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Everyone can agree that the most shared complaint is that sore feet at Disney World SUCK! Main Street We found a few popular and comfortable options that you fellow park-goers are going to like! And yes, they are still stylish. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get these Salomon Men’s XA Pros ©Amazon Don’t look now, but Salomon’s have been on a rise in popularity lately — especially when it comes to footwear for a long Disney day. These Mens Salomon XA Pros are an excellent pick for your park day shoe! These sneakers are built for trail running, so that trek around World Showcase in Epcot will feel like a breeze. They come in two different colorways, and are currently on sale. View on Amazon Check out these Salomon Men’s Speedcross Shoe ©Amazon If you’re looking for a similar shoe, but at a cheaper price, you’ll like the Men’s Salomon Speedcross Shoe! It’s design is similar to the XA Pros, but they don’t have as much fine detail to them. These shoes are great — they have a secure fit, easy to slip on, adjustable lace, and an outsole that can take on traction through mixed terrain (although Galaxies Edge and Andy’s Backyard feel similar on the feet, it’s the thought that counts). They are currently on sale for a great price! View on Amazon How about these Salomon Women’s XA Pros ©Amazon Ladies, we’ve got you covered too. You’ll love the comfort provided by the Women’s Salomon XA Pros! These Gore-tex running shoes will be great for your next Disney trip. They’re waterproof with great weather protection, they have a stable support, and an excellent grip for mixed terrain. Unlike the men’s shoes, the women’s have a wider variety in colors to choose from. They’re currently on sale at a pretty decent discount! View on Amazon Or, you can grab these Women’s Salomon Shoes ©Amazon We love these Salomon Women’s Sense Ride 5 Hiking Shoes! The style of these is very different then the other Salomon shoes we’ve looked at. These shoes feature an energy foam sole, made for feeling like your stepping on cushion. These are light and flexible, and come in colorways that are unique compared to the other options. The best part, they are currently 25% off! View on Amazon We love our sneakers, and are always on the hunt for the best shoes for those long Disney days! So, don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post Your Disney World Packing List Is Missing This 0 Pair of Shoes first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Time for some more Disney shopping! ©Columbia Columbia just released a brand new Disney collection, and we love it. Take a look at some of the fun Disney merch you’ll want for your next Disney World trip! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Columbia Hip Pack ©Columbia This Columbia Disney Fanny Pack will be perfect for holding all those Disney essentials for your Disney day! The bag features Pluto and Goofy on the front — it looks like they’re going on an adventure. We love the blue and orange colors, the bag really pops! View Online How about this Disney Hat? ©Columbia If you’re planning a trip to Disney World this summer, you might want this Columbia Disney Ball Cap, to help block the scorching sun! Join “Mickey’s Outdoor Club” and stroll through the park in style. The hat looks like it would be a great fit for fishing and other outdoor activities. View Online We love this Disney Shirt! ©Columbia This Columbia Disney Super Slack Tide Shirt is a great summer pick! The shirt features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto — all in fishing trip poses. We love the shirt’s light blue color. A perfect shirt to show off your Disney fandom and love for the outdoors! View Online Or, you can grab this Disney Long Sleeve ©Columbia Check out this Columbia Disney Tidal Long Sleeve Shirt! It looks like it would be a great beach shirt to protect your arms from those relentless sunburns. The shirt features Mickey fishing, and the design of the whole shirt is the ocean. If you look closely you’ll find jumping fish and hidden Mickey’s in the waters ripples. View Online Lastly, get this Disney Bucket Hat ©Columbia Whether you’re out at the beach, enjoying Disney World, or on an outdoor adventure, this Columbia Disney Booney Hat fits the occasion! Its summery vibe makes the hat perfect for whatever you’ll be doing during the hot months of the year. View Online We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post You Have To See the New Disney x Columbia Collection first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You know what can really put a damper on your theme park vacation? If your favorite ride is closed and you weren’t expecting it to be! Universal Orlando From weather to technical difficulties to refurbishments, we’ve seen rides in the parks close for all kinds of reasons in the past. Typically, longer refurbishments are announced ahead of time and listed on theme park websites so that you can plan around the closure. And if you’re going to Universal Orlando soon, then you need to be prepared for the closure of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey! The popular ride, located inside Hogwarts Castle at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, is set to close for refurbishment on April 9th, 2025. Currently, it’s listed as temporarily closed on the calendar when you click through June 30th, though that could change as more dates and hours are added. Hogwarts at Universal Orlando The only other attraction unavailable at this time is The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, which could be related to this Forbidden Journey closure. If you’re a Harry Potter fan hoping to step inside the castle during your upcoming visit, then you may want to push back your trip until these offerings return. We know that the castle is a huge draw for many people visiting the park. Hogwarts Always nighttime show But even with this one Harry Potter ride closed, we have good news — a NEW Harry Potter-themed attraction is officially opening soon. Universal’s new theme park Epic Universe is set to open on May 22nd, 2025, and it includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Inside the land is Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Queue So if you’re a Harry Potter fan hoping to visit Universal Orlando, you’ll soon have three lands to explore (Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic), six rides to enjoy, several restaurants at which to dine, and lots of butterbeer to drink! It’s a great time to be a Harry Potter fan. The Office of Professor Delores Umbridge If you’re heading to Epic Universe soon, make sure to check out our video inside the new park! Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates from Universal Orlando. I’m an Orlando Local, and I’m Begging You to Stop Sleeping on Universal Orlando — Click Here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you heading to Universal Orlando soon? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Orlando to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. 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 Don’t Forget! A Popular Harry Potter Ride Is Temporarily Closing at Universal Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando annual passholders can now purchase one-day preview tickets to Epic Universe theme park, the resort revealed Tuesday. The price of the ticket is not included with the pass. Universal’s official website says the cost varies by date and starts at $118.15. By early Tuesday afternoon, the available dates were selling for between $123 and $144, starting April 17 but with no availability between May 9 and the park’s opening date of May 22. Annual passholders previously were able to buy a one-day ticket after Epic’s grand opening date. Currently, there are tickets available on most dates between June 1 and the end of 2025 (Labor Day weekend appears to be sold out). The price range is $119 to $170 for those tickets. There has been a “high volume of requests,” the website says. Guests staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, Universal Rewards Signature Visa Card members and active 2025 Military Freedom Pass ticket holders can also purchase preview tickets. Other groups will be offered preview tickets “in the weeks ahead,” a Universal news release says. Epic Universe remains in a “technical rehearsal” phase as the park readies itself for opening, so not every attraction is guaranteed to be operating during the previews. The park has been open to Universal employees and their guests for a few weeks. Epic, located about 2 miles from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks, is themed with lands called Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, which features classic Universal monsters. 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

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. Want something quick and easy? They’ve got it. Something middle of the road and comforting? Yep, they’ve got that, too. And if you’re looking for something upscale and luxurious, you can find that, as well. Welcome to Disney World We recently stopped by Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? We’re about to bring you the FULL scoop to help you decide! Atmosphere Boma is a buffet-style restaurant that’s open for both breakfast and dinner. It frequently lands on the list of favorite restaurants for many Disney World guests thanks to its menu of flavorful African dishes mixed with a few American favorites. Boma While the restaurant can certainly get crowded during busy mealtimes, we didn’t have an issue bumping into other guests while we were dining, but you may have to wait at certain sections of the buffet for your turn. It can get crowded! Keep in mind though that this restaurant is a little darker than most, especially if it’s nighttime outside, so if you prefer to have plenty of lighting while you eat, that’s something to consider before booking a reservation here! It is a little darker than other restaurants But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu Again, this is buffet style, and there are TONS of options available for both breakfast and dinner. In addition to the food options, you can also choose to get one of their Signature Cocktails, Zero-Proof Cocktails, Draft Beers, African Specialty Beers, or Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks for an additional charge. Boma Menu While we love that this restaurant gives you the opportunity to be adventurous with little to no repercussions, we also appreciate that there are more Americanized dishes available so picky eaters and/or kiddos can also grab items that are familiar to them. Let’s head to the buffet! And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats We did our best to grab a little bit of everything, so we’ve gonna go pretty rapid fire through it all! The Peanut Rice was sweet and savory and has lots of peanut butter flavor. It’s combined with spices that make for a really tasty dish! Our server recommended the Salmon and it was really tasty! The salmon was tender, and the nut crust on top was super flavorful. The warming spices on top tasted like cinnamon to us, and we were