’s fly! Southwest has gone through some big changes, experts are expecting prices to drop, and it’s hard to decide which airline is the best to travel with. Luckily, someone else has done the math for us, and we finally know which airlines are the best in 2025! WalletHub has released its rankings for the best airlines in 2025, and these results might surprise you! When it comes to picking a flight, cost, safety, reliability, and comfort all play a part in which airline is getting your money. Flight costs went up last year, and the number of people traveling dipped in the first quarter of 2025. Southwest Cabin As people become more particular about how and when they travel, choosing an airline to trust is becoming more and more important. To help you choose your airline based on what matters most to you, this year’s Best of 2025 list is broken down into 6 categories. Starting off, Spirit Airlines snatched the spot for Best Overall! ©Spirit Airlines Spirit scored a 69.12 overall score out of 100, thanks to an overall combination of comfort, affordability, safety, reliability, and even the age of their fleet. Spirit also took the number one spot for affordability (which wasn’t a huge surprise to us!). Spirit Airlines at Orlando Airport When it comes to the most reliable airline, Delta Air Lines is number one! This airline has the “lowest rate of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage, and denied boardings.” That can be a huge factor when it comes to booking with confidence. ©Getty Images Looking for the most comfortable airline? JetBlue Airways and Hawaiian Airlines tied in the number one spot! Both of these airlines offer “free amenities such as Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks and beverages.” Are you traveling with your furry friend? They covered that too! ©JetBlue The most pet-friendly airline was a three-way tie between SkyWest Airlines, United Airlines, and Envoy Air! None of these airlines had any pet-related incidents. (It’s important to note Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit don’t transport pets.) Southwest Airlines Finally, Spirit brought it home again by being the safest airline of 2025! Frontier Airlines was the runner-up in this category. If planning sounds stressful, consider using a travel agent! Small World Vacations finds the best deals, handles the stress, and makes your trip even better, all free of charge! As far as choosing an airline goes, if you’re looking for safety and affordability, Spirit is the way to go. If you need extra legroom or amenities, though, this airline might be a skip. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more travel news and updates! Experts Predict Prices Will Drop SOON on Flights 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 Which airline is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post You'll Never Guess Which Airline Was Voted #1 for 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This year, cast members at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World, are celebrating the honor of retaining their status as a MICHELIN star restaurant! For over 20 years cast have provided a signature dining experience known for its lavish setting, offering a multi-course dining experience that features carefully curated menus with premium and sustainable ingredients sourced from around the world. Maître d’Hôtel and Walt Disney Legacy Award Winner Israel Perez showcases the current Victoria & Albert’s seasonal menu “The ingredients drive the menu,” Chef de Cuisine and Walt Disney Legacy Award Winner Matthew Sowers explains. “We use the freshest seafood and highest quality meat from across the globe as the base of our dishes. For example, the Glacier 51 Toothfish on the current menu can only be found in the Arctic more than one mile under the ocean’s surface.” Creating an experience where timeless traditions seamlessly blend with modern culinary artistry takes teamwork, and there’s no shortage of it in the Victoria & Albert’s kitchen. Guests are served a wide range of small courses inspired by the culinary team’s travels, cultural backgrounds and personal stories. “The Miyazaki A-5 Wagyu on the current menu is inspired by Chef Miguel’s Venezuelan roots. During the winter months, beef and cabbage are staple ingredients in his family’s meals,” shares Sharon, a cast member who has served at the restaurant for over 20 years. “And the Norwegian King Crab is a nod to Chef Gabriella’s home country of Norway. We have Chefs from all over the world bringing their stories to life in every dish – curating a fine dining experience in a way only Disney can.” Sharon, a 22-year cast member at Victoria & Albert’s showing the plated wagyu with a celebratory pour Always evolving, the menu of Disney’s MICHELIN star restaurant shifts with the season, delighting returning guests with new and unique flavors every time every visit. With a world-class wine collection boasting over 500 selections, each course is thoughtfully paired to enhance the experience from start to finish. But ask the team what they believe is the secret to their success, and you won’t hear them talk about stars or awards. “It’s because we’re a family. We all really do care for the restaurant and each other,” says Chef Nathan, who moved from Pennsylvania to Florida to join the Victoria & Albert’s culinary team due to its strong reputation. “Every single one of us goes above and beyond. We have a shared vision of excellence.” Victoria & Albert’s remains the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star. The cast are an incredible example of how Walt Disney World continues to raise the bar for exceptional dining – from iconic Disney-themed snacks and immersive restaurants in the parks, to unforgettable fine dining experiences like this one. Congratulations to the cast of Victoria & Albert’s on this extraordinary distinction! The post Disney’s MICHELIN Star Restaurant: Victoria & Albert’s Retains MICHELIN Star Rating in 2025 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If you’re headed to Disney World this summer, you might be faced with a problem! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Staying at a Disney hotel comes with a lot of great perks like free transportation, Disney theming, and extra time in the parks. In 2025, free water park access was added to those perks! This year, Disney hotel guests are getting access to the water parks on the day that they check in to their hotel for free. But, for some guests, this might cause an issue. On your day of check-in, you and the party linked to your hotel reservation will each receive FREE admission to one of Disney World’s water parks! Disney states in there that tickets are based on availability, which means that if the park is closed for refurbishment or cold weather, you may not be able to use this perk. However, your choices just doubled for the water parks. Blizzard Beach It’s been a long time since we’ve seen both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open at the same time, but from May 21 to September 7, 2025, they’ll both be up and running. This hasn’t happened since 2019, and if you’re a water park fan, this is huge. So, what’s the problem? Typhoon Lagoon Well, your free water park ticket is only good for ONE park — you cannot visit both on check-in day. Guests will have to choose which park to visit. While this is a good problem to face, it’s still another thing guests will need to plan for this summer when heading to Disney World. Blizzard Beach If you need help planning your Disney World vacation, our friends over at Small World Vacations can do a great job. Their planners will answer your questions and help you plan one magical trip. Reach out to them for a FREE quote. For more Disney World news, make sure you follow along with us at DFB! Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach — Disney World Water Parks Showdown 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 Which Disney World water park would you choose and why? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. The post The New Problem That's Suddenly Plaguing Disney World Hotel Guests first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Cruise Line has shared the progress on visual elements of its Disney Destiny ship, particularly the Marvel characters that will be found on – and just outside – the vessel. “We are actively in construction right now. All the blocks of the ship have been assembled, so we’re now moving to the interior of the ship, starting to install finishes,” Beth Burkhardt, principal interior designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, said during a showcase about Destiny while aboard the docked Disney Wish ship at Port Canaveral. “Each day these spaces are starting to come to life, which is very exciting,” she said. The new ship, set to sail in November, is currently still at the manufacturer in Germany. Disney is overlaying a “heroes and villains” theme throughout the Destiny. That starts/ends out the back with Spider-Man clinging to Destiny, much like Goofy bringing up the rear for Disney Magic, Dumbo with Disney Fantasy and Rapunzel on Disney Wish. “It’s our first-ever Marvel stern character,” Burkhardt said. “And, as always, we love to have a fun, whimsical twist to all of them.” In this case, the stern character ensemble will include Spider-Bots. “Some of the spider-bots have a snorkel mask or a life preserver around their waist. They’re having a great time,” Burkhardt said. She shared a making-of video for Spidey and friends, and she said the figures were en route to Germany to be installed on the ship. The Grand Hall of Destiny will have multiple “Black Panther” touches. “Another Marvel first on board Disney Cruise Line is our Grand Hall character T’Challa,” Burkhardt said. “He actually has a black panther that’s standing next to him, which is symbolic of all of the different Black Panthers.” Like on other DCL ships, the T’Challa is a bronze sculpture, but it has a darker patina that brings out silver accents in his suit. There are purple accents, too, representing vibranium, an energy-absorbing ore that’s part of the Marvel Universe. “You can see the vibranium activating his suit. … So he’s powering up and ready to have an adventure,” Burkhardt said. A recently released rendering of Destiny’s Grand Hall – which features a vibranium-powered chandelier – includes the character of Loki, villainous brother of Thor. It’s a signal that good and evil may lurk in that space thanks to special effects. “Lighting is used in a completely new way. … So if you see a hero or villain in the space, it’ll feel completely different,” Burkhardt said. The Sanctum is inspired by the sorcerers and mystical artifacts of Doctor Strange. The parlor offer an array of cocktails, mocktails and coffees. (Walt Disney Co.)Elsewhere, the ship’s Sanctum Lounge is inspired by the Doctor Strange character. “There are some great design details from the Chamber of Relics. We really leaned into that space in the film to inspire the look and feel of the space,” Burkhardt said. “We also have those suspended books on the bookshelves like where Doctor Strange goes to study at Kamar-Taj and have the books with all the sorcery in them.” There’s more superhero action with an Iron Man-inspired suite and the Marvel Super Hero Academy area for young passengers. Other character touches on the 4,000-passenger ship include a piano lounge with Cruella De Vil, “Hercules” and “Frozen” stage shows and themed dining called Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King. Among the tunes the ship’s horns can play are “Captain America March” and “The Glory Days” from “The Incredibles.” And Disney revealed a superhero costume, complete with cape, for Minnie Mouse. A new costume will help Minnie Mouse get into the "heroes and villains" spirit of Disney Destiny ship. (Kent Phillips/Walt Disney Co.)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 heating up — and so is Disney World. EPCOT If you’ve got a trip planned in the next few months, you’re gonna want to know about a few key changes coming to the parks and resorts. We’re talking new parades, water park perks, early access surprises, and even a sweet luggage deal for Southwest flyers. Whether you’re staying on-site or just popping in for the day, these updates could totally shift how you plan your Disney days. Here’s what’s new (and what you need to know). A Brand-New Nighttime Parade Is Headed to Magic Kingdom Later this summer, Magic Kingdom is getting a serious nighttime glow-up. The brand-new “Disney Starlight” parade will light up the streets, and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio is the one bringing it all to life. Expect to see characters from Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan, too. Disney hasn’t shared the full lineup yet, but let’s just say… if you’re hanging around after dark, this could be your new favorite parade. ©Disney We’ll keep you posted on the official debut date, but for now — plan to stick around after the fireworks. BOTH Water Parks Will Be Open (Yep, Both) This is big. For the first time since 2019, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time — from May 21st through September 7th. So if you’ve been flip-flopping between wave pool or lazy river, you no longer have to choose. Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach And get this: Starting in 2025, all Disney Resort hotel guests will get free water park admission on their check-in day. That’s not a typo. Just show your hotel reservation, and each person registered to the room gets free access to one of the water parks. It’s a solid way to start your trip off without burning a full park ticket. Early Entry Just Got an Upgrade If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you already get Early Theme Park Entry, meaning you can enter any park 30 minutes before it officially opens. But now? That 30 minutes might be more powerful than ever. Early entry sign! Over at Magic Kingdom, you can now get in line for rides that don’t even open until regular park hours. For example, TRON Lightcycle / Run doesn’t open until 9 AM, but you can queue up during that early entry window at 8:30 AM. Bonus: they’re even letting guests store their gear in lockers starting around 8:45 AM. So if you’re strategic, you could be one of the first on TRON — without sprinting at rope drop. TRON Lightcycle / Run opens at 9 AM Also worth noting: characters are starting to appear earlier, too. During early entry, you might catch a few meet-and-greets before the park officially opens, especially in Magic Kingdom. New Airport Luggage Transfer (for Some Guests) This next perk is still in testing, but it’s worth keeping an eye on if you’re flying Southwest and staying at a Value Resort. NEW PERK! Here’s how it works: if you’re staying at one of the five participating Value Resorts — Pop Century, Art of Animation, or any of the All-Stars — you can drop off your checked baggage with Luggage Assistance at your hotel. Disney will then deliver your bags straight to Orlando International Airport and check them in for your Southwest flight. You skip the airline counter and head straight to security. The luggage assistance desk! It’s ONLY for Southwest flyers and only for certain hotels, and you’ll need to follow the check-in timing exactly. But if you qualify, this could save a ton of time and hassle on departure day. Summer Just Got More Kid-Friendly From May 27 to September 1, Disney’s adding some limited-time “kid zones” to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT — and they’re actually pretty cool. Stitch In Magic Kingdom, Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland will have new areas for kids to run around, meet characters (Stitch is confirmed!), and burn off some energy without standing in a line. And over at EPCOT, Goofy is hosting a game party in the air-conditioned CommuniCore Hall once Flower & Garden wraps up. Hiya Goofy! The best part? These are super low-effort ways to let your kids play while you take a breather — and some character interactions might happen during early entry, too. Disney+ Subscribers Get Hotel Deals (But Gotta Act Fast) If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, don’t sleep on this one. You can get discounted hotel rooms this summer for stays between June 29 and July 31, 2025, as long as you book at least two nights. Here’s a peek at some of the rates: $99/night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort $169/night for Woods View at Port Orleans – Riverside $229/night for a Cars Family Suite at Art of Animation $249/night for a Deluxe Studio at Saratoga Springs $339/night for Savanna View at Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge The catch? These rooms are limited, and they will sell out fast. You’ll need to show proof of your Disney+ subscription, and the deal doesn’t apply to certain room types (like 3-bedroom villas or some standard views). So if you’re interested, move quickly. So… What’s the Move? If you’re planning a Disney World trip this summer or into 2025, you’ll definitely want to keep these updates in mind. Free water park admission, earlier ride access, character time before park open, and new stuff for kids? These changes could seriously level up your trip — or at least help you skip some lines and save a few bucks. 