Disney4me

I go to Disney World multiple times a week, and I’ve become pretty darn good at packing a park bag! Cinderella Castle I get quite a bit of practice loading up different bags with my theme park essentials, and I’ve tried a variety of options — from fanny packs to large backpacks to purses. However, the one that seems to stick and that I use the most of all is a Loungefly backpack…but I have a love/hate relationship with it! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. I personally have a collection of a few different Loungefly backpacks that I swap out when I’m in the parks, and even though their designs vary slightly, they’re all shaped and designed very similarly. Loungeflys tend to be smaller than your average backpack (they don’t call them mini backpacks for nothing!). We love our Loungeflys! So when should you use a Loungefly? Let’s break it down. My Love Relationship With Loungefly The number one thing I love about my Loungefly backpacks is the plethora of patterns and designs they come in! You can basically find a Loungefly for any movie franchise, character, or theme that you’d want for the parks and get it to match your outfit of the day. SO many designs Loungefly backpacks also have the benefit of storing more items than you can hold in your pockets or in a fanny pack. Bulkier items like water bottles or umbrellas will fit inside the main pocket of my Loungefly, and I like to squeeze in a little separate bag of park essentials as well (like bandages, Liquid IV, extra phone chargers, etc.). Owala Water Bottle Snag Our Favorite Water Bottle for Disney World HERE Because of their size, Loungefly backpacks usually aren’t as heavy or bulky as other backpacks, and it’s pretty easy to store them at your feet when you’re hopping on rides in Disney World. And if you use lockers in the parks (like at Universal Orlando), they’ll typically fit in a small locker if they’re not packed too full. You can sit your park bag at your feet I love matching my Loungefly to my outfit when I go to Disney World, and they’re great for keeping all my essentials at hand on those long park days, but there are some things I don’t enjoy about carrying one around as well. My Hate Relationship With Loungefly While the size of a Loungefly mini backpack is bigger than most small bags, it’s smaller than a regular backpack. I have to be choosy about which umbrellas or water bottles I bring because the bag isn’t very tall. And if my bag is already stuffed full, I can’t always fit a jacket inside (for rain or for warmth). Stitch Also, you know I have to mention the bane of our existence in the summer — the BACK SWEAT. Having a backpack sit against your back all day is bound to make you a little sweaty, and if you’re averse to that, the Loungefly might not be for you. (That’s why I sometimes prefer a fanny pack in the summer!) Stickers Loungefly Get the Stickers Loungefly HERE Even though Loungeflys will generally fit all my basics, they’re not the best for organizational purposes. Most of the bags have one big pocket, one small pocket, and two side slip pockets. I do a lot of blind digging around in the main pocket of my bag to find things when I’m in the park, and I’ve often resorted to bags inside of bags. Loungeflys! Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself if Loungefly backpacks are right for your park visit — they’re not cheap, usually costing around $80 or $90 depending on the design. And if the “keeping organized” is a problem for you, you might want to consider purchasing a Loungefly backpack organizer. This design slips into your bag and sorts your belongings into different pockets so things are easier to find! And at $15, they’re quite a steal for peace of mind. Loungefly Bag Organizer No matter which bag you choose, we have a host of packing lists to help you prepare for your trip and be ready for any circumstance in the parks! We’ve got you covered with all the in-park tips you need. Click Here to See Our Packing List for 2024! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you carry a Loungefly in the parks? Tell us in the comments! The post I’m a Disney World Reporter and I Have a Love/Hate Relationship With My Loungefly first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A NEW addition opened up in EPCOT today, and it’s something that we constantly hear people asking for! EPCOT One of the best things about EPCOT is the seasonal festivals that happen throughout the year. We love grabbing some gorgeous treats at the Festival of the Arts, noshing on plant-based snacks at the Flower & Garden Festival, eating as much cheese as humanly possible at the Food & Wine Festival, and taking part in the Cookie Stroll at the Festival of the Holidays. Although food and drinks are aplenty in the park during these festivals, there’s one thing that’s sadly LACKING in most areas: SEATING. Now, a new rest/festival dining area has opened up, and we think y’all are gonna LOVE IT! We’ve been keeping an eye on this area behind the Imagination Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Celebration for some time, now. Cast Members have speculated that it could become a playground or rest area, and now we finally know what it is! Here’s a look at the spot from back in February of this year: Construction update in February 2024 And here’s the spot now! A new outdoor rest area has opened up, and it has several picnic tables, making it the perfect place to chow down on your festival eats. New rest area This area is located right beside the Imagination Pavilion, on the way to World Showcase. There are usually a few festival booths right around this area, which makes its location just about perfect. Great location Our reporter noted that, aside from the picnic tables, the turf itself would be a good spot to sit down and snack on your festival eats. It’s very squishy and bouncy, which felt great on her feet after the concrete pathways in the rest of the park. Lots of turf area There’s some lighting over the tables, so this spot will even be useful at night! Handy lighting But wait — what’s that? We spotted a new festival booth in the area, too! We can’t wait to see what eats will be there when the Food & Wine Festival starts on August 29th. New festival booth! There’s a lot going on in EPCOT right now! CommuniCore Hall and Plaza — the new festival areas in World Celebration — are opening on June 10th, and we’re getting a sneak peek at both of those tonight. No more construction walls! CommuniCore Plaza will provide an outdoor space where guests can come to relax and experience all that the Festivals have to offer. There’s an area that can host large-scale concerts or intimate performances that extend out into the gardens nearby. CommuniCore Plaza ©Disney CommuniCore Hall will be housed within the plaza, and will be the first fully-purpose built structure in Festival programming! The hall will boast a demonstration kitchen, a mixology bar, and exhibition and gallery space. It will also help extend the festival experience and give presenting chefs new ways to connect and experiment. Communicore Hall ©Disney A new Encanto stage show is opening on June 10th, too! ¡Celebración Encanto! is a sing-along that includes popular songs from the movie. ©Disney Plus, there will be a Mickey and Friends meet and greet in the Hall. It’s HERE! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest Disney news! Click here to check out a NEW exhibit that’s now open in EPCOT! Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation? NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT Learn All About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana Has the Mary Poppins Project at Disney World Been Canceled? What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation? SNEAK PEEK at the NEW Fireworks Show Coming to EPCOT Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest EPCOT transformation news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of this new area? Let us know in the comments. The post There's Something NEW in EPCOT, and You're Gonna LOVE IT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been a fun food week in Disney World! Nachos! We’ve been enjoying some of the new Pride Month snacks that the month of June has brought. We’ve also discovered some new nachos in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, some new Mac ‘n’ Cheese (oh, yeah!), and ANOTHER Cookie Dough Croissant (yes, this is becoming a trend). However, we were also keeping an eye on other Disney World menu changes, so let’s see what’s been updated this week. Magic Kingdom Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe The Stitch Blueberry-Lemonade Mousse Cake has been removed from the menu. Cosmic Ray’s Passion Fruit-Mandarin Tart was added — topped with whipped cream and a white chocolate piece for $5.79. How Did One of Magic Kingdom’s Most HATED Restaurants Get the PRETTIEST New Snack?! Cinderella’s Royal Table Breakfast has changed. Under Entrees, Grilled Steak and Egg and Baked Quiche have been removed from the menu. The Kid’s Yogurt Parfait has also been removed. Under lunch and dinner, the Entree Grilled Filet Mignon description changed from “Potato Pavé, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and House-made Steak Sauce” to “Olive Oil-whipped Potatoes, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and Garlic Butter.” Cinderella’s Royal Table That’s the only change. Review: I Ordered the Most Expensive Meal in Magic Kingdom — Here’s What I Loved About It Lunching Pad Sticky Bubble Bread has been added to the breakfast and lunch menu. The Lunching Pad It’s sweet bread rolled in cinnamon, caramel, and warm spices for $5.79. The Disney World Snack That USED to Be a Disaster But Finally Got Its Life Together EPCOT Refreshment Port Seasonal Cocktail changed from $6.50 to $13. Refreshment Port Seasonal Wine was added for $6.50. Add THIS New Swirl to Your Dole Whip Must-Try List at Disney World! Tangierine Cafe A new snack is available: Stone-Baked Moroccan Bread — with hummus, chermoula, and zhoug dips (plant-based) for $5. This is similar to what has been offered at this spot in the past. Tangierine Café Under Alcoholic Beverages, the following changed: REMOVED: Seasonal Cider Flight Seasonal Cocktail changed from $11.50 to $12 Review! Boozy Coffee and Cake Make A Perfect Afternoon Pairing in EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios ABC Commissary The Mint-Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is no longer available. ©Disney Instead, you can get Strawberry-Lemon Cheesecake — lemon cheesecake with white chocolate ganache drip, strawberry whipped cream, and topped with freeze-dried strawberries and white sprinkles for $5.79. REVIEW: If You Can’t Decide Between a Sweet and Salty Treat, This Hollywood Studios Snack Is FOR YOU Backlot Express The side Cheese Sauce is no longer available, but you can get French Fries with Cheese Sauce for $5.99. Backlot Express Kid’s Uncrustables has also been removed from the menu. However, you can now get a Kid’s Teriyaki Tofu Bowl — seasoned jasmine rice, marinated tofu, yuzu-pickled edamame, carrots, cucumber, and onions drizzled with house-made lemon-tahini chipotle vinaigrette and sesame seeds for $8.49. REVIEW: The Saga Continues in Our Toxic Relationship With This Disney World Snack Catalina Eddie’s You can now get at Meatball Sub — a hoagie roll stuffed with seasoned meatballs and smothered in marinara sauce and provolone served with Caesar salad for $12.49. Catalina Eddie’s You can also now get a Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza — served with Caesar Salad for $11.79. Disney Food Blog REVIEW: Is This Snack Spot at Disney World Just Another Version of PizzeRizzo? Fairfax Fare Bacon Macaroni & Cheese has been removed from the menu. Fairfax Fare That’s the only change here. REVIEW: Do You Even WANT Lunch in a Waffle Bowl in Disney World? We Found Out. PizzeRizzo You can no longer get Vegetable Pizza here. However, Mushroom Pizza has been added. It’s served with a choice of sides for $11.79. PizzeRizzo Also, Meatball Sub changed from $10.99 to $12.49. FULL REVIEW of PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rosie’s All-American Cafe You can no longer get a Side of Chili and French Fries separately. Rosie’s All-American Cafe However, you can order Chili-Cheese Fries for $6.99. PSA: This $5 Hollywood Studios Treat Is Still One of the Best Disney’s Animal Kingdom Harambe Market In addition to a snack to honor the 30th anniversary of The Lion King, Harambe Market has a change on its Kid’s menu. Harambe Market Kid’s Chicken Nuggets has been replaced with Chicken Strips (2 pieces) served with a choice of two sides and a choice of small low-fat milk or small Dasani bottled water for $8.49. REVIEW: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly About Disney World’s NEW Eats Nomad Lounge The Tropical Ube Cocktail is no longer available. Nomad Lounge On the Kid’s menu, Impossible “Chow” has been removed. These changes are also on the Tiffins menu. This Is My FAVORITE Place in Disney World and Too Many People NEVER Go There Restaurantosaurus Under Entrees, Chicken Breast Nuggets has been replaced with Chicken Strips (4 pieces) — served with French Fries for $10.99. Also, the S’moresosaurus Shake description changed from “Vanilla Shake with Chocolate and Caramel Drizzle topped with a Chocolate-dipped S’more, Toasted Marshmallows, and Graham Cracker Crumbs and rimmed with Chocolate Fudge Sauce and Graham Cracker Crumbs” to “Vanilla Shake with Chocolate Drizzle topped with a Chocolate-dipped S’more, Graham Cracker Crumbs, and Chocolate Sprinkles.” S’moresosaurus Shake Kid’s Chicken Nuggets has