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Disney closed out 2024 with a bang, keeping us busy with several announcements in December. Magic Kingdom What a year it’s been for The Walt Disney Company! We got so many announcements regarding the Disney Cruise Line, theme park expansions, and so much more. All year, we were kept busy with tons of news, and that trend stayed ongoing to the very end. December was packed with some major announcements that will have long-time ramifications, and a few in particular stood out. If you’re going to the movies, visiting the Disney Parks, or experiencing a Disney cruise soon, check out these big announcements from December 2024! Disney Media Recently, Disney announced a movie project that is sure to dominate the box office! ©Disney The Walt Disney Company and BBC Studios are teaming up for the first ever Bluey movie! Based on the beloved animated Australian family show, the movie is anticipated to premiere in theaters worldwide in 2027 before finding its streaming home on Disney+. The movie will also air on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia after its theatrical release. ©Disney After the success of “The Sign”, a longer format episode from the show, Bluey creator Joe Brumm was inspired to write and direct a theatrical installation of Bluey. The film will star the voice talent from the series, including Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack, and will feature music created by Bluey composer Joff Bush. Per the official press release, “The CG animated film will be produced by award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith (‘Happy Feet’, ‘The Lego Movie’, ‘The Lego Batman Movie’) with Richard Jeffery returning to co-direct (’Bluey’ Series 1-3). Joe Brumm will serve as executive producer, alongside Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson from Ludo Studio, and Justine Flynn for BBC Studios.” ©Bluey.tv But that’s not all the Bluey news we got. Additionally, Disney announced that beginning as soon as January 2025 passengers sailing on with the Disney Cruise Line that originate in Australia and New Zealand can meet and interact with Bluey and Bingo! Guests will find special meet-and-greets as well as an interactive and “clue-filled” game that ends in a dance party. Bluey and Bingo The fun doesn’t stop there. We also learned that Bluet and her family are coming to Disney World and Disneyland in park meet-and-greets! @Boardwalk Times Specific details have yet to be revealed, but we should learn more in the coming months. Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro said of the upcoming Bluey experiences, “Bluey has become a household name for families around the world and we are thrilled to bring her story to life in new ways. We can’t wait to watch our youngest guests and their families make memories with Bluey in our parks and on our cruises.” Disney World The Bluey announcement wasn’t the only theme-park related news from Disney in December. We also learned a lot more about the upcoming Disney’s Animal Kingdom transformation. Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom Disney World is moving forward with its Tropical Americas land and transforming Dinoland USA in the process. The change will notably see the thrilling attraction DINOSAUR give way to a new Indiana Jones ride and now we know a timeline as to when DINOSAUR will close for good. The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones. Per Disney, you’ll have a whole year to ride DINOSAUR before it closes AFTER 2025. While the timeline isn’t super detailed, Disney did say that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” Disney Cruise Line Before you can meet Bluey on the Disney Cruise Line, something BIG is coming to the fleet. In fact, it’s already here! Disney Treasure The Disney Treasure cruise ship made its maiden voyage on December 21st and we got an early look this month! Enchanté The ship is the latest addition to the fleet, which is set to grow to 13 ships by 2031. To learn more about the Disney Treasure, check out our video below! The announcements this month were so exciting and we can’t wait to see what pops up in the new year! In the meantime, stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest Disney news, tips, and more! We’ve Got NEWS About Disney’s Most Popular Popcorn Bucket of the Year! 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 There were SO MANY announcements from Disney in 2024! Let us know which ones have you the most hyped in the comments below! The post The Single BIGGEST Announcement Disney Made This Month first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As we near the end of 2024, you will find lists upon lists of recaps of the year. You can see the top trends and most popular styles, and you will also find lists of the top travel destinations of the year. ©Louisville Tourism Here at DFB, we are a bit biased in favor of Disney World and Disneyland, but we were happy to see THIS city show up on a variety of lists as a top destination for food and travel. While it isn’t Orlando or Anaheim, you may want to add this city to your travel list. According to WLKY, Louisville, KY, made it on MORE than 15 media outlets as one of the best places to travel in 2024. Some of the city’s accolades include “Best Place to Travel in 2024” by Travel + Leisure, “Top Trending Destinations Locals Love” by Airbnb, “The South’s Best Cities 2024” by Southern Living, and “The World’s Best Travel Destinations in 2024” by Culture.org. This year, the city hosted events like the Kentucky Derby 150 and the PGA Championship, and the food scene continues to develop. ©Louisville Tourism While you won’t find a Disney park in Louisville, you will find some great attractions and fantastic dining options. We may have a soft spot for Disney food, but we also have some favorites in Louisville that you need to check out if you are ever there. ©Louisville Tourism Proof on Main is a great spot for cocktails with an art gallery ambiance. We also think you need to stop by Jack Fry’s for a classic elevated dining experience with French/Southern fusion food. Also, make sure to check out La Bodeguita de Mima for some wonderful Cuban food and all the nostalgia. You can’t beat Highland Morning for breakfast — we highly recommend the biscuits and gravy here, yum! Finally, if you are looking for some cheap eats, you need to stop by Taco City. While the whole menu is great, our favorite is definitely the birria tacos. Bucatini at Jack Fry’s ©Jack Fry’s Our mouths are watering just thinking about some of the delicious dining options in Louisville. Louisville also boasts an urban bourbon experience. Plus, there is so much to do beyond just eating and drinking your way around the city (although you could also spend your whole time doing this too). You will also find more than 120 attractions, including Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and so much more. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for travel news and all your Disney tips, tricks, and news! Find out which Disney World restaurant received a Michelin Star Award in 2024! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you visited Louisville before? Let us know about your experience in the comments! The post You Won't BELIEVE What City Beat Orlando as a Top Destination for Food and Travel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time for 2025! Well, almost time. Fireworks in Magic Kingdom! We are so ready for 2025! There are so many exciting things coming like the new villains show, the new Little Mermaid show, and the new Zootopia show (probably). While we wait for 2025 to officially start, we will be preparing in Disney World with some fun fireworks that you need to know about! New Year’s Eve is known for big, over-the-top fireworks celebrations and Disney makes sure to participate. Not only does Disney go all out on December 31st each year, but you can even catch a special nighttime show on December 30th too! Last year’s fireworks Over in Magic Kingdom, you can watch Disney’s special New Year’s Eve fireworks two nights in a row! On December 30th and December 31st, you can see the nighttime show and even participate in a countdown to New Year’s with a few thousand of your closest friends. 