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’m Using This Free Disney Hotel Perk for the WRONG Reasons, and I Have Zero Regrets. 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 at Disney World this summer 2025? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 NEW Summer Procedures Will Go Into Effect in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Kids and kids at heart, look away, another Disney classic is being turned into a horror movie! ©Disney Over the past few years we have seen popular Disney characters get thrown into, to put it bluntly, interesting horror movies. Characters like Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse have made their way into the horror genre, and now another Disney fan-favorite is next. STOP RUINING OUR CHILDHOODS! It looks like the cave of wonders will become the cave of horrors, as Deadline reports a new horror movie inspired by the Disney classic Aladdin is now in the works. The film will be called Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, and production has already begun — so no there’s no going back now. ©Deadline The movie will be a dark, twisted, and supernatural reimagining of the story of Aladdin. Empire Studios, Every Entertainment, and 8th Law Pictures will be producing the film. The filming will start in late May of 2025, and it will take place in the UK. ©Disney (Our honest reaction) Let’s take a look at the film synopsis as a whole: “A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made.” ©Disney Producer of the film, Charley McDougall, stated, “We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes.” He also went on to say, “This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does. It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the characters — it’s all there.” ©Disney It’s pretty obvious that this will not be anything like the Disney animated movie! As production continues, we’ll start to hear more about the film (although we don’t know if we want to). Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog, you never know who will fall victim to the horror genre next! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be watching this new Aladdin horror movie? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is No Cave Of Wonders -- 'Aladdin' Horror Movie In The Works first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Even more movies and TV shows are headed to Disney+ next month! ©Disney In honor of May 4th, Disney+ is celebrating with all-new releases of “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld.” Plus, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be available to stream starting in May! Let’s take a look at everything that you can stream this month! Thursday, May 1 Rise Up, Sing Out (Shorts) (Season 2, 7 episodes) Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Friday, May 2 Genghis Khan: The Secret History of the Mongols (Season one, 6 episodes) Saturday, May 3 Doctor Who (Season 2, Episode 4) Sunday, May 4 Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld (All episodes streaming) Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Disneyland Resort Celebrate 70 years of imagination and unforgettable storytelling at Disneyland Park by journeying through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This immersive P.O.V. experience invites you to explore Batuu after hours, where droids work diligently, heroes emerge, and the First Order looms around almost every corner. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Disneyland Resort Celebrate 70 years of Disneyland imagination with a cinematic ride-along through Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This P.O.V. journey shows how seven decades of innovation can bring science fiction to life! Your mission begins on Batuu and quickly escalates into a daring escape from the clutches of the First Order. Do you have what it takes to rise with the Resistance? ©Disney Tuesday, May 6 Andor (Season 2) Three new episodes at 6 PM PT Wednesday, May 7 Broken Karaoke (Season 3, 2 episodes) Firebuds (Season 2, 2 episodes) Hamster & Gretel (Season 2, 12 episodes) Big City Greens (Season 4, 1 episode) 100th Episode Friday, May 9 History’s Greatest of All Time with Peyton Manning (Season 1, 8 episodes) The Toys That Built America (Season 3, 12 episodes) The UnXplained (Season 7, 6 episodes) WWE Rivals (Season 2, 10 episodes) WWE Rivals (Season 4, 6 episodes) Saturday, May 10 Doctor Who (Season 2) Episode 5 Tuesday, May 13 Andor (Season 2) Season Finale at 6 PM PT ©Disney Saturday, May 17 Doctor Who (Season 2) Episode 6 Monday, May 19 Tucci in Italy — Premiere – All Episodes Streaming Tuesday, May 20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Pet Hotel (S1, 5 episodes) Premiere – New Short-Form Series Saturday, May 24 Doctor Who (Season 2) Episode 7 Wednesday, May 28 Me & Winnie the Pooh (S2, 6 episodes) Playdate with Winnie the Pooh (S2, 5 episodes) Saturday, May 31 How Not to Draw (S3, 4 episodes) Doctor Who (Season 2) Season Finale at 11am PT We are always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so make sure to continue to follow along with us here at the Disney Food Blog!! When Will the Live-Action ‘Snow White’ Be on Disney+? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a Disney+ subscriber? Let us know in the comments!The post Everything Coming to Disney+ in May 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

For those of you already planning your 2025 Disney World trip, heads up: a few popular perks are officially returning, and a couple new ones are sneaking in too. Cinderella’s Castle Whether you’re staying at a Disney resort or flying Southwest, there’s something here that might make your trip smoother (and a little cheaper). From free water park access to a potentially game-changing luggage service, we’ve got the details. Let’s break down the Disney World perks you’ll definitely want to take advantage of next year. Free Water Park Admission on Your Arrival Day In 2025, every registered guest staying at a Disney World resort hotel gets free admission to one of Disney’s water parks on the day they check in. That’s right — before you even unpack your suitcase, you can head straight to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach and cool off without paying a cent extra. Blizzard Beach And speaking of water parks, here’s the exciting part: both water parks will be open at the same time from May 21st to September 7th, 2025. That hasn’t happened since 2019. So if you’ve missed that epic wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon or the ski-slope vibes at Blizzard Beach, this is your chance. Early Theme Park Entry…with a Bonus Early Theme Park Entry has been around for a while, but it’s getting a very useful update in 2025. Resort guests can still enter the parks 30 minutes early — nothing new there. But here’s the kicker: at Magic Kingdom, even if a ride doesn’t open during that window, you can still hop in line for it. Early entry sign! Let’s use TRON Lightcycle / Run as an example. It doesn’t start running until 9 AM, but if you have Early Entry access, you can get in line before then — and even get your locker stuff sorted around 8:45 AM. So when 9 AM hits, you’re one of the first people on. No need to speed walk across the park at rope drop and hope for the best. TRON Lightcycle / Run opens at 9 AM If you’ve got your eye on the big-ticket rides, this gives you a huge leg up. Just know that rope drop for popular attractions like TRON might still feel intense, even during Early Entry. A New Luggage Perk for Value Resort Guests (If You Fly Southwest) This one is still in testing, but it could be a game-changer — especially if you hate dragging your bags through the airport. Disney’s piloting a NEW Airport Luggage Transfer service just for guests staying at Disney’s Value Resorts (we’re talking Pop Century, the All-Stars, and Art of Animation). The luggage assistance desk! If you’re flying Southwest Airlines out of Orlando International Airport, you can check your bags at your hotel before you leave. Disney takes care of the rest — your bags are sent to the airport, checked in for your flight, and you just pick them up at baggage claim when you get home. No waiting in check-in lines, no hauling heavy bags through MCO. NEW PERK! Important things to know: You must be staying at a Disney Value Resort It only works with Southwest flights departing from Orlando You’ll need your boarding pass and photo ID when you drop your bags at Luggage Assistance Drop-off times vary, but Disney encourages doing it the night before your flight It’s not perfect — this service doesn’t work for getting your luggage from the airport to your hotel. But for the return trip, it’s one less thing to worry about. Limited-Time Kid Zones Are Coming This Summer If you’ve got littles in tow, Disney is adding something new just for them. From May 27 to September 1, select areas of Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will get special kid-focused “zones.” Think character meet-and-greets, activities, and spots where your kids can just run around and play. Stitch at Tomorrowland In Magic Kingdom, look for these in Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland, with characters like Stitch popping in. Over at EPCOT, Goofy will be hosting a game party inside the air-conditioned CommuniCore Hall. (Yes, we said air-conditioned. Yes, we know how clutch that is.) Goofy! Bonus: Disney Resort guests might get even more character time during Early Entry. Characters are expected to show up earlier than usual, so keep that camera ready. 