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What you’re about to see is a challenge of epic proportions. But for Dole Whip Day (July 18th), we pull out all the stops. We’re not afraid to take on the task, even if such an activity is probably easier when split between friends. When Dole Whip is involved, the gloves come off. Tropical Serenade In honor of Dole Whip Day, we were invited to participate in Disney’s Dole Whip Dash. Think of it like a scavenger hunt, but just for Dole Whip treats. Now, THAT is a scavenger hunt we can get behind! But remember how we told you this was a BIG challenge? Well, you’ll understand why in a moment. We ate nine (!!!) Dole Whip treats in one day. Nine. Breakfast? Dole Whip. Lunch? Dole Whip? Dinner? You guessed it! Dole Whip! Dessert? Lobster Thermidor. Kidding! We had more Dole Whip. Behold — Dole Whip Day 2024: EXTREME Edition. Our journey began with this fun little scavenger hunt. We were given a map of locations and a simple mission: experience a taste of all of the best DOLE Whip treats throughout Disney World. We’re in! ©Disney Naturally, we started at Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace. Here, we opted for a Dole Whip Swirl! Why get one flavor when you can enjoy TWO at once?! We LOVE Dole Whip! Up next, we went to Aloha Isle Refreshments. We had to get a simple Dole Whip treat here; it’s only fair, given the event. This is a classic! Hope you’re not getting full yet because we have way more treats to eat! Over in Fantasyland, Storybook Treats serves all kinds of Dole Whip desserts! We made our own little creation: a Strawberry Dole Whip Root Beer Float. One word: YUM! Time for a float! And POOF! Just like that, we’re in EPCOT. At Refreshment Outpost, we had to get the NEW DOLE Whip Cherry-Pineapple Swirl. This one is only available July 14th through July 21st, which is a real shame because it’s SO pretty. DOLE Whip Cherry-Pineapple Swirl Fast-forward past EPCOT, and suddenly, we’re in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! More specifically, we stopped by Trilo-Bites to get the Zazu DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut Float. This one is DOLE Whip Lime swirled into Sprite with coconut and blue curaçao syrup and topped with a white chocolate medallion. It’s available now through September 9th. Zazu DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut Float Even the Disney World hotels got in on the action! Here, we got actual, solid (ish) food: a DOLE Whip Cupcake from Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This one is SO fun! It’s a yellow cupcake filled with DOLE Whip pineapple mousse and garnished with a cherry. Time for a snack! For our final stop, we were off to Disney Springs. There’s a small kiosk across from the World of Disney Store called Swirls on the Water, and they serve some excellent Dole Whip treats! We had to end with a BANG, so we got the DOLE Whip Sampler. DOLE Whip Sampler The trio features: DOLE Whip swirled with vanilla soft-serve garnished with a pineapple wedge DOLE Whip Strawberry swirled with coconut soft-serve topped with strawberry sauce and coconut flakes DOLE Whip Mango swirled with DOLE Whip Lime topped with chili-lime seasoning and diced mango WHEW! What a day! The life of a Disney World reporter is pretty exciting; you never know what you might be doing. Happy Dole Whip Day to everyone — even if you can’t enjoy nine Dole Whip desserts, we hope the citrusy spirit of Dole Whip is celebrated throughout your day. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. You’re Not Really a DOLE Whip Fan If You Don’t Have This Disney T-Shirt Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Dole Whip treat? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their Dole Whip Dash event. 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 Dole Whip Day 2024: EXTREME Edition. We Tried NINE Treats in One Day 😱 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re getting so excited for this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and while we’ve been dreaming of all the announcements, guest speakers, and more to come there’s one more thing that’s absolute MUST while we’re attending — SHOPPING! ©Disney This year’s event has promised to be BIGGER than ever before and if the preview we got a few weeks back is any indication of what’s in store, consider us already at the edge of our seats! If you’ve already grabbed your tickets for this year’s exclusive event, chances are you’ll probably be doing a little retail therapy while you’re there (you know, “been there, done that, got the t-shirt”)! However, if you’re not prepared for how shopping and merchandise browsing will work for the event, you could find yourself a bit overwhelmed! Unless you’ve attended D23 events in past years (or have been following us for any length of time), you may not realize that JUST having a ticket to attend D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is just that start to get you through the doors of the event! We can’t WAIT! Since these events tend to pack hundreds of thousands of Disney fans, it stands to reason that some sort of process is introduced to help eliminate the chaos that could ensue with everyone trying to shop at the same time! D23 The first thing you need to know about shopping at the event is that there will be multiple venues to browse and shop. This year, event attendees will be able to shop in World of Disney: The Product Experience. This shop will be your stop for limited-edition and event-exclusive merchandise from D23 Marketplace, Disney Publishing, and more. ©Disney You can find World of Disney: The Product Experience located on the North Level 200 of the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition to shopping, Disney’s amping up your experience by giving you an opportunity to meet with characters from some of your favorite products and stories like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. ©Disney Within this expansive shopping district, you’ll also find the returning D23 Marketplace. This 16,000-square-foot retail location will be your one-stop shop for products you can typically find on DisneyStore.com and around Disney Parks. This year they’re teasing offerings of fan-favorite collections including Disney Limited-Edition Dolls, and a few debut collections including the debut of Step into Magic with Disney Lacers – a new vinyl collectible series! Pin Traders will want to be sure to stop by D23 Marketplace and check out the all-new limited-edition styles as well as a limited-edition capsule that nods to the 25th Anniversary of Disney Pin Trading. ©Disney Disney Publishing will be your answer for books within World of Disney: The Product Experience. Here you’ll be able to browse an extensive collection of must-reads from notable Disney names including Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering; incoming Disney Legend, Martha Blanding; Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, and many more. ©Disney Now, you can’t have a good book without something to sip on, so stop on by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea here to pick up a beverage to refuel from shopping or to sip on for when you curl up with your new book. MORE merchandise fun awaits at the show floor shopping experiences! The Walt Disney Company Store is making its first appearance this year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with not one, but TWO locations on the show floor! The Walt Disney Company Main Store, which will be located in Hall D, will feature new branded merchandise from The Walt Disney Studios, The Walt Disney Archives, and of course, The Walt Disney Company. This shop will have it all from collectibles to apparel! This store will also offer official branded merchandise for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event ©Disney The Walt Disney Company Pin Store, which you’ll find in Hall B, will host a large assortment of limited-edition pins! But, you’ll want to keep checking back because a new assortment will be appearing each day of the event. Mickey’s of Glendale, the ever-popular Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns this year with two stores in Hall C of the Anaheim Convention Center. In Mickey’s of Glendale, you’ll find work from Disney’s talented Imagineers with unique collections including apparel and collectibles “inspired by Disney characters, theme park attractions, and iconic Disney moments.” ©Disney Disney pin enthusiasts will want to stop by the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store, which will be your stop for limited-edition pins throughout the event weekend. You’ll need to know that Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will operate cashless and purchasing must be made through the Disneyland app on your mobile device. We’d recommend downloading the app, creating an account, and becoming familiar with it ahead of the event! And, Disney Studio Store Hollywood will be located in Hall B. This is where you will find newly released limited-edition pins, framed pin sets, and official Disney Studio Store branded apparel. MERCH! Alright, you’re on board to gear up for shopping at D23 — here’s what you need to know BEFORE you’re ready to hop in line! The main things you’ll want to look for will be merchandise mobile checkout and virtual queue in place for select merchandise locations. You’ll be able to access both options through a link from the D23 app. We’ll be live throughout the entire event covering every experience, merchandise spot, and announcement! Be sure you’re following us at Disney Food Blog to stay updated as soon as possible! Disney Teases 7 HUGE Announcements for D23 — The Biggest Fan Event 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 What are you most excited to hear about at the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Tell us about everything that’s burning in your mind in the comments below! The post How To Score the BEST Souvenirs at Disney's BIGGEST Fan Event of the Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Can you believe it? It’s almost time for the kiddos to go back to school! ©Disney To help you get them ready to dive back into school, there are so many deals on Disney merch online right now. So, let’s not waste another minute and dive right in! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First up, we all like a sale, right?! ©Disney Right now, you can save 20% on select styles when you spend $60+ on Back To School Essentials (make sure to use code SCHOOL at checkout). View on Disney Store Let’s have a look at three backpacks that are eligible for this sale. Shop this Disney Princess Backpack ©Disney First up, have a look at this backpack that’s perfect for your young princess. It’s got some of their favorite Disney Princesses like Ariel, Tiana, Belle, Cinderella, and Moana on it. It has all the space they’ll need for their school essentials. View on Disney Store Shop this Mickey Mouse Backpack ©Disney Now, if the one and only Mickey Mouse is your kiddos’ BFF, then they’ll want to check out this backpack! It’s got an allover pattern of Mickey that they’ll love. It has plenty of space for school essentials and a 13” interior padded laptop pocket too! View on Disney Store Shop this Stitch Backpack ©Disney Lilo and Stitch fans, this is the backpack for you! It’s got an allover pattern of Stitch and rainbows that is just perfect. Your kiddos will have more than enough space for their school essentials and they can even fit up to a 13” laptop in the interior padded pocket too! View on Disney Store Shop this Marvel The Avengers Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Disney Next up, if you’re a Marvel fan, you’ve got to check out this Avengers mini backpack. It features an allover Avengers print in a fun cartoon style and includes some of your favorite characters like Captain America, Hulk, Thor, and Iron Man. It normally goes for $79, but it can be yours for $50 with any purchase! Now, we love our Loungefly mini backpacks and we’re sure you’ll love this one too. View on Disney Store Shop this Monsters University Backpack ©Disney Hey there Monsters University fans! You said you were on the lookout for a new park bag, right? Then, we’d definitely recommend checking this one out. This one’s got the ”MU” logo on the front and an internal lining with Monsters University fraternity flags. It normally goes for $29, but it can be yours for $20 with any purchase! Don’t miss out! View on Disney Store Shop this Disney Logo Tote with Pouch ©Disney Sometimes a whole backpack is just a bit too much and that’s where a tote comes in. Also, is there anything better than a tote that comes with a pouch too? Allover It’s got an allover Disney ”D” icon print pattern in a vintage 70’s style. It normally goes for $24.99, but it can be yours for $10 with any purchase! View on Disney Store Shop this The Lion King 30th Anniversary Collectible Key ©Disney Last up, if you love The Lion King and are looking for a unique piece of merch, look no further than this collectible key. This key celebrates the 30th anniversary of the film and features silhouettes of Mufasa, Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu, and Rafiki. It normally goes for $12.99, but it can be yours for $5.99 with any purchase. You won’t want to miss out on this one! View on Disney Store We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. On top of all of this, FREE SHIPPING is happening today! Use the code FREESHIP at checkout! We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. Looking for more Disney deals online? Click here to view our Amazon Storefront Will you be checking out any of these deals? Let us know in the comments! The post Save Big On Back To School Disney Essentials Online Right Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ever since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019 at Disneyland Park, Batuu has been home to many kinds of fun nods to the Star Wars universe, such as Oga’s Cantina! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland This Galaxy’s Edge staple has become a pit stop for fans and non-fans alike, and Disney is celebrating a very special day at this lounge for a very limited time. Let’s dive into the details! Disneyland is celebrating a very special holiday — it’s Oga’s birthday! To celebrate, a new concoction has appeared on the menu at Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland. Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland The Krill Elixir is made with Absolut Mandarin Vodka, blue Curaҫao, pure cane sugar, ginger, and lime juice, garnished with candied ginger. Disney? Making a blue Curaҫao drink? Groundbreaking. Just kidding — it sounds delicious! You can grab it for $17. ©Disney In addition to the new drink, a new snack has landed on the menu at Oga’s that you can get during breakfast, lunch, or dinner hours. The Batuu Sea Harvest with Crait Salt Sprinkle features a rice roll, salmon mousse, cucumber, red onion, everything bagel crunch, and a broken caper vinaigrette. Sounds like a unique snack, but that’s pretty typical of Oga’s. You can get this new item for $16. Oga’s Cantina Disney shared that the Krill Elixir would only be around from July 18th through the 20th to celebrate Oga’s birthday, but we spotted this drink and the Batuu Sea Harvest with Crait Salt Sprinkle on the official menu on the Disneyland website, so it’s possible the drink could be sticking around for a bit! If you want to guarantee you get it, you might want to hurry on over to Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland before July 20th! So Much to See While you’re there, you can check out Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance. Plus, Disney just announced an exclusive ticket deal — with prices as low as $69 — for select California residents. We’re also looking forward to the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at this park, but Disney is keeping that opening timeline a secret for now! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest news from Disneyland, Disney World, and everything you need to know about all things Disney. Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news! Disney Announces Exclusive NEW $69 Ticket Deal 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 When are you heading to Disneyland next? Tell us in the comments. The post HURRY! NEW Snacks Have Landed at an Iconic Disney Lounge first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

BIG changes are coming to a popular EPCOT ride. Every once in a while, Disney will take a classic attraction and give it a little update! Recently, two Magic Kingdom rides were totally revamped to include new characters, new music, and new designs. But now, we’re headed over to EPCOT to talk about something NEW that is in the works. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Disney’s Test Track ride has undergone several iterations since its introduction. Most recently, the ride was designed to simulate a series of tests with an innovative new car — hence the name, Test Track. But now, the ride is CLOSED. That’s because Disney has plans to update the attraction! So far, Disney has been pretty quiet about what is planned for the ride, but we do have an important new clue. Walt Disney Imagineering recently filed a Notice of Commencement (a type of permit) to “Install set elements” in Disney World. Now, that’s a pretty vague description, but upon closer inspection, the address associated with the notice is actually the Test Track building. Interesting! Test Track The notice doesn’t list much else about what Disney has planned for the Test Track building, but we do know that Jon Richards Company is listed as the contractor. This is the same contractor that was recently mentioned in Disney’s permit to install new signage at the Country Bear Musical Jamboree in Magic Kingdom. Could that mean some NEW decoration elements are coming to Test Track? We’ll have to wait and see! For now, the building is pretty blocked from public view. Test Track is CLOSED We still don’t know how long Test Track will be closed, but Disney did share a few hints about what we can expect. For starters, the ride will represent the “spirit of optimism” from World of Motion in the next iteration of Test Track. World of Motion, if you’re unfamiliar, was an opening day EPCOT attraction that “took visitors on a time travel journey through the history of transportation.” The ride took you through various scenes that depicted the innovation of transportation over time. Here’s a peek at the updated Test Track concept art. Reimagining concept art ©Disney For comparison, here’s a look at World of Motion. ©Disney Disney also shared some concept art of the INSIDE of the new Test Track, including some potential new ride vehicles. At this time, Disney hasn’t revealed whether the ride track will stay the same (like at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom) or completely change. New Test Track concept art ©Disney We’ll be sure to keep our eyes out for more information! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. 4 BIG CLUES About the Test Track OVERHAUL 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 What would YOU like to see at the new Test Track ride? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Files New Permit for Test Track CHANGES at EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’ve probably been reading up on things you’ll need for that trip. ©Aldi We’re never going to stop making recommendations, especially when it comes to parks essentials like water bottles, phone chargers, cooling towels, ponchos, and more. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on those things. Why? Well, you can find a lot of Disney essentials at your local Aldi. So let’s take a look at the Disney essentials you’ll be able to grab at Aldi next week. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you don’t have Amazon Prime, did you know you could sign up for a free trial? Click on the banner below! Let’s take a look at those Disney essentials you’ll be able to find at Aldi next week, starting on June 24th. Back to School Sandwich Bags ©Aldi Yes, we bring sandwich bags to Disney World. Sometimes, we even put sandwiches in them to save a few $$$ on lunch. But they also come in handy for leftover snacks (or any snacks you want to bring with you to the parks). You can get a bag of 300 at Aldi for under $5. Half Gallon Double Wall Stainless Steel Jug ©Aldi We cannot stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated at the parks, but bottled water is PRICEY. Bring your own stainless steel jug like this and refill it at the water bottle stations throughout the parks. Reusable Straws ©Aldi We also often recommend bringing your own reusable straws to the parks. That’s because Disney has phased out plastic straws and the paper straws are often hard to sip out of (and the agave straws often make our beverages taste different). Grab this set at Aldi! LEGO Creator Deep Sea ©Aldi You get THREE building opportunities with this LEGO set. You can build the shark with a crab and treasure, then you can rebuild it to create a squid or angler fish. FUN! A 3-in-1 LEGO set for under $12? Yep! Bauhn Fast Charging Power Bank ©Aldi We also ALWAYS tell you to bring a portable charger in your day bag because the My Disney Experience app will suck up your phone’s battery quickly (plus you’ll be using it a lot). This one at Aldi is under $15. Get the Silicone Reusable Straws ©Amazon If you don’t have an Aldi nearby or can’t get to a store next week, don’t worry — you can also get silicone reusable straws on Amazon. This pack of 12 includes a carry pouch and cleaning brushes. Buy at Amazon Buy the Half Gallon Insulated Water Bottle ©Amazon You can also find a half gallon insulated water bottle on Amazon. This water bottle carries 64 oz. of water and comes with three different lids, which you can change out based on your preference. It’s perfect for hot or cold beverages. Buy at Amazon Get the INIU Portable Charger ©Amazon Here’s a portable charger on Amazon that we often recommend. It’s got plenty of juice to keep your phone running ALL day, even when you’re using it so much. It’s thin and lightweight, so it’s easy to throw into your day bag. Buy at Amazon Buy the LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Deep Sea Creatures Set ©Amazon You can get the same LEGO set on Amazon, too! It includes everything you need to make three figures with a total of 230 pieces. This kit is great for kids 7 and up. Buy at Amazon Happy shopping! Be sure to visit our Amazon Storefront for more Disney souvenirs and essentials! Visit our Amazon StorefrontThe post FIRST LOOK: Disney Essentials Coming To Aldi Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s nothing quite like taking that first bite of DOLE Whip on a swelteringly hot Disney World day. Classic DOLE Whip We’re certainly not the only ones who think so either, especially since today, July 18th, is National DOLE Whip Day! Disney World is celebrating with a whole bunch of tasty treats, but if you can’t make it to the parks today — there’s still a way for you to celebrate. And, since we’ve been friends for a while now, we’re letting you in on our secret! DOLE Whip Day is celebrated each year on the third Thursday of July, which happens to fall on July 18th of this year. There are plenty of different DOLE Whip treats you can find all around Disney World parks and hotels, but if you want to show off your love of DOLE Whips every day of the year, then you need our DFB DOLE Whip Shirt! Get the DFB DOLE Whip Shirt Here DFB DOLE Whip Shirt Is there really anything truer than the belief that all you need is DOLE Whip? We certainly don’t think so, and we’ve got the shirt to prove it! Grab the NEW All You Need Is DOLE Whip DFB shirt before your next trip to the parks! DFB DOLE Whip Shirt The shirt comes in several different colors and the design is reminiscent of another popular Disney purchase — a collectible pin! What better way to show off your love of this delicious Disney treat than by rocking it on a new shirt? DFB DOLE Whip Shirt Celebrate National DOLE Whip day by grabbing the new DFB shirt at the link below! GET THE DOLE WHIP SHIRT HERE In the meantime, we’ll be bringing you everything you need to know about all things DOLE Whip, plus tips, tricks, and the latest updates from Disney World. Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more news! 4 MUST-HAVE Tops That Every Disney Villain Fan NEEDS To See Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a DOLE Whip fan? Tell us in the comments. The post You're Not Really a DOLE Whip Fan If You Don't Have This Disney T-Shirt first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