10! Magic Kingdom sold out for New Year’s Eve all the way back in October but it doesn’t mean you can’t catch the fireworks. As of now, the 30th is also sold out in Magic Kingdom but don’t lose hope if you want to see this nighttime show. New Year’s Eve crowds in the past While park reservations might be filled up, you can still try to park hop over on the 30th and 31st! On busier days like the last two days of the year, parks tend to hit capacity but if you start at a different park in the morning and then hop over earlier in the day, you have a better chance of making it to the fireworks! Last Year’s New Year’s Hat We do recommend once you make it inside Magic Kingdom on these days to not leave. Just because you managed to scan in once doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to make it in a second time. New Year’s Eve crowds The New Year celebrations don’t end here though! EPCOT also throws a great party on December 31st each year with special fireworks and DJs throughout the park. Don’t forget to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for all of your Disney news and updates. You Can Still Get These Disney World Park Reservations for New Year’s Eve, But HURRY 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 How are you celebrating this year? Tell us in the comments! The post How To Catch Disney World's New Year's Eve Fireworks EARLY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has recently been testing self-checkout stations powered by artificial intelligence (AI). We have seen the testing happening at the food court of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. NEW self-checkout system While the machines are still in the testing phase, it is possible that we could see these machines spread to more food courts in hopes of making checkout more efficient. We asked you what you thought about these new self-checkout machines being tested, and you all didn’t hold back! If testing goes well, these new AI self-checkout machines could find their way to more places at Disney World. We stopped by when they were first rolled out at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, and we could see there would be a bit of a learning curve for the machines. We grabbed a kids’ Mickey Waffle meal, and when we got to the machine, it rang up as a pulled pork sandwich. Not exactly the same thing…at all. Luckily, a Cast Member was quick to help fix the mistake, but we wanted to know what our readers thought about these machines! Scanning our meal One of the biggest complaints we saw about the testing is that our readers are NOT happy that these machines could eventually replace Cast Members. Like most self-checkout machines, these replace some of the Cast Members on the register and only have one or so Cast Members monitoring all the machines. While they are supposed to help make check-out more efficient, it is obvious that lots of people will miss their interactions with the Cast Members. Maries wrote, “Nothing can replace people!” Susan agreed, saying, “We need cast members magic smile.” Cast Member at Casey’s Corner Pat doesn’t like the idea of these machines rolling out more locations as they will be “taking jobs away from CMs.” Kevin said that he likes “having a cast member to talk to. You can meet some really nice cast members and have a good conversation, and you may even learn something about the parks or even learn something about the cast members. It just makes it a little bit more magical when I’m spending all my money.” Cast Member at Food & Wine Festival Not only were our readers concerned about these machines replacing Cast Members, but many were also concerned with how well the machines would work and whether they would truly make the checkout process more efficient. Steve said he supports self-checkout when people are familiar with the store, but not so much at Disney. “They may not have been there in years, maybe their first time. On top of that, especially in Orlando, a high percentage of guests come from different languages and cultures. Cast Members are integral to the Disney experience. They are priceless. A couple of AI lines for bloggers and locals might be OK, but several lines of live Cast Members will still be necessary.” AI Self-Checkout Jake also thinks that these machines are not accurate enough. He wrote that “AI is already so inaccurate with online search and image generation. I don’t trust it all with ringing up my purchase and accurately charging me. Also, it just feels icky using a machine that will eventually take jobs away from the cast members.” As well, Ilze chimed in “It seems redundant considering a cast member still stands there monitoring it. The money spent on that tech could’ve been used to give that CM a raise.” AI Self-Checkout We saw first-hand that these machines were not the most accurate, but with AI technology, they will become more accurate the longer they are in use. Even if they become more accurate, they are still no replacement for the Cast Members checking you out! As our readers also wrote, there is something special about Cast Members, and we love talking to them, even if it is just while we are checking out. Only time will tell if the self-checkout machines become more widespread. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, tricks, and news! Read more about our experience with these new self-checkout machines! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about the AI self-checkout machines? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The post Why Disney Fans Are So Mad About Self Checkout Testing in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Back in April 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested an investigation into the Reedy Creek Improvement District (a special district that managed various government services for Disney World) and The Walt Disney Company amid a public political battle. Over a year later, Florida officials concluded the probe. According to WKMG, the members of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District Board of Supervisors did not break any criminal laws. Magic Kingdom The investigation was led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which ended the probe “due to a lack of a criminal predicate,” according to a memo obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. The investigation centered around the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s rules, procedures, internal communication, tax records, and more. Ultimately, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement noted that Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District had a close relationship, pointing out a “blurring of the lines” in some cases. For instance, the chief inspector general reported that one attorney worked for Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney also reportedly benefited financially from the district’s purchase of theme park passes, per the Orlando Sentinel. That said, the investigation found that no laws were broken. Disney World What prompted this investigation? On February 8th, 2023, The Walt Disney Company and the Reedy Creek Improvement District struck up an agreement that “set in stone” Disney’s developmental rights over the next 30 years. This move came just before Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill attempting to change key aspects of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney’s last-minute development agreement prompted DeSantis allies to criticize the deal, calling the agreements “unusual,” “suspect,” and “unlawful.” A few months later, DeSantis requested an investigation focusing on civil and criminal laws, ethics requirements, and the “involvement of Walt Disney World employees and agents” regarding that development agreement. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website After DeSantis became involved in 2023, he replaced the Reedy Creek Improvement District employees with Republican allies. The new Republican-backed board took away Disney discounts and theme park pass perks that were previously given to Reedy Creek employees, such as firefighters and project managers. The new board also changed the name of the Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream The political conflict started in 2022 when Disney publicly opposed Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, known by critics as the “don’t say gay” law, which limits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. DeSantis then appointed the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to take over the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District, which eventually resulted in Disney and DeSantis filing lawsuits over the district’s development agreements. The court battles were ultimately settled in 2024. This latest update signals the end of the political conflict, but we will continue to look for updates. NEWS: Gov. DeSantis Says He Has “Moved On” from the Disney Conflict 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 The post NEWS: State’s Criminal Investigation Into Disney-Controlled District Quietly Closed, Finds No Laws Were Broken first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s get real for a second. There are a TON of restaurants at Disney World! Sanaa Some are iconic, some are…well, we wouldn’t exactly recommend unless you’re desperate for a seat and some air conditioning. But