been replaced with Chicken Strips (2 pieces) served with choice of two sides and choice of small lowfat millk or small Dasani bottled water for $8.49. You can also now get French Fries with Cheese for $5.99. REVIEW: Is This Animal Kingdom Restaurant More Than Just Hamburgers & Hot Dogs? Tusker House We’ve got a few changes at Tusker House: Breads and Dips description changed from “Mini Zebra Loaves, Honey-Rosemary Rolls, Cornbread Muffins, Naan Bread, House-made Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tazatiki Sauce” to “African-influenced Breads, Naan, Blatjangs, Tzatziki Sauce” Salads description changed from Black-eyed Pea Salad, Roasted Cauliflower Salad, Quinoa and chickpea Salad, Salad Greens, Toppings, and Dressings” to “Lentil Salad, Couscous Salad, Watermelon-Feta Salad, Salad Greens, Toppings, and Dressing” House Specialties description changed from “Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken, Berbere-marinated Pork, Green Curry Shrimp, Chicken Curry, Za’tar Braised Beef, Chermoula Salmon Filets” to “Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken, Berbere-marinated Pork, Green Curry Shrimp, Doro Wat, Braised Beef Tajine” Bread Plant-based Offerings description changed from “Plant-based Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage, Roasted Root Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Feisty Green Beans, Cauliflower Bunny Chow” to “North African Pilau, Spiced Broccoli, South African-spiced Cauliflower Curry, Lentil Salad, Couscous Salad” Kids’ Picks description changed from “Corn Dog Nuggets, Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Legs, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes” to “Meatballs, Macaroni & Cheese, Chicken Strips, Broccoli, Potatoes” Here’s how Sides changed: REMOVED: Feisty Green Beans, House-made Macaroni & Cheese, Doro Wat Chicken Curry, Roasted Potatoes, Jasmine Rice, and Harira Soup ADDED: North African Pilau, Spiced Broccoli, Red Red, and South African-spiced Cauliflower Curry Disney Food Blog REVIEW: Buffets Are BACK at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Smiling Crocodile Remember those new nachos we mentioned? They’re the Barbacoa Nachos at Smiling Crocodile, topped with topped with barbacoa beef, queso, lime crema, and pico de gallo for $9.99. Barbacoa Nachos You can also now get Chips, Salsa, and Queso for $5.99 — it comes with tri-color tortilla chips topped with salsa and queso. There Are NEW Nachos in Disney World, and They’re 100x Better than Pecos Bill Isle of Java Macaw Specialty Beverage changed from $5.49 to $5.99. Isle of Java Frozen Beverages changed from $5.49 to $5.99. FYI! Cheshire Cat Tail Lovers Can Get a Similar Pastry at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Right Now! Pizzafari Chicken Parmesan with Gnocchi Primavera has been added to the menu. It’s breaded chicken parmesan breast layered on baked potato gnocchi in primavera tomato sauce topped with melted provolone and mozzarella for $13.29. Gnocchi Primavera Antipasto Salad has been removed from the menu. REVIEW: I Grossly Overpaid for a TV Dinner in Disney World, and I Feel Betrayed Rainforest Cafe We see some changes on the breakfast menu: Steak & Eggs changed from$ 26.49 to $26.99 Pot Roast Hash changed from $20.99 to $21.99 Breakfast Nachos changed from $18.99 to $19.49 Avocado Toast changed from $15.99 to $16.99 Get Yolk’ed Power Bowl changed from $17.99 to $18.99 Toast changed from $2.99 to $3.99 ADDED: Grit Cakes for $4.99 Kid’s breakfast also changed: Breakfast of Bandits changed from $11.49 to $11.99 Tonga Toast changed from $11.49 to $11.99 Wild Waffle changed from $11.49 to $11.99 Assortment of Cereals changed from $9.49 to $9.99 Buttermilk Pancakes changed from $9.49 to $9.99 Tuki’s Oatmeal changed from $9.49 to $9.99 Rainforest Cafe Lunch and dinner have changes, too. Here’s how Appetizers changed: Shrimp Scampi Flatbread changed from $16.49 to $16.99 Cheese Sticks changed from $13.99 to $14.99 Mozzarella Flatbread with Arugula changed from $16.49 to $16.99 ADDED: Amazon Bruschetta for $13.99 Soups and Salads changed like this: Volcanic Cobb Salad changed from $23.99 to $22.99 Ancient Grain Bowl changed from $19.99 to $20.99 Ancient Grain Bowl with Chicken changed from $23.99 to $24.99 Ancient Grain Bowl with Shrimp changed from $25.99 to $26.99 Ancient Grain Bowl with Salmon changed from $28.99 to $29.99 Here is the Seafood change: Catch of the Castaway was added — ask server for details (Market Price). Rainforest Cafe Beef, Pork, & Chicken had the following changes: Primal Steak changed from $43.49 to $43.99 Mojo Bones changed from $29.99 to $30.99 Tortilla Chips have been removed from the Sides menu. Kid’s Entrees and desserts changed from $11.49 to $11.99, while Plant-Based Nuggets, Fries, and Safari Fries were removed. Gogurt was added as a Side. The Raspberry Lemonade Freeze is also no longer available under Smoothies. All Specialty Cocktails changed from $15.50 to $16. Blue Nile served in a Souvenir Glass, Tropical Getaway served in a Souvenir Glass, Moscow Mule, and Dragonberry Mule were removed. Summer Rum Punch served in a Souvenir Glass was added — Bacardi superior rum, pineapple juice, sweet & sour, Fever-Tree ginger ale. These changes also apply to Lava Lounge. REVIEW: Go to This Disney World Restaurant for the Vibes, Not the Food Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort The Artist’s Palette Under Desserts, Traditional Pound Cake has been taken off the menu. The Artist’s Palette Under Snacks, Charcuterie and Cheese Plate has been removed from the menu. REVIEW: We Found Table-Service Quality on a Fast Food Budget at This Disney World Hotel Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jiko The Jiko Salad description changed from “Gem Lettuce, Quinoa, Radish, Petite Vegetables, Market Fruit, Pomegranate, Tangy Cashew Cream, Lemon-Ginger Vinaigrette (Plant-based)” to “Lolla Rosa, Baobab Vinaigrette, Braai’d Stone Fruit, Orange, Spiced Pumpkin Seeds (Plant-based).” Jiko White Bean Soup has been removed from Appetizers. REVIEW: This Is Why We Keep Going Back to Jiko in Disney World Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar You can no longer get a Ham and Cheddar Sandwich. Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar Under Rocks, the Hibiscus ‘Rita was removed from the menu. Disney Food Blog REVIEW: Dole Whip SMOOTHIES in Disney World? We’ll Take 10, Thanks Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Singing Spirits Pool Bar The Red Carpet cocktail has been removed from the menu. Singing Spirits Pool Bar Under “Rocks,” the Cucumber and Mint Vojito has been removed from the menu. Boba and Wine?! We’re All About This New Drink in Disney World! Disney’s Pop Century Resort Petals Pool Bar Ham and Cheddar Sandwich has been removed from the menu here, too. Petals Pool Bar That’s the only update. Pool Bar Series: Petals at POP Century Resort Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Cafe Craisin Trail Mix, Trail Mix, and Yogurt Pretzels have been removed from the Snacks menu. Contempo Café The following Beverages have also been removed: smartwater Sparkling, Simply Smoothie Orchard Berry, Simply Smoothie Pineapple Mango, Simply Smoothie Strawberry Banana, and AHA Sparkling Water – Blueberry & Pomegranate. Also, Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Tart has been added to the menu — cherry ganache, Jack Daniel’s cremeux, bitters chantilly, applewood-smoked bacon for $6.99. NEW SNACK ALERT There’s a NEW Kind of Corn Dog Nugget in Disney World! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Narcoossee’s Here’s how Appetizers, as well as Soups and Salads, have changed: Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board description changed from “Ahi Tuna Pastrami, Charred Octopus, Lobster Sausage” to “Lobster Sausage, Ahi Tuna Pastrami, Octopus Capicola, Crab-stuffed Cherry Pepper” REMOVED: Sweet Potato Gnocchi ADDED: Summer Tomato and Chickpea Tart — kachumber salad, cilantro chutney, cucumber-mint “raita” (plant-based) for $16 ADDED: Local Citrus and Goat Cheese Salad — tiny lettuces, honey crunch-pumpernickel granola, pickled onion, bee pollen dressing for $15 Narcoosee’s Entrees also changed: REMOVED: Yuzu-Ginger Salmon Milk-brined Pork Chop changed from “Winter Squash Johnnycakes, Wilted Mustard Greens, Heirloom Apple, Celery Root, Sage, Caramelized Hazelnut Butter” to “Coconut-Sweet Potato Mash, Jerk-spiced Asparagus, Hibiscus Flower-glazed Regier Peaches, Torn Sorrel, Basil” ADDED: Red Wine-glazed Salmon — confit tomatoes and potatoes, lacinato kale, pickled mustard seed, harissa romesco, vidalia soubise for $46 Under Featured Cocktails, the Cold Brew Martini has been removed. The Two BEST Things On the Menu at Narcoossee’s in Disney World Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Centertown Market Under Fresh Fruit, you can now get a Watermelon Cup. Centertown Market It’s $5.69. REVIEW: One Thing SAVED This Limited-Time Mini Cake in Disney World Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Landscape of Flavors A new dessert has been added: Banana Pudding Cheesecake for $6.29. Landscape of Flavors That’s the only change here. The Deterioration of Landscape of Flavors Food Court From Awesome To Awful The Drop-Off Pool Bar The Ham and Cheddar Sandwich is no longer on the menu. The Drop Off This is the only change here. Disney World’s New Rum-Spiked POG Juice is Hiding in an Obscure Spot! Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Cabana Bar and Beach Club Under Wine, Whitehaven, Sauvignon Blanc, NZ is no longer available. Also, a non-alcoholic drink was added: Non-Alcoholic Miami Vice for $10. You can add a Float of Siesta Key spiced rum or toasted coconut rum for $5. ©Disney Under Craft Beer, here’s what changed: REMOVED: Phins & Feathers Swan & Dolphin Craft Brew, Banana Daiquiri, and Modelo ADDED: Modelo Especial, Mexican Lager for $9 ADDED: Seasonal Draft for $10 REVIEW: We’re Eating at a SURPRISINGLY Swanky Pool Bar in Disney World Disney Springs The BOATHOUSE Pan-Roasted Corvina was added under Market Fresh Fish. It’s served with crispy Yukon potatoes, wilted kale, and green onion soubise for $33.50. Under Sea & Shore, Steamed Red King Crab was added — 8 oz. “Merus” cut, asparagus, and drawn butter for $72. The BOATHOUSE Under Launch, Oyster’s Rockefeller was added — chef’s selection, creamed spinach, herb butter, bread crumb, and pernod for $27. I Spent $80 on Lunch at The Boathouse in Disney Springs. Was It Worth It? Remember that Disney World menu changes happen all the time. We do our best to keep you updated, but if you have your heart set on something, be sure to check the menus on Disney World’s website or My Disney Experience app. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. How Did One of Magic Kingdom’s Most HATED Restaurants Get the PRETTIEST New Snack?! 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 When has a Disney World menu change surprised you? Let us know in the comments! The post 31 Restaurants CHANGED Their Menus in Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s a NEW Disney souvenir collection online now, and you’re going to want to see these royal designs! ©Disney Vera Bradley and Disney work together frequently to come out with fun, Disney-themed bags. We recently saw a gorgeous Beauty and the Beast bag collection in the parks and online, but now it’s another princess’s time to shine! Check out these beautiful Cinderella-themed Vera Bradley bags, which you can order online now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are two different designs featured in this collection: One shows Cinderella’s mice and bird friends getting her dress ready, and the other is a more simple design with beautiful embroidery of the princess herself. Get the Cinderella Weekend Travel Bag ©Disney This weekender bag is perfect for your next Disney World vacation. The bag is carry-on compliant and even has an exterior slip pocket so it can sit on top of your suitcase without falling off. The bag is quilted fabric and features Jaq, Gus, Suzy, Perla, and the bluebirds. There are two exterior zipper pockets and five mesh pockets inside. It has both a removable shoulder strap and shorter carry handles. Shop this bag here! Get the Cinderella Backpack ©Disney If you need something a bit smaller, check out this quilted Cinderella backpack. The bag has the same design as the weekend tote. The backpack has two side slip pockets for water bottles, a front zipper pocket, and a hidden back zipper pocket. On the inside, it has two mesh slip pockets and a padded compartment for your laptop. Like the weekend bag, this one also has a slip pocket on the back so it can slide onto your suitcase. Shop this bag here! Get the Cinderella Crossbody Bag ©Disney This crossbody bag would be the perfect little purse to carry into the parks! The crossbody strap is adjustable, so you can change it to fit your needs. The bag has two zipper pockets and one slip pocket on the outside and two slip pockets and one zipper pocket on the inside. Shop this bag here! Get the Cinderella Mini Backpack ©Disney We love the design of this Cinderella mini backpack! The bag is made of “luxurious quilted satin” and has sequins and pearls incorporated into the embroidered image of Cinderella. This mini backpack has two side pockets and a front zipper pocket on the outside, plus another zipper pocket inside. It’s water-repellent, so it should keep your essentials safe inside. Shop this bag here! Get the Cinderella Tote Bag ©Disney The last item in this collection is the large tote bag. This one has the same quilted satin fabric as that mini backpack, and it has a similar (though slightly different) embroidered image of Cinderella. Don’t worry — the design still incorporates sequins, simulated pearls, and lots of sparkles. For your convenience, the bag has an exterior front slip pocket, hidden top slip pocket, and exterior zipper pocket, along with SIX slip pockets on the inside. That’s so much room to store your items! Shop this bag here! Keep following DFB for more updates on the newest Disney merch! Check out our DFB Amazon storefront to see some of our favorite Disney essentials!The post ALERT! A NEW Cinderella Vera Bradley Collection Is Now Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s be real, our phones are basically our Disney World survival kits these days. Magic Kingdom They’re our cameras, our wallets, our park tickets, our room keys — shoot, they even hold our precious dining reservations! So when that battery dips, it can feel like a piece of you just died with it. So what do you do when your phone decides to kick the bucket right in the middle of your Disney day and your phone charger is nowhere in sight? Let’s talk about it! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. As we were saying, we’ve all experienced it. You’re at Disney World (living your best life) snapping pics with Mickey, and conquering Space Mountain (basically adulting like a champ), but then, disaster strikes. You reach for your phone to capture another magical moment, only to be greeted by the “lovely” low-battery warning and your charger is basically a million miles away. What do you do? ©Ron Lach / Pexels Don’t Panic! The first thing to do is breathe. The good news is that Disney World actually has your back. Scattered throughout the parks are charging havens where you can snag an outlet and revive your phone. Outlets We’re talking about spots like World Celebration Gardens in EPCOT or Storybook Circus Tent in Magic Kingdom. But Here’s the Catch While you can use the outlets, Disney doesn’t exactly hand out phone chargers like free Mickey Mouse ears. So, the number 1 rule here is to pack your own. MultiCharger for MagicBand+ Stash it in your park bag, tape it to your chest — just don’t leave home without it! The charger above is what we use to charger our phones, portable chargers, and MagicBands! And it’s under $15. A must-have for Disney World since the rooms are severely lacking outlets for the number of things that need to be charged ASAP. Get the Multi-Charger HERE Charging On-The-Go What if you don’t have time to chill by an outlet? No worries! Let me introduce you to a portable charger. It’s going to be your new best friend. ©Amazon They’re like tiny power banks for your phone, and you can use them on the go everywhere. You could also consider investing in a charging case for your phone too. They’re super convenient. Get the Magsafe Charger HERE! What To Do When You’ve Forgotten Everything Okay, so maybe you forgot both the charger and the portable charger. Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. Disney World already has a solution for you — meet FuelRods! FuelRods These are basically little battery packs that you can get all over the parks. They’re lifesavers in a pinch, but they can be pricey (around $30 for one). Fuel Rod Station in PizzeRizzo Here’s the secret to saving some money on these — buy your FuelRods on Amazon before your trip! Not only will they likely be cheaper (they tend to go for $30 for two!), but you can still swap them out at any of the FuelRod kiosks around Disney World for a fully charged one (completely FREE!). They even have outlets! Get a FuelRod 2 Pack HERE! We’re always offering the best tips and tricks to help make your next Disney World vacation as smooth as possible. Stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for even more Disney tips, tricks, and things you’ll need to know before you visit! I Go To Disney World Every Day – Here’s Where I Charge My Phone 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 Where are your best tips and tricks for keeping your devices charged up while at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post POV: You FORGOT Your Phone Charger in Disney World. We're Here To Save Your Day. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is celebrating 25 years of Pooh. The original facade of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Disney Disney recently released a slew of rare throwback photos celebrating the 25th birthday of the Magic Kingdom’s Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction. Despite feeling like a Fantasyland staple, this dark ride only debuted on June 4th, 1999. The controversial attraction… Wait, did we just say controversial? About Winnie the Pooh? How could that be? Let’s find out. During the 1990s, Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods experienced a SURGE in popularity. They were featured everywhere at Walt Disney World, including in the 1997 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Hundred Acre Woods characters at the 1997 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. So it wasn’t a surprise to many When Disney announced that a Pooh ride was coming — one had been planned as far back as the 1970s for Disneyland before being shelved — the shock was WHERE that ride would be located! In August of 1998, Disney announced that The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh would be replacing Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at the Magic Kingdom. Over the next month, there was a massive outcry over the replacement of the opening day attraction, with fans launching websites, petitions, and even staging “Toad-Ins” at the park. Suffice to say, these efforts were in vain, as Mr. Toad’s closed for good in September of 1998. “Coming 1999” Disney Despite the controversy, construction went on as scheduled, and the new Pooh attraction debuted to great fanfare and mostly fan acclaim the following June. Now, with a permanent home at the Magic Kingdom, the Pooh characters continued to appear at major Disney events. They posed in front of Cinderella Castle in the early 2000s and were part of the Share A Dream Come True Parade in 2001. The Hundred Acre Woods characters in front of the castle in 2000. Disney In the early 2010s, the facade and queue of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh were significantly refurbished to match the aesthetic of the massive New Fantasyland expansion. This included relocating a 120-ton tree… Disney …and adding interactive experiences based on Tigger’s Bouncy Place, Rabbit’s Garden, and Pooh’s Hunny Hives to the queue. Disney These days, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh remains popular, and the characters continue to appear at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT. Imagineers didn’t completely forget Mr. Toad though, as there’s a small reference to the previous attraction in the new one. Portrait of Mr. Toad in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Despite controversial beginnings, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has been an integral part of Fantasyland for a quarter century. Stay tuned to DFB for more Walt Disney World history. What Will Disney Do With This Deserted Restaurant in Magic Kingdom? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a fan of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh? Let us know in the comments below. The post Check Out These RARE Historical Photos of an Iconic Magic Kingdom Ride! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summertime is here, meaning most of us are looking for nice, cool drinks to refresh us while we’re out in the sun! ©Disney Mint Juleps are iconic offerings over at Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square in Disneyland, and the Green Tea Mint Julep has also been available at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in years past, and now, you can learn how to make your own at home! Check out this full recipe for Disney’s Green Tea Mint Julep! Great news too — you can make the mint syrup listed below up to 2 weeks in advance! Just store it in the fridge, and you’ll be good to go. The following recipe is for one serving of the drink. Ingredients Mint-Infused Simple Syrup 3/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup water Green Tea Berry Mint Julep 5 ounces water 1 green tea bag 1 ounce blackberry purée 1 1/2 ounces raspberry syrup 1/2 ounce reserved mint-infused simple syrup 1 ounce lime juice Fresh berries Mint leaves ©Disney Instructions Mint-Infused Simple Syrup Wash and chop mint leaves. Bring sugar, water, and mint leaves to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 2 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing hard on leaves. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Green Tea Berry Mint Julep Bring water to a boil, then cool for 1 minute. Pour into a heat-proof container. Add tea bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes; remove tea bag and cool tea. Combine cooled tea in a shaker with blackberry purée, raspberry syrup, mint-infused simple syrup, and lime juice. Shake and strain over ice into a tall glass. Garnish with fresh berries and mint. If you’d like to make your drink a frozen julep, just take the completed drink and toss it in a blender with ice. If you’re 21+, you can also add 1 1/4 ounces of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for an adult twist. Frozen Mint Julep at Casey’s Corner Looking to grab Mint Julep while you’re in Disneyland Resort? Check for it at these locations! Blue Bayou Restaurant Cafe Orleans Mint Julep Bar Magic Key Terrace Napa Rose Beignets Expressed Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio Mint Julep Bar And over in Walt Disney World, you can grab it at Saratoga Springs Resort at On the Rocks Pool Bar, The Paddock Grill, Turf Club Bar and Grill, and Turf Club Lounge. Saratoga Springs Looking for other Disney recipes to enjoy at home? Check these out! More Disney Recipes! RECIPE: Make Disney’s Refreshing Green Tea Mint Julep at Home!Disney Recipe: Make Two POPULAR Hollywood Studios Snacks AT HOMEDISNEY RECIPE: Learn How To Make Sangria Using a Celebrity Chef’s Recipe!5 Disney Apple-themed Recipes to Make for the HolidaysRECIPE: Create Flautas From Disney’s Lamplight Lounge Restaurant at HOME! We’re always here to help you find the best Disney recipes to try at home when you’re missing the Disney parks, so stay tuned to AllEars! 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 Disney recipe to make at home? Tell us in the comments! The post RECIPE: Make Disney's Refreshing Green Tea Mint Julep at Home! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser may have closed in 2023, but it’s still a hot topic of conversation in 2024. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser The hotel was a one-of-its-kind interactive experience where Star Wars fans could live out their own Star Wars stories. That experience included meeting unique characters, getting a chance to help fly a starship, lightsaber training, exclusive food and drinks, and so much more. It also meant access to exclusive souvenirs, but we’ve seen some of that merchandise end up online. Now, we’ve got ANOTHER exclusive Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser souvenir to share with you that you can get online. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The once-exclusive Galactic Starcruiser Legacy Lightsaber Hilt is now available online at The Disney Store. So if you were hoping to get your hands on this unique souvenir, here’s your chance. Get the Galactic Starcruiser Legacy Lightsaber Hilt You can now get the lightsaber hilt that you could only get if you had boarded a cruise onboard the Halcyon of the Chandrila Star Line. You can even personalize the hilt with one of 26 interchangeable Aurebesh letter charms that come with the hilt. This hilt also features sound effects and glows blue when you get a coordinating lightsaber blade (we’ll get to that in a bit. ©Disney The hilt also comes with a case that has a hinged lid and lined interior, as well as the Chandrila Star Line logo on it. The hilt coordinates with Disney’s lightsaber clip, lightsaber sheath, and lightsaber hilt stand (sold separately). Buy at The Disney Store Buy the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Lightsaber Blade ©Disney If you want the WHOLE lightsaber experience, you need a blade, right? You can also get a 36″ lightsaber blade straight from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge online, too. The blade has contacts in the bottom that allows it to get power from the hilt that will make it light up. This blade will also work with all Legacy lightsaber hilts, as well as lightsabers from Savi’s Workshop in Disney World and Disneyland. Buy at The Disney Store A lightsaber is truly an “elegant weapon for a more civilized age.” So be sure to grab this collectible lightsaber hilt (and blade) now! Check out our Amazon StorefrontThe post An EXCLUSIVE Star Wars Hotel Souvenir Is Now Available Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Extra, extra, read all about it! Seriously, we’re sure Disney World hasn’t had a wink of sleep because they’ve dropped so many new updates this week. If you’ve missed out, this is your chance to catch up! Magic Kingdom I’m back again with another round of WHAT’S NEW UPDATES AT DISNEY WORLD, a rundown on all the epic news and updates that happened at Disney World this past week. This week, we got the 4-1-1 on this highly-anticipated new addition for this popular Disney World Resort, a first look at a BRAND NEW souvenir available soon at Magic Kingdom, and updates on CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza over at Epcot! Are