William “Sully” Sullivan, a Disney Legend who worked with The Walt Disney Company for 38 years, passed away on July 16th, 2024. Sullivan was 88 years old. ©Disney William Sullivan was born in Fullerton, California. At age 19, Sullivan recalled watching the opening ceremonies for Disneyland on TV. “The following Saturday I went down and applied for a job. Monday I quit Northrop Aircraft, and Tuesday I reported to work as a ticket-taker at the Jungle Cruise,” Sullivan told Disney. Sullivan met his future wife during his time as a Jungle Cruise skipper and worked his way up to an operations supervisor at Disneyland. He said in an interview with Disney, “I took a summer job, and I’ve been here ever since.” Later, Sullivan acted as an assistant manager for Disney’s attractions at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair. He also worked on the operations team for the opening of the Winter Olympics in 1960, working with Walt Disney himself. ©Disney Throughout his career, Sullivan was part of the operations management of various Disney film premieres, including the 1964 Mary Poppins film. By 1968, Sullivan was part of the project management team for the Walt Disney World Resort project in Florida. Sullivan was able to create Disney World’s first security force. He also prepared operational layouts for Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, and the Transportation and Ticket Center, later contributing to Disney’s first hotel division. ©Disney In 1971, when Walt Disney World opened, Sullivan was overseeing operations for Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Liberty Square. His positions went on to span from the director of PICO (Project Installation and Coordination Office) to the director of EPCOT Center operations, and Sully even served as vice president of Magic Kingdom Park in 1987. Years later, Sully worked on the team that opened Euro Disneyland (Disneyland Paris). After 38 years with Disney, Sullivan retired in 1993. ©Disney Sullivan was named a Disney Legend in 2005. You can find a tribute to the Cast Member on two windows on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom: one above the Crystal Arts shop that lists him among the charter members of the “Windermere Fraternal Hall” and a second above the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, which references Sullivan’s love of hunting and fishing, reading, “Sully’s Safaris & Guide Service / Chief Guide / Bill Sullivan.” Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said, “Few people have contributed as much to Disney theme parks as Bill Sullivan,” adding, “His personal connection with Walt Disney and his incredible career spanning multiple decades and several destinations helped pass along Disney heritage to generations of cast members and guests around the world.” Our thoughts are with his family at this time. The post William “Sully” Sullivan, Former Cast Member and Disney Legend, Has Passed Away first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Springs is now home to ANOTHER new experience and this one isn’t as exclusive as you might think! DVC Welcome Center in Disney Springs It wasn’t too long ago that we were introduced to a new limited-run nighttime show at Disney Springs that had swarms of people pooling into the shopping and dining district for a peek. We’ve also seen new summer menus for some of our favorite restaurants, savored a bunch of tasty treats made with genuine Florida ingredients, and had to part with a few stores — but that doesn’t mean that Disney World is ready to slow down with the changes just yet! It seems like almost anywhere you turn in Disney World more talk of Disney Vacation Club is becoming increasingly harder to ignore. With so many big changes on the horizon for Disney’s exclusive membership, it’s easy to see why they would be gathering interest so quickly. DVC kiosk in Animal Kingdom If you’re not as familiar with Disney Vacation Club or DVC, it’s essentially Disney’s version of their own timeshare program where you buy into a deeded real estate contract at one of the hotels, which in turn allows you an allotment of points to use at their many hotels, international destinations, and even Disney Cruise Line bookings. It’s been around since the early 1990s and continues to bring in more hotels and accommodations into their booking availability with Disney’s newly revamped Fort Wilderness Cabins and the latest tower addition to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that’s still under construction. DVC Welcome Home Center at Disney Springs With so many existing members coming to visit Disney World, it stands to reason that Disney would want to include inviting spaces for existing members to relax, find out about the latest promotions for purchase, and tour the newest rooms available that can be booked with their points. DVC Lounge in EPCOT Since then, Disney World has announced plans to continue to expand on this program by bringing another DVC member lounge to Magic Kingdom and most recently, one in Disney Springs! New DVC member lounge in Disney Springs We stopped by for an opportunity to tour the newest addition to the lounge roster and were instantly impressed! What we were most excited to learn right off the bat for the new space was that it wasn’t exclusively just for existing Disney Vacation Club members — anyone who’s interested in learning more about the program is invited up as well to tour a few model rooms you can book under the DVC umbrella of availability. Seating area Once we were checked in, we were escorted up a nearby elevator and walked into the lounge. It’s a gorgeous open space that feels very reminiscent of the Italian and French influence that helped bring Disney’s Riviera Resort to life. There’s all kinds of comfy seating (even some large enough for families)… More seating …interactive kids tables… Interactive kids table …seating for couples and solo travelers… Smaller seating …and complimentary snacks and beverages are available for existing members. Snacks and beverages for members DVC Member Services representatives are also on-site to answer questions about existing memberships and talk more at length about special promotions currently available. However, if you’re looking to learn more about the details of the membership with Disney destinations, there are also several office spaces where you can chat with a DVC guide. Offices But that’s just the beginning! If you’ve ever wanted to tour the stunning rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort, this is your chance! Previously, the only way to tour rooms available through Disney Vacation Club was to visit open houses at the hotel of your choice or book a time for a presentation at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. With this new lounge, anyone is invited to come on up and tour 2 different rooms that exist at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Disney’s Riviera Resort We were able to walk through models of a Deluxe Studio room which features a single queen bed and queen Murphy bed that converts to living space! Model of Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Riviera Resort There’s also a smaller single sleeper bed that pulls down just underneath the TV in the living room making this room sleep up to 5! Sleeper bed Since this is a smaller room, you’re also treated to a kitchenette which features a single sink, basic cabinets and cookware, and a private-use microwave. Kitchenette The bathroom is also split into separate rooms for the toilet and shower… One side of the bathroom …and the vanity tub is another space that can easily be used for privacy when getting ready for the day! The other side We also were able to tour the connecting 1 Bedroom Villa room which when connected to the Deluxe Studio makes up a 2 Bedroom Villa (which could be an ideal alternative for extended families and friends traveling together)! Connecting rooms It features a private entrance that leads into a FULL kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher. Kitchen space The dining buffet table is just adjacent leading into the living space which also features the same single pull-down and Murphy beds just like in the other room. Living space There is a dedicated bedroom in this room category which also boasts its own T.V. on top of a chest of drawers, closet, seating chair, and a small desk and chair. Dedicated bedroom The bathroom connects from this bedroom back to a side of the main entrance and is also separated into a vanity and tub area… That TUB! …along with a shower and toilet and an additional vanity space. Other side of the bathroom Overall we were impressed with the use of this space and that’s available to anyone in such a central location. They certainly are gorgeous model rooms to tour at your own pace and this new space offers vacationers from all over the world the chance to learn more about this program and peek inside some of the newest rooms at Disney World! We’re always bringing you the latest news, changes, and updates happening all the time around Disney World! Be sure to stay tuned with us for even more. WARNING: HUGE Genie+ Changes Start SOON in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about new Disney Vacation Club lounges popping up around Disney World? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below! The post Disney World's NEWEST Exclusive Lounge Is Now Open! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning a Disney World vacation? Disney’s Contemporary Hotel You’ve probably put a lot of thought into how long you plan on visiting Disney World and which park tickets you need. However, when it comes to accommodations, are you considering hotels based on their popularity like so many other folks do? Well, we’re here to tell you that the most popular hotels are often NOT the hotels you want to be staying at. However, we’re also about to tell you where you should stay instead. So here are the hotels we’d tell you to skip and the alternatives we’d recommend. Skip All-Star Resorts and Stay at Pop Century or Art of Animation Resort Now, don’t get us wrong, the best part of staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts is the price. These are the cheapest rooms on Disney World property. However, you’ll be taking buses for all your transportation needs from these resorts and the lines for those buses can be very long. You’ll also occasionally have to deal with large groups, especially when there are cheerleading and dance team events happening at Disney World. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Instead, we recommend paying a little extra for either Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These resorts are still considered “value hotels,” meaning they’re still cheaper than other hotels on Disney World property. Pop Century Both resorts still have that value resort over-the-top theming. Art of Animation They also offer an extra transportation option for traveling to and from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios: the Skyliner. You can also travel easily to other Skyliner resorts, meaning you’ll have more dining options. The PROS And CONS Of Staying At Disney World’s Value Resorts Skip Caribbean Beach Resort and Stay at a Port Orleans Resort If you’re thinking about booking a moderate hotel and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort seems to appeal to you, we have to warn you about something. Caribbean Beach Resort is HUGE. That means that you could be doing a lot of extra walking to and from your room to get to the hotel’s main lobby, Skyliner station, or bus stops. At the end of the day, the walk back to the room will feel EXTRA long. Caribbean Beach Resort For similar vibes, but a smaller property, we recommend staying at Disney’s Port Orleans –French Quarter or Port Orleans — Riverside Resort. The theme is very Louisiana (plus the food is EXCELLENT) and both properties are small enough that you won’t have to waste extra steps to get to transportation. Port Orleans — French Quarter You can also get boat transportation to and from Disney Springs from here. Plus…Mickey beignets — need we say more? FULL ROOM TOUR: Is Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside Hotel Actually a Mini Fort Wilderness? Skip EPCOT Hotels and Stay at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Who SAYS you have to stay at a Disney-owned hotel? The EPCOT area hotels are nice — don’t get us wrong, and the location can’t be beat: you can walk to EPCOT and the EPCOT Skyliner station. But what if we told you you could get all that for what is generally a cheaper price? Disney’s Beach Club Resort Well, you can, you can stay at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, which is ALSO in the same area, and get the same perks as you would at the Disney-owned deluxe hotels in the area, including Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. Swan & Dolphin You also get access to even MORE great dining (Rosa Mexicano, Todd English’s bluezoo, and more). It generally costs less to stay here than at the other EPCOT resorts, and if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy rewards member, you can also earn and use points for stays at these hotels. 3 Reasons Why We Stay at the Swan and Dolphin Hotel Again and Again in Disney World Skip Riviera Resort and Stay at Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort The Riviera is an absolutely beautiful resort with beautiful grounds and theming. But its standard rooms are some of the smallest rooms we’ve seen in Disney World, which is a shame considering this is considered a deluxe hotel and those rooms are on the expensive side. If you only have a few people in your group, it might be fine, but there is a better option. Disney’s Riviera Resort Instead, we’re going to send you to a moderate resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, which is SO underrated. The vibe here is still European, but leaning more towards a Spanish vibe. If you’re looking for that same level of European elegance that the Riviera has, though, you can’t beat the Gran Destino Tower. Coronado Springs You’ll find larger rooms that cost less here. Plus, the dining options are spectacular. Three Bridges Bar & Grill is also woefully underrated, as is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. FULL TOUR of a Deluxe Club Suite Room at Gran Destino Tower in Disney World Skip Grand Floridian Resort and Stay at Old Key West Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the most expensive hotel on Disney World property. However, there’s not a lot about it that’s very FLORIDA, and if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, you might be disappointed. This hotel has Mary Poppins-themed rooms, after all. So if you’re looking for something distinctly Florida-themed, this isn’t it. Grand Floridian Resort If you want that real laid back Florida vibe, stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort instead. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s got that Key West theme that you’re looking for. This hotel also has some of the largest rooms on property, so that’s a bonus, too. Old Key West You’ll want to be sure to stop by Olivia’s Cafe for some Key West-themed eats and then hop on a boat to head to Disney Springs for some shopping. PHOTOS: Go Inside an Old Key West Deluxe Studio Hotel Room in Disney World So before you book that super popular Disney World hotel, be sure to ask yourself what you really want in a hotel and a hotel room. Stay tuned to DFB for more. 4 Hotel Rooms in Disney World That Are Only 127 Steps Away from the Skyliner Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your preferred Disney World hotel? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

With all of Disney’s recent unpopular changes and swarming controversies, the question stands: Is Disney STILL the best theme park in the world? Slinky Dog Dash Or has another company taken the top spot? Let’s find out what the future of your theme park vacations is gonna look like, today on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Is Disney Still the Best Theme Park in the World?  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 Disney 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’s your favorite thing to do in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post DFB Video: Is Disney Still the Best Theme Park in the World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Cast Members are THE BEST. We LOVE Disney World Cast Members We will say that over and over, as many times as it needs to be said. Disney Cast Members go above and beyond to take care of visitors to Disney Parks, adding their own little special magic in the process. We’ve talked a lot about some of the amazing things Cast Members do, and we’ve even got some former Cast Members on our team. If you’ve ever been a Cast Member, though, we’ve got to tell you about something you may not know about. If you’ve ever been a Disney Cast Member, you should sign up for the Disney Alumni Association, an exclusive online community for those who have successfully completed a Disney Internship or program. Members will receive the latest Disney Alumni Association announcements, recruitment updates, and more. You can sign up at DisneyAlumni.com. Magic Kingdom Cast Members You’ll also get the Disney Alumni Monthly Digest, an email newsletter that will have tons of information you might find interesting. ©Disney However, you’ll also get access to monthly giveaways, which you can find in the “Pixie Dust” section of the Monthly Digest! So you could have an opportunity to win something each month. Other perks include access to job boards and networking opportunities with folks within The Walt Disney Company. ©Disney The Disney Alumni Association currently has almost 50,000 members. The program also hosts an annual Disney Homecoming Weekend, with the next event scheduled for 2025. Remember that you can also compliment Cast Members working at Disney World right now by using the Cast Compliment feature of the My Disney Experience app and at Disneyland by using the Cast Compliment feature in the Disneyland app. So if you’ve come across an amazing Cast Member, be sure to let Disney know — it’s so easy to do through the apps! Stay tuned to DFB for more. I Was a Disney World Cast Member — Here Are 9 Things I Always Bring to the Parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a former Disney Cast Member? Are you a member of the Disney Alumni Association? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Former Disney World Cast Members Need to Check Their Email Each Month first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is celebrating a major milestone with a NEW ticket offer. Disneyland Walt Disney’s original theme park Disneyland first opened its gates for a media event on July 17th, 1955, before opening fully to the public on July 18th, meaning that the park just recently celebrated its 69th birthday. In honor of this anniversary — and as a way to goose summer season ticket sales — Disney has announced a corresponding ticket deal for the park’s hometown fans! As a way of saying “thank you for being great neighbors”, Disney is offering $69 1-day, 1-park tickets exclusively to Anaheim residents this summer. For comparison’s sake, 1-day, 1-park tickets for the Disneyland Resort typically cost between $104 and $194. According to Disney, “We appreciate and celebrate you on our 69th anniversary. You’ve been part of our history… here’s to the future! Make it your happiest time ever by visiting Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.” Disneyland These exclusive tickets are available for purchase now and can be used on any day between August 5th and September 26th, meaning that they can be used to visit the park during two of its most popular annual celebrations: Halloween Time and Plaza de Familia, both of which kick off on August 23rd. Halloween Time is the resort’s annual spooky celebration featuring ghoulish Halloween treats like ride overlays including Haunted Mansion Holiday, Guardian of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, characters in special Halloween costumes, decorations, and the famous Main Street Pumpkin Festival. ©Disney Meanwhile, Plaza de Familia is a Coco-themed “immersive celebration of the everlasting bonds of family” that celebrates Día de Los Muertos with crafts, photo opportunities, and a memory wall. These events are located in the Paradise Gardens area of California Adventure. La Plaza de Familia Park Hopper and Genie+ upgrade options can be added to the ticket for additional fees at purchase. A valid theme park reservation is required to use the ticket, and Disney encourages you to “be sure reservations are available for the dates you want to visit” by checking for available dates on the park reservation calendar as “reservation availability can change until the park reservation selection is finalized.” It’s going to be busy! Furthermore, the company stresses that “theme park reservations for the Anaheim Resident Offer ticket holders are limited in number and subject to the availability of park reservations allocated to the Anaheim Resident.” Some further details and restrictions according to Disney: This offer is valid only for Anaheim residents within ZIP codes 92801 through 92809, 92812, 92814 through 92817, 92825, 92850, and 92899; proof of eligible residency, including valid government-issued photo ID, is required for purchase and admission. Eligible residents may purchase up to 5 tickets per day with a valid ID. Tickets are nonrefundable, may not be sold or transferred for commercial use, and exclude activities and events that are separately priced. The offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to restrictions, change, or cancellation without notice. Sales may be paused or terminated at any time. “it’s a small world” in Disneyland Disneyland is celebrating its milestone 69th birthday with a special $69 ticket offer exclusive to residents of the park’s hometown of Anaheim. Stay tuned to DFB for further Disneyland ticket updates! When Will the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride Open in 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 Are you an Anaheim resident planning to take advantage of this offer? Let us know in the comments below. The post 🚨 Disney Announces Exclusive NEW Ticket Deal 🚨 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know that it is possible to walk between Disney’s EPCOT Deluxe Resort Area and Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course? It is possible to walk from EPCOT’s Deluxe Resort area to Walt Disney World’s original mini golf course! In fact it is possible to walk to Fantasia Mini Golf from each […] The post Walk to Disney World’s Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

