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The 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival will be here before we know it, and we’re already SO excited about all the new eats and drinks we’ll get to try. Parisian Breakfast While the full menus for this year’s event have not been announced just yet, we do know that some of our favorite experiences are returning, including the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Not only that, but a fan-favorite EPCOT Food & Wine offering is coming back this year, so let’s check out everything we know about the Chefs de France Parisian Breakfast Buffet! Chefs de France is presenting a traditional French breakfast through a “bountiful buffet” meal. This pre-paid buffet is only available for a limited time on Fridays and Saturdays starting August 28, 2026. Chefs de France Advance Dining Reservations are available on the Disney World website and My Disney Experience app (search “Parisian Breakfast” or “Chefs de France”). The all-inclusive price for 2026 has not been announced. Parisian Breakfast The menu for this special event is: Assorted French Pastries Buttery croissants, pain au chocolat, almond croissants, and other assorted pastries Freshly Baked Baguettes Crisp on the outside, soft and warm on the inside—ideal for spreading with creamy butter or luxurious French jams Cheeses & Charcuterie A selection of premium cheeses and artisanal cured meats Smoked Salmon Delicate and silky slices of smoked salmon, perfect for pairing with fresh bread or a squeeze of lemon Fresh Fruit Seasonal fruit to balance the richness of the pastries and charcuterie Quiches The experience also includes unlimited mimosas, fruit juices, and freshly brewed coffee. Chefs de France shares that “It’s a leisurely breakfast made to savor with friends and loved ones.” In the past, we’ve really enjoyed this buffet, and it’s nice to see it returning to EPCOT. The food was pretty enjoyable, with some items better than others, but it is mostly cold food — think continental breakfast style. It’s not the best breakfast buffet in Disney World, but it is one of the most unique and sophisticated. It would make for a nice, relaxing start to your Food & Wine day, especially considering that most food booths don’t open until around 11 AM. Mimosa at Parisian Breakfast We’ll be on the lookout for even more EPCOT Food & Wine Festival news you need to know about and beyond! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more. See our review of the Chefs de France Parisian Breakfast Buffet right here! IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you looking forward to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival this year? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

A new Universal resort is almost OPEN! Shrek’s Swamp Over in Frisco, Texas, the brand-new Universal Kids Resort officially opens on July 1st, but we got a sneak peek inside the park! We have TONS of big thoughts and feelings, but for now, we’re breaking down this specific land like an onion with layers. Let’s explore Shrek’s Swamp together. Ah, the smell of an oger’s swamp in the morning! There’s nothing like it, especially at the brand-new Universal Kids Resort. There is SO much to see in the land inspired by the famous film franchise, so let’s dive right into the mud together. The star of this land is the brand-new ride, Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After. We love the facade This outdoor air ride allows guests to “take a ride on Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After to hear how an ogre and a princess were enchanted by love.” Climb in You get to sit in a carriage-inspired ride vehicle as you see different depictions of scenes throughout the film. Universal said Shrek built this for their triplets, so they can relive the quest where Shrek rescues Princess Fiona! Some of the views The ride isn’t the only star here! You can also meet Shrek and Fiona in his swamp! We wonder if Donkey is hiding somewhere in the land? Shrek and Fiona After you run around, we’d bet you’re going to get hungry! Swamp Snacks is the land’s food location that’s serving up “oger sized snacks.” This stand features the triplets’ favorite treats, including that famous Shrekzel from Universal Studios Orlando. Swamp Snacks While we weren’t able to grab the Shrekzel here, it’s a fun snack at Universal Orlando because it comes with green cheese. When we saw others with the snack, the cheese looked like the traditional yellow version. Shrekzel in Universal Orlando Don’t forget about shopping! Triplets Treasures is the spot to shop till you drop. At this spot, you can find things like Shrek-inspired hoodies for all ages, ogre ears available as a hat, headband, or bucket hat, shoulder pals of Donkey and Shrek, and more. There are tons of different apparel, plushes, and more. You’ll make everyone green with envy in your new merch! We’re going to need that Donkey plush Finally, there’s lots of room for the kids to run, splash, and play because there are TWO play areas. The first is Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp. This is the interactive dry playground for those who don’t have a ton of interest in splashing. Playground The second area is Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash. If you do want to splish and splash, this is the play area for you! What a great way to cool down There’s no doubt in our minds that this is going to be a popular land! We can’t wait to explore more of this area and the entire resort throughout the rest of our sneak peek. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more theme park news, updates, and more. We Just Got a FIRST LOOK at the Souvenirs Coming to Universal’s NEWEST Theme Park Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this new land? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Universal Kids Resort. 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 View the full article

Disney Loungefly bags have become a park staple, and right now is one of the best times to snag one without paying full price. ©Amazon Whether you’re gearing up for a Disney vacation, looking for a new everyday bag, or adding to a growing collection, a good sale can make a big difference. We spotted several Disney Loungefly bags discounted on Amazon right now, and these deals include everything from classic Disney characters to Star Wars favorites. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve put together the full list of the Disney Loungeflys on sale on Amazon right now, and you can also check it out by clicking the link below. To see some of our favorite deals, read ahead! Shop ALL 90 disney loungeflys On SALE on AMAZON HERE The Star Wars Accessory That’s Practically Guaranteed to Get Compliments — 44% OFF ©Amazon A bulky park bag can quickly become a nuisance, especially on long Disney days when you’re hopping between attractions, dining reservations, and nighttime shows. Sometimes all you really need is a compact bag that carries the essentials while still showing off your fandom. The Loungefly STAR WARS: The Force Awakens BB-8 Droid Figural Crossbody Bag does exactly that. Designed to look like the beloved astromech droid, this crossbody features metallic and debossed details that help bring BB-8 to life. It’s fun, instantly recognizable, and compact enough for lighter travel days. If you’re looking for a conversation-starting Star Wars accessory, you can check it out here. view ON AMAZON This Might Be the Cutest Disney Backpack on Sale Right Now — 29% OFF ©Amazon The best Disney accessories are the ones that make people stop and smile. If you’re looking for a bag that feels equal parts adorable and practical, this one definitely deserves a closer look. The Loungefly Disney Winnie the Pooh Eeyore Cosplay Mini Backpack is currently 29% off and features everyone’s favorite gloomy donkey looking back over his shoulder to make sure his tail is still attached. His plush ears and tail actually move as you walk, adding an extra layer of charm. Between the vegan leather construction, adjustable straps, and detailed design work, it’s easy to see why fellow Disney fans will be asking where you got it. view ON AMAZON Halloween Disney Fans Are Going to Lose Their Minds Over This One — 40% OFF ©Amazon Some Loungefly bags are cute. Others are collectibles. Then there are the rare designs that feel more like a miniature attraction than a handbag. The Loungefly Disney Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters Flying Dome Crossbody Bag is currently 40% off and easily falls into that last category. Designed to resemble a bubbling cauldron, the bag features a clear dome where the Sanderson Sisters fly around on a motorized turntable. It even plays music. Between the moving elements and spooky details, this might be one of the most creative Loungefly designs we’ve seen all year. view ON amazon The Disney Bag That Gives You Two Styles for the Price of One — 41% OFF ©Amazon Packing smart often means choosing accessories that can pull double duty. Whether you’re heading to the parks, running errands, or traveling, versatility can make a huge difference. The Loungefly Disney Mickey & Friends Rainbow Stripes Convertible Mini Backpack & Crossbody Bag is currently 41% off and switches between a backpack and a crossbody whenever you need it to. Mickey and his friends appear on the front pocket, while pastel rainbow stripes cover the bag and detachable straps. It’s cheerful, practical, and one of the most versatile Disney bags in this sale. view ON AMAZON Disney Villain Fans Need to See This Gorgeous Backpack — 33% OFF ©Amazon Some Disney bags celebrate characters. Others capture unforgettable movie moments. Those are often the pieces that become favorites in a collection. The Loungefly Disney Sleeping Beauty & Maleficent Spinning Wheel Mini Backpack is currently 33% off and recreates the iconic scene where Aurora reaches toward the spinning wheel while Maleficent watches nearby. Turn the bag around and you’ll find the three Good Fairies featured on the back. It’s a beautiful tribute to one of Disney’s most beloved animated classics and a standout option for villain fans. view ON amazon If you haven’t spotted your favorite just yet, that’s ok! You can also check out the rest of the list by checking the link below. Shop ALL 90 disney loungeflys On SALE on AMAZON HERE We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Disney is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in a big way, and Walt Disney World is one of the centerpieces of the celebration. The company-wide event is called Disney Celebrates America, and it includes new attraction experiences, patriotic entertainment, special food and merchandise, Disney Springs performances, military family tributes, television programming, Disney Cruise Line offerings, and […] The post Disney’s America 250 Celebration at Walt Disney World: Complete Guide appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Disney World truly is our happy place. There is so much to love about the theme parks, from the food to the rides to the shows and the Cast Members. While it is the place where we are the happiest, it can also be the place where we are the most frustrated at times. The JISULIFE Fan The heat and the crowds can be overwhelming, and if you don’t prepare, it can ruin your day or lead you to spending a ton of money you wouldn’t have spent otherwise. That’s why we like to prepare for the good AND the bad moments in Disney World. Luckily for us, this $14 essential is the perfect way to beat the heat in Orlando. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are tons of different ways you can beat the heat in Disney World! Staying hydrated, keeping cooling towels with you, and frequent breaks inside are all ways to keep it cool in the parks. One of our favorite ways is by keeping a handheld, mini fan with us at all times! JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan There are tons of different fans that you can buy online, but that doesn’t make them all equal. For us, we are huge fans (no pun intended) of the JISULIFE fan. This item might be small, but it really packs a punch! The fan folds in half for easy storage, and we barely even notice it when we toss it in our bags! The fan has up to 19 hours of cooling time on a single charge! You can easily recharge it with a USB in your hotel room before hitting the parks the next day. While you can’t run it 24/7 it will definitely help you get through the hottest parts of the day. It folds up easily Not only does it fold up easily and have great cooling features, but it can even serve as a power bank for you! Phones are essential in Disney World these days, and you might find your battery drained quickly throughout the day. This fan has a power bank in it, which we have found to be life savers when we’re in a pinch in the parks. The blades fold down! That’s not all it does! It even has a flashlight function. When we have been searching through our park bags at night, digging for our keys or other necessities, this little flashlight has made life so much easier. What we really love about it, though, is that this little fan can go with us anywhere! Sure, we love it in the theme parks, but Orlando isn’t the only hot spot on earth. We’ve used it on daily walks, other travel, and even concerts. JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan This fan has really gotten us through some tough times, plus it’s even on sale at the time of writing! It’s one of the best $14 we’ve ever spent. Grab Yours On Amazon! This is one of the best ways to keep it cool and affordable in Disney this summer! Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney essentials, deals, and more! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, there’s nothing we love more than a massive bucket of Disney popcorn. But there’s something that makes it ten times better – a massive bucket of Disney popcorn in a Toy Story 5 popcorn bucket! Jessie took our popcorn bucket! Disney has just released a brand-new popcorn bucket coming to the parks, and it’s inspired by one of our favorite Toy Story steeds. That’s right, the Bullseye Bucket has arrived! This Bullseye Bucket is available at various popcorn carts around Disneyland for $29 with popcorn, and you can mobile order it on the Disneyland app. You can also get it at Award Weiners with fries instead of popcorn. We got ours at the Grizzly Peak popcorn cart! This Bullseye Bucket is so much more than a popcorn bucket. It has a container where you can place your popcorn bucket, but it comes with a detachable saddle so you can cover it and make your very own Bullseye toy! He also has poseable legs to adjust him for any snack adventure. So cute! The Bullseye Bucket will also be coming to Disney World soon, but Disney hasn’t announced which parks or the release date for the East Coast. We can’t wait to have a photoshoot with this little guy in Toy Story Land! It’s Bullseye! We love our new Bullseye popcorn bucket from Disneyland. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland (but mostly popcorn) news! The SECRET Place To Get Our Favorite $15 Disney Souvenir 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 get this popcorn bucket? Comment below! View the full article