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 Spent $449 For This Disney World Perk, and I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat 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 heading to Disney World in 2025? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 Disney World Perks That Are Returning in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you counting down the days until you are at Disney World? Magic Kingdom When planning your Disney World vacation, there are a lot of things you’ll be doing to prepare. Booking Lightning Lanes, scheduling dining reservations, and making your packing list. It can be overwhelming, but we are here to help! We created the Amazon cart of your dreams for your trip, 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. If you are heading to Disney World soon and need to do some online shopping, do a free trial of Amazon Prime. Just click the link below! Grab Our Go-To Poncho For Disney World Frogg Toggs Poncho This Frogg Togg Reusable Poncho is a must have for those rainy days in Disney World. It is breathable and can easily be folded back up for the next time you need it. Don’t spend extra money on buying a poncho at the parks. Come prepared with this one instead. View on Amazon This Portable Fan is Perfect for Summer! Jisulife Mini-fan When you’re standing in those long lines and it’s summer, you’ll be so thankful you have this rechargeable fan. It is mini-sized so it can fit in any park bag and come in handy whenever you need it. It is also a portable charger. View on Amazon FuelRods Can Save You in The Parks! FuelRod Fuel Rod stations are all over Disney World, making it easy to carry around a Fuel Rod Charger with you! Once that one is dead, just head to a kiosk and switch it out for FREE! This will save your phone battery while using it to book Lightning Lanes and check wait times. View on Amazon Easily Organize Your Park Bag With This! Look how much it fits! If you are a Loungefly lover, this Loungefly Organizer is a must. It has so many pockets in it, creating space for all of your essentials. It can easily be slipped in and out of your bag, so if you have multiple Loungeflys, no need to unpack and repack everything every night. View on Amazon Grab This Supergoop Setting Powder ©Amazon This setting powder will keep your makeup fresh in that hot Florida sun. It also has 35 SPF, so it will protect your skin from those UV rays at the same time. We love how small it is, making it easy to carry with you. View on Amazon Our Go-To Water Bottle For Hydration! Our signed water bottle! Owala bottles are a great option for a water bottle on your park days. It gets really hot somedays and this large bottle will help keep you hydrated. TIP: Order the white one like us and use it to get signatures from characters. View on Amazon Keep Your Pins Organized With This! ©Amazon You can store, display, and trade pins with the PinFolio Mini Show, a high-quality, compact pin display binder designed to showcase enamel pin collections. This will fit in your park bag, making it easy to pin trade. View on Amazon These Shoe Covers Won’t Let Rain Get You Down! Waterproof shoe covers These Waterproof Shoe Covers have saved us in a big rainstorm. They keep our feet dry even when the Disney parks flood, which can happen sometimes. You will be thankful you packed these and won’t have to change out your shoes. View on Amazon Keep Your Minnie Ears Handy With This! Ear Holder This Ear Holder will allow you to attach your Minnie Ears to any bag. If you need to remove them for a ride or for the weather, this will allow you to carry them around with you with ease. View on Amazon These Reusable Straws Will Save You at Disney! We LOOOVE reusable straws! Disney World primarily uses paper straws for its beverages, but we all know they can dissolve quickly, leaving you with a mess. Instead, pack your own reusable straws like these. They come with four cases and two cleaning brushes, making it a breeze to pack. View on Amazon These Reusable Utensils are Perfect For Your Trip! Reusable Utensils During festivals at EPCOT, you might be snacking around the world. Instead of always hunting down a fork, grab this reusable utensil set. You can keep them clean with their case too. View on Amazon Grab These Collapsible Containers for Leftovers ©Amazon Speaking of EPCOT festivals, if you have leftovers from a dish that you want to snack on later, pack these collapsible containers. They will not take up space until you fill them with food. This is perfect if you have kids too. View on Amazon This MagicBand Charger Will Save You! ©Amazon This portable charger can charge multiple devices at once, including MagicBand+. This will make it easy to charge everyone’s bands every night before a long park day. View on Amazon Grab This Flat Plug Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip This Flat Plug Power Strip will give you even more space to change those devices. It comes will 3 plugs, 2 USB-As, and 2 USB-Cs. This will easily fit in your suitcase and you’ll be so glad you have more. View on Amazon Packing Cubes Really Work in Saving Space! ©Amazon Packing cubes are a big game-changer when packing for your trip. This set of 2 will help keep your outfits organized and fit nicely in your carry on bag. View on Amazon This Pop Up Laundry Hamper for Organization ©Amazon A pop-up hamper like this one makes it easy to keep your hotel room clean. It’s also perfect if you want to do laundry while at Disney World. View on Amazon Order This Toiletry Organizer ©Amazon This toiletry hanger will keep all of your products organized. It is also great to hang on the towel rack or back of the bathroom door to create more counter space. View on Amazon Wake Up Early In Style! ©Amazon This Reacher Alarm Clock is so lightweight and easy to pack with you. This clock allows 5-60 minutes before your alarm time, the sunrise analog light will gradually turn on from 1% brightness to 100%. Wake up feeling refreshed and energized each morning. With those early Disney mornings, this is great! View on Amazon For more Disney essentials and souvenirs, be sure to check out our Amazon Storefront below. We update it regularly with our favorite items. Looking for More Disney World Essentials? View Our Amazon Storefront Here!The post Packing for Disney World? We Built Your Dream Amazon Cart first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time to visit one of our favorite places in Disney World! Tiny Train Town! That’s right, we’re heading to EPCOT’S tiny train town! This little village is full of nonsense, malarkey, and general tomfoolery, and we love stopping by to see what’s going on. What’s been happening this week? Let’s check it out! First of all, Madam Mayor is BACK, baby! I’ve been on a short hiatus to take care of my own tiny human recently, but now I’m back on the job — ready to tell these tiny train town people who’s boss and restore some order in the itty bitty city. Many thanks to Interim Mayor Robin, who kept you guys in the loop while I was gone! Guess who’s back, back again?! Now, it’s time for some updates! In the most heinous of crimes, I came upon a bovine murder scene. Clearly, some of the town’s farmers were having it out, and the ensuing battle resulted in the death of an innocent cow. The murderer has been locked up in the town jail, and to him I say — “Dishonor on you, dishonor on YOUR cow!” Bovine MURDER When I stopped by to check on the town’s jug band, I found a fairly happy surprise — they have some new members! It looks like the band has added some vocalists, and they’ve even got a dog mascot