big fans of that, too. The Carved Strip Loin had meat that was super tender but a bit fattier than what our reporter normally likes (nothing crazy though, if you like fatty meat, you will love this!). It didn’t have a lot of flavor by itself, but the dipping sauces available really leveled it up. Our plate! The Ancient Grains Salad was a hit for us! It was a combo of sunflower seeds, quinoa, some dried fruit (they seemed like cranberries to us), strawberries, cheese, a piece of Spinach and a really tasty dressing. The dressing was very light but added a lot to the salad — we definitely recommend! The Pasta Salad was tangy and spiced (but not spicy) and the dressing was creamy. Easily one of our favorites! We’re not quite sure how to feel about Chickpeas. They are definitely chickpeas and have a very liquidy sauce on them that adds a bit of acidity and tanginess. The liquid they are in reminded us of a salsa verde, and we didn’t dislike it, but it also wasn’t a favorite. Delicious! These Green Beans aren’t like normal ones at home — these have a bit of a kick to them! The seasoning adds an almost smoky flavor to the green beans, and the raisins add a really good sweetness to compliment the spices. The Moroccan Harira reminded us a bit of having a chili flavor with a bit more African flare to it. The veggies were tender and the lentils inside were also very soft. Unfortunately, the Chicken was a bit on the dry side, but with one of the sauce choices it tasted good! The chicken itself doesn’t have a whole lot of flavor so we definitely recommend grabbing a sauce. While the Roll was pretty basic and nothing to write home about, the Mealie Bread was delicious! It was moist and had lots of corn flavor. We would say it tastes very similar to cornbread, and we probably wouldn’t have known it was different except for looking at the name. It doesn’t have many complex flavors, but hey, it was good! Our favorite item of the night goes to the Coriander Hummus! It was herby tasting and creamy with lots of cilantro flavor which we really enjoyed. It was kinda like a hummus version of cilantro chutney! The sun dried tomato hummus was also good, so give that one a try as well. We really loved this meal! Then it was time for dessert! We loved the combo of chocolate with coffee in the Brownie. The coffee is the perfect amount, you can taste it without it being overpowering. Chocolate is definitely the prominent flavor, but the coffee finishes it off perfectly. The Apple Cranberry Tart had perfect amount of sweetness and the fruit tasted super fresh. The apples had the slightest amount of crisp that worked wonderfully. The tart had a sweet syrup in it as well, and the tartness of the cranberry worked really well with the sweetness of the dessert. The Mousse wasn’t overly sweet but had lots of passion fruit flavor. The mousse is on the firmer side but is still fluffy, but the cookie on the bottom seemed a bit out of place and the textures didn’t work super well together, not to mention it was pretty dry. Finally, the Bread Pudding was incredible! It’s the perfect consistency for bread pudding — moist, fluffy, and soft. We loved the butterscotch flavor and the sauce to go on top was so milky — it seeped into the bread pudding wonderfully. Time for dessert! Drinks To drink, we grabbed the Jungle Juice, which we feel is a necessity when you’re heading to Boma! Jungle Juice This is a fruity drink that is sweet and fun. They have pitchers of it to refill, but you can also get Coke products, too, if you would prefer those instead. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re an adventurous eater and want to try something new You love buffets and want a more unique, high quality experience than you’ll find at other Disney World buffets You’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge or spending a lot of time in Animal Kingdom You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re not a fan of buffets You dislike African food and would prefer for your buffet to be filled entirely with more familiar options You prefer for the restaurant you’re dining in to be very well lit Overall We highly recommend Boma if you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and we’d even say that it’s worth the trip over if you’re looking for one of the best buffets on property! Again, some of the sections of the buffet can be a little crowded at times during busy mealtimes, but rest assured, you’ll get there eventually and be able to grab what you’d like. We love it here! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Disney World Buffet Is Practically Perfect first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you been wanting to experience Epic Universe before it officially opens on May 22nd, 2025? Well, this could be your chance! Universal just announced additional opportunities for guests to preview Epic Universe before its official grand opening! Epic Universe Not only can Annual Passholders book tickets for previews, but active 2025 Military Freedom Pass Ticket Holders, Universal Rewards Signature VISA Card members, and guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel can purchase tickets to preview Epic Universe. Universal’s brand-new theme park features five themed lands that immerse visitors in iconic worlds. You can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and Celestial Park. We recently got a chance to explore this new park, and we were SO impressed! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic Universal announced that preview tickets are available to purchase right NOW for preview dates beginning April 17th through May 8th. Remember that if you purchase tickets for these previews, the availability of experiences in Epic Universe may vary, as the park does not officially open until May 22nd. The park is still getting its final touches, so you may not be able to see and do everything. How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk You can purchase preview tickets for Epic Universe on the Universal Orlando website. Preview ticket prices for Annual Passholders range from $123 to $144, so we would expect these to be about the same for Military Freedom Pass Ticket Holders, Universal Rewards Signature VISA Card members, and guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel. These tickets will likely sell out fast, so book them soon! Celestial Park For those who have already purchased tickets to Epic Universe, switching your ticket for a preview ticket is possible. You can call (866) PASS-4-FUN or visit guest services at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, or Universal CityWalk for assistance. Stay tuned to DFB for more news about Epic Universe! We’re Inside Epic Universe for an EXCLUSIVE Tour and We Have So Much To Show You! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be attending Epic Universe previews? Let us know in the comments! The post Epic Universe Previews Announced for Universal Hotel Guests and More first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe isn’t even open yet, and we are already in love! Epic Universe — The Chronos Tower We recently got a sneak peek at the new theme park, and we were blown away by the entire experience! Now Universal is getting us even more excited because the hotel connected to the theme park is opening early! We’re breaking it all down here. Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you! Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel is opening early! This brand-new resort was originally meant to open alongside Epic Universe on May 22nd, 2025. However, Universal just announced the Loews Hotel will be accepting arrivals starting on April 16th. Helios Grand Hotel The hotel is adjacent to the new theme park, with a bridge connecting the two to give guests staying there a more immersive experience. This hotel boasts 500 Mediterranean-style rooms with several dining spots like Flora Taverna, Aurora Market, and Lotus Lagoon. Helios Grand Hotel Standard Room We recently got to stay in the new hotel during our preview and were blown away! Even the hotel bar, Bar Helios, took our breath away. Bar Helios This resort offers stunning views of Celestial Park. This part of the park serves as the heart and main hub of Epic Universe. Universal shared that this land “will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe,” and is naturally the first land guests will encounter at the new theme park after stepping through the entrance.” Views of Epic Universe from Helios According to Universal, “Celestial Park puts the ‘park’ back in ‘theme park.’ As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills, and excitement as they wander through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.” These are the gorgeous views you get when staying at Helios Grand. Universal Helios Grand Hotel We are super excited to hear this gorgeous resort is opening early! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Universal news and updates. FULL ROOM TOUR at Universal Helios Grand Hotel Featuring MIND-BLOWING Epic Universe Views! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be checking out this new hotel? Tell us in the comments! The post JUST ANNOUNCED: Helios Grand Hotel at Universal's Epic Universe Is Opening EARLY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We spend an unreasonable amount of time in Disney World parking lots. EPCOT Parking Plaza We have a team of local Central Florida residents who visit the theme parks nearly every day, and that means we’re doing a LOT of driving and parking. Over time, we’ve become pretty familiar with the pros, cons, and pitfalls of the Disney World parking lots, but recently, we were reminded of one very big problem for a select group of people. Disney World’s theme park parking lots are absolutely massive, and they each come with three separate sections — regular parking, preferred parking, and handicap/disability parking. Regular parking is included with Disney World Annual Passes or Disney World Resort stays, while preferred parking is an upcharge. And in order to park in the handicap section, a valid disability parking permit is required. Parking at Hollywood Studios Recently, one member of our team went to the parks with her friend, who has a disability parking permit. They did a breakfast dining reservation, then headed to Animal Kingdom late in the morning, around 11:30AM. By the time they got there, all the disability parking spaces were full, and they drove laps for 15 minutes before finally giving up and heading to standard parking. Wall-E Parking Lot The positive thing here is that all four theme parks have parking lot trams that run all day until an hour and a half after park closing time. So even if you have to park outside of disability parking, you can walk to the end of your row and board the parking lot tram, which will then drop you back off when you leave. Each tram has a loading and unloading area near the park entrances, so you typically cut off a significant portion of the walk from the parking lot. Parking lot tram After having this experience, we’re recommending that if you have a disability parking pass and want to get good parking, then you’ll need to arrive close to the time that the park opens. Those parking spots fill up quickly, and they stay full for most of the day (you may have some luck after people have Park Hopped midday or toward the evening when some people have left already). Parking lot And if you miss out on one of those spots? ECVs can’t get on the trams, and wheelchairs or strollers would need to be folded before boarding. Disney parking lots do offer complimentary wheelchairs for helping those with mobility issues to get to the park entrance, but you might need to send a member of your party to go grab one and return. That could be a pain if you’re parked far away. EPCOT Parking Lot Sign So you’ll definitely need to prepare yourself if you need these parking accommodations in Disney World. Make sure to arrive early to get the best parking! And if you’re in need of more Disney transportation tips, check out our video below. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World and all the tips you need before your vacation! When Is Disney Going to Fix This Glaring Transportation Problem? Click 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 ever experienced this problem in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post Beware This Disney World Parking Problem first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome to your official guide to the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort! Beginning May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will honor seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making. You’ll get to “celebrate happy” with limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, and so much more! Be sure to bookmark this post and return regularly to stay up to date on all the incredible offerings coming for this milestone celebration! Update as of April 8, 2025 In December, we announced the full slate of events and limited-time festivals for Disneyland Resort in 2025, including a first look at some of what you can enjoy during the once-in-a-lifetime 70th celebration. Since then, we’ve been adding more to this post as we have additional details to share. Read on for a closer look at all the excitement to come! Special Entertainment for the 70th Celebration Nothing says happy quite like dancing along the parade route or marveling at Mickey-shaped fireworks lighting up the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disneyland is known for its spectacular entertainment, and the 70th celebration will introduce all-new entertainment experiences alongside some returning fan-favorites across the resort. Created in honor of the anniversary, an upbeat new theme song “Celebrate Happy” will be heard throughout the celebration across various entertainment experiences. We’re thrilled to share that this catchy new tune will be performed by none other than the Jonas Brothers! The song “Celebrate Happy” will be available to stream beginning May 13, wherever you listen to music. “World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure Park The all-new “World of Color” show is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” This nighttime spectacular will explore “happy” through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the hit Pixar Animation Studios films “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” Along the way, the Emotions manifest music and moments from other favorite Pixar Animation Studios’ stories, including “Turning Red” and “The Incredibles,” as well as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ stories, including “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “Encanto” and so many more. “World of Color Happiness!” will transform Paradise Bay with a brilliant array of signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects, painting musical memories with all the wonder that only “World of Color” can create. The show is an interactive joyride where guests are encouraged to sing and dance along. In addition to featuring classic Disney songs and other iconic favorites, Boyz II Men will lend their legendary R&B vocals in a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” and FITZ — frontman and namesake of multi-platinum hitmakers Fitz and the Tantrums — will debut a new original song just for “World of Color” titled “Makes Me Wanna Move.” By journey’s end, you’ll discover that happiness is made up of many different emotional colors, and Disneyland Resort is the magical place at the end of the rainbow where all those colors come together. But that’s not all … the fun starts even before “World of Color” begins with a special message from some familiar faces. With the guidance of Joe the Legal Weasel, more than a dozen of The Muppets will deliver their message through vivid projections and expressive fountains ahead of the show. Ahead of the first “World of Color Happiness!” of the evening, parkgoers in California Adventure are invited to vote on the Disneyland app* for one of four different Emotions — Sadness, Anger, Disgust or Envy — to see them featured in special scenes throughout both of that day’s shows. Be sure to enable push notifications and location services on your device, so you know when it’s time to vote. “Paint the Night” Parade at Disneyland Park This fan-favorite, dazzling nighttime parade will make its grand return to Disneyland for the 70th celebration, lighting up Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color and more than a million brilliant LED lights. Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in Disney dreams, bringing to light beloved characters and stories from Pixar films such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” and “Toy Story” and Disney Animation films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more. The “Paint the Night” parade features innovative floats, vibrant costumes, incredible special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances. Plus, Anna and Elsa will rejoin the parade on the fan-favorite float inspired by Disney Animation’s “Frozen” when it makes its return to Main Street, U.S.A., for the first time since its initial run. “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park At night, Disneyland will become a magnificent canvas with the return of this beloved nighttime spectacular. “Wondrous Journeys” celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics that have inspired Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom. Throughout the show, you embark on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart as you experience moments from beloved stories like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and more. The show features state-of-the-art projection effects that transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, the show will be enhanced with fireworks. “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade at Disney California Adventure Park As part of the fun, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” returns to the streets of California Adventure. This delightful daytime parade is filled with incredible music, dynamic and colorful floats and more than two dozen favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios films, including “Luca,” “Turning Red,” “Up,” and more. This parade showcases heartwarming stories from beloved Pixar films, celebrating friendship and beyond. “Tapestry of Happiness” at Disneyland Park At Disneyland, the facade of “it’s a small world” will come to life each night through light, music and projection effects. “Tapestry of Happiness” will create an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments and memories brought to life in a unique style inspired by the work of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. It will feature the original 70th celebration theme song “Celebrate Happy,” along with nods to recognizable Disneyland tunes from across the decades. “Tapestry of Happiness” will be a visual love letter to Disneyland, bringing all of us together through memories of The Happiest Place on Earth. It will remind us that no matter how old we are or where we call home, we all come together in this magical place through the eyes of our inner child, finding happiness in a unique and personal way. Mickey and Friends’ New 70th Attire Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will all come dressed for the party in Town Square in Disneyland park, in custom looks designed just to celebrate the occasion. You won’t want to miss grabbing a photo with your favorite friends wearing these playful and contemporary designs, festive in their bright pops of color and sparkling embellishments. “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park Disneyland park will debut a new character cavalcade called “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade.” As it winds its way along the parade route, favorite characters will encourage you to dance and clap along in an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness. You may spot pals including Goofy and Max in their 70th attire, as well as friends not often seen at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay (fluffy and charming teddy bear characters from Duffy and Friends)! Anniversary Décor Throughout Disneyland Resort In the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure, you won’t be able to miss the contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands. When you step through the gates of Disneyland park, floral Mickey will welcome you to the celebration with a display of vibrant flowers, and multi-colored banners and bunting will decorate Main Street, U.S.A. In the heart of Town Square, you’ll spot an installation featuring Mickey and Minnie created just for the anniversary. An elegant medallion will adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle. Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park will also be decked out in 70th colors. In the evenings, the exterior of the restaurant will invite everyone to “celebrate happy” during a special moment filled with music, lights and projection effects. Set to the tune of “Celebrate Happy,” this interlude further illuminates Carthay Circle and Buena Vista Street with twinkling lights, dynamic projections and bursts of color. 