We’re finally at Universal Kids Resort, and we’re going to take you through everything this new Texas theme park has to offer! Universal Kids Resort We’re exploring one of two Shrek-themed lands in the park, Puss in Boots Del Mar! This land is set in the seaside town of Del Mar, Spain, seen at the beginning of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Now, let’s adventure! ​​ When you enter the land, you’ll be greeted by artwork of a young Puss in Boots and Spanish-inspired signage. Let’s go explore! Hey, Puss! First, we rode Swings Over Del Mar, which carries guests high above a festive kitty adoption day celebration alongside Puss in Boots, Perrito, and Mama Luna. We really felt like this was a sleeper hit attraction! It’s surprisingly fast and a little bit scary as you swing out sideways and get views of the whole land. Kids and parents alike were loving this one! Swings Over Del Mar Then, we stopped for lunch at Comidas y Leche. This is a Mexican restaurant with some fun items on the menu. Comidas y Leche We ordered three treats and got to sit down inside and enjoy some air conditioning. This is the Puss in Bootsicle beverage, the Churritos and Chocolate, and the Big Jack Horner’s Wrap. The spread They also have a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine inside the restaurant with an exclusive beverage for this land — the Easy Peasy Orange Squeezy. Make sure to try it out! The specialty Coca-Cola Freestyle flavor Looking for dessert? You can head over to Tienda de Dulces, Del Mar’s candy shop! You’ll also find some public The shops After our snack break, we watched Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day!. This live show features puppet performances and some Spanish-language moments worked into the fun. For another entertainment option, you can actually meet Puss in Boots, live and in the fur! We didn’t get the chance during our busy media day, but the famous cat will likely be a popular offering in his own land. Mama Luna’s Adopt-a-Kitty Day To wrap up your visit with some shopping, you can stop by Mercado de Perrito, Del Mar’s store. You’ll find accessories, headwear, and cosplay items that let kids transform into beloved Del Mar characters. Around the land Other highlights of this land are the interactive game area and the sensory gardens. Plenty of in-between activities that aren’t rides to keep your kids entertained and active. In the land We had so much fun exploring Del Mar at Universal Kids Resort. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Universal Kids Resort guides! Universal Kids Resort CONFIRMS 31 New Attractions Set to Open in 2026 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 Puss in Boots Del Mar? Comment below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Universal Kids Resort. 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 View the full article

It’s summertime at Disney World, and while that means a TON of exciting new experiences around the parks, it also means your trip could be interrupted by those pesky Florida thunderstorms. Rainy day at Animal Kingdom While it’s rare that rain will last all day long in Central Florida, it’s far more likely that a random morning or afternoon shower can threaten to derail your plans. But, if you’re prepared for those storms, they don’t have to totally ruin your day! Sure, you could buy one of those plastic ponchos they sell at Disney World, but our favorite reusable poncho is far more comfortable — and right now, it’s on SALE on Amazon! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Frogg Toggs Poncho ON SALE! Frogg Toggs Poncho The Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2 Poncho stays comfortable all day long — but hopefully you won’t need it all day! Constructed with an outer layer that provides waterproof and breathable protection and an inner layer that remains soft next to skin, this poncho is our favorite out of all the ones we’ve tried at Disney World. We love the easy pull-on design, deep hood with adjustable cord locks, and side snaps for added wet-weather protection. It’s fully seam-taped for reliable waterproof protection for years of use. Frogg Toggs Poncho The poncho comes with a handy stuff sack for easy toting that easily fits into most Disney World park bags. It’s perfect for rain emergencies, whether you’re in the parks, on the sports sidelines, or on outdoor adventures. It also weighs just 9 oz., offering a lightweight, portable solution for unpredictable weather. Frogg Toggs Poncho The inside of the poncho features a fabric lining, so you don’t have to deal with that plastic rubbing against or sticking to your skin. We seriously love this poncho and use it all the time when those rainstorms hit Disney World! That way, we don’t have to worry about getting totally drenched and are still able to walk around the parks — and it’s great on water rides, too! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Disneyland’s Downtown Disney has gone through some SERIOUS changes. We’ve seen restaurants and shops close, while new restaurants and shops have opened. Even Marceline’s Confectionery went away to make way for The Wonderful World of Sweets (and honestly, we LOVE the new sweets shop). Rainbow Rocket from Happy Ice We recently passed on the news about a new snack stand coming to Downtown Disney, called Happy Ice. Well, BIG news…Happy Ice is opening sooner than you may think…as in TOMORROW. You’ll be able to enjoy Happy Ice’s first all-natural menu, with treats made with real fruit, pure cane sugar, and premium ingredients. You’ll also be able to order the JOY-LATI layered dessert with Italian ice, vanilla sweet cream, sauces, and fresh fruit with flavors like banana pudding and strawberry shortcake. We’re already drooling! Happy Ice Food Truck in Downtown Disney in 2022 We’ll be checking out Happy Ice on its opening day, so stay tuned to DFB for more details and a full review! REVIEW: Disneyland Dropped 4 New Snacks, and They Might Be The Prettiest We’ve Ever Seen Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be trying Happy Ice in Downtown Disney? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Cinderella Castle is one of the most iconic parts of Disney World. The second you reach the end of Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll see dozens of people pulling out their phones and grabbing a picture of the palace. Cinderella Castle But did you know that some people’s full-time job is to work on Cinderella Castle? Disney just released exclusive interviews with the creative team behind the repainting of Cinderella Castle, and these Cast Members are serious magic makers! Nathan, an Associate Project Manager with Disney World’s Facility Asset Management, started his Disney career as an intern just a few years ago. For the past several months, he has helped oversee the recently completed repainting of the Castle. “Not every day you are told, ‘Hey, you’re going to change the look of one of the most iconic buildings Disney has,’” Nathan explained. “That excitement hit immediately, and then very quickly, the weight of it.” ©Disney “One of the most difficult parts of this project was getting into the moat,” Nathan explained. “The moat had to be completely drained so we could safely work in there.” To drain the moat, Nathan and his team constructed temporary dams along the moat, and then it was drained and cleaned. When that was complete, large boom lifts were individually lifted into the moat so painting work could begin on the front of the Castle. The empty moat! “Five years ago, I was not even working for Disney yet,” he shared. “Now I drive into work and get to say I helped manage the work on Cinderella Castle. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever. It’s truly a dream come true, and it gets me excited about the potential of what else I can do while working here.” Cinderella Castle! We loved hearing Nathan’s story about working on Cinderella Castle. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World behind-the-scenes! Why Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Even Better Than You Thought 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 the newly repainted Cinderella Castle? Comment below! View the full article