here’s the thing: sometimes, the appetizers are JUST AS GOOD as the entrées or the desserts. Sometimes, the appetizers are the real stars of the show. And we’re not talking about just any appetizers—we’re talking about the appetizers that make you wanna skip the main course and just order them on repeat. Ready to take notes? These five apps are worth the trip every time. Sanaa Indian-Style Bread Service First up, if you know, you know. The Sanaa Bread Service is Disney appetizer royalty. You’ll find this treasure at Sanaa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and yes, it’s worth the bus ride. Indian-style Bread Service This isn’t just bread and butter, folks. This is warm, pillowy naan served with an array of dips and spreads that range from mild to spicy. You can mix and match flavors to your heart’s content, and with so many options, there’s a combo for everyone. So spicy! While we love the whole menu at Sanaa, this appetizer is a must-get. Imagine sitting with a view of the savanna, munching on naan, and watching zebras stroll by. Perfection. Click Here for more on Sanaa! Hummus Fries at Spice Road Table Listen, Spice Road Table in EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion is one of those restaurants that’s quietly amazing. It’s usually easy to snag a table here, which is a Disney World miracle in itself. But the true hidden gem are the Hummus Fries. Hummus Fries These aren’t your average fries. They’re made of spiced chickpea batter, fried to crispy perfection, and served with a citrus-chipotle sauce and preserved lemon. The flavors are bold, the textures are spot-on, and the dip adds just the right amount of heat. Spice Road Table We should also mention that Spice Road Table’s menu is practically all appetizers, so you could turn your meal into a full-on tapas-style feast. But trust us, don’t skip the fries. Read more about the Hummus Fries Bacon & Eggs at Steakhouse 71 Sure, bacon and eggs sound like something you’d order at a diner, but Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has elevated this classic to a whole new level. Bacon and Eggs We’re talking about maple-lacquered pork belly (yes, please), smoked cheese grits, and a perfectly cooked egg on top. It’s rich, savory, and downright luxurious. The pork belly is tender with just the right amount of sweetness, the grits are creamy, and the egg yolk is cooked to an ideal custard texture. Pure magic. So so good This is easy to bypass on the menu in favor of their steakhouse cuts and incredible stack burger, but it’s an epic option that you definitely need to try! Read our full review of Bacon & Eggs Pimento Cheese Fritters at Boatwright’s Dining Hall Not many people make the trek to Port Orleans – Riverside just for the food, but if you’re not heading to Boatwright’s Dining Hall for the Pimento Cheese Fritters, you’re seriously missing out. Boatwright’s These little fried balls of love are crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and topped with pepper jelly that’s creamy, sweet, and just a little spicy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you say, “Why don’t more places serve this?” Pimento Cheese Fritters Now, pair these with a plate of Mickey Beignets, and you’ve got yourself an entire foodie pilgrimage worth bragging about. Read our full review of the Pimento Cheese Fritters Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites at Wine Bar George If Wine Bar George in Disney Springs isn’t on your Disney dining bucket list, we need to talk. This spot has so many amazing dishes, but the Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites hold a special place in our hearts. Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites These golden, breaded nuggets are stuffed with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, and they’re served with a tomato nage and pecorino that take the whole dish to the next level. The breading is light and crispy, and there’s just a hint of spice that keeps things interesting. Creamy mac & cheese inside You can even grab these bites to-go from The Basket, Wine Bar George’s quick-service counter. So whether you’re dining in or taking your snacks on the road, these bites are a must-try. Wine Bar George Click here for more on Wine Bar George! So next time you’re debating where to eat, think about these spots. These five apps are the crème de la crème. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. I Taste-Tested 7 Appetizers in Disney World, and the Best Was Rich, Cheesy, and Packed With Flavor 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 have a favorite Disney World appetizer? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post NO LIE. These 5 Disney World Restaurants Are Famous for Their Appetizers! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2024 is coming to an end, which means it is time to ring in the New Year. Last year’s fireworks at Magic Kingdom Disney World knows how to celebrate the holidays, and many people flock to the Most Magical Place on Earth to celebrate the New Year. While the Park Pass Reservation System may seem like a thing of the past, it still is a thing and if you were looking to snag a reservation for New Year’s Eve, you are going to want to hurry as reservations are filling up FAST! Park Pass Reservations are no longer needed for date-based tickets or for Annual Passholders after 2PM, except at the Magic Kingdom on weekends. Although the rules have been relaxed, Park Pass Reservations do tend to sell out for busy days like holidays. Magic Kingdom Crowds on New Year’s Day 2024 Both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will have special celebrations to ring in 2025. Due to this both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have already had their Park Pass Reservations fill up for December 31st. Don’t worry; if you are looking to visit the parks on New Year’s Eve, both Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are still available. EPCOT on New Year’s Eve last year All-day park hopping has returned, which means that you can snag a Park Pass Reservation for Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios and still hop on over to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT for the nighttime festivities. Annual Passholders can enter both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT after 2 PM without a reservation since New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday. This is subject to park capacity, and it is not guaranteed that you will be able to enter if the park is full. Last Year’s New Year’s Hat We will be in the parks on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, checking out the crowds and all the 2025 treats, so make sure to stay tuned and continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog! The BIGGEST News Drops That Will Change Your 2025 Disney World Trip Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be heading to the parks to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Let us know if you were able to snag a Park Pass Reservation in the comments!The post You Can Still Get These Disney World Park Reservations for New Year’s Eve, But HURRY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The wait is FINALLY over as these Magic Kingdom bathrooms are BACK! Magic Kingdom We visit Disney World every day and take note of all the changes so that you’re completely informed before your next trip. We keep up with all the menu updates, ride changes, and, yes, bathroom refurbishments. Speaking of which, a major bathroom in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland just re-opened after a nearly year-long closure and we have all the details! Our reporter felt this bathroom upgrade was well worth it and loved the changes that were made! They feel the restrooms are now thematically in the vein of the Tangled bathrooms or the Gaston’s Tavern bathrooms, especially inside. Looks good! They also got a good utilitarian feeling that made them believe the bathrooms are easy to clean and maintain. Caution sign You’ll notice the space has been expanded as well, with more stalls now available. Stalls Counters and stations also have new theming to match the newly decorated walls and tiles. Baby changing station Speaking of the walls, they look like gray stone and are topped with blue and red tiles that form stripes. The colors really pop in here and maintain the fantasy theming. New walls Back on the outside, the restrooms are sporting new wood-style signs with the German labels “Herren” for men and “Damen” for women. These were previously labeled “Prince” and “Princess”. New bathroom signs We’re pleasantly surprised to see these long-refurbished restrooms finally back in action! We’ll continue to keep you posted on Disney World bathroom tips so stay tuned, and, as always, continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World updates, tips, tricks, reviews, and more! The ONE Disney World Bathroom You Need To AVOID AT ALL COSTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited to see these bathrooms back open? What do you think of the new design? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The post BREAKING BATHROOM NEWS: A Major Magic Kingdom Construction Project Is Finally OVER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s new magic in the air. MagicBand+ MagicBands have been an essential part of a trip to Disney World since their introduction back in 2013 (Yes, MagicBands have been around for over a decade. Feel old yet?) Throughout their existence, there have been hundreds of designs, ranging from the original primary colors that were FREE with your Disney reservations all the way through to limited edition collectible designs. We’ve come a long way! Want to see the current list of MagicBands you can get if you’re planning a trip to Disney World? Let’s take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. While those booking a Disney World vacation no longer receive “free” MagicBands, Disney still offers a selection of discounted MagicBands for purchase while you’re booking your trip. If you purchase your bands up to 11 days before your booked trip, they’ll be mailed directly to your home. If purchased between 6-10 days beforehand, you’ll be able to pick them up at your Disney Resort. ©Disney There is a litany of designs available, and they’re all inspired by Disney’s characters and parks. There’s even a GLITTER MagicBand! ©Disney Recently, several new designs were added to this selection, including new options featuring Figment, the Partners statue, Tinker Bell, Alice in Wonderland, and Star Wars. ©Disney If you don’t get your hotel stay order in on time, or you’re not staying on property, you can shop a whole range of additional MagicBands on the Disney Store website. The selection here is even larger, including several Marvel-themed designs. ©Disney Disney has released some NEW MagicBand designs on My Disney Experience. Stay tuned to DFB for more on new Disney souvenirs! SHOP MAGICBANDS 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 What’s you’re favorite MagicBand design? Let us know in the comments below. The post NEW MagicBands Just Arrived for Disney World Hotel Guests! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tis the season…the holiday season in Disney World. And you know what that means…other than the awesome decorations, all the great snacks, and Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays It means that it’s also the time of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, which brings in celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional. Now, those celebrities just don’t usually attend the Candelight Processional — many of them take the opportunity to spend some time in Disney World outside of their EPCOT duties. One such celebrity recently hosted the Candlelight Processional and spent some time with her family taking what very well could be a Christmas card photo at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. That celebrity is no other than singer Gloria Estefan, who spent Christmas Eve in Disney World when she narrated the Candlelight Processional. However, she also brought her whole family along for the experience, and they spent some time enjoying other parts of Disney World, too. Oh, and yes, Estefan is actually a PART of EPCOT — her hit single “Conga” is one of the songs you can get while riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (and we might argue, it’s one of the BEST songs to get on the ride). While visiting Disney World, Estefan and her family took time to take an EPIC photo in front of the Christmas tree at the Grand Floridian. Yes, that should be her Christmas card for next year! ©Gloria Estefan Estefan and her family also spent some time dining at 1900 Park Fare and even took time to pose with some of the characters there, including Cinderella. ©Gloria Estefan Estefan’s family also visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and had to get the shot in front of the Stormtroopers in Rise of the Resistance (it’s a must-get photo, right?). ©Gloria Estefan Of course, there was the obligatory Cinderella Castle photo, which is also a MUST. It looks like the Estefan family had a great time visiting Disney World. ©Gloria Estefan We’ll be on the lookout for more celebrities in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Celebrity Sighting! You Won’t Believe Who Just Visited La Cava Del Tequila in EPCOT 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 spotted a celebrity in Disney World? Share your stories in the comments! The post See Which Celebrity Singer Just Took Her Christmas Card Photo at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome to the end of 2024 — did you have a nice holiday season? Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to spend those holiday gift cards and take advantage of some end of the year sales! Loungefly bags make great holiday gifts! We picked out some of the BEST Amazon deals for Disney fans. If you collect Disney Loungefly backpacks, or you’re looking for a new park bag for Disney World, you need to see these deals! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Loungefly Toy Story Andy’s Room Mini-Backpack ©Amazon DEAL ALERT! This backpack is 42% off right now! The design is so cute — it’s perfect for a visit to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The bag has a front zipper compartment, side pockets, and adjustable back straps. View on Amazon Loungefly Mickey Mouse Marching Band Backpack ©Amazon Looking for a nostalgic Disney design? This is the backpack for you! At 40% off, now is the time to add this colorful backpack to your cart. View on Amazon Loungefly Nightmare Before Christmas Mayor Lenticular Mini Backpack ©Amazon Calling all Nightmare Before Christmas fans! This spooky bag is 39% off for a limited time. We love a bag that you can rock for multiple events, and this backpack is perfect for Christmas AND Halloween! (And true Nightmare Before Christmas fans can rock this bag ANY time of year, of course!) View on Amazon Loungefly Disney Villains YZMA Mini Backpack ©Amazon This movie is SO underrated! We don’t see Yzma, the sassy Disney villain with a penchant for potions, featured on Disney merchandise very often. The backpack is 41% off online right now, so run, don’t walk, to Amazon! View on Amazon In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney deals, so stay tuned for more. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more Disney items!! The post You Can Get 42% Off of a Disney Loungefly Bag on Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning a Disney Cruise or any other kind of cruise in the near future? Disney Wish at Castaway Cay You’ve probably already thought about almost everything you need to do, like what to pack, what activities you want to indulge in, and where you’ll be eating. However, you should also think about how to stay healthy on a cruise. Cruise ships are contained environments, which means viruses can spread quickly. One virus is on the rise on cruise ships right now, so we’re going to tell you about it, as well as help you do what you can to prevent getting sick. According to USA Today, more than 300 people have contracted norovirus on three different cruise ships in December. Those who got sick were on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess on a trip around Hawaii, as well as Holland America’s Rotterdam and Zuiderdam cruises, which were both in the Caribbean. The most reported symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea. The cruise lines responded to the outbreak with additional cleaning and disinfection while sick passengers and crew members were put in isolation. Princess Cruise wrap on Brightline train “Norovirus can be especially challenging to control on cruise ships because of the close living quarters, shared dining areas and rapid turnover of passengers,” the CDC website states. “When the ship docks, norovirus can be brought on board in contaminated food or water; or by passengers who were infected while ashore.” With norovirus being so contagious, you might want to know what to do to protect yourself on a cruise. One easy preventative measure is to wash your hands often, including after using the toilet and changing diapers, before eating or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else any medication. One thing you’ll need to note is that hand sanitizer does not do a great job of preventing norovirus, so you’ll want to use soap and water when you can. Wash your hands often! However, note that norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships only account for a small percentage of all norovirus outbreaks. In any