Come with us to review a dessert haven at Disney World! Magic Kingdom We like to check up on some of our longtime favorite restaurants often to see if they hold up. One of our more recent visits took us to Magic Kingdom where we decided to stop by Sunshine Tree Terrace and try some tasty treats. Do we still recommend Sunshine Tree Terrace? Did it let us down? Find out in this brand-new review! Atmosphere Sunshine Tree Terrace is located in Adventureland in the former location of Aloha Isle. This quick-service restaurant is a fun outdoor spot with strong Key West vibes, sporting tropical shutters and an overall tropical theme. Sunshine Tree Terrace This restaurant is as “quick service” as it gets. It’s completely outdoors and solely “grab and go” with no seating. You order at the window and take your treats with you whenever you decide to go next. The closest nearby seating is a few benches in the concrete or the recently opened Agrabah Bazaar. Sunshine Tree Terrace Sunshine Tree Terrace is also the home to the beloved little Orange Bird. It’s here where you can see the ORIGINAL Orange Bird tucked in the Terrace at the Counter. If you can’t see him, simply ask a Cast Member! Orange Bird We aren’t the biggest fan of the lack of indoor seating options, but overall, the aesthetic is charming and the ease of getting in and out it nice. So with that down, let’s take a look at the menu! Menu This is a quick-service location, so the menu is naturally going to be a bit limited. Still, Sunshine Tree Terrace offers some tempting treats and drinks. Here, you’ll find soft-serve treats including several different DOLE Whip flavors and floats unique to Sunshine Tree Terrace. Menu As we said, the menu is simple, offering variations of soft-serve and floats that can change seasonally all under $10. Still, it’s the innovation of these treats and bold flavors that make this stop stand out among other quick-service restaurants. Mobile order Fortunately, Sunshine Tree Terrace uses mobile order, which we took advantage of when we tried out several DOLE Whip treats! Eats During our most recent visit, we tried the I Lava You Float, Orange Cream cup, and POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast Float. Let’s dive in! First up, we started with the I Lava You Float for $7.29. This float is made with Fanta Strawberry Soda and Passion Fruit flavor, served with DOLE Whip Orange, and topped with popping candy. I Lava You Float This may be a controversial take, but we think this float might be the best thing on the menu. Tropical, fun, and packed with a delicious fruity flavor, it’s no wonder this is at the top of the menu! The Dole Whip compliments the strawberry soda wonderfully and when the two touch, they form tiny little crystallized bites, providing a fantastic texture boost. Additionally, the popping candy is incredibly fun — regardless of age. We “lava’d” this concoction and felt the float provides engaging flavor with every bite and sip. If you are in the mood for a fruit-tastic float, give this a try. Otherwise, you may want to stick with a simpler float or beverage. Every bite was paradise Next, we tried the Orange Cream cup for $5.79. This is made with DOLE Whip Orange and Vanilla Soft-serve. Orange Cream cup Right off the bat, this soft-serve cup is DELICIOUS. There are no tricks here — it tastes like its billing. It’s not orange like a creamsicle or even overpowering, but a more natural orange flavor. The cream is added by the vanilla soft-serve and the marriage between the two flavors is worthy of a recommendation. We don’t have any real downsides about this dessert, other than it holds together gently in the sun so you’ll need to eat it quick, but not so quick that you get a brain freeze! Also, be sure to have plenty of napkins ready! Melted but oh so good Finally, the last treat we tried was the POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast Float, which we purchased for $6.29. This float is made with POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast and your choice of DOLE Whip or soft-serve. POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast Float We chose strawberry DOLE Whip but you can also choose vanilla, chocolate, vanilla and chocolate swirl, DOLE Whip orange, or orange cream. We admit… we were a little overzealous with this one. It looks soooo pretty and it’s kinda got a cotton candy aesthetic about it, but the flavors did not go together as well as the other treats. The strawberry whip tastes surprisingly natural, but mixed with the POWERADE, the overall flavor is overpoweringly fruity. Paired together, they are a bit tangy, but if we did it all over again we might have gone with vanilla. If you love the tanginess of fruit, give this a try. Otherwise, opt for one of the soda/root beer floats instead. This wasn’t bad, but it’s chaotic. The strawberry whip was excellent So what impressions did we leave Sunshine Tree Terrace with? Let’s discuss. Overall Sunshine Tree Terrace is still a MUST-VISIT if you’re craving DOLE Whip at Magic Kingdom. We’re pleased to report that this simple quick-service restaurant still delivers delicious flavors and treats that will satisfy people of every age. Sunshine Tree Terrace The thing that sort of fell short here was the POWERADE Mountain Berry Blast Float with strawberry DOLE Whip, but that was also on us. With the right whip, there’s no reason it can’t be amazing. Ultimately, we still love picking up treats here! The desserts are pretty and they taste just as good as they look. Nosh or Not? Stroll on over to Sunshine Tree Terrace if… You love DOLE Whip! The DOLE Whip offerings here are unique and usually excellent. You’re looking for a cool (pun intended) treat. These stylish treats not only taste good, but they can also cool you down during a blistering hot day at Disney World. You want to broaden your DOLE Whip horizons. The whip here takes risks without crossing the line into grossness. If you want to get away from the typical DOLE Whip, Sunshine Tree Terrace is the place to do it. Additionally, it has something for everyone so your party can get a little bit more freedom with their DOLE Whip! Avoid Sunshine Tree Terrace if… If you’re not a DOLE Whip or soft-serve fan. Hey, we don’t judge. Fortunately, you can get all kinds of dessert wherever you are at Disney World, so don’t feel limited. You want a meal. Sunshine Tree Terrace mostly serves DOLE Whip and soft-serve with the occasional snack. We recommend visiting other quick-service and sit-down restaurants at Magic Kingdom if you’re craving something hearty. You need peace and relaxation away from the sun. The whip and soft-serve may cool you down, but it melts fast and there isn’t any indoor seating. We recommend visiting somewhere like Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen if you want to relax in indoor seating. Sunshine Tree Terrace Thanks for coming along for our Sunshine Tree Terrace review! Stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for more Disney World reviews, tips, news, and more! REVIEW: We Can Tell You What NOT to Order at This Disney World Restaurant 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 Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel 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! What is your favorite flavor of DOLE Whip? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Magic Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant Is DESSERT HEAVEN first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The more we learn about the Disney Treasure, the more we are ready to set sail on the ship. ©Disney Let’s face it — this is one of the most exciting cruise ships designed by Disney Cruise Line yet. We mean, the ship is going to have a Haunted Mansion Parlor!!! Plus a Coco dining experience and TWO Marvel dining experiences. TWO! Then there’s the Jungle Cruise-inspired bar, the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea bar, an Aristocats-themed lounge (our cat-loving hearts can’t even), and SO much more. Disney also just announced a huge milestone for the ship, too. The Disney Treasure is currently being built at the at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The company recently shared some of the ship’s construction progress, which showed that the foundations for one of the ship’s six (!!!) pools are now inlaid into an elevated platform. At the time, Disney was also getting ready to install Funnel Vision, the gigantic jumbo screen we’ve seen on other Disney ships. We also saw that the Aqua Mouse attraction was almost completed! ©Disney Now, construction has reached a HUGE milestone. Disney Cruise Line recently shared that the staterooms have officially been installed on the ship! We got a first look at these staterooms last year, including this look at the staterooms: Verandah Stateroom ©Disney However, Disney also shared a few NEW photos of the other side of the room, so you could get a better look at the couch, fun adventurous artwork on the wall, and the doors that lead out to the balcony. ©Disney We also got a new photo of what the hallways will look like that lead to the staterooms. It looks like those are still very much still under construction — they don’t have doors just yet. ©Disney Disney has shared that they want the staterooms to “strike an inviting balance between modern design and nostalgic charm with a fresh, natural color scheme and custom artwork that will entice guests to peer beyond their staterooms into fantastical worlds from heartwarming Disney adventures.” Remember, the whole theme of the ship is about adventure! Verandah Stateroom ©Disney The Disney Treasure will offer seven-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, in its inaugural season to the Eastern and Western Caribbean including stops at Castaway Cay starting on December 21st, 2024. Bookings are available now through early 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for more! 6 Things That Cost EXTRA on Disney’s NEW Treasure 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 Have you booked a cruise on the Disney Treasure? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post NEW LOOK at Disney’s Stateroom Cabins on the Treasure Cruise Ship first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new sweet treat has come to EPCOT. EPCOT Monorail There’s no shortage of snacks at Walt Disney World, and those with every kind of palate should be able to find something they enjoy somewhere on Disney property. Well, if you’re looking for something new, we’ve got GREAT news! Some new additions can be found at one of EPCOT’s hidden gem snack spots. L’Artisan des Glaces has introduced a couple of new flavored cone options: purple lavender and red. The new cones! These cones are PRETTY! Just look at those bright colors and fun patterns. We seriously cannot wait to dig in. Lavender Cone with Pina Colada Sorbet We found the lavender cone to be subtle but detectable. The flavor is very mild against the fruitier pina colada sorbet, and we think it would be delightful if you’re tired of your typical “boring” cake or waffle cones. Lavender cone Plus, this looks amazing in pictures. Red Velvet Cone with Caramel Pecan Ice Cream We found this red velvet cone to be… interesting because, in our opinion, calling it red velvet is a bit of a stretch. Don’t get us wrong; there’s definitely a cake taste to it, but it’s so subtle that you almost have to look for the red velvet taste to find it. Even when you do find it, the taste you get is more reminiscent of the topped baked layer of a red velvet cake before it’s iced and not the fluffier inside. Definitely not our favorite of the two, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t try it again. Red velvet cone Each of the new cones cost $9.95 and come with a single scoop — we were told the cones weren’t strong enough for multiple scoops — and come from a woman-owned business based in Brooklyn called the Konery. These are two of their 12 flavors, more of which may be introduced at the location soon. Yuuuuum L’Artisan des Glaces is located in the World Showcase at EPCOT, and it’s a great little hidden gem spot in Disney World. The ice cream and sorbet here are SO good — we’re big fans of the macaron ice cream sandwiches served here. Raspberry Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Two new ice cream cones are available at EPCOT, and while we did prefer one to the other, both are definitely worth trying if you’re craving a sweet treat next time you’re in the park. Stay tuned to DFB for further Disney Food reviews. REVIEW: Did Disney Just Create the PERFECT Dole Whip Treat 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 Which of these new ice cream cones sounds more intriguing to you? Let us know in the comments below. The post REVIEW: We Tried Both of EPCOT’s NEW Ice Cream Cones, and There Was a CLEAR Winner