y’all ready? Okay, let’s go! You Can Book Disney World’s NEWEST Hotel Rooms TODAY! Disney World has been very busy building something HUGE over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We’ve been following the construction of the project ever since it began. Now the Island Tower will officially open in December 2024 (which isn’t as far away as it might seem). Up to now, only select groups of Disney World visitors have been able to book rooms in Island Tower, but now, EVERYONE can book one of these brand-new rooms. ©Disney You’ll be able to choose from a variety of room types including rooms that can sleep from two to nine guests. You’ll find duo studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and even some brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Luxurious, right? If that sounds like something that’s right up your alley, you can book right now by visiting the Disney World website. Construction Continues! We can’t wait till the opening of this new addition to the Polynesian Village Resort! Here’s a look at how much staying in the NEW Island Tower will cost! We got a sneak peek at the BRAND NEW Tiana’s Bayou Adventure souvenirs! The Princess and the Frog-themed water ride is set to open to everyone on June 28th, 2024 after sets of previews for exclusive groups of Disney fans. Since construction started in early 2023. We previously got a sneak peek at the animatronics, new characters, queue details, and more for this ride, but now we have to talk about merchandise! Critter Co-Op Of course, one of the most exciting parts of getting a new Disney World ride is all the new merchandise that shows up with it. We got to take a peek at all the merchandise that would soon make its way to Magic Kingdom, but one souvenir in particular caught our eye. We got to take a look at this new toy over at Critter Co-Op — one of the merchandise shops located near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Cute! It looks just like Raymond, and comes in a little lantern. Here’s where it gets cool, though. It’s INTERACTIVE! You press the button on your firefly’s back to make it interact with other fireflies. We think this could be a great one-of-a-kind souvenir for kiddos or even grownups! It honestly makes for a neat park accessory. We FINALLY rode Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and we’re spilling all our thoughts right here! WALLS Came Down in EPCOT! Not only are we getting the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, but we’re also going to FINALLY have all the construction walls down in EPCOT! CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza (the last parts of the EPCOT transformation) are set to open officially on June 10th. And ahead of that day, some construction walls have already come down! The walls are coming down! Around some sections of CommuniCore Hall, the construction walls have been taken down and replaced with rolling hedges. These are usually the final barrier Disney uses before something opens to the public. The other side Further down the building, we were able to get a full view of the CommuniCore Hall sign and entrance. We love the Spaceship Earth-inspired tilework on the building here! The font for the sign is the same as all the other new signs in the park. We can’t wait to step inside! In just a few days, we’ll be able to step inside and check everything out — we can’t wait! The opening of CommuniCore Hall will also come with the opening of CommuniCore Plaza, which will premiere a brand-new Encanto-inspired show. Of course, that’s not all that happened! There are plenty of things that happen every single day at Disney World. Check out EVERYTHING by clicking through the links below! Our reporters and writers keep these pages updated with all the latest things that take place in the parks — from merchandise drops to new menu items. See for yourself! WHAT'S NEW AT DISNEY? Check out our daily updates on all the happenings around Disney World and Disneyland! Magic Kingdom EPCOT Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom Disney Hotels Disney Springs Disneyland Looking for more big Disney World news? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of these big Disney World updates? Let us know in the comments! The post New Hotel Rooms, New Rides, New Shows -- These Are the Disney World Updates You've Been Looking For! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walt Disney World has another refillable mug problem. Resort Refillable Mugs Anyone who has stayed at a Walt Disney World hotel is likely familiar with the refillable mugs sold at the resort. However, just in case you need a refresher, Disney World hotels offer Resort Refillable Mugs for you to purchase and use for FREE refills throughout your vacation. They are 16 oz. insulated coffee mugs, typically sold at each Disney hotel at the resort’s primary Counter Service location. You are entitled to unlimited free refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea from participating beverage locations at Disney resorts for your length of stay — up to 14 days. These mugs can be a great way to save if you drink a lot of soda or coffee, but you need to watch out for a couple of potential PROBLEMS! While we’re generally big fans of the refillable mugs, we’ve pointed out some issues with using them during resort stays in the past. However, today we’re moving beyond the hotels to discuss the problems with refillable mugs when it comes to Walt Disney World’s theme parks. Drink Station at Caribbean Beach Resort’s Banana Cabana Pool Bar Specifically, the problem is you CAN’T use your Walt Disney World refillable mug for refills at the resort’s theme parks. You can refill the mug for free at ANY Disney World hotel (not just the one you’re staying at), but you CAN’T get those free refills anywhere in the parks themselves. So if you’re spending all day in Magic Kingdom without plans to visit any hotels, you won’t be able to refill your mug for free until you get back to your hotel later that evening. While the mugs might still be worth it, especially for those who have several meals at their hotel each day, they’re arguably much less enticing for guests who spend the vast majority of their vacation at the parks by departing early in the morning and arriving back late at night. Resort Refillable Mug Then there’s the storage issue. Let’s say you eat breakfast at your Disney hotel before jetting off to one of the theme parks and want to use the mug for your coffee. Or maybe you plan on grabbing a bite at the hotel when you return home. You’ll either have to return your mug to your room (if the former), head to your room to pick it up before circling back to the hotel’s food court (if the latter), or carry around an empty mug with you ALL day once you finish your drink. While that may not sound like much, space in a backpack or Loungefly is at a premium during a Disney park day, and carrying a 16 oz. mug that can’t be used seems like a waste (not to mention the potential problem of some leftover coffee or soda leaking all over your stuff). Plus, the more members of your party, the more mugs there are to lug around. Refillable Mugs at Pop Century We wish that Disney would figure out a way to make refillable mugs usable at the theme parks, beyond at bottled water refilling stations, which are unwieldy with the mugs anyway. Having mug refills available at even one or two quick service locations per park could be a game-changer. It would arguably benefit Disney in that there it would likely lead to more mug sales, and would benefit guests like you who would be able to better use the hotel mug you purchased! Refillable Resort Mug Display While we’re big fans of Disney’s refillable mugs, solving the problems associated with the inability to use them in the parks would make the program all the more appealing! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Walt Disney World merchandise. The Polynesian Village Hotel PROBLEM that Everyone’s Talking About 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 Do you use refillable resort mugs at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. The post The OTHER Refillable Mug PROBLEM Everyone Forgets in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Although there are tons of cute Disney souvenirs at Disney World, some of my favorite items actually come from other sources, like Target and Amazon! (It definitely helps that they’re usually cheaper than the items in the parks, too.) Target Recently, I spotted this amazing Mickey home decor item, and I seriously need like 12 of them for my apartment. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out this adorable Mickey-shaped bath mat! Although it’s meant for use in a bathroom, I’m extremely tempted to just put them all over my apartment so that my floor is covered in Mickeys. Grab the Mickey Bath Mat from Target! ©Target The Mickey rug is about 30 inches long and 26 inches wide. It’s made of polyester and has a latex backing, which grips the ground so it won’t slide all over the place. ©Target One of the best features of this rug, in my opinion, is that you can toss it in the washer and dryer! I always have trouble vacuuming my bathroom rugs (they just move around and the corners get sucked up into the vacuum), so this one being machine washable is a huge plus in my opinion. Check it out at Target.com While I was grabbing this item, I noticed a few more Mickey-themed souvenirs that I wanted to share with you! Check out this large Mickey Rug! ©Target If you need a bigger rug for your space, check out this white and blue Mickey rug, which is 7’10” by 10′. ©Target The rug is made with a combination of polyester and olefin yarns “to create special textural effects.” Check it out at Target.com I love this light-up Mickey Garden Stool. ©Target This was one of my favorite finds. By day, it looks like an ordinary (but still super cute) garden stool, covered in little Mickeys. By night, however, it lights up and casts Mickey images all over your yard! ©Target The stool is solar-powered, so there’s no need for batteries or charging. Check it out at Target.com These Mickey Wall Hangings are going all over my apartment. ©Target These wall hangings would match all my new Mickey bath mats, so of course I had to include them. These come as a set of three. ©Target The soft black plush wall hangings each measure 7.5″ by 6″ and come with a little fabric loop on the back so they’re ready to hang. Check it out at Target.com Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the newest Disney merch. Check out some of our favorite Disney souvenirs on Amazon!The post If You Saw Me Buying 12 of These Disney Souvenirs from Target, Shhhh 🤫 No You Didn't first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The day is finally here! We’re at Disney’s newest island destination Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point! Welcome to Lookout Cay! Lookout Cay is located on the beautiful island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Guests on board the Disney Magic cruise ship were one of the first to step foot into the one-of-a-kind tropical getaway for previews. Among some of the sneak peeks we were able to take of the island and all its spectacular offerings is a look at the exclusive merchandise available for purchase. Curious to see what they are? Well, jump on board cause we’re showing you all the incredible merch available at this all-new Disney island paradise! Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is currently hosting passengers on a preview voyage that set sail on June 6th, 2024, with an inaugural sailing following on June 8th, 2024. It is the second Disney Cruise Line destination in The Bahamas, joining the existing Castaway Cay. As part of the preview, we have been able to see all the fantastic offerings this brand-new island destination has to offer, including merchandise designed just for it! First, we checked out merch available at the First & Last Chance Stand. First and Last Chance Stand This tote looks perfect to bring to any beach adventure. The material seems heavy duty and we love the zippered compartment on the bottom for those extra necessities we prefer to keep separate. Tote We are always so excited whenever Disney releases a new Spirit Jersey and this one even cooler because it’s a swim shirt! We love the yellow and red ‘Lookout Cay’ logo contrasting with the dark blue of the jersey and since it is exclusive to the island, this is quite the catch! Spirit Jersey This hat looks like a pink tropical paradise which we are huge fans of! ‘Lookout Cay’ is embroidered in pink with a white outline and the coral all-over pattern is so cool! Hat Disney is on a roll with making these Spirit Jersey-styled swim shirts! We love that the kids can join in on the fun of wearing one and that it’s a lighter shade of blue compared to the Adult Spirit Jersey. The Lookout Cay logo is also vibrant and stands out, making it really eye-catching and fun! Kids’ spirit jersey The neutral palette of this visor makes it super cute and trendy and the perfect add-on to any beach fit. We’re huge fans of the embroidered font on this one! Visor Stylish and protects you from the sun? Count us in! The ‘Lookout Cay’ logo is embroidered in a bright yellow that goes so well with the hat’s royal blue. Bucket hat Who else struggles to keep from adding to their Disney pin collection? Not just us? Phew, what a relief. But seriously, these pins are so fun and cute that we are not gonna be able to resist! Pins Love the design options on these and towels are pretty much a must-have when you’re on vacation so it can be considered a necessary purchase right? Plus, what’s