given year, there are about 2,500 outbreaks in the U.S. per year. So, it’s important to take preventative measures when you’re on vacation anywhere. Welcome to the Most Magical Place on Earth! Stay tuned to DFB for now. Sneak Peek at the FORBIDDEN Spaces Onboard Disney’s New Cruise Ship! What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What are some preventative health measures you take before cruising? Share with us in the comments! The post Norovirus Cases on the Rise on Cruise Ships. Here’s How To Protect Yourself first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you’re planning your next Disney World vacation, there are lots of things to consider. Cinderella Castle You have to plan your travel, hotel, park tickets, dining plans, and much more. If you’re trying to plan your vacation on a budget, there’s even more to consider to ensure you stick to it. The costs of travel, hotels, food, souvenirs, and lots of other options all play a big part in how much you’ll end up spending on your vacation. So, when you’re planning your next vacation, we suggest asking yourself these four questions to help you stick to your budget and feel like you’ve done everything you want to do! Do I want to use Lightning Lanes? Lightning Lanes are the skip-the-line add-on that you can purchase for each day you’re in the parks. There are three ways to purchase Lightning Lanes — Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Multi Pass gives you access to a variety of rides at each park. Single Pass is purchased for one ride only, and Premier Pass is the most expensive pass that includes every Lightning Lane ride at the park that you purchase. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Lightning Lane When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to three Lightning Lane selections prior to your trip. For those staying at a Disney-owned hotel and select other hotels, you can make these selections at 7AM EST up to seven days in advance of your check-in day for your entire stay (up to 14 days), while all other guests will be able to purchase and select their first 3 Lightning Lane Multi Passes three days ahead of their trip (still starting at 7AM EST). Once you’re inside the park, you can make MORE selections once you’ve used up one of the Lightning Lanes that you’ve got pre-booked, and you can continue making new selections throughout the day each time you use another Lightning Lane. That way, you’ve got THREE in your back pocket at ALL TIMES. Lightning Lane at Expedition Everest You can also make Single Pass purchases ahead of your visit, which do NOT count as part of your three Multi Pass pre-selections. So you can still purchase up to TWO MORE Lightning Lanes in Single Pass format (for those premium, a la carte ride purchases, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT and Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios, just to name a couple) and have up to FIVE LIGHTNING LANES already selected for each day if you wanna go this route. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Lightning Lane Premier Pass does NOT require any additional planning once you’ve purchased it for the one park you want to use it at(you can only purchase it for one park per day). Once you’ve purchased it, up to 7 days in advance of your trip for the extent of your trip (up to 14 days), you can just go to the rides without selecting a specific time, and it includes every Multi Pass and Single Pass rides in the park you purchased. However, Premier Pass is the most expensive option of the three Lightning Lane options. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure lines Each of these Lightning Lane options uses flex pricing, which means the price for each park varies each day. Once you’ve purchased Multi Pass for one park, you can park hop and use it in the other three parks. Single Passes can only be used at the one ride you purchase, and Premier Pass is only for the one park you purchased. If you’re considering purchasing Lightning Lanes on your vacation, we suggest checking out our several YouTube videos on the subject to help you make your decision easier! Am I going to need Advance Dining Reservations? Depending of where you want to eat on your vacation, you may need Advance Dining Reservations. This is usually true if you want to eat at table-service restaurants that are very popular, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, ‘Ohana, and other character restaurants. However, if you only plan to eat at quick-service restaurants (which typically cost less), then you would not need to worry about getting reservations. Cinderella’s Royal Table If you know that you want to eat at one of these table-service restaurants, mark on your calendar what day will put you at 60 days BEFORE the first day of your vacation, because that’ll be the absolute EARLIEST you can start booking Advance Dining Reservations. If you’re not planning on staying at a Disney-owned or select other hotel during your trip, then you’ll need to wake up each morning, for each 60 days out marker, to secure MORE dining reservations for every day of your visit. ‘Ohana HOWEVER, if you’re staying as a hotel guest at a Disney hotel or select other hotels (Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, or Shades of Green), you’ll only have to get up early ONCE before your trip, since you’ll be allowed to make your bookings 60 days in advance, PLUS the length of your stay (no longer than 10 days). It’s also a good idea to be on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app EARLIER than when dining reservations are supposed to go live. The booking window opens up for ADRs on the website at 6AM EST daily. That being said, it’s not unheard of for these reservations to go live even EARLIER (by 15-30 minutes), depending on the day. What are my highest priority rides and attractions? There’s a HIGH chance you won’t be able to do EVERYTHING inside the parks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t figure out ahead of time what you want your park “must dos” to be. Plus, if you choose to purchase Lightning Lanes, you’re chances of doing MORE may significantly increase, so keep that in mind as you’re deciding what your highest priorities are. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad We suggest creating a list of your top priority rides for each park, that way when you get done with each of those, you’ll feel like you had a successful day. And if you get to extra, it’ll be an even sweeter day! You can find full lists of every attraction at our pages for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Do I really NEED a park hopper ticket? Park Hoppers SEEM like a good idea in theory. You get to do and see MORE parks in Disney World, all within a single day or two. Depending on the time of year you visit, how long you’re planning to visit, and which parks you were originally planning to visit, a park hopper add-on can cost between $65-$85+ per ticket. And they CAN be a good idea, especially if you’re going on a weekend getaway to the parks and only have a single day or two to spare. EPCOT But they can also be more of a hassle than they’re worth, especially if you’ve got the vacation time to FULLY explore each park as is. So, before you automatically jump into getting that park hopper add-on, decide how much time you wanna spend in each of the parks, and what you really want to accomplish in each park, as well. You might even find that, on your weekend getaway, you’d rather spend one-or-two full days in one-or-two parks rather than have to leave any particular one to try and squeeze in all four. Animal Kingdom You can ALWAYS change your mind once you arrive and add that park hopper upgrade whenever you get to Disney World if you decide you want it at the last-minute. HOWEVER, just keep in mind that the park hopper add-on does not get cheaper if you add it later on in your trip. So, if you decide to get park hoppers on day 3 of your 5-day park ticket visit, you’re still gonna have to pay for that park hopping privilege for all 5 days even though you’ve already knocked out days 1 and 2. So it might be better to just buy it up front beforehand if you’re contemplating it and have it for ALL your park days, just in case you wanna use it, since it’ll cost ya the same either way. We hope these questions, tips, and tricks help you have a magical vacation! If you need help planning, we suggest our friends over at Small World Vacations. They have tons of experience helping people have the best Disney World vacations. Plus, their services are completely free to you! As you plan your next Disney World trip, keep following DFB for more tips! The Big Changes Coming to Florida and Disney World Travel in 2025 DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning a Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 VITAL Questions To Ask Yourself When Planning a 2025 Disney World Trip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Will you be visiting Disney World in January? EPCOT January is certainly a great time to visit. The holiday crowds usually disappear by the first week of the month, plus you usually get cooler weather (and sometimes, it’s even COLD). The EPCOT Festival of the Arts also starts on January 17th, so there’s that, too! However, there is one weekend in January when you should avoid EPCOT altogether — and we’re going to tell you about it. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is January 8th through 12th, and yes, that could bring some crowds to the park. However, that’s not why we’re telling you to skip EPCOT that weekend. Here’s the thing: on two of the race days, January 10th and 11th, EPCOT doesn’t open until 10AM — one hour later than it usually opens. That’s because the marathon goes THROUGH EPCOT, which gives the runners the chance to get through the park before it opens. EPCOT entrance So that means if you visit EPCOT on those days, you’ll get one less hour in the park — and who wants that? So you’ll want to plan accordingly if you’ll be in Disney World that weekend. If you do end up seeing some runners throughout the weekend, be sure to cheer them on! Spaceship Earth So, what else can you expect on a race weekend? Well, you will certainly see more crowds in the parks, although it won’t be anything like the crowds we see on holidays. You’ll just need to be a little extra patient and consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass if you don’t want to wait in long ride standby lines. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be in Disney World for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is the WORST Weekend To Visit EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you already planning out your 2025 trip to Disney World? Magic Kingdom As we all know, Magic Kingdom is usually the crown jewel of a Disney vacation, but I’m here to drop some truth that might make you rethink your park priorities next year. There’s one major, frustrating reason you might want to skip Magic Kingdom altogether in 2025. Let’s talk about it! As we were saying, there’s this one frustrating reason you might want to skip out on heading to Magic Kingdom altogether in 2025: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be CLOSED for over a year. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad You heard it right. One of the most iconic attractions in all of Disney World (the wildest ride in the wilderness) is shutting down for a massive refurbishment starting January 6th, 2025, and it won’t reopen until sometime in 2026. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad For many of us Disney fans, Big Thunder is a quintessential part of the Magic Kingdom experience, and without it, Frontierland feels like…well, not much of a land at all. And it’s not just Big Thunder. The whole area will be buzzing with construction, closures, and changes that might make your 2025 visit feel more like you’re navigating a construction zone than a magical day at the park. What’s Going on in Frontierland? Like we said, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn’t the only part of Frontierland that’s seeing major changes in 2025. Disney is in the middle of a big transformation project, and it’s going to have a huge impact on the park experience: Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America Are Closing Permanently: These classic attractions will make way for a brand-new Cars-themed area, which will definitely expand Frontierland in a whole new direction. Villains Land Construction Is Underway: Beyond Big Thunder Mountain, Disney is working on the all-new Villains land. If you’re coming in 2025, and the noise, walls, and disruption are most likely going to be impossible to ignore. DVC Lounge Replacing the old Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade: Over in the heart of Frontierland, the former Shootin’ Arcade is being replaced with a Disney Vacation Club lounge. Why This Matters for Your Trip If Big Thunder was just one piece of the puzzle, maybe the magic of Magic Kingdom would still outweigh the inconvenience, but with so many closures and construction projects happening all at once, the park really might feel like it’s missing the sparkle we all know and love. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad To be honest, Frontierland will essentially be half a land in 2025. Big Thunder Mountain is out of commission, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are disappearing. Add in the construction walls for Villains Land, and this once-bustling part of Magic Kingdom is going to feel pretty lifeless. The endangered Tom Sawyer Island What’s left to do? Sure, you’ve got Country Bear Jamboree and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but without Big Thunder anchoring the land, it’s just not the same. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Meanwhile, the added strain on other parts of the park can’t be ignored. Fewer attractions mean longer lines at everything else, from Peter Pan’s Flight to Jungle Cruise. On that note, it’s also worth noting that Astro Orbiter will also be closed for part of 2025. It’s scheduled for refurbishment from January 13th until summer. Astro Orbiter Is Magic Kingdom Skippable in 2025? Well, with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed and so much construction going on, your day at Magic Kingdom could end up feeling more frustrating than magical. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad That being said, if you’ve never been to Disney World before or are traveling with young kids, Magic Kingdom might still be worth the visit. It is home to classics like Cinderella Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion. But for repeat visitors or anyone who wants to maximize their time, this might be the year to prioritize other parks instead. Until then, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! Magic Kingdom Is Already SOLD OUT for 3 Dates in 2025! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting Disney World in 2025? Tell us in the comments! The post The One Frustrating Reason You Should SKIP Magic Kingdom in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re visiting Disney World, the My Disney Experience app will be your new best friend — because you’ll be using it for EVERYTHING. EPCOT You can use the app to check-in to your hotel room, unlock your hotel room door, Mobile Order food, use Mobile Check-Out for souvenirs, and purchasing and booking your Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass reservations. Speaking of Lightning Lanes, we just uncovered a feature that will come in SUPER handy when you’re in the parks and want to keep tabs on all those Lightning Lanes you’ve booked. So let’s say you’ve booked some Lightning Lanes in Magic Kingdom. Sure, you can view a list of the three you can have booked at any given time, but did you know you can also view those on the map in My Disney Experience? ©Disney Now, this could come in super handy if you’re not familiar with navigating the parks and want to make sure you’re not doing a lot of backtracking when you’re hitting up those Lightning Lanes. So, you could look at those times and then plan the best route to take to get to each Lightning Lane. You’ll also be able to see those dining reservation times on the app, too. ©Disney Another thing we found really cool is that these times stay on the map for the entirety of the three-hour return. So you’ll be able to plan out a chunk of your day accordingly, which is ALWAYS helpful. ©Disney So, if you find yourself in Disney World and are trying to figure out the best way to knock out your Lightning Lanes without a lot of extra walking, be sure to look at the map on the My Disney Experience app — you can do this by clicking on the location icon at the bottom of the screen when you open the app. You can also use the “Filter” link at the top of the map to choose which park you’d like to see. ©Disney Looking for more information on how to use the My Disney Experience app? You can learn all about it here. Stay tuned to DFB for more. How To Use the Virtual Assistant Feature on the My Disney Experience App 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 feature? Will this be helpful during your next trip? Let us know in the comments! The post Not to Be Dramatic, but This Disney World App Hack Just Changed My Life first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Joyous #Kwanzaa from #WaltDisneyWorld Resort. We love when a celebration comes together!View the full article