first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s Amazon Prime Day, and we’re celebrating BIG! Amazon Prime Day is HERE! During this annual holiday, we scour Amazon for the best deals on Disney merchandise, and we can usually score some MAJOR savings. That’s why we’ve rounded up several Disney Loungefly bags that are on mega SALE right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Mickey Mouse Loungefly Backpack for 50% OFF ©Amazon First up, we’ve got this funky backpack with a print of Mickey Mouse and friends! It’s definitely giving us 90s vibes with all the overlapping characters. Right now, you can snag this backpack for a whopping 50% off! SNAG THE MICKEY AND FRIENDS BACKPACK HERE! Marching Band Loungefly Backpack for 35% OFF ©Amazon If you’re a marching band fan, you need to snag this Mickey Mouse and Friends Marching Band Loungefly. Mickey and friends are marching in a festive parade on the front of this bag, and you can snag it for 35% off during Amazon Prime Day. CLICK HERE FOR THE DISCOUNTED MARCHING BAND BAG! Neverland Loungefly Backpack for 20% OFF ©Amazon We know quite a few people who love Tinker Bell, and this Neverland Loungefly Backpack is perfect! It’s the classic Loungefly backpack shape with a black background and gold accents. Right now, it’s 20% off for Amazon Prime Day. GET THE NEVERLAND BACKPACK HERE! Aristocats Loungefly Backpack for 20% OFF ©Amazon We love repping underrated Disney movies, and this Aristocats Loungefly Backpack really fits that bill. It has a fun piano design and even the straps match! Right now it’s on sale for 20% off. SNAG THE ARISTOCATS BACKPACK HERE! Tie Fighter Loungefly Backpack for 29% OFF ©Amazon Hey there Star Wars fans! This Tie Fighter Loungefly Backpack is on sale right now for 29% off. It’s definitely one of the more unique Star Wars bags we’ve seen! CLICK HERE FOR THE TIE FIGHTER BACKPACK! Beauty and the Beast Loungefly Backpack for 35% OFF ©Amazon This three-tiered Beauty and the Beast Loungefly Backpack features not just Belle, but also Beast and Gaston. It has multiple zipper pockets for storage and maximum organization while you’re wearing it in the Disney parks. Get it for 35% off right now! SAVE 35% BY CLICKING HERE! C-3PO Loungefly Backpack for 22% OFF ©Amazon Speaking of unique Star Wars Loungefly backpacks, we love this C-3PO backpack design! It’s a shiny gold material with multiple zip pockets and adjustable back straps. It’s 22% off right now. CLICK HERE FOR THE C-3PO BACKPACK ON SALE! Hunchback of Notre Dame Loungefly for 35% OFF ©Amazon The Hunchback of Notre Dame is another underrated Disney movie that doesn’t get enough merchandise representation, so we were excited to see that this Esmerelda Backpack is on sale! Right now, snag this for 35% off. SHOP THE ESMERELDA BACKPACK HERE! Mickey & Minnie Winter Loungefly Backpack for 21% OFF ©Amazon It’s not wintertime yet, but if you’re planning a cold-weather visit to Disney World, you can snag this Mickey and Minnie Mouse Skating Loungefly Backpack. It’s a different shape than most Loungefly backpacks, with a flat front and a small zipper pocket beneath the logo. Get it for 21% off during Amazon Prime Day. GET THE WINTER BACKPACK ON SALE HERE!/a> King Valkyrie Loungefly Backpack for 16% OFF ©Amazon Did you love Thor: Love and Thunder? If so, you need to snag this King Valkyrie Loungefly Backpack to wear to your next Marvel premiere. It’s made to honor the iconic Marvel character and right now it’s 16% off. CLICK HERE TO GET THE VALKYRIE BACKPACK ON SALE! Baby Yoda Loungefly Backpack for 20% OFF ©Amazon Baby Yoda is still in style! You can currently snag this Grogu Loungefly Backpack for a 20% discount during Amazon Prime Day. It’s covered in an adorable print of the little green alien and the space frogs he so loves to snack on. SNAG THE GROGU BACKPACK ONLINE HERE! Tangled Loungefly Backpack for 19% OFF ©Amazon Last but not least, we’ve got to mention this Tangled Loungefly Backpack. It has an allover print of different icons from the movie, including Maximus, Flynn, Rapunzel, the castle, and the floating lanterns. It’s available for 19% off right now. CLICK HERE FOR TANGLED BACKPACK! That’s a wrap on the Amazon Prime Day Loungefly deals we’ve seen! Stay tuned to DFB for more merchandise updates! Looking for the BEST Amazon Prime Day Disney Deals? See Them ALL in One Place HERE!The post 12 Disney Loungeflys Are Up to 50% OFF for Amazon Prime Day first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready for a big change to hit the Disney Parks? Magic Kingdom Since Disney Genie+ debuted several years ago, it has had its fair share of highs and lows. The skip-the-line service at both the Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort has finally reached a place of normalcy where navigating the system isn’t as difficult as it once was — so it only makes sense that Disney is changing the system (and name) altogether next week. These changes could be good, however, and we’re going to get into what those differences will look like and everything you need to know for the big switch! Starting on July 24th, 2024, Disney Genie+ will officially become Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Individual Lightning Lanes will become Lightning Lane Single Pass. The changes will take place at both Disney World and Disneyland and we’ll be over at Disney World providing live coverage of the changes! ©Disney Beginning July 24th, guests can: Make Lightning Lane plans before you’re in the parks, “for added confidence;” Choose experiences and times prior to purchasing, so you’re aware of what comes with your purchase; Book Lightning Lane passes for multiple vacation days, which can be done all at once. Let’s get into the specifics of this MASSIVE change! Lightning Lane Multi Pass Lightning Lane Multi Pass will be an optional paid service available through the My Disney Experience app that allows guests access to Lightning Lanes at select attractions in the parks by paying a base price for multiple attractions. If you think this sounds a lot like Genie+, you’re right — the service is very similar with some minor differences. New Lightning Lane changes are coming Purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass gives you the ability to make up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in ONE park in advance of your visit. This process provides selectable times and can be done for up to three (3) Lighting Lane Multi Pass selections at a time. Folks staying at a Disney World Resort hotel (and select other hotels) will be able to purchase and select their first 3 Lightning Lane Multi Passes up to seven (7) days in advance of their check-in day for their entire stay (up to 14 days), with all other guests being able to purchase and select their first three Lightning Lane Multi Passes three (3) days in advance. Once you use a selection, you can make another one based on what is still available on the My Disney Experience app — so not a big deviation from the old Genie+ system. Scanning into a Lightning Lane at Disney World Disney World will also be bringing back the spiritual successor of FastPass+ with a tiered system for ride selections. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will all feature two tiers where you’ll be able to choose one experience from a higher-tiered group and two experiences (or all three) from a lower-tiered group. It’s worth noting that Disney’s Animal Kingdom will NOT feature tiers. The tiers at the other three parks are as follows: Magic Kingdom Guests may choose ONE attraction from the following: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Jungle Cruise Peter Pan’s Flight Space Mountain Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Guests may choose TWO attractions (or all 3) from the following: The Barnstormer Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Dumbo the Flying Elephant Haunted Mansion “it’s a small world” Mad Tea Party The Magic Carpets of Aladdin The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Mickey’s PhilharMagic Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Pirates of the Caribbean Tomorrowland Speedway Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid Tiana’s Bayou Adventure EPCOT Guests may choose ONE attraction from the following: Frozen Ever After Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Soarin’ Around the World Guests may choose TWO attractions (or all 3) from the following: Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival Journey Into Imagination with Figment Living With the Land Mission: SPACE The Seas with Nemo and Friends Spaceship Earth Turtle Talk with Crush Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests may choose ONE attraction from the following: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Slinky Dog Dash Guests may choose TWO attractions (or all 3) from the following: Alien Swirling Saucers Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage Disney Junior Play and Dance! For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Muppet*Vision 3D Star Tours The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Toy Story Mania! Tower of Terror Disney’s Animal Kingdom Guests may choose THREE attractions from the following: DINOSAUR Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain Feathered Friends in Flight! Festival of the Lion King Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! It’s Tough to Be a Bug! Kali River Rapids Kilimanjaro Safaris Na’vi River Journey Expedition Everest Book These Rides FIRST With Disney World’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass System! Potential price changes have yet to be announced, but the current pricing structure under Genie+ is as follows: Genie+ starts at $15 per day, per ticket at Disney World Price varies by park in Disney World** — Guests can either buy a single-park Genie+ option or a multi-park option (to accommodate Park Hopping) Genie+ starts at $30 per day, per ticket at the Disneyland Resort ©Disney Speaking of Disneyland, the official website is essentially billing this change as something in name only. According to the site, “If you’re visiting on or after July 24, pre-purchased Disney Genie+ service will reflect the new name and branding — but it will work the same as before. There will be no changes to the redemption and queue experience.” So if you’re visiting Disneyland after this change, carry on per usual. Lightning Lane Single Pass Currently, guests can purchase Individual Attraction Lightning Lane Selections via Disney Genie. This pay-per-ride service requires a one-time fee for in-demand attractions. ©Disney Lightning Lane Single Pass is essentially the same theme, with the major difference being that you can make your purchase before your trip. Similar to the Multi Pass, those staying at a Disney World Resort hotel (and select other hotels) will be able to purchase and select their first 3 Lightning Lane Single Passes up to seven (7) days in advance of their check-in day for their entire stay (up to 14 days), and all other guests can purchase and select their first three Lightning Lane Single Passes three (3) days in advance. The full list of attractions that are currently available for Individual Attraction Selection in Walt Disney World is as follows: Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane As for Disneyland, expect Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Park to remain OFF the Multi Pass option for the time being. How to Plan Disney World hotel guests will be able to purchase Lightning Lane passes starting at 7AM seven (7) days IN ADVANCE of their check-in day while all other park guests can purchase theirs also at 7AM three (3) days in advance of their first park day. Eligible Hotels for the 7-Day advance planning are: Disney World Resort Hotels Shades of Green Resort Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels Swan and Dolphin We recommend having your whole party loaded into and linked on the My Disney Experience App before 7AM on the day you’re eligible to start booking Lightning Lanes, purchasing both Multi Pass and Single Pass for