Southern comfort food hits different when it’s done right, and Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans at Dollywood is doing it right. Spread at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans Theme park dining has a reputation for playing it safe, which makes it all the more satisfying when a spot leans fully into its roots and actually delivers. Granny Ogle’s is that kind of place, and it deserves a lot more attention than it typically gets. We stopped in recently and tried a couple of menu staples, so here’s everything you need to know before you visit. Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans is a counter-service restaurant tucked inside the Craftsman’s Valley area of Dollywood, which is one of the more charming corners of the park. The whole concept is rooted in old-fashioned Appalachian home cooking, the kind of food that feels like it was made in someone’s actual kitchen. The menu leans heavily into rustic, satisfying comfort fare, and the name itself is a nod to that tradition. It’s casual, quick, and genuinely welcoming. Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans The setting feels true to Dollywood’s overall brand: warm, unpretentious, and full of that hand-crafted charm the park does so well. It’s a counter-service setup, so you order and find a seat, which makes it a solid option when you want to eat without committing to a full sit-down experience. It’s a good fit for families, solo visitors, and just about anyone who wants to refuel without a lot of fuss. Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans The menu centers on classic Southern staples. You’ll find items like ham and beans (naturally), pot pies, sandwiches, and sides that feel true to the theme. There are options for both picky eaters who just want something familiar and cozy, and slightly more adventurous visitors who want to lean into something a little different. It’s not a long menu, but what’s there is focused and intentional. Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans First, we tried the Chicken Pot Pie for $16.99. This one is a standout. The crust was perfectly flaky and buttery without a single soggy spot, which is genuinely hard to pull off in a theme park kitchen. There’s even a little butterfly pressed into the top, which is a cute Dollywood touch that doesn’t feel forced. Chicken Pot Pie at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans Inside, the chicken was cooked through without turning rubbery, and it was well-seasoned throughout. The vegetables were the real star here, bringing incredibly fresh, earthy flavors that gave the pot pie a lot of its character. A savory cream sauce tied everything together and kept each bite cohesive. Is it as good as a homemade pot pie made with love on a Sunday afternoon? Not quite. But it’s close enough to be genuinely impressive for the setting. Chicken Pot Pie at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans A side of cornbread came along with the pot pie, and it was a great way to start the meal. It was moist rather than dry and crumbly in the best way, with a slight natural sweetness that balanced well against the savory filling. Don’t skip it. Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans The Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich for $14.99 surprised us a little, mostly because of the “bun.” The menu says pretzel bun, but what you actually get is two full pretzels stacked together as the vessel for the sandwich. Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans It’s a bit of a commitment to hold, so just know that going in. Beyond the structural quirk, the chicken salad itself was genuinely tasty. It was mild and approachable, with well-shredded chicken, crisp fresh celery, and grapes that added just a hint of sweetness without overpowering anything. Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans The mayo was well-balanced, keeping the filling creamy without making it heavy or overwhelming. The one note is that we’d love to see a more generous portion of the filling, because the chicken salad flavor was good enough that we wanted more of it with each bite. Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans earns its spot as one of the more underrated dining stops at Dollywood. The chicken pot pie is the clear highlight, and it’s the kind of dish that genuinely sticks with you after the meal. The chicken salad sandwich has a lot going for it despite its slightly awkward construction. This is honest, heartfelt Southern cooking at a fair theme park price point, and that’s worth celebrating. We will continue to share more from our Dollywood trip, so be sure to keep following us at DFB! Dollywood Has Quietly Become The Next Big Theme Park Food Destination 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 been to Dollywood recently, and what’s the one dish you always make a point to try when you’re there? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

See how incredible craftsmanship & teamwork brought the new #CinderellaCastle color palette to life!View the full article

If you’ve been a fan of DFB for a while, then you know we’re a bunch of soda goblins! My ol’ reliable refillable mug at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando! What does that mean? Well, we’re SUCKERS for a refillable mug, particularly any one that gets us unlimited sodas. We’re visiting Universal Kids Resort in Texas for a preview before it opens to the public, and we just had to check out the refillable mug options. And all you fellow soda goblins? You’re gonna love this! Just like Universal Orlando, there are refillable mugs available at Universal Kids Resort! We got ours from the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, at Curiosity Cafe. The design matches the colorful, funky patterns of the park and hotel. Refillable mug And wouldn’t ya know it, there are Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines, too! These machines have dozens of different beverages available, and you can refill your mug throughout the day after you purchase it and have it activated. To get one of these cups is $19.99 for the day, $17.99 for two days, or $15.99 when purchasing for three to six days. They’re really handy to remind you to stay hydrated throughout your visit. The machine! However, the highlight of our refillable cup discovery is that the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines have signature drink mixes for several of the lands at Universal Kids Resort! Similar to the exclusive drinks at Epic Universe, these are curated flavors that blend together different Coca-Cola drinks. Click on the icon on the screen! The lineup includes Minute Maid Triceratops Twist, Sprite Curious Cooler, Minute Maid Poppin’ Punch, Fanta Easy Peasy Orange Squeezy, and Hi-C Pineapple Passion. Lots of fruit flavors in this bunch — sounds like kids will love them! We got to try them all! We’ll be on the lookout for these flavors in the parks to see where they’re availalbe. We’re here to check out both the hotel and the new theme park, which opens to the public on July 1st. The park is home to seven different themed lands — DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, and Isle of Curiosity. Universal Kids Resort We’ll be exploring everything these lands have to offer, including new rides, entertainment, characters, and of course, FOOD. For all the updates and our thoughts on the new park, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. See the Full Tour of the Universal Kids Resort Hotel Here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Universal Kids Resort. 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 View the full article

Oh, Animal Kingdom, how we love your food. Some parks are known for their incredible snacks, like EPCOT, and others where we struggle to find our go-to (cough, cough, Magic Kingdom), but Animal Kingdom is one of those you might not expect to have the best food, but it does. NEW pods have landed at Animal Kingdom! When we heard that Satu’li Canteen released a few new menu items, and one of them was incredible steamed buns, we immediately grabbed our safari hats and headed to Pandora. First up, we had the Spicy Pork Steamed “Pods” for $14.29, which are served with root vegetable chips and crunchy vegetable slaw. Spicy Pork Steamed “Pods” Look at that color! We love the Cheeseburger Pods here, so we’re not surprised that we also loved these. These were a bit firmer than the cheeseburger pods, and there was a good amount of filling with pulled pork, red and green peppers, and a bit of onion. The vegetables in it give it a slight crunch that contrasts with the soft pork. The pepper pieces give it a bit of freshness and texture but also a hint of spice in the end. The heat lingers after eating, but it’s not super intense. Each bite is flavorful, and the pork is savory and smoky without being heavily sauced. We really enjoyed these and might need to add them to our pod lineup! We loved these! Then we went for the Chai Cold Brew with Rum for $15.50, which is made with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Bols triple Sec Liqueur, mango puree, Minute Maid Orange Juicy, chamoy, and ginger beer with a chili-lime rimmed glass garnished with a dehydrated blood orange wheel. Chai Cold Brew with Rum While it has a long description with a lot of flavors, we mostly felt like this was a cold brew with some chai flavoring and whipped cream on top. We tasted the bitterness of the cold brew, which was bold and prominent. Instead of having the warm spice of chai, it was mostly coffee and not overly sweet, even once the whipped cream melted in. You can taste the rum in each sip, which has a distinct flavor that lingers after, and we’re not sure it really matched the cold brew and chai since the balance felt a little off. If you’re a massive cold brew fan and want it with an alcoholic twist, this is definitely for you. Interesting for sure Finally, we tried the Pandoran Sunrise with Rum for $15.50, which is made with DOLE Pineapple Juice and Minute Maid Limeade blended with POWERADE Melon and POWERADE Fruit Punch topped with Bacardi Superior Rum. Pandoran Sunrise with Rum This drink brought on the fruity flavors! It reminded us of a fruity cocktail with a juice-like consistency and a subtle rum taste in it. The strongest flavor was the pineapple, which brought in some sweetness, and we could taste the lime behind the pineapple, which gave it a nice tang. The rum blends more into this drink, and you can’t really taste it, so if you’re into calmer drinks, this might be for you. It’s easy to drink and refreshing, and the afternotes are more melon-focused. We appreciated that even once the sun melted the ice, it didn’t taste very watered down, and we still got solid fruity flavors. Full spread In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite food reviews. We’ve eaten at every single Disney World restaurant, and we have the best food reviews here, so you know what’s worth your time during your vacation. WE’VE EATEN AT EVERY RESTAURANT IN DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM. THESE ARE THE BEST. 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 try any of these snacks or drinks? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’re sensitive to noise, then sometimes the Most Magical Place on Earth can quickly become overwhelming. Between loud crowds, massive fireworks, and thin hotel walls, our vacations have been derailed – fast! Happily Ever After After lots of Amazon searches and trial and error, we’ve finally found the best earplugs for Disney World. We’ve tested these over multiple park days for months, and our team members all agree these are the best of the best. These earplugs are a game-changer at Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Loop Switch 2 Adjustable Ear Plugs are a lifesaver for Disney! Loop Switch 2 Adjustable Ear Plugs If you’re sensitive to noise, these Loop Switch 2 Adjustable Ear Plugs are a game-changer. Whether you want to tune out Disney crowds, fireworks, or your hotel roommate, these earplugs will have your back. It features three levels of noise reduction in one convenient earplug that you can easily switch with the manual in-ear dial. Choose Engage Mode for easier conversations, Experience Mode for crisper sound at live events, or Quiet Mode, the strongest level of noise reduction. Loop Switch 2 Adjustable Ear Plugs But if that didn’t convince you, these Loop Switch 2 Adjustable Ear Plugs are some of the most convenient earplugs on the market. Featuring a slimmer earplug body and a smaller angled nozzle, they fit more naturally in your ears for comfortable wear. The Loop Switch 2 Ear Tips come in four sizes (XS, S, M, L), ensuring a great seal and secure fit, no matter your ear size. The set includes one pair of Loop Switch 2 earplugs, four sets of Loop Switch 2 Ear Tips to find the perfect fit, and one durable Loop Switch 2 Carry Case featuring moulded silicone inserts to take them on the go! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