better than a souvenier you can use after you’re vacation! Towels Even on vacation, we need our cup of coffee for the day and we love that we can dream of beachy paradise when sipping out of this tumbler! Tumbler These phone pouches are great for keeping your keepsakes from any water damage! It holds up to 2 cellphones, an iPad mini, and even a Kindle! Phone protectors This spot also has a few essentials, like sunscreen and sunglasses. Essentials Pricing for these Lookout Cay merchandise items are as follows: Spirit Jersey for Adults (Swim Shirt): $64.99 Spirit Jersey for Kids (Swim Shirt): $44.99 Towels: $29.99 Visor: $29.99 Blue Youth Baseball Bat: $24.99 Silver Drink Holder: $19.99 Blue Tote Bag: $44.99 Aqua Pouch: $29.99 Pink Adult Hat $29.99 There are a couple of other merchandise shops on the island, too, like the Treasures of Eleuthera… Treasures of Eleuthera …and Disney T’ings. Disney T’ings Disney T’ings has some handy items like apparel, swimwear, Crocs, and sand toys. Disney T’ings At these and other gift shops, we spotted a lot more souvenirs. Here’s a rapid-fire look at some of the best stuff. We spotted this cute white tote bag… Tote …Minnie ears with island vibes… Minnie Ears …an awesome Loungefly mini backpack… Loungefly Bag …a dress that’s perfect for the warm weather… Dress …several t-shirts… T-shirts …even MORE t-shirts… Shirts …apparel like more tees and pajama pants… Apparel …warmer weather shirts, including this hoodie… Hoodie …Lookout Cay shirts and bags… Island merch …Lookout Cay character tees, Minnie Ears, and Loungefly bags… Shirts and Ears …Lookout Cay character pins… Pins …(here’s a closer look at a couple of those Lookout Cay character shirts)… Shirts …a Mickey and Minnie pin… Pin …Lookout Cay pin… Pin …more apparel, like shirts, tank tops, and hats… More Lookout Cay merch …a water bottle… Water Bottle …Mickey and Minnie plushes… Mickey plushes …some art of the island’s landscapes… Art …and more apparel and souvenirs! Apparel We are so HYPED to be at Lookout Cay so make sure to look out (see what we did there) for more details about the grand opening of this beautiful island! Pink Sand Beaches and 4 Other Amazing Things To See at Disney’s New Island Destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have an item from Lookout Cay that you’re excited to get? We’d love to read about it 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 Cruise Line to attend their media preview of Lookout Cay. 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 Check Out ALL the EXCLUSIVE Souvenirs at Disney's New Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Island Destination! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s draw Donald Duck 🤩✍️ #Animation #Drawing #DonaldDuck90 #DisneyCastLifeView the full article

Disney World offers a plethora of hotels for your vacation, with 3 different tiers and nearly 30 options. Rest assured, you and your party will find a hotel that perfectly suits your needs! Disney’s Contemporary Resort That said, not all hotels are created equal, and depending on your party, certain hotels might not be the right fit. We tend to avoid these three hotels, and here is why. All Disney World resorts have their benefits and they also have their downsides. While we don’t necessarily stay at these three resorts, they do have their own perks! Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and Old Key West Resort Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, along with Old Key West Resort, are two Disney Vacation Club Resorts that are very near to each other. These resorts are made to feel like your home away from home and offer a variety of amenities, like a kitchen or kitchenette. Some rooms even have a washer and dryer. Depending on your type of room, you might be able to fit the whole family, which is a really great perk to these resorts. Saratoga Springs While these resorts do offer watercraft to Disney Springs, transportation is limited. Water levels have been low, and due to this, the boats are not running. We have also seen this happen in past years, so it is never a guarantee that the boats will be operating during your stay. These resorts are very big, which means they are very spread out. Both resorts have multiple bus stops, which means you may be stuck stopping at multiple locations before you take off to your final destination. This also means that depending on your building, you may be further away from the lobby. Due to this inconvenience, we are staying away from these hotels. Old Key West While we love Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West, dining options at both of these resorts are also limited. If you are looking for a resort with more dining options, we recommend the Grand Floridian or the Rivera Resort, where you will find a variety of dining options! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa These hotels can be really great if you decide to bring your own car or rent one! They also qualify for Deluxe hotel perks like Extended Evening Hours. While we don’t stay at these hotels, they might be a good fit for you and your family. If you are planning to rely on bus transportation to take you around the resort, though, you may find yourself getting a little impatient. Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate resort that shares some of the flaws of the previous resorts we discussed. Caribbean Beach Just like Saratoga Springs and Old Key West, Caribbean Beach is spread out. The resort is so big that they were able to tear down hotel sections to build the Rivera Resort. Since it is so big, you might find yourself far away from one of the hotel’s biggest perks, the Skyliner. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Skyliner Caribbean Beach’s Skyliner station is home to the hub of the Skyliner. This is the midpoint for those needing to transfer to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT or return to Pop Century, Art of Animation, or the Riviera. Lucky for those staying at Caribbean Beach, they can take the Skyliner directly to Hollywood Studios or EPCOT. The problem is that Caribbean Beach is so spread out that you might find yourself having to take a trek to the Skyliner station. While this can be a great way to get your extra steps in, we don’t like having to wake up even earlier to make it to the Skyliner station, and when we are tired after a long day in the park, we don’t want to have to do an additional walk to our room. Caribbean Beach If you do want to stay at Caribbean Beach, we recommend booking a room in the Jamaica or Aruba Villages as they are the closest to the Skyliner station. Jamaica Buildings This resort does have one of our favorite table-service restaurants, Sebastian’s Bistro, but dining options here are also very limited. Since you are so close and connected via the Skyliner, you could always try the options located at the Rivera Resort. Caribbean Beach This resort is beautiful, and if you do not mind the extra walk to the Skyliner or lobby, it is perfect for those who want a tropical island feel while they are at Disney World. Caribbean Beach All three of these hotels have their perks, and depending on your party’s needs, they may be perfect for you! As for us, these are a few of the reasons why we try to stay elsewhere. DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What hotels do you avoid when booking a trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!The post Disney Experts Share the Hotels They Literally Never Stay At (And Neither Should You) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Figuring out what to wear to Disney World can be HARD! Magic Kingdom Yes, you know you don’t want to be baking in the sun, and you want to be comfortable, but you probably also wanna look a little stylish too, right? We totally get that struggle, and that’s why we’re always paying close attention to what we wear when we go to Disney World (both reporters in the park every day and those of us who travel in for leisure every once in a while) so we can recommend what does — and what doesn’t — work. One of our team members recently got back from a trip and said she was majorly complimented on this dress she wore, AND it was super comfortable! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This dress is available on Amazon, which means Prime Members get faster, free shipping! Not a Prime member? No worries — just click the link below to start a FREE trial! Now, let’s check out this dress. This Athletic Dress Was SERIOUSLY An Amazing Purchase! Athletic wear is very popular in Disney World and has been for many years, whether it’s moisture-wicking shirts, skirts with shorts, or, most recently, athletic dresses with shorts built in. And that’s exactly what category this fits in: This Heathyoga Tennis Dress was a fantastic purchase, and our team member said she’d wear it over, and over, and over again! ©Amazon The following notes are directly from her and her experience with the dress: Not only is this dress super stylish and adorable, but it’s so practical as well! The shorts were a great length, even though they did ride up the tiniest bit throughout the day, but it wasn’t a major concern. Plus, it has POCKETS! ©Amazon Thanks to the removable pads in the chest, she could choose if she wanted more support or less, and that was a huge plus factor for the dress. She also loved the length of the skirt and didn’t feel it was too short, which can be a problem for some of these skirts and dresses. ©Amazon She also didn’t feel like the dress was too tight or too loose, and that was partially thanks to the adjustable straps. While this version of the dress wasn’t the Easy-Peezy version, meaning it has removable shorts to make using the bathroom easier, there is one of those available in black now on Amazon, so if that’s important to you, that may be the version you want to grab! ©Amazon And lastly, we ALL love how many color options there are! There are 10 different options (8 colors; two are doubled as a regular dress and an easy-peezy version) to choose from, meaning that if you buy one and really love it, you can grab yourself the same cut and style, just in a different color. ©Amazon If you’re looking for a great summer dress and really love the cut of this one (and keep the cut of the back in mind, because sometimes that’s not everyone’s favorite!), grab one for your summer trip! View this dress on Amazon! Summer is only just beginning in Disney World, so rest assured we’ll be checking out all the latest summer fashion trends in the parks and telling you which ones are a major yes, and which you may want to stay away from. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news! Check out our Amazon Storefront for more of our favorite summer finds!The post People Always Compliment Me When I Wear This Dress to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland Resort is making a BIG change to its reservation policy! Disneyland Effective June 6, 2024, Disneyland Resort has updated its policies for Vacation Packages and Room Only reservations, so if you have or are planning a trip to Disneyland Resort, there are a few things you should know! Starting with the updates for Vacation Packages, reservations are fully refundable within 24 hours of booking, provided they are made at least 72 hours before the check-in time. The new cancellation policy states that if a cancellation is made 30 days or more before arrival, a refund will be issued minus any third-party fees and non-refundable costs. Grape-flavored beignet For cancellations made between 4 to 29 days before arrival, a refund will be issued minus a $200 cancellation fee, third-party fees, and non-refundable costs. Cancellations made 3 days or less before arrival, or in the case of no-shows, will not be refunded. Additionally, Travel ePackages, which include Disneyland Resort admission tickets, travel itineraries, and digital vouchers for Magical Extras, will now be delivered electronically 3 days before arrival instead of 4 days. Disneyland Hotel For Room Only reservations, they are fully refundable within 24 hours of booking, provided they are made at least 72 hours before the check-in time. The updated cancellation policy requires that cancellations must be made at least 4 days before the arrival date to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 4 days before the arrival date will incur a fee equivalent to the first night’s room rate plus taxes and fees. Donald’s digs in Toontown These reservation policy updates are important to keep in mind when planning a trip to Disneyland. Stay tuned as we give you all the latest Disney updates and news! Reservations Now Available For 2 New Downtown Disney Restaurants! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of these new updates to Disneyland’s reservation policies? Let us know in the comments! The post Heads Up! Disney Cancelation Policies Just Changed first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A traffic accident in a backstage area in Disneyland has resulted in a tragedy. Club 33 Entrance Button in Disneyland According to the O.C. Register, a Disneyland employee fell from a moving golf cart and hit her head at about 11:30AM on June 5th. Police are investigating the accident. 60-year-old Bonnye Lear died on Friday, June 7th from the injuries she sustained. Lear was an admistrator in member services with Club 33. She had worked for Disney for 24 years. New Orleans Square Club 33 “We are heartbroken by the loss of Bonnye and offer our sincere condolences to everyone who cared for her,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said to the O.C. Register in a statement. Keep following DFB for the latest Disney news. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Club 33 Manager Dies After Tragic Accident in Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you ever wanted to take a Disney Cruise? Concept art for Lookout Cay Setting sail with Disney Cruise Line is a completely different kind of adventure than you’ll have in Disney Parks, and we recommend trying it at least once. We are currently on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship, and we got to be among the first people to see Disney’s new private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Of course, we checked ALL the food to bring you some honest reviews. Disney designed Lookout Cay by working closely with Bahamian artists and advisors to create an authentic Bahamas island experience. The market-style dining spot here is True-True Too BBQ, a restaurant inspired by seashells with shaded seating. However, you can also dine at Serenity Bay BBQ, a very similar spot, as well as check out tons of smaller bars such as Mangroves & Go, like we did! Atmosphere The atmosphere surrounding these restaurants is gorgeous! Eleuthera is a stunning island — the sand is white, the water a clear turquoise blue, and we loved the rocky outcroppings that went into the ocean. Cabanas! However, we noticed that seating was very hard to come by at True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ (two of our reporters waited 10 minutes for a table and the others shared a table with other guests). Unfortunately the island was also still working out some kinks, such as HUNDREDS of flies being around all the food. True-True Too BBQ We also miss the fact that on Castaway Cay, you have options where you’d like to eat. Here, both Serenity Bay BBQ and True-True Too BBQ have the same menu, and every single bar has the same drinks and bites to eat, so there’s no one spot that’s better than the other. Eats At Mangroves & Co, we grabbed three drinks, starting with the Bahama Brew. This was very smooth coffee! It doesn’t feel weighed down with sugar even though it does taste very sweet. There’s a very light bitterness and while it’s non-alcoholic, it reminds us of Bailey’s! The whipped cream also tasted nice and was a high quality. Bahama Brew We also tried the Eleuthera Swirl, which was very sweet! There’s a pineapple boba hiding in here, and the whole drink is on the tart side when it comes to the flavor profile, and has an equal taste of mango and pineapple. Eleuthera Swirl Our last drink was the Junkanoo, which we really loved! It’s a little milky but has a really nice, light vanilla flavor. We tasted the lavender, but it’s manageable and not overpowering. This drink is silky smooth but still refreshing in the heat, and the chocolate straw is really cool! It tastes perfectly like chocolate and does make the drink a little sweeter as you sip. Junkanoo Moving onto Serenity Bay BBQ and True-True Too BBQ (we’ll review them together since they had very similar menus), the food quality was good, but it wasn’t great overall. Serenity Bay BBQ had fewer options than True-True though, but we’re unsure if that will be a normal occurrence or if it was just because it was the Cast Members’ first time on the island, too. Serenity Bay BBQ on Lookout Cay We also noticed that some of the serving logistics were off — while most of the food was buffet style, we did notice that some of the fruit was out of reach, so that would have to be served to you. Serenity Bay BBQ Fruit Quality wise, the basics and meats were fine, but nothing outstanding. The chicken was moist and well-seasoned, but the mac and cheese tasted almost exactly like Stouffers to us. Our plate at Serenity Bay BBQ However, we loved the salads, especially the Pineapple Black Bean Salad! It was sweet, delicious, and exactly what you’d want on a hot beach day. And we also want to shoutout the Potato Salad, which had a surprising amount of flavor, big chunks of tomato, and hard boiled egg pieces. Our burger from True-True Too BBQ All that being said…we did like it better than the food on Castaway Cay, which is saying something! Nosh or not… Check out True-True Too BBQ/Serenity Bay BBQ if.. You’re looking to get the full Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point experience! You don’t want to go all the way back to the ship for lunch You’re not expecting fantastic food — just decent food that will fill you up for your beach day Skip out on True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ if… You’re expecting/hoping for some high quality food (we suggest heading back to the ship) You’re not a fan of BBQ You don’t like eating outside Overall Overall, we think these dining spots are solid to eat at during your beach day, but you may find the food quality to be lower than what you’d find on board, so keep that in mind! We also recommend preparing yourself to have to wait for a few minutes to find a spot to eat, or be prepared to eat with other guests to sit down faster! Dining at Serenity Bay BBQ Cruises headed to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point have now begun, so rest assured we’ll be keeping you updated on any new experiences we hear of as the island prepares for more and more visitors! Planning a cruise? If you book your Disney Cruise to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point with our friends at Small World Vacations, you can snag up to $100 extra onboard credit. This is on top of the onboard credit Small World Vacations already gives our Disney Food Blog readers. Treat yourself to drinks, shore excursions, or a relaxing spa treatment. So if you’re thinking about heading to Lookout Cay, book before June 30, 2024, with Small World Vacations and get this amazing offer! Contact Small World Vacations Today To Grab This Offer! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a cruise booked going to Lookout Cay? What are you looking forward to seeing at this new destination? 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 Cruise Line to attend their media preview of Lookout Cay. 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 REVIEW: We Ate EVERYTHING At Disney's NEW Cruise Destination -- Lookout Cay! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

People have been flocking to Disney Springs the past couple of weeks to see the NEW nighttime show there! Disney Dreams That Soar Disney Dreams That Soar is a drone show that happens twice a night in Disney Springs — at 9PM and 10:45PM. However, one night next week, the show will not be happening — and it could change your plans! Disney Dreams that Soar showcases Disney stories that celebrate the joy and wonder of FLYING! The stories are shared with state-of-the-art drones (800 of them!) choreographed to form 400-feet tall designs in the sky, featuring some of your favorite Disney characters and icons. Hey, Dumbo! You will see friends from Toy Story, Coco, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Up, Star Wars, and more! UP house! However, on Monday, June 10th, the drone show will not be available in Disney Springs, according to Disney’s web site. Announcement from Disney’s web site The announcement reads, “Disney Dreams That Soar presented by AT&T will not be performed on Monday night, June 10, 2024. Please enjoy the other nightly entertainment offered at Disney Springs.” ©Disney So, if you were planning to go to Disney Springs on Monday night, you may want to change your plans and go on a different evening! Keep following us here at Disney Food Blog or more Disney World news! 2 Ways to Beat the Chaotic Crowds at the Disney Springs Drone Show Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you seen the new Disney Springs drone show? Tell us what you thought in the comments below! The post Disney's NEW Drone Show CANCELED One Night Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You know that we are BIG fans of food in Disney World. Beautiful view from Tomorrowland Terrace There are tons of restaurants all over Disney World. Whether you’re in the parks or at the hotels, you will find any kind of food your heart desires. We frequently visit the restaurants, trying all the new foods, but we also have many classics locations that never let us down. However, there are two restaurants in Disney World that have been closed for a VERY long time, and we keep wondering if Disney will ever reopen them again to their full capacity. Honestly, we miss them. Tomorrowland Terrace Tomorrowland Terrace was a quick-service restaurant that has remained closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to work in Disney World, this could be it! Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is still closed in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when it might reopen as a dining location. However, the restaurant kind of opened on May 1st. It is functioning as an Annual Passholder lounge from May 1st through June 26th. Restaurant Marrakesh Even though we’re still waiting for the full restaurant to reopen, Annual Passholders will be able to enjoy the air conditioning, charging stations, and complimentary food and beverages. There may even be opportunities to meet “special friends” throughout V.I.Passholder Days, according to Disney. We still don’t know if it is permanently closed or if it could reopen as a restaurant, but we’ll take what we can get. The Cheapest Days to Go to The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival in 2024 We’re still waiting for these restaurants to open in Disney World because it has been YEARS since they were open. We’re always on the lookout for any indication that they’ll be opening once again. In the meantime, here’s your look at what will remain closed in Disney World this week, June 8th through June 15th. Magic Kingdom Tiana’s Bayou Adventure We’re getting SO close to the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The new ride will be themed to The Princess and the Frog, and it opens on June 28th. View from the top of the drop! Annual Passholders, DVC members, Cast Members, and D23 Gold Members previews have begun! The walls finally came down on May 30th, and we finally got to ride it on June 7th after several shutdowns and evacuations. THE PLUNGE Critter Co-Op and Tiana’s General Store will also be opening in Magic Kingdom near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure around the same time that the ride opens. We recently got a sneak peek of the new souvenirs, and y’all, they’re adorable! Inside Critter Co-Op There are so many details on the new ride, and we did a comparison of it to its predecessor, Splash Mountain. It’s fun ride that still takes you over the huge drop! Are you excited to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? ALERT! We Found EPIC Surprises in the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Queue Line! If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt… DFB Exclusive! …and a Tiana tee as well! Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch! You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store. Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store. Country Bear Jamboree Country Bear Jamboree closed on January 27th, 2024 for refurbishment. When we recently visited Magic Kingdom, we noticed that the sign for the show has now been covered up! Country Bear Jamboree Disney announced that a NEW show is coming to Country Bear Jamboree, with the bears learning an all-new act. The new show is set to open sometime this summer. With Country Bear Jamboree and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure closed, that leaves just Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Walt Disney World Railroad open in Frontierland. Disney Experts Predict the New Number 1 Problem in Magic Kingdom — Here’s How To AVOID It EPCOT Disney Vacation Club Lounge The DVC lounge at the Imagination pavilion in EPCOT is closed for a short refurbishment. The lounge is currently closed The lounge closed on June 2nd and will remained closed until July 13th, 2024. While the lounge is closed a temporary DVC lounge has been set up in the Odyssey pavilion. You will still find snacks, drinks, and places to sit here, thought only half the pavilion has been blocked off to be used as the lounge. Temporary DVC Lounge It’s still a great place for DVC members to take advantage of the air conditioning spot to relax. NEWS: A NEW Exhibit Has OPENED EARLY in EPCOT! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on January 8th, but it’s officially opening once again on July 27th, according to the available times on Disney’s website! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Last year, when the ride closed around this time (on February 20th, to be exact), it reopened on May 26th. This year’s closure has been significantly longer, but we know that many of us Disney fans will be flocking to the park on July 27th so we can finally ride this roller coaster that we’ve missed so much! POPCORN BUCKET ALERT! Disney Adults Are Gonna LOVE This Souvenir at Hollywood Studios! Voyage of the Little Mermaid Well, it’s official — Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World. We had suspected this was the case for some time (as it hasn’t actually been open for a few years now), but now the permanent closure has been confirmed. Voyage of the Little mermaid Disney is going to introduce a NEW show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024. ©Disney It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” You’ve Got FIVE New Reasons To Visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios Blizzard Beach Blizzard Beach had its last open day on March 16th, 2024 before it closed for refurbishment. Blizzard Beach has nine attractions that we won’t be able to enjoy this week. Blizzard Beach While Blizzard Beach closed, Typhoon Lagoon opened on March 17th, 2024. The two water parks often rotate off and on for being open. Disney has not given a timeline for this new closure or how long Typhoon Lagoon will be open. We’ll be watching for any updates, though! I Go To Disney World Every Day. Here’s What I’m Taking With Me This Summer Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments! The post We're Starting to Wonder if These Abandoned Disney World Restaurants Will Ever Reopen first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walt Disney World saw a SECOND week in a row of decreased wait times! Slinky Dog Dash With things settling down after the Holiday weekend and the summer rush not yet in full swing, Disney World saw some significant decreases in wait times once again this week. Heavy hitters including the Magic Kingdom’s Big Four, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Slinky Dog Dash, and EVEN Flight of Passage saw average times get lower this past week. Take a look at this week’s average wait times — going from highest to lowest! Magic Kingdom Wait Times The Magic Kingdom’s “Big Four” attractions — as far as wait times go — Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, and Jungle Cruise all saw decreases in their average wait times this past week. (NOTE: Tron Lightcycle/Run does not currently use a standby queue, it’s not included here.) Peter Pan’s Flight Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 61 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 51 minutes Jungle Cruise — 43 minutes Space Mountain — 41 minutes Haunted Mansion — 35 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 31 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 30 minutes Astro Orbiter Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 28 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 25 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 24 minutes Astro Orbiter — 23 minutes “it’s a small world” — 17 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 15 minutes Dumbo Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 15 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 14 minutes Liberty Square Riverboat — 12 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 12 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 12 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 11 minutes Mad Tea Party — 11 minutes Carousel of Progress Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 10 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 6 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 5 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse — 4 minutes Hall of Presidents — 2 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — (This attraction has now closed for refurbishment — read all about the changes here) Disney Experts Predict the New Number 1 Problem in Magic Kingdom — Here’s How To AVOID It EPCOT Wait Times EPCOT followed in the Magic Kingdom’s lead and saw it’s two busiest rides: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After BOTH decreasing nearly 10 minutes in average wait time. (NOTE: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind does not currently use a standby queue, so it’s not included here.) Mission: SPACE Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 65 minutes Frozen Ever After — 55 minutes Test Track — 52 minutes Mission: SPACE — 42 minutes Soarin’ — 36 minutes Spaceship Earth Turtle Talk with Crush — 16 minutes Spaceship Earth — 15 minutes Journey into Imagination — 14 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 10 minutes Living with the Land — 10 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 9 minutes Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. The Cheapest Days to Go to The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival in 2024 Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom’s Flight of Passage remained the single highest in-demand ride at Walt Disney World this week if one goes by average wait time, BUT it’s wait time fell from. near 90 minutes to just above 80. Na’vi River Journey Avatar Flight of Passage — 82 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 52 minutes Kali River Rapids — 43 minutes Expedition Everest — 37 minutes Our Dino! Kilimanjaro Safaris — 26 minutes Dinosaur — 22 minutes It’s Tough to Be a Bug — 10 minutes TriceraTop Spin — 6 minutes The Boneyard — 0 minutes When Will Disney’s Animal Kingdom Expansion Open? Hollywood Studios Wait Times Hollywood Studios saw wait times drop at two of their busiest rides: Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror. However, Rise of the Resistance saw wait times increase slightly. Rise of the Resistance Slinky Dog Dash — 75 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 67 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 49 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 47 minutes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Tower of Terror — 44 minutes Toy Story Mania — 44 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 30 minutes AT-AT at Star Tours — Disney’s Hollywood Studios Star Tours — 14 minutes Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy — 13 minutes Muppet Vision 3D — 10 minutes Walt Disney Presents — 3 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to reopen this summer. You’ve Got FIVE New Reasons To Visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! We’re Sorry. We Don’t Warn You About This Disney World Dining Mistake Enough. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! The post Flight of Passage, Frozen Ever After and MORE Major Disney World Rides Saw Wait Times DECREASE This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Big things are happening at the Magic Kingdom soon and the possibilities of what those changes can bring could be endless! Magic Kingdom Back in 2022 at the D23 Expo (Disney’s fan convention), Disney announced that an expansion would be coming to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World using the term “Beyond Big Thunder” which is now commonly used to refer to said expansion. Focusing on using a space that is currently on the other side of the park’s railroad tracks, this expansion would add a new land with experiences and attractions themed after some modern and classic favorites. Some of those experiences could also be new restaurants and we have some that we would LOVE to see added and if we don’t get at least one…well, let’s just say our foodie hearts would be broken. Concept art of the expansion was revealed at the D23 expo, hinting at potential IPs they’re thinking of including in the land, and with those in mind, we thought of all the fun eateries we enjoy seeing as part of this new expansion! Keep in mind that there are no confirmed plans to bring these restaurants to the expansion, but just ones we would love to experience if given the chance. An Encanto themed restaraunt On the right side of the official concept art, we can clearly see what looks like the Madrigals’ casita with a rainbow shining over it. If plans to make an Encanto area were to come true, then we NEED a restaurant to go with it! Since the movie takes place in Colombia, this gives Disney a chance to explore traditional Colombian dishes with the possibility of giving them a unique twist. Possible Land Expansion in Magic Kingdom ©Disney Personally, we were a fan of the Vibrante & Vívido Encanto Cocina food both at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts last year, and would love to see the return of the chorizo and potato empanadas and the passion fruit mousse! Also maybe even delicious arepas since Julieta Madrigal is known for making some magical ones. Now, after this announcement at d23 in 2022, Disney execs announced that Dinoland, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom would be revamped into a land themed after the Tropical Americas — and they teased Encanto as a part of that expansion, too. So, while there’s a chance that the original idea of Encanto in Magic Kingdom is still a go, we think it’s more likely we’ll see the Casita Madrigal in Animal Kingdom. So we’re crossing our fingers for a Colombian restaurant there! A COCO themed restaurant Another possible area that could be part of this expansion is one themed after COCO which has us very excited! A COCO themed restaurant would be so fun AND delicious. The menu would feature Mexican-inspired dishes, of course, and although Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is located at Magic Kingdom was well, we’re sure the offerings would be very distinct as the creative potential for the menu could be endless! Potential Coco Area in Magic Kingdom We would also love to see conchas (Mexican sweet bread) as one of the offerings since Disney released Minnie ears themed after these traditional pastries a couple of years ago. A Disney Villains-themed restaurant OK, this is the ONE. We’ve been wanting a land revolving around the Disney Villians for a WHILE now and we’re hoping this would make the cut. Especially since a villain-themed restaurant would be WICKED COOL! We’re not sure what would be offered menu-wise (poison apples don’t seem doable), but design-wise we think it would be incredible to experience. Maybe something dark and mysterious like the forbidden West Wing featured at the Be Our Guest restaurant, which is also at Magic Kingdom. Crossing our fingers that we get this one as part of the expansion! Villains Land Could Come to Magic Kingdom And there you have it! Some possible restaurants that we absolutely NEED for the upcoming Magic Kingdom expansion. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates and the latest in Disney news! We’re Sorry. We Don’t Warn You About This Disney World Dining Mistake Enough. 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 Would you love to see one of these potential restaurants as part of the Magic Kingdom expansion? Let us know in the comments! The post If Disney World's Magic Kingdom Expansion Doesn't Include This Amazing Restaurant, We're Not Going first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Genie+ may be super helpful as Disney’s skip-the-line service, but not everyone is a fan of it. Genie+ And that’s because, unlike FastPass, Genie+ is a service you have to PAY for, and no one’s a fan of something that used to be free but now isn’t anymore. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t have its positive differences from FastPass/FastPass+, but that’s if you know how to use it (which we can help with!). But you wanna know what’s shocking us? On a weekend in the middle of summer, Genie+ prices have gone DOWN. We’re not kidding! We keep track of the Genie+ pricing trends to help better understand what causes them to spike and fall, and from Thursday (June 6th) to today, Saturday, June 8th, Genie+ prices have dropped about 15% across the board. Enchanted Tales with Belle Let’s break it down, shall we? Because the numbers don’t lie! On Thursday, June 6th, prices for each park looked like: Multiple Parks: $29 Magic Kingdom: $29 EPCOT: $21 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $26 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $18 Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Then, they started to drop on Friday, June 7th when they looked like: Multiple Parks: $27 Magic Kingdom: $27 EPCOT: $19 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $24 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $17 Living with the Land And finally, today, Saturday, June 8th, they’ve dropped AGAIN! Multiple Parks: $25 Magic Kingdom: $25 EPCOT: $18 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $22 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $16 Kilimanjaro Safaris This is fantastic news no matter what, but why is this happening? Well, we have a few theories. The first is that this weekend is supposed to be INSANELY hot in Disney World. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90s but feel hotter due to humidity. And while Disney World is always hot during the summer, that is record-breaking heat, so people may be waiting for the heat wave to pass before heading into the parks. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Additionally, we’re only a few weeks away from the official opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom on June 29th, and locals/people who don’t live too far from the parks may be choosing to wait and visit when the ride is open to the public. This way, they’re not dealing with the frustration of having visited the parks just days before a new attraction opens. Toy Story Mania Regardless of the reason, if you’re in Disney World this weekend, make sure you’re wearing that sunscreen and taking breaks as needed! That sun is no joke, so keep yourself hydrated and don’t push yourself too hard. And if you’re looking for that Genie+ help we promised earlier, watch this video right here! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! We wore this viral neck fan in Disney World all day and it was a TOTAL disaster Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What’s your number one tip to surviving summer in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Genie+ Prices DROP on a Summer Weekend in Disney World — And We May Know Why first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We talk a lot about new attractions and the most popular rides with the longest wait times in Disney World. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure And that means right now, everyone’s attention is on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is set to open on June 28th. The ride is already in previews in the Magic Kingdom, and Disney has released a POV video and a new song from the attraction. It’s all very exciting! But there’s another UPDATED ride in Disney World and sooooooooo may of you are skipping it! So today, we’re here to ask you to give this ol’ ride in Hollywood Studios some love! (We promise you won’t have to wait long to ride, either!) Y’all. Star Tours has BABY YODA NOW. You CAN’T miss Baby Yoda! (Shh. I know his name is Grogu. But he’s always Baby Yoda in my heart.) Hollywood Studios Star Tours: The Adventure Continues in Hollywood Studios keeps things FRESH with its alternating randomized experiences featuring different locations and characters from the Star Wars galaxy each time you ride. Star Tours Every so often, Disney updates this ride to feature new scenes and lore from the ever-changing and expanding Star Wars universe. And, on April 5th this year, they did the same thing AGAIN. Star Tours Now you can potentially experience NEW show scenes based on the latest Disney+ Star Wars shows like Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian — meaning you have the chance to see fan-favorite characters including Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin, and the ADORABLE Baby Yoda himself, Grogu. Star Tours queue The new scenes have been added into the same randomized sequences that the ride already featured, upping the number of possible combinations to well over 250, and ensuring that no two experiences on Star Tours are ever gonna be the same. And that’s pretty exciting in our book, but this ride still isn’t drawing the crowds. It’s often a walk-on, even on busy days in Hollywood Studios! ©Disney So we just wanted to remind you that it’s there, it’s fun, and it shouldn’t be forgotten! If you’re planning a Hollywood Studios trip, we’ve got everything you need to know about the park in this video you can watch right here! And there are FIVE new reason to visit the park this week! Read all about them right here! Keep following DFB for all the 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 Is Star Tours a must-do for you in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post The UPDATED Ride Everyone Is Still Skipping in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re taking you on a full tour of one of our readers’ FAVORITE moderate-level hotels in Disney World. Port Orleans Riverside There are several different moderate hotels on property, but whenever we’ve asked for our readers’ top picks, they always go back to Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts — both French Quarter and Riverside. French Quarter might get a lot of the attention (probably because of the lively atmosphere and the incredible Mickey beignets), but Riverside has an elegant charm and a TON of outdoor amenities. In fact, we’d go so far as to call it something of a miniature Fort Wilderness! Let’s check it out. Fort Wilderness is a much-loved resort in Disney World because it has all kinds of different outdoor activities available for its guests. You can go horseback riding, take a segway tour, and learn archery all in one day. But Port Orleans Riverside has an amenities list that comes pretty close to the one at Fort Wilderness. Port Orleans Riverside If you want to experience all of those outdoor activities but don’t want to camp or pay the higher price for a cabin, Riverside might be the perfect compromise. Port Orleans Resort — Riverside We’re getting ahead of ourselves, though, so let’s start with an overview of the hotel as a whole, and then we’ll get into the amenities list, followed by a thorough tour of one of the standard rooms. Port Orleans — Riverside Hotel Atmosphere At Port Orleans — Riverside, Disney wanted to recreate “a picturesque setting that evokes the romance of rural Louisiana.” There are mansion-style buildings at Magnolia Bends and cottages at Alligator Bayou, which are the two distinct sections of the resort. Magnolia Bend The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and some of the buildings are nestled right by the Sassagoula River. Signs You can walk to Port Orleans — French Quarter to grab a beignet or hop on a boat and head over to Disney Springs. Dining In our opinion, Riverside and French Quarter are tied for having the BEST food courts in Disney World. Most of the value and moderate hotels have food courts, but Riverside Mill Food Court (at Riverside) and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (at French Quarter) can boast the best fare available of all the food courts. Riverside Mill Food Court Riverside Mill has classic eats like burgers, pizza, and pasta, but the real magic is in the Southern-inspired dishes like Smothered Beef in Gravy, a Beef Po’ Boy, a Pimento BLT, and a Honey Barbecue Pork Sandwich. Riverside Mill Food Court If you’re looking for a table-service meal, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a hidden gem of a sit-down restaurant. The menu is inspired by Southern and Cajun food, and we especially love the Jambalaya. Boatwright’s Dining Hall River Roost Lounge is a great spot to grab Louisiana-inspired cocktails and some appetizers, but the REAL reason folks love to visit this hang-out is Yehaa Bob Jackson. Yehaa Bob is a sing-along piano player who performs on Wednesday through Saturday evenings, and the lounge will be crowded with his fans, so make sure to arrive early! River Roost While you’re at the Ol’ Man Island pool, you can grab a cocktail or mocktail at the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar. Muddy Rivers Pool Bar And if none of those eateries sounds good to you, just hop on a boat on the Sassagoula River and head over to Disney Springs, where you’ll find practically limitless restaurant options available to you. Shopping The main place to grab a souvenir at Riverside is Fulton’s General Store, which has both hotel-themed merchandise and generic Disney souvenirs. Fulton’s General Store Pools The main pool at Riverside is Ol’ Man Island. This spot is a 3.5-acre water area that’s themed to look like an abandoned sawmill. It has a 95-foot waterslide, a whirlpool, and a kiddie pool! Ol’ Man Island If you want something a little quieter and more relaxing, check out any of the five leisure pools throughout the resort. Two are in Magnolia Bend, and three are in Alligator Island. You’re also welcome to visit the French Quarter pool — Doubloon Lagoon — if you’re staying at Riverside, since the two hotels are sister resorts. Other Amenities The pools and restaurants are just the start of a long list of amenities available at Riverside, and all of the outdoor activity options are what make this resort feel like a miniature Fort Wilderness. There’s just so much to do! Surrey Bike Rentals at Port Orleans Riverside Here’s a quick list of some other activities, but make sure to visit our page about the hotel to learn more about them all: Bike and Surrey bike rentals Fishing excursions A jogging trail down the Sassagoula River A playground The Medicine Show Arcade Horse-drawn carriage rides Movies under the stars Evening campfires Pool parties Riverside is one of Disney World’s dog-friendly hotels, so you can bring your pup along with you on vacation! You can learn more about pet-friendly accommodations by calling (407) 939 – 7539. Click here to learn more about Port Orleans — Riverside’s amenities. Transportation The biggest transportation perk at Riverside is the option to take a boat to Disney Springs or French Quarter. Port Orleans Riverside Sassagoula Boats Aside from that, your transportation options are limited to Disney’s buses. There are buses from Riverside to all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Bus Station at Port Orleans Riverside Note that Riverside does have an internal bus loop, which means it might take a bit longer than expected to get on your way to the theme parks. This hotel has four internal stops, though during less busy times it might loop French Quarter into the route, adding an additional stop. Rooms Port Orleans — Riverside is broken up into two sections: Magnolia Bend and Alligator Bayou. You can book a Standard or Preferred room and choose between two queen beds or one king bed. Note from housekeeping Some rooms can sleep up to five people because of an additional child-sized pull-down bed (these are called 5th Sleeper Rooms and are all located in the Alligator Bayou). You can choose a standard view, woods view, river view, or pool view. Port Orleans — Riverside Room Some of the most popular rooms at Riverside are the Disney princess-themed Royal Guest Rooms. These are highly themed hotel rooms, and anyone who loves the princesses should stay there at least once. Royal Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside Standard rooms average around $320 to $380 per night, and rooms with a specific view are at the higher end of that range. The Royal Rooms tend to be around $400 per night. Room Tour We had a standard room — it was not one of the highly themed Royal Rooms, though ours still had plenty of nods to The Princess and the Frog. Our room had two queen beds. Port Orleans — Riverside Room The room was nice and very clean, but we felt like the upscale, elegant feel was interrupted by the bright curtain that separated the room from the bathroom. We love that there were some extra Princess Tiana-themed design elements, but the in-your-face theming of that curtain contrasted with the rest of the more subtle design elements and felt disjointed. Port Orleans — Riverside Room There was a good amount of space in the room, so we felt more comfortable and were able to spread out more than we could in a value hotel room. Port Orleans — Riverside Room While we show more pictures, be on the lookout for more subtle Princess and the Frog and general Disney details! Port Orleans — Riverside Room As you walk into the room, you’ll see a window looking out to your view. Window The curtains had a cute frog pattern! Curtains Beside the window, there’s a small table and two chairs, with a mirror above the table. This is a nice spot if you have a lot of people trying to get ready in the morning at once. Sitting area The TV and dresser are beside the table… Dresser …and there’s an outlet strip on top of the dresser. Outlets This is also where the coffee maker is located… Coffee maker …along with the ice bucket and some cups. Ice bucket The dresser has three drawers… Dresser drawer …and a miniature refrigerator. Refrigerator There’s not a ton of room in that mini fridge, but it has space for some drinks and snacks. Open refrigerator Next to the dresser is a bench… Bench …along with a shelf that has hooks for hanging bags or clothes. Hooks Look closely at that shelf — there are a couple of hidden Mickeys there! Hidden Mickey The thermostat is in this corner, too. Thermostat Turn around to the beds, and you’ll see they share a nightstand between them. Nightstand There are more outlets behind this nightstand… Outlet …and it has a little drawer for extra storage. Nightstand drawer The beds have lamps above them… Light …and there are little lotus designs on the lampshades. Lamps Make sure you check out the art on the beds’ headboards — they’re scenes featuring Princess and the Frog characters! Headboard art There’s more Princess and the Frog-themed art on the walls. Art Let’s head over to the bathroom, which is separated from the main area by this curtain featuring Princess Tiana. Tiana curtain The first room has a vanity with double sinks and an area to hang clothes. Bathroom It’s separated from the water closet, with the toilet and shower, by a door. Having two separate areas to get ready in the morning is super convenient. Vanity and mirror Underneath the vanity is lots of storage space, along with a hairdryer and some extra toilet paper. Under the vanity Disney provides some toiletry items, like hand soap and lotion. Soap and lotion There’s a makeup mirror on the wall on one side… Mirror …and the other has a shelf with hangers, and iron and ironing board, and extra blankets and pillows. Space to hang clothes The room’s safe is also in this area. Safe Now, let’s look at the water closet. Water closet The shower and tub combo is pretty simple… Shower …but the shower curtain is certainly pretty! Shower curtain There is shampoo, conditioner, and body wash inside. Disney bath products The towels hang over the toilet. Towels Here’s a look at the toilet. Toilet So there you have it! What do you think — would you stay in this room? There are a LOT of Disney World hotels to choose from, and if you want some help picking out the best one for your next trip, talk to our friends over at Small World Vacations. Their travel agents have decades of experience and can help you decide on the best option AND track down the best deals and discounts in the process. Best of all, their services are completely free! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates and tips as you plan your next Disney vacation! Click here to learn about ALL the Disney World hotels. Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels A Full List of Changes Announced for Disney World’s Hotels The BEST Disney World Hotels for 2023 The WORST Disney World Hotels for 2023 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What Items from Amazon Can You Have Delivered to Your Resort Hotel? We’ve Got the Details Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Would you stay at the Port Orleans — Riverside hotel? Let us know what you think of it in the comments! The post FULL ROOM TOUR: Is Disney's Port Orleans -- Riverside Hotel Actually a Mini Fort Wilderness? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article