each day of your trip at the same time if this is an option you plan to pursue, and doing your research to know what you want to ride ahead of time. To book your Lightning Lanes, all you need is the free My Disney Experience app to make your purchases! Be sure to connect/link everyone in your traveling party on your Family and Friends list in the app so the selections will count for everyone in your party. ©Disney From the app, you’ll be able to select the pass type, preferred theme park, dates of the pass, rides, and time slot of the passes. How to Connect Your Party on the My Disney Experience App As a reminder, Disneyland will not be offering the same pre-purchase windows available at Walt Disney World. Instead, as it currently stands, selections can be made after entering your first park of the day. There are several other slight differences as well, as addressed in the grid below. ©Disney We’ve conducted a Q&A about the new Lightning Lane system and you can read them below: Q: What Time Do Purchases and Reservations Open Up 7 Days Ahead of Time and 3 Days Ahead of Time Respectively? A: 7AM ET on the first day of eligibility Q: Do You Purchase Multi Pass and Reserve a Lightning Lane at the Same Time? A: Yes, you can. Q: Do Lightning Lane Single Pass Reservations Open at the Same Time? A: Yes. Q: Do Lightning Lane Single Pass Selections Count Towards My Multi Pass Selections? A: No. Q: Is There Still a 2-hour “Cooldown” Period? A: No, Disney World is voiding this rule and you can hold up to 3 Lightning Lanes at any given time. Q: If You Book 3 Lightning Lanes Ahead of Time in the Evening, Do You Have to Wait Until You Use Your First One Before You Can Book the 4th? A: Yes, you will beallowed to book your next Lightning Lane pass once your earliest Lightning Lane pass has been used (or its arrival window has passed). Q: Am I Limited to Only 3 Multi Pass Lightning Lanes per Day? A: No. You can make as many reservations as you like as long as you book them one at a time and for as long as availability allows. Q: Will the System Warn You if You Have Overlapping Plans Such as Advance Dining Reservations? A: Yes, the system will recommend arrival windows based on your existing plans. Q: Is Park Hopping an Option? A: According to Disney, “When you purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for a theme park, you’ll be prompted to choose up to 3 multi pass experiences and arrival windows in the same theme park. Once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can use the My Disney Experience app to choose another multi pass experience in any Walt Disney World theme park (subject to availability), as long as you have a valid ticket with the Park Hopper option or an Annual Pass. The ability to visit another park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.” Q: If I am traveling to Disney World from another country, does that affect my ability to plan in advance? A: Yes, pre-arrival planning will begin on the My Disney Experience App after you reach the United States. Canadians are exempt from this rule. Q: Can Plans be Changed and Modified? A: Yes, but modifications are subject to availability, and there may be price differences involved if switching days and/or parks. Single Pass Lightning Lanes times may not be modified. Q: Are Lightning Lane Single Pass Eligible Rides also Available for Multi Pass? A: No. Q: What If July 24th Is In the Middle of My Trip? A: You can plan in advance beginning on July 24th, so you won’t be able to plan ahead until then. Attraction Sign at Animal Kingdom directing Guests to Standby Line and Lightning Lane Entrances We’ll be at Disney World on July 24th testing out the changes and seeing how many reservations we can get. We’ll also be testing out the system later by purchasing as hotel guests, buying day-of, and testing out all kinds of different scenarios. We’ve got you covered on the most up-to-date news regarding the new Lightning Lane service, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know and take on the Disney Parks and all their changes with full confidence! And, as always, stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney Parks news, tips, reviews, and more! We Have BAD NEWS About Disney World’s New Genie+ Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new Lightning Lane services? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: HUGE Genie+ Changes Start SOON in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The recently reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree is open NOW! It’s time to put on your cowboy boots and grab your banjos, people. We’re going to the jamboree! Country Bear Jamboree Our favorite Country Bears are BACK with an all-new makeover and new songs to perform a modernized show! The show officially debuted to the public on July 17th, and we spotted some brand-new merchandise in Magic Kingdom. Let’s take a look at the souvenirs you can pick up to celebrate the Country Bears coming back to Disney World in style! Country Bear Musical Jamboree is an updated version of the classic Country Bear Jamboree show located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The show features the same cast of characters with new looks, new music, and, of course, new souvenirs! Let’s take a look at some of the new merch you can grab! ©Disney Frontier Trading Post has a NEW shirt to commemorate the Country Bear Musical Jamboree show in Magic Kingdom! The shirt is $34.99 and comes in a range of sizes for adults. The front is simple and features the classic Country Bear logo. But the back is where all the FUN is happening. NEW souvenir alert! Here’s a peek at the back! It’s got all the starts of the show, including fan favorite Big Al. We love the way this looks like a vintage concert poster — how clever! Isn’t it cute? The shop was pretty well stocked, but we can’t promise this new shirt will stay in stock. If you’re interested, head to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom ASAP. Big Al is waiting to play his new song — come check it out! ©Disney We’ll continue to bring you coverage of all the latest Country Bear Musical Jamboree updates and all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned right here at DFB for more! Something WEIRD Is Going on With the Crowds at Magic Kingdom Today… 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 like the new Country Bears merch? Let us know in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK: Disney Just Dropped a NEW Souvenir in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are celebrating the 15th anniversary of Disney Food Blog this year! Lime and Pineapple Dole Whip When I look back over 15 years of DFB, it is easy to find many things to celebrate. But I’m not going to lie and say it was all pretty cupcakes and yummy totchos and delectable plastic cheese. Starting a business is HARD. Building a brand is HARD. Planting a stake in digital media, which I swear changes daily, is HARD. And if I’m being completely honest here, there were definitely times when I wanted to quit. What do you do when there's a nearly 3-month gap between the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival and the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? You throw yourself a big old DFB Mega Fest! We've got loads of giveaways, behind the scenes content, and untold crazy stories from AJ Wolfe and the DFB team. Come celebrate DFB Mega Fest with us! So, as I and the team share some of our best times here at DFB, I would be remiss to not share some of the worst times either. Here are 3 times when I really wanted to quit. Fireworks Dessert Party Back in the day, we held a few Fireworks Dessert Parties in EPCOT during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! These were soooo cool! Epcot Sparkling Illuminations Dessert Party We contracted with the Disney events team (like you would if you were holding a conference or a wedding or something) to rent a space in EPCOT and purchase a menu of dessert items. But I didn’t want just ANY dessert items! I customized the menu specifically to DFB favorites! School Bread from Norway, Butterfinger Cupcakes from Hollywood Studios, CARROT CAKE COOKIES!!!! — stuff like that! I do love that school bread! The stress of the event was massive. Would anyone come? Would they hate it? Would they hate ME? WHAT IF IT RAINS AND THE FIREWORKS DON’T EVEN HAPPEN?!?! Unfortunately — the one thing I really needed to worry about and be anxious for, I hadn’t even considered! When I arrived right before the event to do the walk-through, I didn’t see the school bread on the dessert buffet. We had publicized the menu, so I knew our guests were going to be expecting it…but it wasn’t there. It was nowhere to be found. What I saw instead were…a bunch of dinner rolls. Literally dinner rolls. That was what we’d received to be our “school bread.” (!!!) I told our event manager that that was never going to cut it (for me, or for our guests!), and chaos ensued. I had to explain what school bread actually was and show them pictures. And, to Disney’s eternal credit, the event manager called for someone to literally DRIVE backstage to the Norway pavilion and BUY THEM OUT of School Bread! Ha ha ha!! Talk about a miracle! School Bread Luckily they had about two big pastry boxes worth of them ready to go (shocking to me since it was so late in the day), and the night was saved! But yeah — the stress, anxiety, and unexpected chaos of that event so early in our life cycle nearly made me want to quit…and it definitely made me think twice about doing big events! Foodie Fest Back in 2011 we held the first ever Disney Food Blog Foodie Fest! We worked with Disney events to purchase the use of an event space (Ariel’s Restaurant at the Beach Club Resort — this seafood restaurant right next to Martha’s Vineyard Lounge shut down in the 90s, but it’s still used as a private event space), and spent a bunch of money on snacks like ice cream novelties (e.g. Mickey Bars and Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches). We invited our readers to join us for a meet-and-greet. MICKEY ICE CREAM BARS! There were no tickets; it was just a free-of-charge open house for anyone who wanted to come. It was truly delightful! I got to meet readers for the first time, share stories, and connect. But then I realized that some people literally came with COOLERS in order to fill them up with the free (for our guests) Mickey Bars?! It was something I never would have imagined doing — or even thought of doing — if I was going to a meet and greet for a blogger or creator I respected and liked. You can’t go wrong with the classic snacks! It struck me as weird and upsetting that people would just take advantage in that way. Maybe I was just super naive — and I’m sure I was — but I learned a lot about human nature that day. That said, the majority of people who came to our Foodie Fest were amazing, wonderful, kind, and thoughtful. So, yep, while there will always be a few bad seeds, try not to let them spoil the whole harvest. Covid 2020 was an intense and unprecedented year for all of us. One minute everything is normal, and the next: chaos. And for a company that writes about Disney theme parks…when suddenly all the Disney theme parks close…we were plunged into an extra level of “what in the world are we supposed to do now?” Mickey Pretzel Our work — how we paid our team members and paid our own bills — was squarely centered on being in the parks every day, helping people plan for Disney trips, bringing all the latest news to our readers and followers. And suddenly we couldn’t be in the parks at all, and people were definitely NOT planning Disney trips. Disney parks “news” didn’t exist anymore. Magic Kingdom Not only did I WANT to quit. I didn’t really know how we were going to be able to survive regardless of what I wanted. But enter the world’s best colleagues! Sierra, Jelly, Jessica, Meghan, and I immediately set to cracking the code: what do our readers want to hear about now? If we can’t write what we usually write, how can we still keep them informed and entertained through this? Spaceship Earth welcomes you to EPCOT. And this small, but mighty, team succeeded beyond anything we could have imagined! We started writing about Disney history, bread recipes, what to do with all of that toilet paper you stockpiled, what’s happening in the parks even though they’re closed. We used video and photos to help Disney fans feel like they were in the parks even when they couldn’t be there. Disney’s Animal Kingdom We wrote posts about how to support cast members who had been laid off, and trying to bring a little bit of joy and kindness through unique and heartwarming stories. We found the bakery that made Jack-Jack’s Num Num cookies for the parks and showed people how to get there on certain days to do a car drive-through to get their own. SO good. We pivoted and innovated and used our own feelings and emotions about not being able to go to Disney to figure out how we could help our readers and viewers.And our readers and followers stuck with us! We saw record numbers of fans flocking to our content, supporting our work, and supporting US! Despite the chaos that was going on around the world, we were finding a way to add a little bit of magic and light to the darkness. There you have it — 3 times I wanted to quit, and yes, I am SO glad I didn’t! Once again, it just goes to show: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Keep following us here at DFB for more! I Was Fired From My Job 15 Years Ago and Started a Blog. Here’s What Happened Next. 