While it may seem like 2026 just began, the reality is the year’s halfway over and many Disney World guests are already planning their trips for 2027…including selecting their hotel. Art of Animation However, some Disney guests are skipping a few of the resort’s most popular hotels next year. Having trouble choosing a hotel? Don’t want to handle the stress sweats that come with the Disney World planning process? That’s where our friends at Small World Vacations come in. They are the best in the business when it comes to planning Disney vacations, and their services are completely FREE. Thinking about it? Go ahead and reach out! Art of Animation In the late spring of 2026, Disney confirmed that a major refurbishment is coming to the popular value resort, Art of Animation. The hotel will remain open and proceed through phases, with changes coming to both the standard guest rooms and family suites. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort During a preview, we got to see the Little Mermaid-themed rooms. While retaining the similar theme, the rooms will feature new under-the-sea prints and a Murphy bed — similar to the current layout of the rooms at Pop Century — along with a seashell bed and chairs. Furthermore, the company said that Imagineering and facilities are working together to maintain the feeling of stepping into a movie, which is obviously integral to rooms such as Cars and Toy Story. Finding Nemo Suite The refurbishment isn’t the only work to hit Art of Animation next year, though the first will be much shorter. The Disney World Skyliner will be closed for its annual maintenance from January 24th through January 30th, 2027. Disney will provide complimentary bus service between the four Skyliner resorts (Art of Animation, Pop Century, the Riviera Resort, and the Caribbean Beach Resort) and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios during the closure. Disney World Skyliner These 5 Disney World Hotels Are Suddenly a Much Better Deal Port Orleans Riverside The Port Orleans Resort is already home to some of our favorite hotel rooms on property, and things are improving even more thanks to a massive room refurbishment coming to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort’s Magnolia Bend area. Decked out for Cool Kids Summer However, the work on the hotel will continue through August of 2027, meaning the hotel will be home to construction through the first half of the year and beyond. Port Orleans Riverside ROOM TOUR: Come See The NEW Royal Rooms At Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort Fort Wilderness Campground Disney’s campground has been an integral part of the Disney World experience since (almost) the very beginning. However, the construction and summer 2027 opening of the massive Lakeshore Lodge Resort (which is located right near the campground, in the former location of the River Country water park), combined with the fact that the free water park day perk will NOT extend to Fort Wilderness guests next year, has many rethinking their stay at the campground in 2027. via @bioreconstruct on X/Twitter While you’re booking your hotel, you’re also going to think about dining. Between the reviews, menus, and reservation strategies, it’s a lot to sort through. Our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing! Have a bite! In addition, several other Disney World hotels will have confirmed construction projects during 2027, including: All-Star Movies Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027. Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027. Grand Floridian Resort-Wide Refurbishment Including Porte-cochère: Through early 2027. Beach Club Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2027. Contemporary Resort-Wide: Through Late 2027. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip for 2027, there are some hotels you may want to steer clear of. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips. 3 Rules To Know BEFORE Booking a Discounted Disney World Hotel Room 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 heading to Disney World in 2027? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

At Disney destinations around the world, creating happiness is often a family tradition. Across generations, cast member dads have built meaningful careers filled with purpose, opportunity, and pride in their work. This Father’s Day, Disney is celebrating the dads whose love for creating memorable guest experiences grew into something even greater: a shared family journey. Across parks, resorts, and ships around the world, children who once looked up to their fathers’ Disney careers are now carrying forward a tradition rooted in hard work, heart, and storytelling. Father's Day Celebrations Disneyland Resort Walt Disney World Resort Disney College Program Aulani Disney Cruise Line A Father-Daughter Journey Fueled by Disneyland Magic Disneyland Resort cast members Lily and Jim share a special father-daughter bond. In 2011, Lily’s wish was granted by Make-A-Wish and Disney, sending her on the trip of a lifetime. Aboard the Disney Dream, Lily set sail to The Bahamas to experience Disney magic at sea and swim with dolphins, but there was even more magic in-store. After spending the last 11 months deployed overseas in Iraq, her father, Jim, was able to join Lily and family on the ship, thanks to Make-A-Wish. Jim is a U.S. Army Veteran with 23 years of service and a member of Disney SALUTE, our veteran employee resource group that honors and empowers cast members with a military background. While on board, the Moser Family experienced incredible care from Disney Cruise Line crew members. “The way the crew treated us, we felt like the only people in their orbit,” Jim raved. “The trip was magical in every way and it’s a memory our entire family will always cherish.” Following her wish, Lily was eager to inspire others and joined the Make-A-Wish Oregon chapter volunteer team as a Wish Ambassador, where she shared her story of hope. Remarkably enough, Jim also served the chapter as a wish granter, helping to make dozens of wishes come true. In 2021, after moving from Portland, Oregon to sunny Southern California, Jim joined the Disneyland Resort Security Special Services team. Feeling inspired by her dad, Lily began her Disney career journey the following year with Disney Imagination Campus. To celebrate their incredible Disney journey and the magic of wish granting, we invited Lily and Jim to join us at our Wishes Assemble event. Hosted by Disney, Make-A-Wish and MrBeast, the event celebrated nearly 40 wish children and their families on World Wish Day at Disneyland Resort. Lily and Jim reflect on their time at Disney as a full-circle moment. Once their annual family vacation spot, Disneyland is now a place where the father-daughter duo can reminisce while feeling proud to represent the magic daily as cast members. But at the root of it all, Disney will always hold a special place in their hearts. “My life would not have been the same without the hope, strength, and joy Make-A-Wish and Disney brought me and my family,” said Lily. Lily is proud to share she is now seven years seizure-free and her critical illness diagnosis is considered resolved, and as a father, Jim could not be happier. To learn more about Lily and Jim’s story of hope, check out their feature right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Disney Dads Inspiring the Next Generation at Walt Disney World Across the country at Walt Disney World Resort, Brian’s journey began with a honeymoon trip that inspired him and his wife to leave Chicago for Central Florida in search of a better future. He started as a Walt Disney World Resort bus driver and steadily built his career over time while supporting his family. Through the Walt Disney World Electrical Apprenticeship Program, he developed new skills, grew into leadership roles and now helps lead the overnight Engineering Services operations that keep Magic Kingdom powered and ready for guests each day. At home, his children watched that journey unfold through the persistence and pride he brought to his work. Today, that influence continues through his son, Giovanni, who supports events at ESPN Wide World of Sports, and his daughter, Gianna, who creates meaningful guest experiences at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort while continuing her education through Disney Aspire, the company’s education investment program. “Seeing my dad’s Disney story play out in front of us really inspired my sister and I to dream big and take pride in the magic we help create,” Giovanni shared. For Gianna, watching her father’s growth showed her what was possible. “Seeing how much pride he took in creating magical experiences made me want to be part of that too,” she said. “Now, getting to welcome families at the start of their vacations feels really special because I remember feeling that same excitement growing up.” For Brian, seeing his children build careers of their own at Walt Disney World has become one of the most meaningful parts of his 25-year Disney journey. “You always hope your kids are proud of the example you set,” Brian said. “Watching them build lives and careers of their own here means more to me than I can explain.” The Pride of Seeing Something Familiar Begin Again For nearly four decades, Faron Kelley has helped shape guest experiences across Disney through leadership roles spanning entertainment, marketing, and operations. Today, he serves as senior vice president of Disney Sales Strategy and Solutions. His daughter, Callie, grew up watching the care, leadership, and passion he brought to his teams each day. Years later, she followed in his footsteps through the Disney College Program and now works in Magic Kingdom merchandise, recently stepping into a coordinator role in Liberty Square. “When she came home from Traditions with her name tag and costume on, that’s when it really hit me,” Faron shared. “Seeing her begin her own journey here after growing up around this company was incredibly emotional.” How Hawaiian Culture Brought Father and Daughter to Aulani Resort When Kamalia Hopkins first started her role as a Youth Activities Counselor at Aulani Resort in November 2024, she was hesitant to share that her dad, Kama Hopkins, was Aulani’s Hawaiian Culture Advisor. “I wanted to prove myself and show that I was a good worker,” Kamalia said. “I didn’t want anyone thinking I got the job because I have connections.” But keeping the secret proved to be difficult considering they have the same name. Kama Hopkins is known throughout Aulani as talkative, friendly, and positive – whether you’re referring to dad or daughter. “People say we’re both Mr. and Miss Aloha,” Kamalia laughs. “My dad is always the first one to make friends with new cast members, and I try to be the same way.” The elder Kama shared one of his favorite sayings, passed along by one of his mentors, “Always with aloha,” he says. “I teach my kids to approach everything from a place of aloha.” At Aulani Resort, aloha is shared daily by both Kama and Kamalia. In her role at Aunty’s Beach House, Kamalia helps lead Aulani’s youngest guests through programs and activities, many of which involve stories of Hawai‘i. As Hawaiian Culture Advisor, Kama guides how the culture is presented, ensuring that Aulani’s use of language and stories is accurate and appropriate. Beyond their titles, Kama and Kamalia are also two of the 31 cast members at Aulani Resort who are fluent in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, Hawaiian language. Kamalia shares her dad’s love and appreciation for ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and speaks it with keiki as much as possible. “Sometimes we get kids in Aunty’s Beach House who speak Hawaiian, and I’m thankful that I get to be a resource for them. I can play games with them in Hawaiian and help them exercise their main language outside of home and school.” While they’re family by blood, the ‘ohana created at Aulani seems to be what attracted them to Disney, and also keeps them both here. “As a parent, I see the family environment that exists naturally at Aulani,” says Kama. “The opportunity for growth in Disney is unlike any company I’ve ever worked for. With her skills and background, I knew this was the right place for my daughter.” Kamalia agrees, “It’s the people. My leaders are always praising us for the good work we do, and they’re so encouraging and uplifting. Even if I was at Aulani for staycation, I’d stop in to see my coworkers.” She has also warmed up to sharing that Kama is her dad, “I’m so glad that my dad is someone who people like to have around and enjoy working with,” says Kamalia. “He is one of the most positive, loving and friendly people I know. That’s how I try to live.” A Family Affair at Sea: How One Father Made Disney His Family Legacy Aboard the Disney Dream, one crew member is living a fatherhood journey unlike any other. Alex, a dedicated part of the Disney Cruise Line team for the past 13 years, is experiencing the ultimate gift of working side-by-side with his two sons, Alex Christopher, and Oriel. Alex’s story began with a leap of faith when he left the Dominican Republic to pursue a contract at sea. His initial goal was simple: help his family reach their financial goals. What started as a temporary career choice quickly evolved into a deep-seated pride in leadership, mentorship, and Disney culture. “When I first started 13 years ago… I thought it would be a short contract,” Alex recalled. “But then you see the impact you make, and Disney becomes a part of who you are. Now, looking at my boys next to me, I realize I wasn’t just building a career; I was building a path for them.” Inspired by their father’s career, Alex Christopher, and Oriel eventually decided to forgo career paths on land to head out to sea. Stepping onto a cruise ship as a first-time crew member brings an inevitable wave of homesickness. When Alex Christopher followed in his father’s footsteps, his first few months were tough — the two were stationed on different ships, and the distance felt vast. To support the family, Disney Cruise Line facilitated a transfer to bring them together. “The first few months on a different ship were really hard,” he said. “But when I requested a transfer to be with my dad and brother, and Disney approved it, that changed everything. I remember telling my brother, ‘Wow, Disney really do magic’—not just for the guests on the upper decks, but for us down here.” “Having them here changed ship life from an endurance test into a comfort,” Oriel added. “You come off a long shift, and you aren’t alone in a room. You are with your blood.” On duty, their dynamic is rooted in deep professional respect. Off duty, their shared cabin fills with the joyful energy of home. “When we are in the cabin, it’s loud, we are playing music from back home, watching movies, joking around, and just being a family,” Oriel said. “But the moment we put on that nametag and step through the door, it’s strict professionalism. On deck, he isn’t ‘Dad’: He is a leader, and we respect that.” This dedication to excellence can be hard to switch off. Alex’s wife frequently laughs during his vacation time back home, teasing him for bringing his rigorous Disney standards into their household. “She says, ‘Alex, you bring too much of that Disney perfectionism home with you. Relax, you aren’t on the ship!’ I can’t help it, it’s the standard we live by now,” Alex said with a smile. For Alex, being a father at sea has redefined what it means to anchor a family. Instead of watching his children grow up from afar through occasional phone calls, he is actively guiding his children through adulthood and career success right beside them. “People ask me if it’s hard working with my kids, and I tell them it is the greatest gift,” he said. “Most fathers have to say goodbye and wonder how their sons are growing up. I get to stand right next to them and watch them become men, professionals, and leaders every single day. That is the real magic.” A Place Where Careers and Family Grow Together At Disney, no two career journeys look exactly the same, but many share a common thread of growth, purpose, and connection. Some begin in frontline roles and evolve into skilled trades or operations. Others unfold over decades, leading teams and helping shape the future of the business. Along the way, something even more meaningful often takes root. Here, careers have a way of growing alongside family, fueled by pride in work and a deep sense of belonging. For many cast members, the values they bring to their teams each day are the same ones their children grow up witnessing at home through leadership, care, accountability, and the way they treat others. Over time, those examples can leave a lasting impact, inspiring the next generation to pursue paths of their own. Today, cast members at Disney build careers, creating stories of mentorship, opportunity, and family legacy that spans generations. This Father’s Day, these families remind us that Disney is more than a place to work. It is a place where passion is passed down, futures take shape, and the example one generation sets can help inspire the next to lead. Celebrating Disney Moms at Disneyland and Disney World READ MORE Why Guests Keep Complimenting Disney Cast Members READ MORE Happy Tears and Hugs During the Disney Cast Member Celebration READ MORE The post Celebrating Disney Cast Fathers Across Disney Experiences appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