70th décor will also extend into the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. New Magic on Beloved Attractions We’re even adding special touches to some attractions throughout Disneyland Resort in time for the celebration! In sunny Mexico in “it’s a small world” at Disneyland, Miguel and his trusted alebrije, Dante, from the Pixar film “Coco” will join the other children in song. Silhouetted by a stunning marigold bridge, you’ll be able to spot this new addition when the attraction reopens April 25, 2025. Even the toys are celebrating! On Toy Story Midway Mania! in California Adventure, look for nods to the 70th anniversary as you compete for the highest score on carnival-inspired games. Must-Have Merch Check out all the 70th celebration has to offer as you shop all-new merchandise collections designed just for the anniversary. From ears, apparel, and accessories to plush, toys, and home décor, there will be something for everyone to take home and commemorate their visit during this special celebration. Here’s a look at a few of the items from the Celebration Collection coming to Disneyland Resort before the festivities even begin! For more on merch, be sure to check out the official guide to Disneyland Resort 70th celebration merchandise! New Delights as You Walk Through Disneyland Resort In addition to thrilling adventures and heartwarming shows, there’s so much joy and nostalgia to be found in simply taking a stroll through Disneyland Resort. For the 70th celebration, you’ll discover new experiences highlighting unique details to appreciate on your walk through the park. A new add-on experience fans of Disneyland history won’t want to miss is A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour. This two-hour walking tour will explore the rich heritage of Disneyland park, from opening day attractions to the latest innovations. As you visit iconic locations around the park, you’ll learn more about Walt Disney’s vision of this happy place and how it’s continued to grow and evolve over the decades. Bookings will be available on Disneyland.com beginning April 24, 2025. Separate fees and other restrictions will apply. Wear your MagicBand+ as you wander through Disneyland park to discover five fun surprises in Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland. At each stop, your MagicBand+ will unlock unique interactions and effects inspired by the opening day attractions, adding a little more nostalgia to your celebration. Your MagicBand+ will even interact with some of the entertainment experiences arriving for the anniversary, like “Paint the Night,” “Tapestry of Happiness,” “World of Color Happiness!” and “Wondrous Journeys,” through synchronized vibrations and glittering lights. If you don’t have a MagicBand+, you may choose to purchase a special design created just for the 70th celebration. Keep an eye out for Disney PhotoPass cast members on your journey and commemorate your visit with a photo that has some extra pixie dust. Throughout the 70th celebration, a series of all-new Magic Shots, Disney PhotoPass Lenses and other photo enhancements will become available in Disneyland and California Adventure, including the Mickey and Minnie Magic Shot beginning May 16 near the Disneyland park main entrance and Sleeping Beauty Castle. The purchase of Disney PhotoPass+ One Day includes unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos from the day. With the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass,** you also get access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads. Limited-Time Ticket and Hotel Offers To make the most of the 70th celebration at an even greater value, Disneyland Resort will offer a limited-time, multi-day theme park ticket for as low as $120 per day with a special 3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket, for a total price of $360. Or guests may save even more — as low as $100 per day — with a special 4-Day, 1-Park per day ticket, for a total price of $400. This Disneyland Anniversary Ticket Offer is on sale now for visitation May 16-Aug. 14, 2025. Providing a variety of options and flexibility, guests may choose from 3-Day or 4-Day park tickets with options available to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets and to add on Lightning Lane Multi Pass. These tickets may be used consecutively or separately throughout the summer season to visit again and again! Get all the details on Disneyland.com/70TicketOffer. Park reservations required. There are even special savings at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, where guests can stay and play in the heart of the magic at the Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. By planning ahead, you can make reservations now and save up to 30% on select stays of four or more nights May 16-Sept. 26, 2025. Bookings must be made by May 15, 2025. Subject to availability and restrictions.** Additional hotel offers are on sale now and offer savings up to 20% on select stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel May 16-Aug. 14, 2025, subject to availability and restrictions. Throughout the celebration, you can visit Disneyland.com/offers for details on available ticket and hotel options to help you save on your vacation. More 70th Fun to Be Shared in Weeks Ahead Keep your eyes peeled on the Disney Parks Blog for the official Disney Eats Foodie Guide to the 70th celebration in the coming weeks, and don’t forget to follow @DisneyParks for even more happy content. We can’t wait for you to discover all these special experiences on your visit to the Disneyland Resort during the 70th celebration! To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort. Select shows, performances, and experiences, including parades and nighttime spectaculars, will temporarily pause to make way for seasonal entertainment offerings, then resume at later dates. Check the Disneyland app or Disneyland.com for entertainment schedules. *Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. **With the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass, Disneyland guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the Disneyland app as soon as they enter a theme park. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Disneyland Resort. Other Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the Disneyland app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45th day after the day on which the Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass was used; certain states and localities are excluded. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, guests unable to provide such consent, as well as guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the Disneyland app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. Use of Disney PhotoPass service and Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Disney PhotoPass Terms and Conditions. Celebrate Happy with Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merchandise READ MORE New Show, Character and More Entertainment Coming to Disneyland READ MORE Coming to Downtown Disney: lululemon, Nectar Life and Bopo Go! READ MORE The post Guide to the 70th Anniversary at Disneyland Resort appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’re getting closer and closer to the opening of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort! Stunning views from Celestial Park This BRAND-NEW theme park will officially be opening on May 22nd, 2025, and will be home to five different themed lands: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe. We’ve been keeping an eye out for any potential news ahead of the park’s opening, and now we’ve got an Annual Pass update! We’ve already been able to step inside Epic Universe for a brief media preview, and previews for Team Members have been happening for a little while now, but what about Annual Passholders? Well, good news — Universal Orlando has now released tickets for Annual Passholder previews of the new park! Portal Entrance to Super Nintendo World Tickets are available for dates from April 17th-May 8th, 2025. You can purchase the tickets through the Universal Orlando Resort app, but you’ll need to have your Annual Pass linked to your account to do so. You may be put in a queue due to the high volume of people on the website. ©Universal Prices range from $123-$144 per person for a single-day ticket during the preview windows. So far, we’ve only been able to purchase one preview ticket per Passholder, but we’ll let you know if that changes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic And if you’re hoping to go to Epic Universe soon, make sure to check out our video from our experience at the media preview! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more Epic Universe updates. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Universal Orlando news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be planning a trip to Epic Universe when it opens? Tell us in the comments. Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Recently, we were invited by Universal Orlando to attend their media preview of Epic Universe. 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 BREAKING: Tickets ON SALE NOW for Universal Passholder Epic Universe Previews first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready for the highly anticipated sequel for one of Disney’s most beloved animated movies?! ©Disney Since Zootopia’s release in 2016, fans have been waiting for a sequel! Nearly a decade later, it’s finally coming. Although there hasn’t been a ton of news, we finally got a first look at one of the new characters! Zootopia came out in 2016, and fans instantly fell in love with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The movie grossed over $1 billion worldwide, instantly making it a global success. It became the third highest-grossing film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios — only behind Frozen and Frozen 2. It also took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2017! So yeah — it was LOVED by everyone! ©Disney Disney has since taken Zootopia’s success and has expanded on the film. In November of 2022, Disney+ debuted a short-form series for the movie called Zootopia+. In December of 2023, we saw Zootopia enter the theme parks for the very first time! Shanghai Disney Resort opened up “Zootopia Land”, a highly immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re living in the sophisticated animal world from the movie. The land features a trackless dark ride called “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit” — a feat in Imagineering as it won the 2025 Thea Award for “Outstanding Achievement in a Theme Park Land”. Zootopia in Shanghai Disney ©Disney Zootopia will even be getting a presence in Animal Kingdom this year. “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” will be a new show debuting in the winter of 2025, replacing “It’s Tough To Be A Bug”. ©Disney But now for the main event, the continuation coming to the big screen! The adventure continues for Judy and Nick, as they take on new problems within the animal world. We do know that reptiles will be introduced into the world for the first time. Gary the Snake, played by Ke Huy Quan, will be joining the crew for the sequel. ©Disney Well, Disney Animation just announced a NEW character stating “NEW ANIMAL JUST DROPPED” and this fuzzy little friend is adorable. Everyone, meet the quokka therapist, Dr. Fuzzby! She will be played by Quinta Brunson, the newest addition to the Zootopia family. ©Disney Zootopia 2 will be coming to theatres on November 26th, and we’re so excited! It feels like we’ve been waiting for the story to continue for forever. We’re going to keep an eye out for news on the movie as we get closer to it’s release. Hopefully we finally get that trailer soon! To stay up to date on the latest Disney news, make sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you excited for Zootopia 2? Let us know in the comments! The post JUST REVEALED: First Look at a NEW Zootopia 2 Character first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Saying EPCOT has changed a lot over the last 40+ years is just a bit of an understatement, but one thing that’s stayed constant about Walt Disney World’s second gate is just how much fans love the park and its unique mix of futurism and world culture. ©Amazon Recently, we scoured Amazon for some essentials that we wish we’d have for out first visit to the park, and will never again visit without them! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Considering an Amazon Prime account? Have a free trial: EPCOT Passport ©Amazon This passport will allow you to “document and rate your culinary and cultural experiences in every country” of the World Showcase. The passport includes a marker, a plastic cover… ©Amazon … and “watermarks of iconic landmarks from every Epcot country, enhanced with an enchanting gold foil print.” SHOP HERE Reusable Travel Utensils ©Amazon Each set includes 4 sets of cutlery made of a wheat straw material, each cast in a different color. SHOP HERE Silicone Straws Silicone straw set This set of silicone straws features 12 reusable straws features, plus 4 pouches to store them in, and cleaning brushes. Remember you’ll only find paper, and occasionally agave, straws at Disney World. SHOP HERE Water Bottle Pouch ©Amazon Looking for an easy way to carry your Stanley or other similar water bottle while on a walk or simply out and about? How about one of these holders, which comes complete with pouches for your phone, credit cards, keys, etc.? SHOP HERE Be sure to pick up some of these essentials BEFORE your next EPCOT visit, and stay tuned to DFB for more deep dives on what’s available on Amazon. Looking for even more Disney Essentials? Check out our Amazon Storefront!The post We Wish We Would Have Bought These for EPCOT Sooner first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe is garnering a lot of attention from theme park fans. Universal’s brand-new theme park is set to open on May 22nd, 2025, but Team Members and media have already gotten a chance to experience this “epic” park. Epic Universe The new park features five themed lands that allow guests to experience some of their favorite stories and characters in new ways. You can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and Celestial Park. As Epic Universe gets closer to opening, there have also been questions about how Disney World plans to compete. Disney World currently has four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal will have three theme parks and a water park after the opening of Epic Universe. However, the last theme park Disney World opened was Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998. Disney’s Hollywood Studios While Disney has pledged to spend $60 billion on its parks and cruise line, so far, none of their plans have included building a new theme park in Florida. Disney has introduced numerous expansion plans and rethemes, including a Cars area in Magic Kingdom, Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Monsters, Inc. Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a new Villains Land in Magic Kingdom. Cars Area Concept Art ©Disney But even with all the additions, is this enough to keep up with Universal as it opens an entirely new theme park? Some experts don’t think so. In a recent CNN article, Dennis Speigel, owner and founder of consulting firm International Theme Park Services, stated, “Disney and Universal are in the greatest boxing match they’ve ever been in at this point in time, and it’s a slug fest. I believe that within 12 to 16 months, Disney will announce its fifth gate theme park, because it’s necessary.” Magic Kingdom Alicia Stella, owner of Orlando ParkStop, also discussed some of the worries Disney World might be facing with the opening of Epic Universe. The current situation, where “most of the time is spent at Disney World and a small portion of the week is spent at Universal, may shift in balance.” The opening of Epic Universe might increase the number of days families spend at Universal while decreasing the number of days at Disney World. EPCOT Back in January 2023, a comprehensive land-use plan was approved by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (at the time of approval, it was the Reedy Creek Improvement District) to allow for the building of one additional “major” theme park and two additional “minor” theme parks. However, Disney has NOT confirmed their intention to build a fifth theme park, but the land-use plan indicates that it was at least at the drawing board at some point. Disney’s Animal Kingdom While some experts think that an announcement of a new park at Disney World might happen sooner rather than later, only time will tell. Disney currently has a lot of projects going on at Disney World, but you truly never know what executives and Imagineers might have up their sleeves for the future of Disney World. Magic Kingdom Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! We’re Inside Epic Universe for an EXCLUSIVE Tour and We Have So Much To Show You! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you hope Disney World builds a fifth theme park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post Experts Predict When Disney World Will Announce a Fifth Park first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Details We Dig: Island Tower Stories | Disney Files On DemandView the full article

Magic Kingdom is one of the busiest theme parks in the WORLD. Fantasyland crowds Because of this, it can be a challenge sometimes to get dining reservations in the park, especially during the high-traffic times of the year. But there’s one restaurant that seems to book up faster than the rest — Cinderella’s Royal Table! And if you’re hoping to stop by during your next trip, we’re sharing our experience so you can answer the age-old question: “Is it worth it?” Cinderella’s Royal Table is Magic Kingdom’s most popular restaurant, but it’s also the most expensive. It’s likely so high in demand because it’s one of the few ways that you can actually go inside Cinderella Castle (besides going to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or being invited by Disney to stay in the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite). Full spread from our meal It’s also pretty popular because it’s a character meal with the Disney Princesses. Cinderella is there, and she’s often joined by visiting princesses such as Jasmine, Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White. The only other restaurant that currently offers an all-princess character meal is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT. Cinderella! We’ve been to this restaurant countless times, shelling out the hefty price tag to do so. It currently costs $74 per adult for breakfast and $88 per adult for lunch and dinner, or if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll have to use two table service credits. That’s certainly not cheap! Princess Jasmine Unfortunately, in our extensive experience with this restaurant, we’ve not usually found the food to be very remarkable. It can be bland and unoriginal, which is disappointing when you’re paying as much as you are. However, we do understand in a way — since this restaurant is so popular, they have to keep the menu a little simpler to be a crowd-pleaser. Cinderella’s Royal Table If you simply want to dine with the Disney Princesses, we tend to like Akershus a bit more. You can also visit the beloved 1900 Park Fare to meet Mirabel, Princess Tiana, Aladdin, and Cinderella. And for delicious eats, we have a long list of restaurants that we’d recommend higher, including some in the same price bracket. Entering Cinderella’s Royal Table However, if your goal is simply to eat inside Cinderella Castle, then this is the ONLY place where you can do so. Going inside the castle is something that many people dream of, so it makes sense that the meal would be popular and pricey. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the cost, AND worth the time that it takes to dine there (character meals often use up an hour or more of your valuable park time). Jaq & Gus Cheesecake In summary, Cinderella’s Royal Table can be a great experience if you’re going for the vibes alone, but probably don’t expect it to be the most culinarily exciting meal that you have throughout your trip. As always, though, things could change in the future with menu updates so make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest reviews. If you’re heading to Disney World in 2025, make sure to check out our list of top restaurants! Stay tuned to DFB for more dining tips and updates from Disney World. We’ll keep you in the loop! Click Here for Our Latest Review of Cinderella’s Royal Table! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to Cinderella’s Royal Table in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post We Reviewed the Hardest Dinner Reservation You Can Get in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Friends, family, Disney World fanatics of all ages… get ready for the MAGIC KINGDOM SHOWDOWN of the CENTURY. Magic Kingdom! We’re pitting EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride against each other in an elimination tournament to see WHICH Magic Kingdom ride comes out on TOP. So place your bets, grab your popcorn, and let’s see WHICH Magic Kingdom ride DOMINATES the competition! Check out our video below: The BEST Ride in Magic Kingdom  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: The BEST Ride in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re traveling soon, you’re gonna want to read this! ©Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines has had some major changes lately, like changing its “bags fly free” policy and updating its open seating initiative. They’ve even helped make your Disney trip a little bit easier when check-out time comes. Now Southwest is back with more ways to save on travel this summer! Southwest Airlines’ Wanna Get Away Sale is back for Summer 2025! This sale offers flights as low as $49 one way, which could save you big this summer. ©Southwest Airlines This deal comes and goes pretty quickly, so grab your flights before this deal ends on April 17th, 2025. The Wanna Get Away Sale is valid for flights from April 29th, 2025, through August 27th, 2025, for U.S. Travel. U.S. travel to and from Hawaii and San Juan is valid from August 17th through October 3rd, 2025. Hawaii Flights on May 26th, Memorial Day, are blacked out from this deal! Flights also need to be booked at least 21 days in advance to qualify for the Wanna Get Away Sale. This sale returns in the wake of Southwest’s controversial decisions to end their open seating and “bags fly free” policies. Southwest You’ll have to start paying for your bags for any flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025, so luckily that won’t impact the Wanna Get Away Sale! Southwest’s open seating policy isn’t ending until early 2026, so it also won’t impact the sale. Seats that will be assigned can begin being booked later in 2025. Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport Southwest also recently announced the rest of its 2025 schedule, so if you’re ready to make holiday plans, you can! We’re ready to take flight to see our favorite theme parks soon. As always, keep following DFB for more travel news and updates. How A MASSIVE New Disney World Hotel Perk Just Got Even BETTER Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What airline do you prefer to travel with? Tell us in the comments! The post Southwest Airlines Announces NEW Sale with Flights first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Open that suitcase because we’re packing for Disney World! Magic Kingdom Maybe your Disney vacation isn’t just yet, but today, we’re giving you our team’s favorite products to bring with us. Not only are they our favorite, but they are miniature! Seriously, who doesn’t love miniature items? These are perfect for traveling to Disney World because they can either go in your carry-on bag or in your park bag for convenience. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Grab this Miniature Sunscreen Spray ©Amazon In the Florida heat, you might get sweaty, and one of the last things you will want to do is rub sunscreen into your skin. That’s why this miniature Banana Boat Sunscreen Spray is a great option. It’s perfect to put in your fanny pack for a day on the go. Shop on Amazon Protect Your Skin With This Face Mist ©Target Another member of our team loves this Sun Bum Face Mist. It is SPF 45 and it is made to deliver sheer, lightweight protection from harmful UV rays. It’s small enough for your park bag to reapply throughout the day to protect your skin. Shop at Target Always Be Prepared With This Sewing Kit ©Amazon You never know when you will get a rip in your shirt or lose a button while on vacation. This miniature sewing kit comes in handy in a pinch. This is a two pack, so you can even give one to your friend! Shop on Amazon Don’t Let That Mickey Bar Stain Your Shirt! ©Amazon I know I have had my share of chocolate from a Mickey bar on my favorite shirt while at Disney. This Tide to Go Pen comes in handy to help remove any stains. It’s easy to carry around and a necessity if you have kids. Shop on Amazon Grab This Tinted Lip Balm ©Amazon The heat at Disney World can dry out your lips, so keep them hydrated with the Summer Fridays Tinted Lip Balm. It even comes in multiple shades, and it is vegan. Shop on Amazon Be Ready With This First Aid Kit It has EVERYTHING Parents, this First Aid Kit is going to be so helpful on your next vacation. Kids will be kids, and accidents happen. My last trip to Disney, my toddler fell and scraped up their knee, so having something like this kit would have been very helpful! Shop on Amazon Get Tan Before Disney World! ©Walmart If you are heading to Florida from a colder area or just haven’t had much sunshine lately, this Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer can help you start your tan now! Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer has a blend of antioxidants and Vitamin E, which helps moisturize for healthy-looking skin. Shop on Amazon Stay Smelling Fresh All Day in the Parks With This! ©BathandBodyWorks You can get pretty sweaty in the parks, especially during the summer, so why not stay fresh with the Bath and Body Works Mini Fragrance Mist? It’s small enough to put in your park bag and you can just do a quick spray when you are noticing you need to freshen up. Shop on Amazon Grab This Travel-Sized Mousse ©Amazon This Nexxus Miniature Mousse is great when you are flying with just a carry-on item. You can “give your hair 4x the volume with our crunch-free and color-safe Medium-Hold Volume Hair Mousse”. Shop on Amazon Make Your Make Up Last All Day! ©Amazon In order to help make your makeup last all day, use a great setting spray like this Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. This will help keep your makeup looking great even while sweating from that Florida heat. Shop on Amazon For more Disney World essentials, check out our Amazon Storefront, where we update it with our favorite finds. Check Out Our Amazon Storefront Here The post The Best Miniature Travel Products for Disney World, According to People Who've Tried Them All first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We fawn over Walt Disney World’s Swan & Dolphin Resorts thanks to their elegance, design, and many of their dining options. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin at night Recently, Picabu abruptly announced that they were closing their doors and would be turned into a new spot called Lagoon Lanes, Games & Eats. The full menu was released just a few days ago, and we’re bringing you our FULL review. Atmosphere Keep in mind that since this is an arcade and a bowling alley, it’s not going to be a quiet and relaxing spot to eat — but that’s the point! The tables and chairs aren’t separated from the arcade area at all, so you’re in the middle of all the action while you eat. Lagoon We expected it to be loud in here, and it was, but, if you’ve got your kids running around the arcade and you want an easier way for them to sit down quick and eat something, this would be a great option for that. You order at a kiosk, and your food is delivered in takeout containers, which would make this an easy spot for grab and go food too! The tables are just…there But enough about the restaurant — let’s get a reminder of what’s on the menu here. Menu You can find some appetizers available in the afternoon such as the Tornado Potato, Loaded Tater Tots, and Blazing Shoreline Fingers… ©Lagoon …and for your main course, you’ll find options like a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Lagoon Burger, Chicken Tenders, and more. ©Lagoon Finally, you can also find sides like Coleslaw, Onion Rings, Chili, and more, plus a 7 Layered Chocolate Cake and Carrot Cake Slice for dessert. ©Lagoon But, how does everything in this arcade restaurant taste? Eats We started off with the Tornado Potato for $10, which was a potato on a stick in a fun, twisty presentation. We’ve never met a potato we didn’t like, but this was pretty plain as there was no dipping sauce of any kind to break up that potato flavor. If there was a fun dipping sauce served with this tornado of a potato, we think it would definitely be an improvement, but it was a fun item to start with. Tornado Potato We moved on to the Onion Rings, available for $9. We were really looking forward to these thanks to the beer batter, but the batter was a little too thick and we would have loved it if the onions were thicker as well. We would have preferred a lighter batter, but these would certainly be a good option for eating in between games. Onion Rings Our entree was the Steak Melt for $20, and we had really high hopes for this! But, again, it just kind of fell flat. It had potential, and it’s possible that it would have been better had it not sat in a to-go container for a bit. Steak Melt Additionally, the bread was a bit soggy — likely from being in a to-go box — and the mushrooms and onions weren’t quite cooked enough. The steak could have been seasoned a bit more. Thankfully, the kettle chips it came with were good! It was not our favorite Finally, we were nervous, but we bit into the 7 Layered Chocolate Cake, which is $15. For the price, this was a pretty large piece of cake — and it’s definitely shareable. It was moist, chocolatey, and did the trick. We didn’t have many complaints about this one! 7 Layered Chocolate Cake It’s very hard to mess up chocolate cake, and thankfully this cake was moist and we enjoyed the level of chocolate flavor in both the cake and the ganache. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… Your kids won’t leave the arcade/bowling alley and you need them to eat SOMETHING You’re absolutely starving and need to eat at the closest possible location You’re looking for quick and casual bar-cade style food You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re looking for a meal you’ll be impressed with You’re wanting something that will please a lot of people You’re looking for a traditional restaurant experience Overall While this wasn’t the best meal we’ve had at the Swan and Dolphin, we know that Lagoon is likely still working out some of those kinks of being a newly operating restaurant concept. We think this a great option for families looking to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the arcade. The bowling lanes weren’t quite ready and open when we were there, but that will make a fun addition to this space as well. If you’re after a traditional, sit-down (or even counter-service) restaurant, you might want to go somewhere else! Lagoon In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Tried the NEWEST Disney World Hotel Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s a lot happening in Disneyland! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The 70th anniversary is coming up soon, and a lot of new things are coming with it! If you’re headed to the resort soon, you don’t want to miss out on these hotel deals before they’re gone. We have all of the details right here. Disneyland’s 70th anniversary begins in a little over a month on May 16th, 2025! We can’t wait for all of the celebrations to kick off, and if you’re headed to the park and looking for a deal, we’ve got you covered. You’d better act quickly, though; these deals are wrapping up sooner rather than later! Disneyland Hotel First up, you can save 20% on your stay Sunday through Thursday night! This deal runs until May 15th, 2025, but needs to be booked by May 12th, 2025. This is a great offer for anyone heading on a last-minute vacation. Disney’s Grand Californian Next up, if you’re heading to the park for the big festivities, you can save up to 30% on your hotel room! This deal allows you to plan ahead of the celebrations for stays of 4 nights or more. The discount is valid for stays beginning on May 16th through September 26, 2025, and it must be booked by May 15th, 2025. Pixar Place Hotel Are you a Magic Key Holder? You can get in on the discounts, too! Disneyland’s annual ticket holders can get up to 25% off on their hotel stays on select nights Sunday through Thursday nights. This deal ends on May 15th before the 70th starts, and must be booked by May 12th. Pixar Place Hotel Room Finally, the most exclusive offer is for Disney Visa Cardmembers! Cardmembers can save up to 30% on select premium rooms for Sunday through Thursday night stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel. The offer is valid for stays from March 23rd through May 15th, 2025. Similar to the other deals, this offer must be booked before May 12th. ©Disney For the Disney Visa deal, you can book online through the Disney Rewards website or call 1-844-604-0201 to book with your Disney Visa Card. If you’re staying at Disneyland any time soon, make sure these deals don’t pass you by! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney deals. Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Have you ever stayed at a Disneyland hotel? Tell us what you thought in the comments! The post 4 HUGE Disney Deals Are Ending Soon, And Disney Visa Cardmembers Better Act Fast! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Donaldo senses you’re feeling… hungry. Is it true? 🔮View the full article