Classic attractions are closing, new attractions are in the works, and there are LOTS of seasonal events you WON’T wanna miss. Disney California Adventure Today’s ULTIMATE Disney California Adventure guide for 2025 just might BLOW your MIND. Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Disney California Adventure in 2025 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 is your favorite Disney California Adventure snack of all time? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to Disney California Adventure in 2025 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Another celebrity was spotted at a Disney park! Sleeping Beauty Castle Sneaking a peek at celebrities at Disney, pinning down their unique park outfits and trends, and hearing them become part of Disney entertainment while visiting can make for a fun and unforgettable experience. One celeb recently took their family to Disneyland and shared a TON of adorable photos from the trip. In fact, it felt like we’d spent the whole day with their family! We love it when we spot a celebrity at a Disney park having fun with their families (just like us)! And, when you mix in the sights, sounds, decor, and smells of the holidays at Disneyland, it’s an unforgettable combination. Sleeping Beauty Castle Decorated for Christmas You might know Alison Holker from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars pro, or the host of your favorite HGTV show, but it looks like Holker and her family were able to clear out their busy schedules to fit in some family bonding time at Disneyland for Christmas! Holker posted a few family photos in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle with the caption, “Christmas at Disney the perfect way to bring in the holiday spirit.” ©Instagram In the photo, she also tagged Adam Edmunds (her boyfriend) along with their combined crew of kiddos. It looks like the kids were especially enjoying their time riding rides like Rise of the Resistance… ©Instagram …taking on the Radiator Springs Racers… ©Instagram …walking down the middle of Tomorrowland together… ©Instagram …and showing off their Minnie ears! ©Instagram It seems like Holker and her family had a splendid time enjoying Disneyland for the holidays, and it’s fun getting a peek into their family vacation albums — it’s just like when we post our memories online. We’re always keeping up with the latest news, updates, and changes at Disney! Be sure you’re following along with us at Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss them all. CONFIRMED: Limited-Time Ticket Offers Announced for Disneyland! 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 spotted a celebrity in Disneyland? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below! The post Celebrity SPOTTED! You Won’t Believe Who Just Rode Disney’s Rise of the Resistance Attraction first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, it’s official — Magic Kingdom is about to become a big ‘ole mess of construction. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad You’d think we’d be used to so much construction after the LOOONNG EPCOT transformation, but we’re really worried about what that means for Magic Kingdom. It’s going to be bad enough seeing all that construction where Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is to make way for the Frontierland Cars expansion, and we know there are going to be a lot of construction walls to walk around. However, we’re noticing a trend in some construction happening already behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that’s setting an unsightly trend. So we recently noticed that construction had started on SOMETHING behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Now, we know that the new Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom will be located in that area, but we’re not sure if this construction has anything to do with that. It could have more to do with whatever is going to happen to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad during its year-long closure. We’ve already spotted some construction Well, we’ve been checking up on progress of whatever is going on over there, and let’s just say, things look busy. There’s a crane there now. Not only that, but the crane is pretty visible even outside the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue. Now that’s…odd. Disney usually goes to great lengths to hide things like this with scrims or whatever. This is a bit of an eyesore But nope, this thing is just THERE and Disney isn’t even trying to keep it a secret. It just looks SO out of place. It’s just THERE It’s also a big eyesore over at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Since when did they have cranes in the bayou? It completely ruins the skyline of the ride. Crane invading the skyline of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure However, this isn’t just a problem we’re seeing in Frontierland. You can even spot the crane in Fantasyland. Rapunzel’s Tower seems a little less magical with a crane beside it… Ew But wait…there’s more. You can even see it in Liberty Square. Um…what about keeping to the historical accuracy of this land? Liberty Square takes great lengths to be historically accurate, so this is kinda’ a disappointment, y’all. Even in Liberty Square? We think this is a little weird because Disney used to be very careful about what’s seen when there’s construction happening in the parks. Now, we know a crane is super hard to hide, but this isn’t something we’ve seen often in the parks and we’re a little surprised the crane has been there, photo bombing our Magic Kingdom pictures, for almost a week already. We hope this isn’t a sign to come of what Magic Kingdom will look like over the next few years. We’re excited about all the new things coming to the park, but we were also SO relieved when the work in EPCOT was finished. Magic Kingdom is the park people think of when they think of Disney World, and we’d hate for it to be a little less magical because of ugly construction equipment being seen almost everywhere in the park. We’ll be keeping an eye on it and getting you updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Will There Actually Be TWO COASTERS in Disney World’s Villains Land? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? Would this deter you from wanting to visit Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post NOBODY Expected This To Happen on Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It has been a rough year being a TV fan. That’s because some of our favorite shows have been given the axe. ©Disney Some shows never even had a chance to get their footing, while others were canceled after just a few seasons. All the streamers and networks have been busy canceling TV series, too, and even Disney’s properties haven’t been immune. On Disney+ and Disney Channel alone, we’ve seen a total of four cancellations, with another coming from ABC. Ouch. So let’s get into the shows that won’t be getting any future seasons. So we’re looking at shows canceled by Disney+, Disney Channel, and ABC, but let’s just say both FX and Hulu had their share of cancellations, too, which we may get into at a later date. For now, let’s get on with it. Disney Channel Villains of Valley View In October, Variety reported that Disney had canceled Villains of Valley View after two seasons on the Disney Channel. The comedy show followed a family of supervillains forced to hide their powers and live like normal people in a suburb. ©Disney Here’s the show’s official description: “When teen supervillain Havoc stands up against the leader of all villains, he threatens to destroy her and her family – which forces them to change their identities and hide out in a suburb of Texas. With the help of their über-happy new neighbor Hartley, Havoc (now Amy), her brother Chaos (now Jake) and the rest of her family, will have to hide their powers and abandon their reckless villain ways in favor of something they’ve fought against all their lives… being good.” Secrets of Sulphur Springs The time travel mystery drama Secrets of Sulphur Springs aired for three seasons before the show was canceled. The series followed a 12-year-old boy, Griffin, who had his world upended when his parents decided to move to Chicago to take over an abandoned hotel. The hotel has a secret portal, though, that allows Griffin and his friend, Harper, to travel in time. ©Disney During their travels, the two friends begin to untangle some of the town’s mysteries, including the strange disappearance of a girl who had once been in the hotel when it had been part of a summer camp. Disney+ The Acolyte Disney decided to cancel the Star Wars TV show, The Acolyte after just one season. The Acolyte was set FAR before the events of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and followed a pair of twins as their lives lead them apart: one choosing the Dark Side, the other having failed training as a Jedi. ©Disney The series saw some a lot of backlash (a