It’s almost here, the NEW Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, is about to open! Jurassic World Adventure Camp We’re here, visiting for the first time at a media event, and we’ve stepped inside the park to bring you a full look! There are new lands themed to popular franchises that kids love, and one of those lands is all about DINOSAURS. Yep, we’re going inside Jurassic World Adventure Camp…come along with us! This new park opens officially on July 1st, 2026, and it’s designed to appeal primarily to kids. One of the themed lands here is Jurassic World Adventure Camp, which is designed for little ones to experience dinosaurs up-close and personal. Let’s check it out! Atmosphere When you walk into Jurassic World Adventure Camp, we feel like we were transported into Jurassic World (or Park. We respect the originals, too). Come on in! One of the best things about this land is the multiple play areas that kids can explore. There’s a sensory garden… Sensory Garden …play areas themed to dinosaur paddocks… Paddock Play …and Jurassic World Lookout Towers that your kids can scale! How cool is that? Lookout tower Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster Our first ride in the land is Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster. This is described as, “Baby Bumpy, the curious Ankylosaurus, has gone missing — and we need your help finding her. Board a Jurassic World ranger vehicle and join the search as you roar through the land on this exciting roller coaster ride.” Creatious Coaster You’ll zoom through twists and turns as you search for Bumpy on this ride, and it has a height requirement of 39″. Those under 48″ must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Now on to the next ride! Pteranodrop Nearby, you’ll find Pteranodrop, a gentle drop ride made for kids and parents alike. You’ll get excellent views of Jurassic World Adventure Camp from this vantage point! Pteranodrop The minimum height for this ride is 36,” and you’ll get to dip and soar like a real Pteranodon. How exciting! Mr. DNA’s Double-Helix Spin The third ride in this area of the park is Mr. DNA’s Double-Helix Spin. You’ll board a pod and join Mr. DNA to spin round and round aboard a giant double-helix in a fun twist on a teacup-style ride. Double Helix Spin There’s no height requirement for this ride, but hand-held infants are not permitted. Baby Raptor Meet-and-Greet Of course, one of the big highlights of this land is the baby raptor meet-and-greet. While you’re visiting the adventure camp, you can get up close and personal with a baby dinosaur! It’s so cute! WE JUST MET A BABY RAPTOR AT THE NEW UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT! Dining While we weren’t able to try any of the bites since they were sold out by the time we got there, we did get to see Jurassic World Canteen. You’ll be able to grab dino nuggets on mashed potatoes that look like a volcano. Jurassic World Canteen That’s a wrap on our first visit to Jurassic World Adventure Camp. We’ll be covering more excitement from this new park, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest. Learn More About Universal Kids Resort Here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Would you visit this new park? 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 Universal to attend their media preview of Universal Kids Resort. 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 View the full article