now. Thankfully, they all seemed to be getting along (unlike the days of the jug band scandal a few months ago). The jug band! Of course, I also had to check in on Little Suzie, who is (as ever) living her incredibly dangerous daredevil life on top of the town’s watchtower. As you may recall, she was adopted by one of our town’s law enforcement officers a while back, but it seems that he was busy dealing with the cow murder case, and she was able to escape to her favorite place — the edge of the watchtower where there’s no guardrail. Good grief, little Suzie. On the bright side, it seems as though some of our residents took my absence as the perfect time to start sprucing things up. A group of farmers planted some grass along the rail lines — the perfect place for some grazing cows or for an afternoon picnic. Maybe we can get the jug band to come play over here for an afternoon soiree! Town improvement? And finally, I made a stop in the town square, where several of the residents were waiting to greet me and welcome me back. You guuuuuys! You shouldn’t have! I’m gonna cry. I’m so glad to see you again. I love these little guys! I’ll make sure to check back in with the tiny train town during my next visit to EPCOT so stay tuned to DFB. And if you’re heading to EPCOT, check out our list of must-dos in the park for 2025! Keep following along here for more tiny town shenanigans! Check Out More Tiny Train Town Stories 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 Have you visited the tiny train town in Disney World recently? Tell us what you saw in the comments! The post “I Leave You Guys for FIVE MINUTES…” — A Mayor’s Lament of EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

These ALDI Finds will be available from April 23rd until April 29th, so if you see something that catches your fancy, make sure you head over to ALDI next week! ©ALDI There are a lot of great deals for travel essentials, including some that will come in handy even when you aren’t traveling. Plus, there are some gorgeous LEGO sets and even some Churro Bites. Let’s take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. It is never too early to plan your next Disney World vacation! Part of the planning process is ensuring everyone has the travel items they need. ALDI has a couple of deals next week that will come in handy, starting with Lily & Dan Toddler Trekking Sandals. These sandals are available in multiple colors and are perfect for the summer (and to help feet dry fast if you get stuck in the rain!). ©ALDI Serra Ladies Sandals are also available for less than $10. These sandals allow your feet to breathe while you look stylish. They are available in several colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your outfits. ©ALDI You can also grab some Serra Soft Bras. It is always a good idea to have a backup bra or two. You never know when you might want to switch to a fresh bra, and this two-pack from ALDI is a great deal. You can choose from different colors, and they are less than $5 per bra. ©ALDI Chances are, if you are heading to Disney World in the summer, you will be caught in a rainstorm almost daily. Bringing the proper rain gear will help you have a much more enjoyable time during the afternoon thunderstorms. You can grab some fun, automatic umbrellas from ALDI next week, so you will be prepared for the next rainy day! ©ALDI For less than $10, you can also pick up a Serra Cosmetic Bag. This bag will help you organize your bathroom items and keep it all easily accessible. It is perfect for packing in your carry-on or popping in your checked baggage. ©ALDI Or, if you want an affordable and stylish cosmetic bag delivered to your home, you can also grab this MAXTOP Cosmetic Bag from Amazon. You can choose from three different colors, and you don’t even need to put on clothes to get it! ©Amazon The cosmetic bag has multiple pockets and compartments to ensure your cosmetics are organized and secure. Plus, it is water resistant and has a carrying handle. Get this cosmetic bag here! If you are looking to bring some of the Disney parks back to your home, you can grab Churro Bites next week! The churro bites are even filled with chocolate hazelnut cream. Our fingers are crossed that these churro bites are Disneyland level churros and not Disney World level churros, though. ©ALDI Additionally, you can also pick up two different LEGO Botanical Sets. One of the sets is a Premium Plum Blossom with 327 pieces. ©ALDI And the other is a Premium Mini Orchid with 274 pieces. They are both gorgeous and would look great displayed in your home once you finish building! ©ALDI You can also find the Premium Mini Orchid Set on Amazon for less than it is at ALDI, and it will be delivered straight to your front door! ©Amazon We are loving the colors, and we think this would make the perfect addition to your LEGO collection, and it is less than $25! Get this LEGO set here! Stay tuned to DFB for more ALDI and Amazon finds! Check out some of our favorite Disney essentials on our Amazon storefront!The post You Can Get CHURRO BITES Next Week at ALDI! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is not the only Disney resort celebrating a big birthday this year. Hong Kong Disneyland will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. ©Hong Kong Disneyland In honor of that big anniversary, the resort is kicking off the Most Magical Party of All, a year-long celebration that will feature an all-new parade and more! Well, Disney just dropped even MORE details about this big party. The Most Magical Party of All officially kicks off on June 28th and will give guests a “day-to-night magical party that builds excitement as the day unfolds,” according to Paul Rivet, Executive Director, Entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. There will be three HUGE entertainment experiences “elevating the party vibes to an unprecedented level!” The party kicks off with the brand-new “Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle.” This 15-minute show promises to be “electrifying” with a concert with high-energy music, dancing, and interactive moments in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams. Mickey and Friends, along with Duffy and Friends, will also be sporting brand-new 20th anniversary party outfits. They will be joined by Disney Princesses Aurora, Tiana, and Belle in brand new outfits, too. The show features two new original songs, the 20th anniversary anthem, LED screens, giant balloons, fog, pyrotechnics, and more! ©Hong Kong Disneyland The party will also feature a brand new parade called “Friendtastic!” This 30-minute parade will have 11 floats and over 100 performers, including more than 30 Disney characters. You’ll see Mickey and Friends at the front of the parade, followed by floats themed around movies like Zootopia, Big Hero 6, Encanto, Toy Story, and more. Duffy and Friends and the Princesses will also be in the parade. The parade will also feature the FIRST appearance of Red Panda Mei from Turning Red. ©Hong Kong Disneyland The end of the evening will bring a new nighttime show, “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky!” This 30-minute spectacular is set to be the “grandest” nighttime show EVER at Hong Kong Disneyland and will feature large-scale 3D projection mapping, drones, illuminated water projections, choreographed water fountains, flames, lasers, theatrical lighting, and pyrotechnic effects. WOW. ©Hong Kong Disneyland The big party will also feature a variety of 80 NEW foods and drinks. Plus, there will be over 300 (!!!) all-new exclusive merchandise items across six major collections in the initial launch, celebrating Hong Kong Disneyland’s big 2-0. ©Hong Kong Disneyland You’ll also get a free party photo from Disney PhotoPass, as well as order a special 20th Anniversary Magical Party Room Pack for your hotel room to keep the party going outside of the park. Hotel guests will also be getting a FREE gift when they stay at a Hong Kong Disneyland hotel. Stay tuned to DFB for more. FULL GUIDE to Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen Land Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? Let us know in the comments! The post Something NEW Is Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland...And We've Got Details! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s be real — Disney World is magical, but the lines? Yeah, not so much…. Magic Kingdom After way too many trips (and more Mickey pretzels than we’d like to admit), we’ve tested every ride strategy out there. Some flopped. But a few? Total game-changers! Here are the 3 ride hacks that actually work for us every single time — no Lighting Lanes required. Rise of the Resistance Breaks Down = Your Time to Shine If Rise of the Resistance goes down (and let’s be honest, it will at some point in the day), don’t panic — this is your secret weapon. Keep checking the My Disney Experience app like a hawk. The second it shows “Now Open,” head straight there. Rise of the Resistance Nine times out of ten, the crowd hasn’t noticed yet, and you’ll get in line before it balloons back up. We’ve walked on this ride with a 20-minute wait using this hack instead of the usual 60+ wait time. Needless to say, we were very happy campers. End-of-Day = The Smart Way to Ride Flight of Passage, Cosmic Rewind, & Rise of the Resistance Forget rope dropping these rides. Everyone else has that same idea, and you’ll end up waiting an insane amount of time to ride them. Instead, head to Flight of Passage, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, or Rise of the Resistance at the very end of the night. As long as you’re in line before official closing time, you’ll get to ride. Time to, uh, fly! The bonus? Wait times drop dramatically, and the atmosphere at night is a whole vibe (especially in Pandora!) No stress, no rush, and a guaranteed fun way to end the night! Parade and Firework Time = Prime Time at Magic Kingdom Want to hit Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, or Big Thunder Mountain without the long waits? Time your rides during the Festival of Fantasy Parade or Happily Ever After fireworks. While most guests are watching the show or parade, you’ll have the golden opportunity to hit up some of the top rides in the park with minimal wait time. Peter Pan’s Flight You don’t need to sprint at rope drop or feel like you need to spend extra cash in order to ride the rides you really want. These 3 simple ride hacks have worked for us, and they should work for you too! For even more Disney World hacks and tips, stay tuned to us here on DFB! Your Favorite Disney World Ride Is Probably Being RIPPED APART Here — But That’s Not a Bad Thing 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 a ride hack you like to use during your trip to Disney World? We’d love to read about it in the comments! The post I've Tried Every Ride Hack in Disney World, And I'm Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is going through some MAJOR changes over the next couple years. We’re going to see the coming of Monstropolis to Hollywood Studios, Pueblo Esperanza to Animal Kingdom, and Villains and Cars Land to Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom! In order to prepare for the massive expansion across the park, things are starting to close! If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for the early summer, these are six closures you should be aware of for the month of May! Over in Magic Kingdom in Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain is closed for an extra lengthy refurbishment. You can see the big crane at the park right now! Disney has yet to reveal a reopening date after stating that the construction would last for at least a year. We probably won’t be able to ride the wildest ride in the wilderness until at least 2026! Construction at Big Thunder at Magic Kingdom Hall of Presidents is currently undergoing refurbishment, as it usually does when updating the show to center around the United State’s latest president. We’re thinking the refurb is to update the Donald Trump animatronic to match today’s presidency. There is no exact date for its reopening, but we’re expecting it to start shows again at some point later in 2025. The Hall of Presidents Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland is also getting a refurbishment! Parts of the ride have been removed to be taken to another facility for an update — fancy stuff! We don’t have an exact reopening date, but we’re hoping this could be up and running by the summer of 2025. Astro Orbiter is missing! Over in EPCOT, Test Track is currently under construction for it’s new re-theme, and we’re getting close to it’s debut. It will be closed for all of May, but Disney Imagineering has just started testing the actual ride. With no exact date for us to look forward to, Disney did state that the ride will reopen in late summer 2025! Test Track construction At Animal Kingdom, “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” officially closed its doors permanently on March 17th, 2025. It was sad for Disney fans, as that was the last attraction themed to A Bugs Life at any Disney Parks! The Tree of Life will be getting a new show themed to the popular Disney Animated movie Zootopia — called “Zootopia: Better Together”. That show won’t debut until the winter of this year, so the Tree of Life will be empty for May. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is permanently closed DinoLand U.S.A. is going through a phased closure as it gets ready to introduce a new land, Pueblo Esperanza. This new “Tropical Americas” land is going to feature attractions based off the beloved Encanto and the adventurous Indiana Jones — but they won’t be coming for a long time. As everything in DinoLand begins to close, Disney listened to fans, and will be leaving Dinosaur open through all of 2025. We don’t expect it to close until early next year, as the last phase of DinoLand’s departure. DINOSAUR To be completely transparent with you, we have no idea when Magic Kingdom’s Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Boat will close. We’re kind of waiting for Disney to just hit us with the information at any point. Our guess is that we will get all the details at Destination D23 this year. Villains Land and Cars Land will be taking over all this space, so it’s possible the two classic attractions could close sometime this year. However, Disney has not revealed any details about there plans. Liberty Boat! Anyone going to Disney World in May, we have good news for you. You will catch the last month of showings for Muppet Vision 3D, as the attraction will permanently close its doors on June 7th, 2025. This is to start the construction process of Hollywood Studio’s NEW Monsters, Inc. Land — which we are pumped about! For you Muppets fans, don’t worry, they will be getting relocated to another attraction in Hollywood Studios. The Muppets will be moving over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, as that ride will be getting a re-theme. Disney hasn’t announced a closure date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but that probably won’t happen until later this year. Nothing to worry about for May for these two attractions! Muppet*Vision 3D Make sure to plan around these closures, and be aware that wait times for rides could increase at the beginning of summer with certain attractions not being available! We’re going to be on the lookout for when Disney posts exact opening and closing dates for these attractions. So stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for all the latest updates surrounding Disney World! These are the 5 best Disney hotels for introverts! 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 travelling to Disney World in May? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 Disney World Rides That Will Be Closed for Refurbishment in May 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Attention Disney shoppers, we have some more brand-new Loungeflys for you! Loungefly bags in EPCOT From Winnie the Pooh to The Lion King, we found some brand-new Loungeflys on Amazon that will make any Disney fan happy! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Minnie Mouse Loungefly Bag ©Amazon This Minnie Mouse Loungefly Rose Iridescent Backpack really shimmers in the light! The bags design has the Disney style and a royal elegance. The bag features a cute bow and Minnie ears, with tiny golden Mickey heads on the front pouch. We love this bag! View on Amazon This Lion King Loungefly Bag really pops ©Amazon Oh we just can’t wait…to get our hands on this Lion King Loungefly Bag! The bag takes inspiration from the “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” scene from the Disney animated classic, The Lion King. We love the detail and the art style of the animals on this bag! You can even see Zazu has made an appearance. The design continues around the bag, as Mufasa and Sarabi are on the right pocket, and Simba is on the back. The inside of the bag has a Simba print pattern. This is a must-grab! View on Amazon We love this Chip & Dale Loungefly bag ©Amazon This Chip & Dale Loungefly Bag is adorable! The beloved chipmunks are basically covering the whole bag, and you can really feel the love as the two chipmunks are hugging it out. We like the addition of flowers to the bag to give it that springtime feel. When you open up the bag, you’ll see a pattern of little Chip and Dale running around carrying food. The back of the backpack is also adorable, with a tiny Chip & Dale making a run for it! View on Amazon Or, you can grab THIS Chip & Dale Loungefly Bag ©Amazon Chip & Dale fans are in for a treat, because we got another Chip & Dale Loungefly bag for you! This bag is more low-key than the other one, but the design is so clean. The bag features the adorable faces of Chip & Dale, identical to the drawn animated look! We love the little golden acorns on the front pouch. The “foresty” colors and design with the branches really bring the bag together! View on Amazon And finally, we love this Piglet Loungefly Bag ©Amazon This Loungefly Piglet Mini Backpack will be perfect for Disney fans who love the Hundred Acre Woods! The bag is designed in different colors of pink, to match the theme of the iconic Piglet. We love the stunning floral design of the bag — featuring flowers, butterflies, and Piglet holding a bouquet! The back of the bag has Piglet posed leaning over — and the phrase “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” is printed below. 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 5 New Disney Loungeflys Were Just Released On Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s latest ship, the Disney Destiny, is set for its maiden voyage this coming November, and recently, we got to check out certain elements of the ship that SURPRISED us. Disney Destiny The Destiny, the latest ship from the ever-expanding Disney Cruise Line, will be themed to Heroes and Villains, with environments based on “on the legacies of beloved Disney stories, characters, and theme park attractions” according to the company. Disney’s Imagineers were “inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story when developing this new ship, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose.” The God of Mischief Continuing the Marvel theme, wheel we knew that the ship would feature a Black Panther statue, Spider-Man stern character, Marvel character appearances, and several Marvel eateries, Disney surprised us by revealing that Loki himself would also be present, as the character will be one of several villains who appear in the ship’s Great Hall. The Black Panther! According to Disney, “Intent on clearing his name with the mortals of Midgard, Loki will try to declare himself ruler of this vessel and its occupants. True to his infamous ego and affinity for chaos-making, you’ll never know where Loki may turn up with a grand proclamation of his glorious purpose or a dubious retelling of a well-known story. (He does have a penchant for rewriting history, after all.) The God of Mischief may even recruit unsuspecting guests for a surprise competition to prove their adoration for his royal highness, or command them to explain the strange foreign rituals of ocean cruising. (All-you-can-eat soft serve may be a new concept for the Asgardian, but I’m sure he will approve. ©DisneyCruiseLine The Disney Destiny has previewed some additions that break the mold of the Disney Cruise Line as we’ve known it! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s latest ship. Our Jaw Is on the Floor After Seeing a Preview of the Disney Destiny’s NEW Show 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 elements of the Destiny are you most interested in seeing for yourself? Let us know in the comments below! 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 to attend their media preview the Destiny. 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 3 Surprising Takeaways From Our First Look at Disney's New Cruise Ship first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders’ Epic Universe early previews officially kicked off on April 17th. Now, we’ve already been to a media event to check it out, but we’re Passholders, too, so what can we say? We are BACK! Epic Universe Obviously, we can’t get enough of Epic Universe, but today is a little different from when we were last here. For starters, early preview tickets for Annual Passholders sold out for multiple dates, so we had to see how that impacts crowds in the new park on the first day of these previews! When we entered the park this morning, we took a look around Celestial Park. So as far as we can tell, it doesn’t really look all that crowded. Not that bad at all. Even as we walked further into Celestial Park, we were surprised that we still weren’t seeing huge crowds. We can deal with this However, once we reached the portal for Super Nintendo World, the crowds seemed to pick up a bit. But the escalators up to the land weren’t completely full. Escalator up to Super Nintendo World Even How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk was pretty quiet this morning. We’re thinking that maybe Universal is seriously limiting tickets for early previews so everyone has a not-so-crowded experience. Berk is quiet Later, though, we noticed things were starting to pick up and get a little busier. One thing we’ve noticed about Epic Universe is that there are a lot of open spaces, so even when it is busy, it might not feel too bad. We also noticed that some rides were starting to get some pretty high wait times. When we first walked into Super Nintendo World this morning, the line for Mine-Cart Madness was at 20 minutes. Just a little while later, that line was at 135 minutes. OUCH. Mine-Cart Madness So that’s an idea of what an overall sold-out early preview day looks like in Epic Universe. We’ll be covering even MORE Epic Universe stuff, so stay tuned to DFB for more.  Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be attending an early preview of Epic Universe? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments! The post You Won't BELIEVE the Crowds During the FIRST Epic Universe Passholder Preview Day first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While Epic Universe isn’t officially open to the public yet, Universal just started Passholder Previews, and we’re starting to get an idea of how Epic will operate once it’s open. Yoshi’s Adventure Universal has an incredible skip-the-line service called Express Pass, which is offered during previews and when Epic Universe opens May 22nd. On the first day of Passholder Previews, the 1 Day Express Pass Universal Epic Universe sold out by 9:55 AM! Woah! The park opened at 10:00 AM, so the passes sold out before anyone even entered. Monsters Unchained Rides included with Express Pass at Epic Universe are: Constellation Carousel Curse of the Werewolf Fyre Drill Hiccup’s Wing Gliders Le Cirque Arcanus Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Stardust Racers The Untrainable Dragon Yoshi’s Adventure There are only three rides not included with the pass: Dragon Racer’s Rally Mine-Cart Madness Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry You get to enter each ride once, and the price starts at $139.99, depending on the day. The Untrainable Dragon This can be a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your park ticket! Because this park is brand new and four of the five lands were designed uniquely for Epic Universe, we know it’s going to be busy. Constellation Carousel Want to get a Passholder Preview? Tickets are available from April 17th to May 8th, with specific dates already selling out. Tickets range from $123 to $144 for a single-day ticket. Right now, you can only purchase one preview ticket per Passholder. Bowser’s Challenge! We’re bringing you all the details on Epic Universe as we explore more of the park. Keep following Disney Food Blog to learn everything you need to know before heading to Epic. Check out our first time at Epic Universe and everything we know so far! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Which portal will you be running to first when you get to Epic Universe? Tell us which one in the comments! The post Express Passes for Epic Universe Sold Out HOW FAST During Passholder Previews?