It is an exciting week as a popular Disney World hotel’s food court is officially fully open! We have been watching the progress closely, and last week, the refurbishment was completed. Disney’s Pop Century Resort While the food court is no longer under refurbishment, there are numerous things in Disney World that will be closed for refurbishment next week. We have all the details on the food court’s reopening, plus what will be closed next week, keep reading! Everything Pop Shopping and Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort has officially fully reopened! This food court and shopping area has been undergoing renovations since July 29th, 2024. The refurbishment was initially supposed to end on September 29th, 2024; however, it was extended to being under refurbishment until April 2025. We have been waiting awhile, but the area is now completely open! Ice Cream Truck Sundae The grand reveal for the end of refurbishment includes a brand-new window that offers coffee, cocktails, ice cream treats, and more! You can even get an ice cream sundae in an adorable Mickey Ice Cream Truck. Pop Century debuted 8 NEW menu items with the opening of this last window. While this area has finally reopened, there are still quite a few things that will be closed in Disney World this week. Keep reading below to see what other attractions and locations will be closed this week, April 5th through April 12th! Magic Kingdom Playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor children’s playground inside the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue closed for refurbishment on February 24th, 2025. While the playground is closed, the ride is still open and available for kids of all ages to soar through the sky! Dumbo the Flying Elephant The indoor playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents closed at Magic Kingdom on January 20th. The Hall of Presidents The attraction will be closed until later in 2025, though Disney has not shared a specific date. We will keep an eye out for updates, though! The closure is likely to change the current president, as January 20th marked Inauguration Day. While it is closed, other maintenance and routine work may also be happening. Astro Orbiter If you want to blast off into space, you’ll have to head over to Space Mountain because Astro Orbiter is temporarily closed for refurbishment! Astro Orbiter is dismantled currently! Astro Orbiter closed as of January 13th and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025. No specific date has been announced for the high-in-the-sky ride, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for an update from Disney. The ride has currently been completely dismantled and is being refurbished elsewhere. It definitely looks a little barren as you are walking into Tomorrowland right now! 5 Things Magic Kingdom Cast Members Want To Tell You But Won’t Because They’re Too Nice Big Thunder Mountain Railroad On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. We can’t wait to see what changes will be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and take a rest, this could be it! Tortuga Tavern Just like Tomorrowland Terrace, Tortuga Tavern is also a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we have seen it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Tortuga Tavern We had previously spotted shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the flooring. However, all the shrubs have been taken down now. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more! Disney Adults NEED to STOP Breaking this Magic Kingdom Rule EPCOT Test Track Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Test Track Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Disney shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, and an updated opening timeline was just announced! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in late summer 2025. Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh Occasionally, we’ll see it open as a lounge or Kidcot Fun Stop. So, if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen! Heads Up! Your EPCOT Drinking Around the World Plans Might Need to Change! Animal Kingdom It’s Tough to Be a Bug It’s Tough to Be a Bug is officially closed for good. This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom invited you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. While the show didn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, it has now officially closed to make way for a new show. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is closed! It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17th. The show is permanently closed to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” expected to debut in winter 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The walls have been up since the closure, and things have been disappearing from behind the walls. Almost everything has been taken down behind the walls, including the large green dinosaur. The new logo! It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, the snack stands, and The Boneyard remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the rest of DinoLand. However, they have announced that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show officially has an opening date! The show will debut on May 27th, 2025. We also recently saw that they have begun to dismantle the outdoor exhibits from Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Voyage of the Little Mermaid As well, Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. A bit ago we saw that the iconic Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed! So far, it is still missing, but we are curious what, if anything, will take its place. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and will be debuting on May 27th, 2025. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” Hollywood Studios’ Most Unexpected Rules Disney Springs Starbucks on the West Side The Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It closed on March 3rd, and it is expected to reopen in mid-summer. Starbucks is undergoing refurbishment Have no fear, though — you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs! Head over to the Disney Springs Marketplace location, which will be open during the refurbishment. Caffeine headaches are not allowed in Disney Springs! The Viral Disney Springs Duck Cocktail Has Some SERIOUS Competition Now! Typhoon Lagoon Blizzard Beach officially welcomed guests back on November 4th, 2024! That same day, Typhoon Lagoon closed its gates for the season. Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon will be reopening on May 1st, 2025. When it reopens, Blizzard Beach will be temporarily closing. Disney has been having one water park open at a time seasonally since 2020, but that is changing this year. BOTH Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time from May 21st through September 7th, 2025. Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach! Disney World Hotels Boat Transportation — Disney’s Old Key West Resort From February 10th until early April 2025, boat transportation from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs will be unavailable. The resort will offer buses to take you to Disney Springs during this time. Old Key West While it can be frustrating if you are looking forward to using the boat to get to Disney Springs, Disney always ensures you have a way to get where you need to go. The bus may not be quite as fun of a way to get there, but you will still reach your destination! Stormalong Bay and Hurricane Hanna’s– Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Stormalong Bay is the shared pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It features a beach, a lazy river, a large pool, and an exciting pirate ship slide! When we stopped by recently, we noticed that they were hard at work at Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay Construction This pool area will be closed for refurbishment until June. While it’s closed, hotel guests can use the Tidal (Beach Club), Admiral (Yacht Club), and Dunes Cove (Beach Club) leisure pools. During the refurbishment, Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay will also be closed. Fantasia Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort From January 1st through April 30th, the Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed. Fantasia Pool While this pool is closed, you can swim at the Duck Pond Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort if you’re staying here. Merchandise Locations — Disney’s BoardWalk The merchandise locations along Disney’s BoardWalk will be closing for refurbishment in phases. The closures will last until May 2025, but two merchandise locations will always be available during the refurbishment. Screen Door General Store The Character Carnival is currently closed. While they are working on the Character Carnival, you can shop at Screen Door General Store and Thimbles & Threads. 8 Disney World Hotels That Will ALWAYS Crack Down on the Parking Rules 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 determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Full List of Important Disney World Closures You Should Plan Around in 2025 Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post After More Than 8 Months, This Disney World Hotel Food Court Is FULLY Open! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tucker, the newborn giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has made his public debut on the theme park’s savanna, mingling with other creatures and having new experiences, including puddle splashing. The calf, born Feb. 13, joined his mother and other giraffes for a first stroll Monday. Park visitors may spot him as they ride through the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Walt Disney World. He’s the short one, relatively speaking, now standing at about 6 feet tall. Day One was about exploration. “We want him to see the whole savanna. We want him to see the barriers and everything,” said Jenn Hernandez, animal care manager. “I always laugh when they see elephants for the first time because it’s like watching TV for them. They’re like, ‘What is this?’” Tucker pokes his head out from behind a palm tree as he makes his public debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)He’s also learning from other giraffes where their food is stashed and how to get back to the barn. After a bit of wandering, the group moved toward a gate on the edge of the savanna. “This is actually something we do want to see … that he knows where to go back home,” Hernandez said. Cast members monitored Tucker’s actions with other savanna residents such as zebras, sable antelopes and springbok. “He realized there are animals smaller than him today, so all of a sudden he’s like ‘Oh, hello,” Hernandez said. “He’s always been the small one, and now he has someone smaller.” Everyday occurrences are fresh ones to Tucker, the first giraffe born at Animal Kingdom since 2021. “You saw him going up the hill. That was his first time, so he’s still learning,” said Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of Disney’s Animals, Sciences and Environment. “He got his feet wet. … He was shaking his leg like a cat, which is really interesting. He has all these new sensations,” Penning said. Animal Kingdom visitors ride through the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction and past some of the theme park’s giraffes on Monday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Disney had people stationed across the savanna for Tucker’s protection. Burlap fencing divided him from the neighboring elephant habitat. That will remain in place for a couple of weeks, Penning said. “We’re trying to help him not get too excited because if he gets too excited and he goes rushing off, he could get himself in trouble,” he said. Since birth, Tucker has been backstage bonding with his mother Mara, who has given birth twice previously. The addition of Disney’s new calf was made in conjunction with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and its Species Survival Plan. He has been “gaining strength and confidence and also building a relationship with the keepers,” Hernandez said. The arrival of Tucker is “a reminder for us to continue the work that we’ve been doing for so long. Conservation originated with Walt Disney, way back in the beginning. He was a big conservationist. said Claire Martin, senior manager of nature strategy and integration, corporate environmental sustainability “He cared about animals and sharing stories of the natural world,” she said. “And this, you get to drive through a story of the natural world.” 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