We know a lot of you live for the vintage Disney vibes. There’s just something about that old-school animation and hand-drawn designs that hits different. Hi Mickey! If your style leans more “classic” than “latest movie merch,” then these retro Disney tees might be your new go-to park outfit staples. We found some seriously fun tees that are giving us that retro vibe and you’re going to love them! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Mickey Mouse and Friends Tee here! ©Amazon Nothing is more classic than Mickey Mouse and his friends! This Mickey and Friends tee is on sale right now and features Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. It’s made out of 100% cotton as well. view ON AMAZON This Robin Hood tee is retro! ©Amazon This Robin Hood Classic shirt comes in a ton of color options. It has sizes small to 6XL tall. Robin Hood came out in 1973, so this shirt is very retro. It’s great for old-school Disney fans. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget this Mickey and gang shirt! ©BoxLunch As we said, Mickey and friends are retro! This BoxLunch shirt shows off the Sensational Six in their classic outfits. These shirts are 100% cotton and would look great with jeans, shorts, or leggings! view ON AMAZON Don’t forget to grab this Mickey tee! ©BoxLunch This Mickey Mouse Vintage Logo Youth Shirt is available on BoxLunch. This is the shirt that is simple, but still shows your Disney pride. We love the bright colors in the Mickey, with Mickey himself being the “I”. It comes in XS to XL in youth sizes. view ON Boxlunch And this Mickey and friends retro tee from BoxLunch! ©BoxLunch This Mickey and Friends tee is similar to the Amazon one, but with this beautiful, bright blue color! This is a youth shirt, so keep that in mind when choosing sizing. The shirt is made out of 60% Cotton and 40% Polyester. view ON BoxLunch Or, you can grab this Goofy Movie tee. ©Target 90’s kids love a Goofy Movie, and this Target shirt is perfect! Featuring all your favorite characters like Max and Roxanne, with “Eye to Eye Forever” written on the front. It has retro designs in the background on the front. view ON target Don’t forget this Villains tee from Target! ©Target This Villains Have More Fun tee is perfect for a day at Hollywood Studios or around the Halloween season. Own the moment with this stylish new every day women’s scoop neck t-shirt that is perfect for every occasion! Featuring a distressed poster of your favorite characters like Ursula, Evil Queen, Cruella, and Maleficent. view ON Target We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Howdy, partner! Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 hits theaters this Friday, June 19, and Disney Experiences around the world are getting in on the fun. From fresh new character looks to themed bites and must-have merchandise, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate at Disney Parks. Let’s round up all the offerings with our favorite toy crew. New Looks, New Adventures Your favorite characters are sporting fresh new looks across Disney Parks, complete with updated accessories inspired by the film—including Woody’s bandana poncho, Jessie’s sheriff badge, and Buzz Lightyear’s star sticker. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie are greeting guests at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort, Toy Story Land in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Westernland in Tokyo Disneyland, and Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land in Shanghai Disney Resort. You can also spot Jessie and Woody appearing at Jessie’s Round Up: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue! as part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort and at Disney Adventure World, the newly reimagined second Disney park at Disneyland Paris, alongside a special appearance from all-new tech toy Lilypad. These limited-time looks won’t be around forever, so be sure to catch your favorite toys while they’re still in style. Food and Beverage Saddle up for a salty snack with the all-new Bullseye Bucket, available starting June 18 at Disneyland Resort in Disney California Adventure park and coming soon to Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last). Modeled like everyone’s favorite loyal steed from Toy Story, this fun collectible is the perfect way to bring a little Wild West charm to your snack time. Guests can enjoy a lineup of returning Toy Story-inspired treats at Disneyland Resort, including a Forky Cake Pop available at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Disney California Adventure, plus a Moonliner Macaron and The Green Drink at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland park. Plus, the Little Green Men Jetpack Sipper has touched down in both Tomorrowland in Disneyland park and Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. Talk about an out-of-this-world way to stay refreshed! There’s even more to discover over at Walt Disney World. From the Yodel-ay-hee-hoo! Cheesecake at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs to the Lilypad Lunch Box Tart at Woody’s Lunch Box in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, themed treats are popping up across the resort. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, check out new items through August 31, 2026, including an all-new experience “Pixar Dine & Play Party” at Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by Coca-Cola, as well as a variety of Toy Story-themed offerings at Plaza Inn and outdoor vending carts. Over at Shanghai Disney Resort, keep your eyes peeled while you snack at Tomorrowland’s Stargazer Grill. You may spot new décor throughout, and if you pick up some popcorn, don’t miss the Toy Story 5-themed scoops; they’re a fun little detail worth catching. Disneyland Paris has a lineup of new treats ready for you to dig into, including a collection of doughnuts at the Searchlight Kiosk (pistachio fans won’t want to miss the Lilypad doughnut). Over at the Worlds of Pixar Kiosk, you can also find Bullseye and Jessie macarons, while Ice Cream Creations is serving up the Buzz Lightyear Magnum Bar for a cool treat. If you’re still craving some more delicious delights, head over to The Hollywood Gardens Restaurant for the Emperor Zurg Burger and the Infinity & Beyond Eclair, or mosey on to Fine Foods for the Alien, Piggy Bank, and Forky Biscuits. Plenty of bites to keep your adventure going! New in-park offerings and seasonal hotel menus are on the way this summer to Tokyo Disney Resort. Starting July 1, Pan Galactic Pizza Port will feature Pizza Planet-themed items, including pepperoni pizza with star-shaped cheese slices. Beyond the parks, Disney hotels will offer their own lineup of themed dining experiences from July 1 through September 14. At the Toy Story Hotel, the Lotso Garden Cafe will offer vibrant, visually playful dishes at the buffet, while the Disney Ambassador Hotel will feature Woody- and Jessie-inspired items at Tick Tock Diner. Over at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Canna will offer multi-course meals with colorful desserts and children’s menu options, and Dreamers Lounge will present select dishes with eye-catching nods to our favorite toy crew. The Dreamers Lounge menu will be available through August 11. Entertainment The Toy Story celebration comes to life in even more ways with special entertainment offerings. Join the fun at Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue! this Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at the Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, where Jessie, Woody, and Bullseye lead a rootin’, tootin’ good time filled with songs, dancing, games, and more. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, “Pixar Pals Spectacular” takes center stage as the pinnacle nighttime experience of “Pixar Summer Fest.” This breathtaking show will unfold just before the beloved “Momentous” nighttime spectacular, transforming the sky into a vibrant celebration of Pixar stories, including special appearance of new friends from Toy Story 5, and inviting guests to look up as the night comes alive with wonder. Guests can also splash, dance and cheer along Toy Story characters at the two parades – “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” and “Friendtastic!”. Bonus Playtime Looking for a few extra ways to play? There’s even more to discover around the parks with these interactive and shareable experiences. Bring your favorite characters to life with guided drawing experiences across the parks. Follow along as artists teach step-by-step lessons to sketch Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Buzz Lightyear, and Lilypad at the Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort. It’s a chance to see how these iconic Pixar characters come together, step by step. Meanwhile, at Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris, you can draw Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and Lilypad. Each sketch becomes a personal keepsake, with artists of all ages bringing their favorite toys to life. Be sure to sign your masterpiece before you go! Blending creativity and character moments, the brand-new Draw & Meet experience at Animation Academy in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort invites guests to sketch Bullseye, Lotso, or Rex before stepping next door to meet them in person. While exploring Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort, pause to take in a special installation highlighting Toy Story 5 located on the second-floor atrium. Guests are invited to explore drawings, paintings, a sculpture, and behind the scenes footage from the film. Surfs up, summer lovers! “Disney Poolside Splash Bash” is coming to each of the Disneyland Resort Hotels on Thursdays and Sundays, beginning July 2, featuring Disney trivia, music through the decades, and characters showing off some of their dance moves. Groove along with Jessie, Bo Peep, and Woody at Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for a root’n and toot’n dance party and good time to help celebrate the release of Toy Story 5! At Shanghai Disney Resort, keep an eye out for new décor featuring characters throughout Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land and at the Toy Story Hotel. And be sure to strike a pose at the Toy Story 5 photo op at the main entrance of Pixar Adventurous Journey. Looking for more fun at Disneyland Paris? Take part in a scavenger-style hunt to spot 15 customized Pizza Planet miniature trucks tucked throughout Worlds of Pixar at Disney Adventure World. While you search, be sure to check out the custodial water art near the entrance of Animation Celebration: you might see some familiar Toy Story characters. Alaska Airlines is bringing the next chapter of the iconic Toy Story franchise to the skies with a new livery inspired by Toy Story 5, in theaters June 19. The all-new design features fan favorites Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, along with new characters including Lilypad, Snappy, Atlas, and Smarty Pants. Check it out in the video above! Toy Story Finds to Take Home Looking to bring the magic home with you? There’s no shortage of playful finds to pack in your suitcase and relive the fun long after your visit. At Walt Disney World, swing by Jessie’s Trading Post at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Store Command at Magic Kingdom to see their new goodies. At Disneyland Resort, stop by Little Green Men Store Command at Disneyland and Midway Mercantile at Disney California Adventure to check out the latest finds. Continue the quest for new favorites at Pixar Adventurous Journey and Al’s Toy Barn at Shanghai Disney Resort. While visiting Disneyland Paris, visit Animation Celebration and Mickey’s of Hollywood for new products of toys, clothes, pins, and collectibles to discover the latest treasures inspired by the film. Stop by Andy’s Toy Box in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and build up your own toy box with the wide range of Toy Story and Pixar-themed collectibles, apparels, and accessories. You’ll be set for a day of adventure in style! Disney Consumer Products Playtime just unlocked a whole new level with the Ultimate Action Woody and Ultimate Action Buzz Lightyear from Mattel. These interactive figures come with “toy” and “alive” play modes for long-lasting fun! In “Toy mode,” Woody and Buzz have their basic toy features – but in “Alive mode”, Woody and Buzz come to life with animatronics, clap and pose recognition, and even know when their best pal is nearby and will interact with each other. Get ready to blast off on your next adventure with the Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 | Away Collection, featuring new travel accessories and essentials for Toy Story fans of all ages. With designs inspired by iconic Toy Story characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the Aliens, plus newcomer Lilypad, this collection is perfect to add a playful touch to your next getaway. Saddle up in style with the new adidas | Toy Story collection, featuring shoes for kids and adults with new designs inspired by Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. The collection is now available at adidas.com, footlocker.com and in select Foot Locker retail locations. You’ve got plenty of friends in this Toy Story 5 Figure Set featuring iconic characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, plus exciting newcomers like Lilypad and Smarty Pants. And when playtime is done, stay hydrated with the Jessie and Bullseye 30 oz. Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler with Straw, which features Jessie and Bullseye in a Western-style design – perfect for any cowgirl (or cowboy) on the go! You can find both of these and even more rootin’ tootin’ new Toy Story 5 treasures on DisneyStore.com and in select Disney Parks retail locations. Discover even more fun and playful Toy Story 5-inspired collections here on Disney Parks Blog! There’s a lot to buzz about. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and @disneyparks socials for the latest on all-things Toy Story 5 and see the film in theaters this Friday. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Tips: How to Score Big READ MORE Saddle Up for ‘Toy Story 5’ with These Products READ MORE Toy Story: Fun Across Disney Parks and More READ MORE The post Round Up the Fun: Toy Story 5 Across Disney Experiences appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

A brand-new theme park is officially open, and we’re exploring it ALL! Universal Kids Resort is located in Frisco, a suburb north of Dallas, Texas. It’s aimed at families with young children, but it’s fun for both kids and kids-at-heart! It’s SpongeBob and Patrick! This new theme park features seven lands themed after Shrek, SpongeBob, Minions, Trolls, and Jurassic World. We’ve been making our way around this park, and now we’re exploring the SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom land! This new theme park is decked out in classic Universal IP like SpongeBob SquarePants, Shrek, Trolls, Grabby’s Dollhouse, and more. Universal Kids Resort features 31 new attractions, rides, shows, meet-and-greets, and more for kids and families to experience. Right now, we’re exploring Bikini Bottom, so come along with us! Attractions Jellyfish Fields Jamboree This floating spinner ride has riders catching jellyfish above the coral alongside SpongeBob himself in their Jelly Angler! It’s similar to Disney’s Dumbo ride, only with a SpongeBob twist! Jellyfish Fields Jamboree Barnacle Bus Barnacle Bus is a slower, sightseeing-style tour through Bikini Bottom with familiar characters and locations along the route. Barnacle Bus Bobbing Barrels This ride is a spinning water attraction that lets you blast water alongside Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks! Bobbing Barrels Mrs. Puff’s Boating School At Mrs. Puff’s Boating School, get behind the wheel of an undersea vehicle as it spins, swerves, and reverse maneuvers throughout the course. At least SpongeBob won’t be driving this time! Mrs. Puff’s Boating School Mussel Beach and Pineapple Paradise These play areas are perfect for kiddos, with multiple different options. Pineapple Paradise features a splash pad environment, and kids can even go inside SpongeBob’s pineapple house! Pineapple Paradise Food Goofy Goober’s This restaurant features chicken sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and of course — sky-high sundaes, just like the iconic restaurant from SpongeBob SquarePants. I’m a Goofy Goober, yeah! Goofy Goober’s We’ll be exploring even more of Universal Kids Resort, so keep checking back here for more! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news and more! Universal CONFIRMS 31 New Attractions Set to Open in 2026 DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning a trip to Universal Kids Resort in Texas? Let us know in the comments below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal Kids Resort to attend their media preview of the new theme park. 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 View the full article