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Being a Disney Cast Member is one of the most rewarding positions you can have! Look for Cast Members in blue! Disney Cast Members get to be involved with creating memorable magical moments for guests everyday! They could be creating memories for guests who are at the park for their first time or 100th time. They use their love for Disney, and extend it to others. Think about your favorite Disney character — how have they impacted you? How have they shaped you? What have they taught you? Everyone has a character that they can relate to, learn from, or feel like brings them joy. That’s the beauty of storytelling, and the beauty of characters. Luke Skywalker, Black Panther, Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Princess Tiana, Judy Hopps, Hercules, and EVERYONE else — there are so many characters who have impacted people in some way! The coolest part, is that we’ve ALL shared an experience with a character in some type of way! The Black Panther! Being a Cast Member is one thing, being a Disney character is another! Being a character means you are up close and personal with fans of all ages. It’s your job to make the character real, and actually allow fans to interact with the characters they love. You’re turning the impact that a character has on someone, and making it real. Well, you now have the chance to become a Disney character, because Disney has put out a casting call! Look out for Spider-Man! That’s right, the new Disney Destiny cruise ship is officially hiring for several characters! If you go to the Disney careers website, and go to Disney auditions, you’ll find where to apply as a Character Performer for the Disney Cruise Line. The auditions are going to be held at Pearl Studios in New York City. The Cruise Line has all sorts of storytelling for the highest caliber of entertainment at sea — from theatrical performances, to character meet and greets. Disney is specifically looking for Character Performers AND Character Look-Alikes — let’s take a look at which characters! Belle! For performers portraying Female-Identifying Look-alike roles, Disney is looking for: Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, Belle, Mirabel, Moana, Mulan, Princess Tiana, Rapunzel, Rey, and more! Moana signing autographs For performers portraying Male-Identifying Look-alike roles, Disney is looking for: Dr. Facilier, Loki, Black Panther, Bruno, Captain Jack Sparrow, Spider-Man, and more! Jack Sparrow The Disney Destiny is the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet! It’s themed to heroes and villains, and will set sail later this year. It’s going to have amazing new live shows, plenty of dining experiences, a ton of merchandise, and more! We can’t wait to explore the seas on the Disney Destiny. ©Disney Disney is setting up an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to be involved in creating the magic. So don’t be afraid or hesitant to apply, just go for it and see what happens! We wish anyone who’s auditioning the best of luck. As we get closer to the sail date for the Disney Destiny, we’re sure to see more news on the newest Cruise Ship. Make sure to stay tuned to the Dinsey Food Blog for all the latest! 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 Will you be auditioning for a character on the Disney Destiny? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Quietly Reveals Characters Coming to Its BRAND NEW Cruise Ship -- The Destiny first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

How do you attract one of the world’s most intelligent and elusive birds to study its movements and help preserve its natural environment in The Bahamas? That was the challenge facing Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team at Disney Cruise Line’s all-new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The solution: a 3D printer and skillful work with a paintbrush. To ensure the tropical island retreat has minimal impact on the local Eleutheran ecosystem and animal habitats, Disney’s own wildlife experts are carrying out a variety of projects to promote the conservation of land crabs, birds, marine life and more. Disney Prints a Great Lizard Cuckoo Model Bird The great lizard cuckoo, only found in The Bahamas and Cuba, is a resident species at Disney Lookout Cay – and one of the island destination’s “ambassador species” that dots the Nature Trail to represent the biodiversity of The Bahamas. It is a particularly intelligent bird, so the Conservation Team had trouble catching and tagging the species using traditional techniques. To overcome this obstacle, the team tapped into the expertise of Animals, Science and Environment’s own Science Team. Together with the technology experts across Disney, the team 3D printed a model of a great lizard cuckoo that was skillfully hand painted to match the bird’s dazzling and colorful markings. The final model measured 17” from beak to tail and took more than 12 hours to print, plus several hours to paint by hand. Guests can see these models still on display at Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! In addition to the great lizard cuckoo, the team 3D printed and painted models of a Bahamas mocking bird, Kirtland’s warbler and a merlin. This is the first time the team has used this innovative approach to conservation work in The Bahamas, and the effort was a success! The realistic model, combined with playing the bird’s call, helped the Conservation Team successfully attract and tag a great lizard cuckoo at Disney Lookout Cay. The bird was outfitted with a small radio transmitter so the Conservation Team could track the bird’s movements as it comes and goes from the island destination. Cast Members Make a Difference Through Disney Planet Possible Through this project and others, the Conservation Team has gathered 35 million data points across all species of birds, which has paid off in many ways throughout the construction and operation of the destination. This project has also provided an incredible opportunity for Disney cast members to be in the field and learn more about native wildlife in The Bahamas, while also sharing these findings with local organizations to benefit the greater Bahamian community. This project is a great example of Disney Planet Possible – putting possibility into practice by doing our part to conserve natural resources, care for wildlife and their habitats, use and waste less, and create stories that inspire action. Disney’s commitment to protecting the natural beauty of The Bahamas spans decades, dating back to Earth Day, April 22, 1995, through the Disney Conservation Fund. In fact, since its launch, the fund has provided more than 80 grants to support community conservation organizations in The Bahamas. Meet Tucker, the New Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom READ MORE Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Updates READ MORE Disney Destiny: Explore the New Experiences on Board READ MORE The post Birds of a Faux Feather: Conservation at Disney Lookout Cay appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

So you’ve planned a trip to Disney World and you’ve figured out all the basics like your budget, where you’re staying, how long you’re staying, what your ride priorities are, and maybe even where to eat (okay, so that’s like the MOST important thing to us). Packing all your park essentials is very important! But you really also need to think about not just what you’re going to pack, but also what you’ll put in your day bag each day when you get to the parks. Now we’ve shared a lot of our favorite items for our day bag, including our favorite poncho, our favorite neck fan, and our favorite mobile chargers. However, there’s one item we’d never even thought about before that is 100% going in our bag for our next trip. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Now, we’re going to tell you to visit Amazon to grab this item we love. If you don’t have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free trial below to score free shipping. Okay, here us out, but this little toy is going to keep everyone entertained and sometimes that’s necessary when you’re waiting around in Disney World. Get the Bitzee Bitzee This little toy might not seem like a lot, but it’s got LOADS of entertainment packed right in. It’s basically a Disney character that you can interact with. The toy responds to swipes and taps and has interactions and sounds. Interactive Bitzee You’ll also get 30 Disney characters to interact with. Bitzee Let’s face it…standing in those long lines for rides and food and everything else in Disney World is BORING. But this will keep the kids entertained so they won’t spend the whole time complaining “are we there yet?” It’s also a great toy to have for road trips. It’s also small enough to keep handy in a day bag PLUS your kids can play with it together. Buy on Amazon So be sure to grab the Bitzee before your next Disney trip — and shop our Amazon store for more Disney souvenirs and essentials. Looking for more Disney finds?! Shop our Amazon StoreThe post I Never Thought I Would Put This in My Disney World Park Bag, But It Made My Day 10x Better first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article