As a child growing up in Tampa, Joshua Bailey was just outside the shadow of Walt Disney World. But that didn’t stop him from falling for the magic. “It was very enticing from a young age,” he says. “I’ve always been a theme park aficionado.” But as an adult, he learned that even pixie dust can have a dark side. The result is his documentary “Stolen Kingdom,” which will open the annual Florida Film Festival on Friday night. Bailey will attend and talk about his film. It’s the logical, perhaps inevitable, convergence of Bailey’s interests: Theme parks, movie-making and urban exploring — the practice of roaming around buildings and other areas not usually accessible to the public. “Stolen Kingdom” looks at the urban explorers of Disney parks — those who sneak into backstage areas and shuttered attractions — and then dives even deeper into those who parlay the practice into financial gain by selling Disney “artifacts” — stolen props, costumes, manuals and other paraphernalia — on the theme-park black market. “I don’t think there was anyone more suited to make this film than my team and me,” he says. Disneyana collector Joel Magee shows off his treasures in a scene from “Stolen Kingdom.” (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)So far, “Stolen Kingdom” has been screened at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Montana and the Slamdance Film Festival in Los Angeles. It also has been selected for the Independent Film Festival Boston later this month. For Bailey, who now lives in Winter Park and has a full-time gig as a graphic designer, the film is a culmination of a journey that began in childhood. “All kids are imaginative, but I was really trying to run around and make movies in my head,” Bailey says. “I was into film even before the parks.” As soon as he graduated from high school, Bailey headed to Orlando to combine his passions: He would study film at Valencia College and work at Disney World. The reality was a lot different than the movie in his mind. “I’d had this dream for years, all through high school … and then I hated it,” says Bailey, who turns 30 this year. After working four months as an attractions attendant at Epcot’s now-demolished Innoventions, he left Disney. (He did spend two years working for Universal Orlando, though, with much more enjoyment.) And he left Valencia, too. “I had all these ideas for films, and I wanted to make them instead of working on someone else’s set,” he says. “Stolen Kingdom” was nudged into production after the infamous “Buzzy” scandal. An animatronic figure in the long-closed Cranium Command attraction at Epcot, Buzzy was reported stolen in 2018. The figure — life-size and weighing several hundred pounds — has never been found. The saga of the theft of Walt Disney World’s “Buzzy” animatronic, seen in an image from the “Stolen Kingdom,” is at the center of the documentary. It’s the opening-night film for this year’s Florida Film Festival. (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)Through social media, Bailey already had gotten to know multiple theme-park “urban explorers” and had dabbled in urban exploring himself, though “not at Disney,” he says. He also had met Patrick Spikes, a one-time Disney employee who would later plead no contest to charges of stealing a wide array of items from Walt Disney World, although he has never admitted to taking Buzzy. It was Spikes who opened Bailey’s eyes to the market for illegally obtained Disney curiosities. When news of Buzzy’s disappearance broke, Bailey rounded up his filmmaker friends with an urgent message: “Remember that idea we had for a Disney black-market movie? We should probably really get on this!” “Stolen Kingdom” documents how this specialized form of urban exploring — some would call it breaking and entering — developed and how a small community formed through blogs, YouTube videos and other social media. Some of the happenings referenced in the film received widespread media attention: People trespassing on Disney’s Discovery Island, infiltrating the Seven Seas Lagoon outside Magic Kingdom, or sneaking into River Country, a closed water park. Other anecdotes — a near-death experience in an off-limits area of the old Horizons ride at Epcot, for example — are shocking to those of us not familiar with this world. “I think everyone interviewed, with the exception of the journalists, is on some level a criminal,” Bailey says. Contributing Central Florida journalists include my former Orlando Sentinel colleague Gabrielle Russon, who covered theme parks for the newspaper, and Seth Kubersky, who writes park guidebooks and contributes to the Orlando Weekly. Bailey says “Stolen Kingdom” is not meant to encourage bad behavior. “I don’t think you should go stomping around Big Thunder Mountain,” Bailey says. “I didn’t want to glorify anything, but it still is very fascinating.” Patrick Spikes, pictured in a scene from “Stolen Kingdom,” pleaded no contest to dealing in stolen property and avoided jail time after being arrested in connection with missing Walt Disney World property. (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)Perhaps the engrossing and entertaining film can be seen as a cautionary tale: Most of the explorers interviewed have been banned from Disney World for life. And although he avoided jail time, Spikes was ordered to pay restitution as part of his no-contest plea. In “Stolen Kingdom,” Spikes talks about making $25,000 in one transaction involving stolen goods. And he says he was offered tens of thousands if he could procure the famous Redhead female animatronic from Pirates of the Caribbean. (He declined the offer.) Bailey says he was intrigued by these shadowy collectors who obviously don’t let morality stand in the way of adding to their spoils. “They know these things aren’t for sale,” he says. “It’s just confirming that these people don’t care if an item was stolen or not.” He observes that Disney has woven itself so well into the fabric of society that perhaps Americans today feel a proprietary right to the theme parks. That notion is another layer to the title “Stolen Kingdom.” “Disney is being stolen by the culture of America,” Bailey says. “It doesn’t feel like Disney owns it all, it’s part of the people now.” As for himself, Bailey did return to Disney employment for a spell after that first, ill-fated, four-month stint. But today he says he’s “Disney’d out.” In this image from the documentary “Stolen Kingdom,” Patrick Spikes examines what appears to be a figure from the Disney attraction “it’s a small world.” (Courtesy White Lake Productions via Enzian Theater)“I will always love Disney,” he says, “but I think I love it more on a historical level. The corporate entertainment world these days is so creatively bankrupt and exhausting — I just can’t care about IP [intellectual property] and franchises.” There is one thing that could lure him back into the fold, though: The mystery of what happened to Buzzy. “I wanted to solve it, and thought we could,” Bailey says. “I went a little crazy digging through everything, there were a lot of sleepless nights where I was chasing leads but they all led to dead ends. I have to consciously tell myself to let it go.” But what if someone confesses, or Buzzy miraculously turns up all these years later? “If I’m really being honest, I would love that,” he says. “I’d be turning the camera on immediately. If someone finds it in a crate somewhere, I hope we’re there.” Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our emailed weekly Entertainment newsletter. ‘Stolen Kingdom’ When: 6 p.m. April 11, with a 5:15 p.m. preshow reception (Note other festival screenings of the film are sold out) Where: Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland Cost: $125, includes the festival’s opening-night party after the screening Info: floridafilmfestival.com View the full article

Get ready, get set, and GO because the NEW Disney x Brooks collection has officially dropped online! runDisney x Brooks This new collection celebrates the love of Disney characters and runDisney races all while looking cute and comfy as you’re racing to the finish line. There are four different styles — each one with its own special theme — and you’re going to want to HURRY because the collection has already sold out once. This restock won’t last long, so grab a pair (or two!) while you can! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Go, go, go! This collection has already sold out once, so if you’re trying to snag some of these shoes during this restock — you’re going to want to hurry! Get the Springtime Surprise shoes! Special Springtime Surprise shoe Commemorate the 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend with this limited edition Ghost Max 2. Bold colors representing different race themes come together to make you feel like a superhero crossing the finish line. Plus, you can customize your laces with the included themed race badges. Get Them HERE We love these Minnie Mouse shoes, too ©Disney Red-and-white polka dots and a bow detail on the heel highlight Minnie Mouse’s iconic style on this limited-edition Ghost Max 2. We love this design and it looks just like Minnie’s iconic outfit! Get Them HERE Or, you can grab these Mickey shoes! Mickey-themed shoes Oh boy! Bold pops of color paired with hidden Mickey Mouse details make this limited-edition Ghost Max 2 fit for even the world’s most famous mouse. Get Them HERE And finally, get the runDisney-themed shoes It’s got Mickey on it! Bring a bit of magic to every mile in this limited-edition Adrenaline GTS 24, featuring an iconic Mickey Mouse detail and eye-catching colors that match with the rest of the Brooks x runDisney core collection. Get Them HERE We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! Shop for More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post The NEW Brooks x Disney Shoe Collection Is Available NOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article