In case you missed it, we’re at Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, checking out everything this new theme park has to offer ahead of its official opening date on July 1st. We’ve already given you a full tour of the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, as well as a tour of one of its rooms, but now, we’re INSIDE the theme park, and we have SO much to tell you about. Jurassic World Adventure Camp So the theme park has seven themed lands based on some kid-favorite properties like SpongeBob SquarePants, Shrek, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots, and more. Well, that also includes a Jurassic Park-themed land called Jurassic World Adventure Camp…and y’all, this might be our favorite of all the lands because we just met a baby raptor! Jurassic World Adventure Camp is the perfect spot for young adventurers and includes rides like Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster and Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, as well as the Jurassic World Lookout Towers. However, the BEST part of Jurassic World Adventure Camp might just be the Baby Raptor Meet and Greet. Yes, you can come face-to-face with a baby raptor. BABY RAPTOR! Universal Kids Resort calls this an experience that’s been “65 million years in the making.” The baby raptor does have a handler with him, because you know…he’s still an itty bitty baby. This is one experience your kids will probably be talking about FOREVER, so be sure to make time for it if you visit Universal Kids Resort. It’s so cute! We’ll be posting even more from Universal Kids Resort, so stay tuned to DFB for more. FULL TOUR of the Brand-New Universal Kids Resort Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting Universal Kids Resort when it opens? 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 Universal to attend their media preview of Universal Kids Resort. 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 View the full article

While Universal Kids Resort will officially open on July 1st, we’re at the park right now to experience it early! This is Universal’s first Texas theme park, featuring some of the most popular children’s characters, including SpongeBob, Shrek, and more. Universal Kids Resort The park has seven brand-new lands – Isle of Curiosity, Shrek’s Swamp, Puss in Boots Del Mar, Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, TrollsFest, and SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom – and we’re taking you with us through all of them! ​​ Universal Kids Resort is a brand-new theme park located in Frisco, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas. It’s aimed at families with young children, with family-friendly characters, rides, and food, but we think it’s fun for both kids and kids-at-heart! Universal Kids Resort Universal Kids Resort features seven different lands themed after Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, and Jurassic World. There are over 3o new attractions, dozens of new restaurants, seven new gift shops, one new show, and a whole lot more. There’s plenty to see and do, and we’re taking you along for the ride! ©Universal We started by heading to the hotel, where we were blown away by the bright colors. Come on in! We also got to meet a few characters while we were there. Hi there! The Standard Room was built perfectly for families, and we think there’s going to be some arguments about who gets the top bunk. Standard Hotel Room CHECK OUT THE FULL ROOM TOUR HERE! We were not going to skip out on the pool, either. It was no entry, so anyone could walk right in, and we enjoyed lounging around and soaking in the Texas heat. The pool No, really. The pool might be our favorite part of the whole hotel. The pool FULL TOUR OF THE BRAND-NEW UNIVERSAL KIDS RESORT HOTEL Now that we’re in, let’s check out the rest of this park! SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom For our first land of the day, we had to hang out at SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom! The land has six attractions. First, we rode Barnacle Bus, which took us on a tour of Bikini Bottom, taking in the sights and familiar faces from Goofy Goober’s to Glovey Glove and SpongeBob’s loyal pet, Gary the Snail. Barnacle Bus We were super excited to ride Mrs. Puff’s Boating School. We had our undersea boating license ready and rode on through. Luckily, we stayed on the road a little easier than SpongeBob. Mrs. Puff’s Boating School Look at Bobbing Barrels! Patrick was waving us in, and with the hot Texas sunshine, we were ready for a cooler water ride. Bobbing Barrels We also checked out some of the photo ops around! Photo ops There’s also a brand-new restaurant called Goofy Goober’s that serves the iconic Goofy Goober Sundaes. Goofy Goober’s Yes, dreams came true the minute we held them in our hands. It felt just like the cartoon! IT’S GORGEOUS! Of course, we played in the splash pad a little bit, too. Splash pad CHECK OUT EVERYTHING YOU CAN SEE AND DO IN SPONGEBOB’S BIKINI BOTTOM Jurassic World Adventure Camp Next, we went to Jurassic World Adventure Camp to meet real-life dinosaurs and ride some more attractions. All Jurassic Park and Jurassic World fans will want to check out this land to live their dinosaur-exploring dreams. Jurassic World Adventure Camp We met a baby raptor, and it was awesome. BABY RAPTOR! CHECK OUT MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR DINO MEET AND GREET HERE! We had to ride Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster, a family coaster where you search for Baby Bumpy, a curious ankylosaurus that has gone missing. Cretaceous Coaster Then, we hopped on Pteranodrop, a ride that takes you into the skies like a pteranodon! We had an amazing view of the park. Pteranodrop Lastly, we rode Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, where we hopped in a colorful pod and joined Mr. DNA for a fun experience packed with tons of twists and turns! Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin There’s also some pretty fun playgrounds like this massive climbing tower… Lookout tower …and this dinosaur you can play on! Paddock Play For dining, you can check out Jurassic World Canteen. They were sold out of dishes when we made our way over, but you’ll be able ot get pizza and dino nuggets on mashed potatoes that look like a volcano. Jurassic World Canteen CHECK OUT EVERYTHING YOU CAN DO AT JURASSIC WORLD ADVENTURE CAMP HERE! We’re going to be updating this post throughout our trip at Universal Kids Resort, so keep checking back for new details and info. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Universal Kids Resort news! Ticket Prices REVEALED for NEW Universal Theme Park — And They’re ON SALE NOW! 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 planning on going to Universal Kids Resort? Comment below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal to attend their media preview of Universal Kids Resort. 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 View the full article