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 Three Times I REALLY Wanted To Quit When I Was Building Disney Food Blog first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the best pieces of advice — and the piece of advice we probably give the most often — is that you need to stay hydrated when you visit Disney World. Don’t forget your water bottle! Although this is true anytime you go to Disney World, it’s especially true in the summer, when the heat and humidity can seriously wear you down. That’s why we always recommend bringing a good water bottle to the parks and filling it up every chance you get, either by grabbing free water from counter service locations or using the water bottle refill stations you’ll find scattered throughout the parks. Well, if you need a water bottle, NOW is the time to get one because some of our faves are on sale RIGHT NOW on Amazon. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you don’t have Amazon Prime, don’t worry! You can sign up for a free trial of Prime below: Quite a few Owala’s are on sale right now! We love this brand because they keep our water cold for literally 12+ hours, even in the Disney World heat. They’re slim, so they fit into most backpacks, and they are super durable. So they’re gonna be ok and still look good even after taking a few dings! Get the Owala Grogu Water Bottle for 17% OFF ©Amazon This Grogu-green water bottle is PERFECT for visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It also comes with Star Wars stickers so you can personalize it your way! Buy on Amazon Buy the Owala Boba Fett Water Bottle for 12% OFF ©Amazon Calling all would-be bounty hunters. Rep the best bounty hutter from a galaxy far, far away with this water bottle. This one also comes with stickers so you can show off your Boba Fett love. Buy on Amazon Get the Owala Darth Vader Water Bottle for 15% OFF ©Amazon Insert loud breathing here because this water bottle is all about Darth Vader, one of the most famous Sith lords in Star Wars. It’s a black water bottle with red details and comes with stickers straight from the Dark Side. Buy on Amazon Now, let’s chat about a few more water bottles that our reporters recommend for the parks that are on sale! Buy the Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw for 13% OFF ©Amazon Okay, we know some of you prefer Stanley water bottles, so this one is a great buy right now at 13% off. It comes with a straw, but don’t worry — this bottle is still leakproof because all you have to do is snap it shut. We also like the big handle on these water bottles. Buy on Amazon Buy the Bluey Kid’s Water Bottle for 29% OFF Amazon Your kids need their own water bottles, too, and if they love Bluey (as most kids do), they’ll love this Bluey water bottle. This is a 14 oz. leakproof bottle that will keep your cold drinks cold for a long time, even on the hottest days. Buy on Amazon Get the Simple Modern Darth Vader Water Bottle for 15% OFF ©Amazon We’ve got one more Star War bottle to show you because it’s also on sale. This water bottle is stainless steel (which means it won’t sweat) and is insulated. But it also has a super cool graphic on it of Darth Vader with stormtroopers. Buy on Amazon Want to make your water bottle even MORE Disneyfied? Do what we did — we bought a plain white Owala water bottle and had the Disney characters sign it in the park. It makes for a great souvenir, don’t you think? Our signed water bottle! If you choose to get the characters to sign it, we also recommend getting some Mod Podge to really lock those signatures in! Looking for even more great Amazon Prime Day deals? Check out our Amazon Prime Day storefront. Looking for all the BEST Disney deals in one place? Visit our Amazon Prime Day shopThe post The Water Bottle Everyone Takes to Disney World Is On SALE Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland Resort has a breakfast STAR! This is the way to start your mornings, people. Port of San Fransokyo sign We just tried a breakfast dish at Disney’s California Adventure’s newest themed area, and we LOVED it. The steak and egg breakfast burrito is available now at the park’s Cappuccino Cart, located in the Big Hero 6-themed San Fransokyo Square. It consists of marinated steak, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and Monterey Jack cheese with avocado chimichurri. Yum! To put it bluntly, we legitimately thought this was one of the best quick-service breakfasts we’ve ever had at the park. We found all of the ingredients really complimented each other well. The steak was juicy and somewhat sweet from the marinade, which was also absorbed into the potatoes. The eggs were fluffy, warm, and flavorful, with hints of cheese, though the overall cheese flavor wasn’t too prominent. We loved the steak and egg burrito We found the chimichurri to have a light and refreshing avocado flavor with a little bit of spice. Overall, the burrito wasn’t too spicy on its own, but the salsa that it comes with will definitely spice it up if you so choose. The steak and egg burrito is available for $11.50 and provides a massive value for the price given its portion size. The steak and egg burrito Perhaps this breakfast burrito will sway some of the debate over eating breakfast at Disney’s theme parks. Believe it or not, the idea of having breakfast at Disney is a bit of a divisive subject amongst Disney fans. Many of our readers have told us they often skip breakfast at Disney Parks for reasons like time and expense, instead choosing to have something quick in their room before jetting off to their park of choice as early as possible. The reason given by most readers was simply that they didn’t want to “waste time” eating breakfast. As reader Christina put it, “Never. I’m not wasting precious morning hours by slowing down for food. We bring a to-go bfast snack to eat in the gate line.” Steak and egg burrito That brings us back to the steak and egg breakfast burrito. Not only is it delicious and filling, it’s also portable, meaning that it can provide a full meal on-the-go and help negate the idea that the only way to have a good and filling breakfast at a Disney park is to “waste valuable theme park time.” In fact, the only time risk in getting this dish might be the massive lines that tend to accumulate for them. Lines! The steak and egg burrito, currently available at the Cappuccino Cart in California Adventure’s San Fransokyo Square area, is one of our favorite Disneyland breakfast dishes to date. Stay tuned to DFB for further reviews of Disney food. The One Disney World Rule That Does NOT Apply to 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 tried the steak and egg burrito at the Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments below. The post REVIEW: Did We Find the Solution to Disney’s Most DIVISIVE Meal Problem? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Listen, we get it. It can get really overwhelming when walking into a shop in Disney World! Kids’ Section That FOMO is real. There are so many cool things all around — awesome new tops, accessories, mugs, and tumblers just to name a few. But what are you to do when you’re looking for that one Magic Kingdom Souvenir that’s universally considered practically perfect by everyone? Well, for that, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive right in! There really hasn’t been a better time to do so, especially since there are some sizeable discounts and free gifts on Disney merch online right now. So, let’s not waste another minute and dive right in! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. So what’s the deal? What could possibly be that one souvenir that’s practically perfect? That’s a great question, especially when you consider that there are TONs of other souvenirs that you could get on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom. Plenty of people come home with bubble wands, collectible mugs, lightsabers, plushes, and so much more (and we haven’t even mentioned an iconic Disney balloon.) Tiny characters balloon design is back No, the souvenir that you’re going to want to consider on your next trip is the humble Disney Pin! For example, have a look at this one: Shop the Orange Bird Pin ©Disney Before we even go into the reasons why the pin is the “perfect” souvenir, just have a look at Orange Bird. So cute, right? (Right now, we’re feeling a craving for a Dole Whip!) This pin is inspired by the Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom and it just might be the sweetest pins we ever did see! Sunshine Tree Terrace Seriously though, Disney pins are amazing. There are SO many to choose from. So many in fact, that you’re bound to find one that you resonate with. Pin trading Also, if at some point you want to consider a different pin, well, you can just trade the one you have! That’s the beauty of pin trading. Orange Bird Pin That means the Disney Pin is like the souvenir that keeps on giving! We highly recommend them! They are also so easy to display and to take with you after leaving the parks! View on Disney Store If pins just aren’t your thing, how about going the personalization route? Maybe a pair of personalized ears for your loved one like these: Personalized Mickey Ears Or maybe an ear hat with their name embroidered on it? Embroidery Or you could consider a personalized ornament. I mean, it’s never too early to grab a souvenir for Christmas, especially if it’s a personalized one. You can get it personalized! We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. Click here to view our Amazon Storefront Will you be checking out a Disney Pin? Let us know in the comments! The post One Magic Kingdom Souvenir That's Practically Perfect, According to Just About Everybody first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Bears are BACK in town! The NEW Country Bear Musical Jamboree! After months of refurbishment, the Country Bears are officially back at the Magic Kingdom. However, this isn’t your father’s Country Bear Jamboree. The opening day Magic Kingdom attraction has been completely reimagined! The NEW Country Bears Musical Jamboree is officially open in the Magic Kingdom, bringing the titular bears back to their rightful place in Frontierland. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Disney World. NEWS: Disney Adds NEW Attraction to Magic Kingdom Extended Evening Hours 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 about the new Country Bears? Let us know in the comments below. The post The Country Bear Musical Jamboree Officially Reopened Following Ride OVERHAUL in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article