lot of it coming from toxic fandom), but it also had a drop in views after its first episode. According to Variety, Disney wasn’t happy with the cost of the show versus its performance. American Born Chinese Another show that Disney delivered the axe to was American Born Chinese, a series based the graphic novel of the same name. The show was canceled after one season. The show followed the trials of an American teenager whose life is changed when he becomes best friends with the son of a mythological god. ©Disney At the time, it was reported that Disney was a fan of how creative the series was, but it didn’t have the viewership to justify giving it a second season. At the time, the showrunners had said they would shop it around to other streamers and networks. ABC Not Dead Yet According to The Hollywood Reporter, ABC decided not to continue with the series Not Dead Yet after two seasons. The show followed a woman who takes a job as an obituary writer — she later discovers that she can see and hear the people she writes about. ©ABC Of ABC’s three half-hour comedies that were airing at the time, Not Dead Yet had the smallest audience when looking at Nielsen’s seven-day ratings, which is probably why it was canceled. Going into the New Year, we’re sure to learn about more cancellations (January seems to be a popular month for those announcements), so we’ll keep an eye out for more from Disney. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Why Hulu Canceled 4 Shows Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about these cancellations? Let us know in the comments! The post Every Disney Show CANCELED in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Happy #Hanukkah! 🕎 We hope your celebration is warm, bright & filled with memories. #WaltDisneyWorldView the full article

Merry Christmas! Did you get any Amazon gift cards? Maybe a little cash from Santa? Well, we know just how to spend it! Merry Christmas! We searched the internet for the most popular Disney items for pretty much any Disney fan. No matter your age, we have something for you! Now, come with us, and let’s see what’s available on Amazon now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Disney Princess Cookbook ©Amazon Is anyone else tired of the same rotation of dinner recipes? Mix things up with a new Disney-themed cookbook! This one has 50 beginner-friendly recipes, including dishes like Rapunzel-inspired Frying Pan Eggs, Tiana-inspired Bayou Meatloaf, Moana-inspired Te Fiti Tropical Punch, and more. View on Amazon Loungefly Stained Glass Collection: Belle Mini-Backpack with Ear Attachment ©Amazon This backpack is GORGEOUS! The design features a beautiful Belle-themed stained glass motif, complete with the Beast, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, and Cogsworth! The Loungefly mini-backpack is made of vegan leather, includes a front zipper compartment, side pockets, and adjustable back straps. View on Amazon Disney Inside Out 2 Mood Cubes ©Amazon Calling all LEGO fans! This set is for YOU. The new Inside Out 2 set comes with two mood cubes, nine changeable mood plates, a display stand, and Joy and Anxiety LEGO mini-figures. The best part is that you can switch up the emotions based on your mood. View on Amazon Disney Mickey Toodles Talk’n Toolbelt ©Amazon This is one of the hottest toys on Amazon right now! The Pretend play tool kit includes an interchangeable screwdriver (Phillips & flathead), adjustable wrench, pliers, hammer, and an adjustable tool belt with a pocket. It’s perfect for all the little projects your little one can imagine. View on Amazon Disney Mickey and the Gang Sweatshirt ©Amazon This simple sweatshirt comes in five colors, so there’s something for everyone! If you want it to fit slightly oversized, we recommend sizing up. The Fab Five design is a classic — it will go with just about any outfit. View on Amazon In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more Disney items!! The post Just Say Goodbye to Your Money Now. You're Gonna Need ALL of These New Disney Souvenirs on Amazon! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2025 is going to be a BUSY year for Disney World! EPCOT Quite a few rides will be closing in 2025, with a mix of refurbishments and permanent closures due to construction projects. That means you’ve got to check those calendars before your vacation to make sure your favorite attraction is still operating! And now, we can add another ride to the list of those that will be unavailable. Disney has confirmed that Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros will be closing for refurbishment on January 6th, 2025. Currently, it has a scheduled reopening date of March 15th, so it’ll be down for more than two months. Mexico Pavilion For those who haven’t checked out this ride before, it’s located in the pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion, next to San Angel Inn Restaurante. Because it’s kind of hidden in the back of the pavilion, many people miss it on their first trip to the park. It’s your quintessential Disney dark ride, with a boat tour that travels around Mexico while you, Jose Carioca, and Panchito search for Donald Duck. Gran Fiesta Tour This ride doesn’t often close for refurbishment, but we have experienced some technical difficulties with it in the past. One of the most famous snafus this ride had in the past few years was when the Donald Duck animatronic was briefly removed and replaced with a houseplant in a sombrero. Truly iconic. Mr. Donald Plant We’ll make sure to keep an eye on the calendar and this ride to see if it reopens on time. This is one of several refurbishments in the early part of 2025, including Kali River Rapids, Hall of Presidents, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Astro Orbiter. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates on closures in Disney World! We’ll keep you in the loop. The Best Times to Go to Disney World in 2025 — 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 Are you going to EPCOT in 2025? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Confirms a Surprising 2-Month Closure Starts in 12 Days in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s take a journey together back to the year 2019. Baby Yoda, also known as Grogu, is taking the internet by storm, and we are crying in the theaters at the end of Avengers: Endgame. But, that is not all that was happening in 2019. ©Disney Disney also made a huge announcement about a new ride that was expected to be built in EPCOT. However, here we are five years later and the ride is no closer to being built. Back in August 2019, Disney announced that a Mary Poppins attraction would be making its way to the UK Pavilion at EPCOT. We were screaming supercalifragilisticexpialidocious at the thought that we could ride an attraction featuring Mary Poppins. The new attraction was supposed to allow guests to “step in time down Cherry Tree Land past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family.” Mary Poppins attraction concept art But, now we have been through multiple D23 Expos and numerous earnings calls, and we haven’t heard anything specific about this attraction ACTUALLY coming to EPCOT anymore. We saw a few pieces of concept art when the ride was first announced, but Disney has been pretty silent on the project ever since. In March 2022, Disney released a statement that the project had become “postponed” along with other projects like the retheming of Spaceship Earth. We also noticed that the Mary Poppins attraction was removed from the video in the EPCOT Experience. Mary Poppins Attraction ©Disney Other than that, we haven’t heard much about this scrapped attraction. The Mary Poppins attraction was postponed as Disney was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Bob Chapek also stated at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders that they would be taking “a pause on capital-intensive projects.” Technically, Disney hasn’t officially released that it has been canceled, but with the ever-growing list of expansions and rethemes they have announced WILL happen, we are not sure that the Mary Poppins attraction will ever actually come to fruition. Mary Poppins meeting in EPCOT However, you truly never know with Disney, and we might still hear that the Mary Poppins attraction will be built after all! Only time will tell, and of course, we will be keeping an eye out for any news and updates about the Disney parks. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news! Why hasn’t Disney revamped these abandoned attractions? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you still hoping the Mary Poppins attraction will be built? Let us know in the comments! The post The Complicated Reason Why 'Mary Poppins' Hasn't Taken Over the UK Pavilion in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article