If there is one thing Disney fans love, it is a ride with a long line. The longer the wait, the more convinced we become that whatever is on the other side must be life-changing. Surely this attraction will heal our skin, balance our finances, and justify standing in the Florida sun for an hour and a half. Hello, EPCOT! Unfortunately, that is not always how it works. EPCOT is packed with great attractions, but it is also a park where time management matters. Between the size of the park, the popularity of certain rides, and the temptation to spend half your day eating your way around World Showcase, every hour counts. That is why not every headliner deserves equal priority. In fact, there is one of EPCOT’s most popular rides that we would seriously consider skipping in 2026, especially if you only have a single day in the park. Before anyone panics, we are not just taking rides away. We are also talking about the attractions that deserve your time instead. What You Should Skip If we had to skip one major EPCOT ride in 2026, we would seriously consider skipping Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Do not start throwing tiny chef hats at us just yet. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is cute. It is charming. It sits in the France Pavilion, which already feels like EPCOT put on perfume and decided to be better than everyone. The ride shrinks you down to the size of a rat and sends you scurrying through Gusteau’s kitchen in a trackless ride vehicle, which is a very fun concept. But “fun concept” and “worth rearranging your whole day around” are not always the same thing. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Remy’s is still one of the bigger EPCOT draws, and that means it can come with a big wait. It is also one of the attractions in EPCOT’s top Lightning Lane Multi Pass group, along with Frozen Ever After and Test Track. That makes your choice a little more painful. If you pick Remy as your advanced selection, you may be passing up Frozen or Test Track. If you do not pick it, you may be staring down a standby wait that feels longer than the wait at the Les Halles bakery case. The line for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure There is also the ride experience itself. Remy has improved for some guests since moving away from the old 3D glasses setup, but it is still a screen-heavy attraction with a lot of movement. If rides with swooping visuals, big screens, and trackless motion make your stomach start a full-blown revolution, this may not be your best use of time. Alfredo And then there is the thrill factor. Remy does not have a height requirement, which is great for families with little kids. But if your group is made up of teens, adults, thrill-seekers, or people who want their EPCOT ride to have a little more “did my soul briefly leave my body?” energy, Remy may not be the one. It is not a bad ride. It is just not the ride we would automatically protect at all costs. Why Remy Can Be a Trap The tricky thing about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is that it feels like a must-do because it is popular. That is how Disney gets us. We see a long line and assume the cheese must be magical. Sometimes it is. Sometimes the cheese is perfectly fine, but we have now waited longer than it takes to watch an actual Pixar movie. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Standby Line Remy can also create a weird morning traffic jam. Guests entering through International Gateway often head straight to France. Guests coming from the front of the park may also aim for Remy after making the long trek through World Showcase. Suddenly, the France Pavilion is less “charming Parisian morning” and more “tiny rat marathon.” The wait time jumps up quick! If you are staying at a Skyliner resort or entering through International Gateway, Remy might still make sense early in the day. It is right there. You are close. You have geography on your side, and geography is the most underrated Disney strategy tool. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure But if you are entering through the front of EPCOT, be honest about what you are signing up for. That walk to France is not nothing. EPCOT is a large park, and starting your morning with a long hike toward one of the most popular rides can leave you sweaty, cranky, and questioning every sandal choice you have ever made. What We’d Ride Instead If you are going to skip Remy, we would prioritize Frozen Ever After or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind instead. Yes, they are wildly different rides. One is a musical boat ride through Arendelle. The other is a giant indoor coaster where the soundtrack may permanently rearrange your brain chemistry. There’s an EPCOT for everyone. Frozen Ever After Frozen Ever After is the better pick if you are traveling with kids, Frozen fans, boat ride loyalists, or anyone who wants a classic Disney attraction with just enough excitement to keep things interesting. It has music. It has characters. It has a small drop. It has the kind of queue that actually gives you something to look at, which is not a small thing when you are waiting in theme park time, where 20 minutes can feel like a weather event. Frozen Ever After Frozen Ever After is also a strong use of a Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection because it is in that top EPCOT group with Remy and Test Track. If your family is more into Anna, Elsa, and Olaf than rats in a restaurant wall, this is the easier call. Frozen Ever After The ride is not a major thrill ride, but it does feel more broadly satisfying for a lot of families. It is cute without being too chaotic. It is familiar without being boring. And it gives you that “we did a real Disney ride” feeling without needing to recover afterward in the fetal position near a Norway trash can. 3 Things That’ll Make Your Ride on Frozen Ever After in Disney World 10x Better Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind If your group wants the best ride in EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is probably the one to beat. This is EPCOT’s big coaster. It has a reverse launch, rotating ride vehicles, a giant indoor track, and a randomized soundtrack that can turn your ride into a full cosmic disco fever dream. It is smooth, thrilling, weirdly joyful, and very easy to understand why so many Disney fans treat it like the park’s crown jewel. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind But Guardians is also not for everyone. It has a 42-inch height requirement, and the rotating motion can be rough for guests prone to motion sickness. This is not the ride where you bravely test your limits after eating your way through three festival booths and a suspiciously large margarita. Star Lord! Strategy-wise, Guardians is not part of EPCOT’s regular Multi Pass group. It is a Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction, so you will need to plan differently if you want to skip the standby line. That means it does not compete with Remy, Frozen, or Test Track in the same Lightning Lane selection pool, but it does compete with your budget and your tolerance for standby wait times. Still, if everyone in your group can ride it and wants a thrill, this is where we would put our energy. The NEW Rule You Need To Know at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT The Other 2026 Option You Should Not Ignore There is another ride that deserves attention in 2026: Soarin’ Across America. Soarin’ has a new film in EPCOT right now, and that alone may make it a bigger priority than usual. If you have not ridden the updated version yet, this is a solid “ride instead” pick, especially for guests who want something scenic, gentle, and big-feeling without going full Guardians. Soarin’ Across America It also puts you in The Land Pavilion, which brings us to the part where I become deeply predictable. A Word of WARNING About the New Soarin’ in Disney World My Personal EPCOT Queen Living with the Land. There. I said it, and I will say it again with a tiny tomato crown. Living with the Land Living with the Land is not the flashy pick. It is not the ride people sprint toward at rope drop unless they are blessed with taste and a deep respect for greenhouse drama. But it is one of the best rides in EPCOT because it understands the assignment EPCOT was originally built to complete. Well, that was something…or nothing It is relaxing. It is interesting. It is air-conditioned. It has boats, fish farms, Mickey-shaped produce, and the comforting energy of a PBS special with better lighting. You leave feeling calmer, smarter, and slightly more invested in hydroponics than you expected to be. A festival-exclusive display And here is the real strategy perk: Living with the Land often has a much more reasonable wait than EPCOT’s headliners. You can ride it without spending your whole morning, and then you are already near Soarin’, Sunshine Seasons, and Garden Grill. That is a beautiful little Land Pavilion sandwich, and I will rope that any day of the week. If you are the kind of Disney fan who wants every attraction to throw you around, Living with the Land may not be your headliner. But if you want an attraction that feels classic, weird, peaceful, educational, and deeply EPCOT, this is the one. Skip it at your own spiritual risk. So What Should You Actually Do? Here is the simplest version: If your group loves Pixar, has little kids, is entering through International Gateway, or can grab a reasonable Lightning Lane return time, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure may still be worth doing. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure But if the line is huge, your stomach is sensitive, or you only have one day in EPCOT, do not feel guilty about skipping it. Ride Frozen Ever After if you want a better family-friendly classic. Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind if you want the park’s biggest thrill. Ride Soarin’ Across America if you want to see the updated film. Ride Living with the Land if you just want to relax. Living with the Land EPCOT is not a checklist. It is a choose-your-own-adventure with snacks, questionable footwear, and at least one moment where you will wonder why you are walking so much in a park that also sells cheese soup. The best EPCOT day is not the one where you technically did every popular ride. It is the one where you chose the right rides for your group, skipped the ones that were not worth the wait, and still had enough time to eat something ridiculous in a country you did not technically travel to. So go ahead. Skip the rat if you need to. Just do not skip the Land. To get the BEST strategy for your EPCOT visit, make sure to check out our video below. Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and tricks on how to navigate Disney World. Click Here to See the One Ride You Should Never Rope Drop in EPCOT! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your go-to ride in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We may have found the spot at Disney World that guarantees you’re going to find a delicious sweet treat! Cannoli Cupcake If you’ve ever been to the Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, you know that the artwork they create there is the tasty art that dances on your taste buds. There are so many options around Disney World to find a sweet treat, but this place has TONS to offer. Which is why we grabbed FIVE desserts from here! The Artist’s Palette has so many things to offer. They have meals, snacks, drinks, but what we really went for were the sweets. From cakes to brownies to cream puffs, there is a wild selection of goodies at your fingertips. As we said, we got five treats, and we’re sharing them all with you! Artist’s Palette Let’s start with the Cannoli Cupcake for $6.99. This was one of those big Disney cupcakes that you know will be more than enough. There’s nothing super special about this treat other than the cannolo on top, but it is really good! The cupcake itself is very soft and thick. There’s a lot of icing on this thing, but it isn’t overwhelming. The icing is very soft, and it’s very fluffy. It’s almost like chewing into a cloud. Cannoli Cupcake It also comes with chocolate chips on the top to give it a little bit more of a sweet and flavourful taste. They don’t give you too much chocolate, which is good because it doesn’t overtake the vanilla flavour of the cupcake. It’s so tasty! The chocolate-covered cannolo on top is filled with this thicker icing. It’s the same icing you’ll find at the centre of the cupcake. The cannolo is really tasty, not nearly as sweet as you think it would be, which we appreciated. Great crunch, definitely a texture change from the cupcake. Overall, this is a great treat! The cannoli Next, we had the Pistachio-Chocolate Cream Puff for $6.49. A Cast Member told us that this was supposed to be delicious, so we had high hopes going in! This was really good, but it also feels like a lot. You probably will end up eating half of it and saving half of it for later. Pistachio-Chocolate Cream Puff The cream puff has a really good crunch to it, with a soft interior. It’s filled with custard and chocolate cream. The inside of the cream puff is soft, and then you add the softness of the two creams inside of it, you get the perfect balance. Let’s take a bite! We will say, this one on the surface doesn’t look too appetizing, but it’s the taste that counts! It doesn’t look the prettiest, but it’s tasty! Then there’s the Pineapple-Coconut Cheesecake for $6.29. Even if you’re not the biggest coconut fan, and you’re a little skeptical going into this one, don’t worry. You’ll probably still enjoy this. The cheesecake is extremely soft, like biting into a cloud. Pineapple-Coconut Cheesecake It goes down super easily, and the cookie layer at the bottom has a really good balance to the texture. They really knew how to balance the flavors on this because you don’t get too much pineapple, and you don’t get too much coconut. It’s really just a nice, refreshing summer treat. You have to try this! We loved the Toasted Marshmallow Brownie for $5.99. The Cast Member at the cashier told us that this is so much better warm than cold. The treat comes cold, so we let it sit a little to get to room temperature at least, before digging in. This probably had the most unique mix of flavors out of all of the treats. Toasted Marshmallow Brownie You get Graham cracker, you get brownie, you get chocolate, you get marshmallow, this thing has it all. We do think the cast member was right, and that this probably is just better warmer (or at least room temperature). We didn’t try it cold, but we don’t know if we would want to. We feel like taste-wise, it is super chocolate heavy, which makes sense since a brownie. Look at this! This is probably a given, but brownie fans will love this treat! Honestly, any dessert fan should really like this. The whole thing is pretty soft. We expected a little bit of a crunch with the cracker at the bottom, but it didn’t really add much of a texture difference. They added the right amount of marshmallows because you can actually taste them despite the brownie being so chocolate-heavy. Let’s take a bite! Lastly, we had the Pride Honey Cake for $6.99, which is only here for June. This cake was deceivingly thick, to the point where it’s hard to cut into or pull apart with your fork. It’s partly because the cake is thick, but it’s also partly because the icing is thick too. The honeycomb on top of the cake reminds us of that fidget toy, where you pop the inside. There’s also a little bee on top. Pride Honey Cake For it being a honey cake, we do feel like it’s pretty vanilla-forward. You get a little bit of honey from the icing, but the cake is so thick that it just overtakes the whole flavor with vanilla. There’s some blueberry-jam-ish type filling in this cake, which was actually really tasty. We think the cake could’ve used more of that. Look at this! The icing is this interesting foamy texture. It just feels like the cake is wrapped in marshmallow, basically. We’re honestly most surprised by the fact that there just wasn’t more flavor to this other than vanilla cake. The bumblebee on top is one of those soft candies, while the rainbow honeycomb was one of those white chocolate pieces that Disney puts on their cupcakes and cakes. The honeycomb and bee! We weren’t the biggest fans of the honeycomb. It felt kind of like biting into wax, but it’s honestly no different than any other kind that you get around Disney. We think we were expecting more from this, but we did enjoy it! Take a bite! We’re always on the hunt for Disney eats and treats, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog for even more reviews! The Best Disney World Snacks We’ve Eaten So Far in 2026 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 been to Artist’s Palette? Let us know in the comments! View the full article