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We LOVE to chat about Disney World snacks. I mean, even if we didn’t literally get paid to chat about Disney World snacks, we’d still do it all day every day. Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Here at Disney Food Blog, we report on all the new snacks in the parks, but there are some snacks that we keep crawling back for again and again. Within those snacks that always seem to be calling our name are snacks that literally make us want to jump for joy and cry happy tears. You wanna jump for joy and cry happy tears too? Well, keep on reading, pal. We’re here to share with you one snack from each Disney World park that just has the tears flowing each time — it’s just that good. Magic Kingdom — Fruit and Nutella Waffle from Sleepy Hollow Over at Magic Kingdom, you can head over to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments to snag a Fruit and Nutella Waffle Sandwich for $8.49. This is a giant, fluffy waffle that’s filled with Nutella, strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich It’s absolutely delicious, served warm, and it’s a great option for breakfast in itself or just as a snack! It’s quite filling but also simultaneously refreshing because of the fruit. I can easy polish one off myself and not feel sick, but I’ve also shared them with my husband before. It’s good for whatever you’re feelin’! EPCOT — Gingerbread Cookie Sandwich from Karamell-Küche (and its less cool younger sister) In the Germany Pavilion of EPCOT, you’ll find Karamell-Küche, a one-stop-shop for all things (you guessed it) CARAMEL! We like nearly everything we’ve tried there, but one thing takes the cake for nearly the whole team. It’s the Gingerbread Cookie Sandwich. Here’s the thing though: it’s seasonal. This cookie is EVERYTHING The gingerbread cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, and the caramel-buttercream icing center is chilled and compliments the spicy gingerbread perfectly. Once again, this is big enough to share, but I don’t recommend doing so. This is my favorite snack in all of Disney World, and it’s so good you won’t want to share. When this cookie isn’t available, I grab the Snickerdoodle version of it for $7.29, but it’s just not as good. Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Bavarian Pretzel from Baseline Tap House Now, let’s head on over to Hollywood! Baseline Tap House is where you can find small bites like a charcuterie board and glazed nuts as well as ciders and beers. Our favorite thing here, however, is the Bavarian Pretzel for $10. It comes with beer cheese fondue and spicy mustard, and it’s great on its own or alongside the Charcuterie Plate. SO GOOD This pretzel is huge, perfectly soft, perfectly salted, and is GREAT dipped in that beer cheese. When combined with the charcuterie, it honestly makes for a great lunch. Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Fries With Pulled Pork and Cheese from Flame Tree Barbecue Finally, we’re headed over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Flame Tree Barbecue. Animal Kingdom is LOADED with great food options, but there’s one thing in particular we want to highlight here. Six words: Fries. With. Pulled. Pork. And. Cheese. French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese Y’ALL! These are $8.49 and are delicious. You’ve got crispy French fries that are absolutely slathered with cheese sauce and then topped with juicy, delicious pulled pork. They’re so good and could honestly be a meal in themselves. I don’t know about you, but my stomach is growling and I’m officially craving a trip to Disney World so I can grab all of these in one go. We’ve always got you covered when it comes to food recommendations, so make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop and never miss a thing. Looking for more snacks to try? Click here! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever had any of these snacks? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 Snacks in Disney World That 100% Guaranteed Will Make You Cry Happy Tears first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland recently got not just one, but THREE new restaurants, all with menus by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán. Downtown Disney So we were very excited when we got to try out these new dining spots in Downtown Disney. We are so happy to be able to get street tacos at Tiendita, we went NUTS over our meal at Paseo, and we found one of our favorite burgers at Centrico. Well, we’ve got some big news about one of those locations, and we’re sharing that news with you. We feel like this news deserves a drum roll, so drum roll, please… Paseo is now serving lunch, dinner, AND brunch. Yep, this restaurant that so impressed us is now offering brunch. We are brunch people, obviously, so this excites us. Now, brunch isn’t served every day. Instead, you can enjoy brunch at Paseo on Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-2PM. Paseo at Downtown Disney You’ll be able to enjoy some of Paseo’s most iconic dishes, including Mama’s Cochinita Pork Pibil made with guerrero-style pork shank, black bean pureé, pickled red onion, habanero salsa, and corn tortillas. We’ll tell you now, we had this and it was so full of flavor with meat that just fell off the bone. Mama’s Cochinita Pibil You’ll also be able to order that Queso Fundido we really liked: it’s made with chorizo & gruyère cheese fondue, wild mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and rosemary and served with roasted masa madre bread. The fondue dip is SO good, especially when you dip the madre bread into it. The chorizo also adds a dimension of flavor. Queso fundido However, brunch is bringing some new items to the menu, too, like Chilaquiles made with Tortilla Chips, Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, Fried Egg, Sour Cream, Queso Fresco, and Avocado. You can also pay a little extra to add Flank Steak or Chicken Barbacoa. Paseo There’s also Huarache de Asada, made with Corn Masa, Black Bean Purée, Sautéed Spinach, Caramelized Onion, Grilled Flank Steak, Fried Egg, and Goat Cheese Fondue. Okay, you had us at goat cheese fondue. YUM. However, we’re most intrigued by the Paseo Waffles. These are made with Duck Leg Carnitas, Sweet Potato Purée, Brussels Sprouts, Poached Egg, and Chipotle Tamarind Glaze. Okay, that sounds amazing, right? Paseo interior Of course, you can pair that brunch with a delicious signature cocktail, like the Maya Tai, made with dos hombres mezcal, mandarin syrup, avocado pit orgeat, lime juice, angostura orange bitters, and salted guava foam. We loved how refreshing this drink was! Maya-Tai So if you’re thinking about brunch in Downtown Disney, you have a new option. We do recommend reservations, however, which you can make on Open Table here. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Read our full review of Paseo here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be checking out brunch at Paseo? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT: A NEW Disney Brunch Option Just Arrived (And It's Got FANCY Waffles) 😱 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Magic Kingdom is about to grow… Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Earlier this year, after of rumors, whispers, and blue sky concept art, Disney confirmed that a massive expansion is coming to the Magic Kingdom, specifically “beyond Big Thunder.” What does that mean exactly? Let’s dive in! Properties that were initially teased for the area as featured in concept art produced at the time seemed to include areas themed to twi immensely popular films. Possible Land Expansion in Magic Kingdom ©Disney Coco The concept art seemed to show off a large portion of land dedicated to the Disney/Pixar film, including a recreation of the large central plaza of Santa Cecilia as portrayed in Coco, complete with what appeared to be a covered gazebo-like stage, likely for a Mariachi band. Concept art There also appeared to be a large recreation of the tomb of Ernesto de la Cruz from the film, perhaps surrounded by a cemetery. Whether this would serve as the location of — or entrance to — a Coco-themed ride or perhaps a meet & greet is unclear. We’re eager to see what this could become! Disney’s Villains Towards the back of the concept art, we can also see a large imposing series of structures that appears to be made up of a large gate in front of a mountain that seems to bear a striking resemblance to Malificent’s castle. Of note, Disney has long been rumored to be considering a villains expansion to the Magic Kingdom dating back to the early 2000s. Back in 2019, Disney even produced a piece of art that featured the character taking over the Magic Kingdom mountain range. Could this be a Villains Land? Encanto The final area represented in the initial concept art seems to be the one least likely to be built… at the Magic Kingdom that is. The whole area seems to be the Casita – the magical home of the Madrigal family from Encanto. During the initial event, it was hinted that the Casita would be a massive interactive experience that would feature the film’s characters interacting with the magic rooms of the house, and even a spot where you would be able to find out what your “gift” was just like the film’s characters. Casa Madrigal So, why don’t we think Encanto is coming to the Magic Kingdom? To put it bluntly, since this concept art was shown, it’s been essentially confirmed that Encanto will be joining Indiana Jones as the headline attractions of the Dinoland reimagining at Animal Kingdom. Now, while it’s NOT impossible that Disney could build Encanto attractions at both parks, it seems somewhat unlikely, especially given that the Casita would be the center of each. Further news about the Magic Kingdom expansion – which will be part of a larger $60 billion investment in the theme parks announced by Bob Iger – was revealed in April 2024. During an Imagineering media event, Michael Hundgen – Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Expert – confirmed this expansion was “probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom” and said it would be roughly the same size as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is about 14 acres. He also said Disney teams were currently on research trips devoted to the area. No themes or intellectual properties were confirmed for the land. @BioReconstruct X (formerly Twitter) Very little has been officially confirmed about the upcoming Magic Kingdom expansion, however given its scope, we can be sure it’s about to change the face of Walt Disney World’s crown jewel theme park forever. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on upcoming Disney projects. Magic Kingdom Expansion in Disney World; Everything You Need to Know 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 hope to see as part of the Magic Kingdom expansion? Let us know in the comments below. The post FULL Look at Magic Kingdom’s Massive Expansion Plans first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In just a few months, we’ll be experiencing EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival once again! EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2023 We can’t wait to hear more about the booths and menu items that will be returning to this year’s festival, but in the meantime, if you’re planning a trip later this year to visit during the festival, we’ve got the list of the BEST hotels to stay at to make sure you’re close to the park! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort If you’re hoping to be on the Skyliner route to travel easily to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a fantastic choice! Caribbean Beach Resort This moderate hotel is great for those who want to feel like their on island time when they’re at their hotel. The entire resort is colorful and full of tropical landscaping to really bring that island-feel to life. And in the middle of the hotel, you can visit Barefoot Bay, which is a 45-acre lake surrounded by a mile-long promenade complete with running trails, relaxing hammocks and beach chairs, and white sandy beaches. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort If you’re looking for a relaxing trip, both in the parks and outside, this is the place to stay! Disney’s Riviera Resort Also on the Skyliner route is Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is a deluxe Disney Vacation Club resort known for its European style, influenced by Walt and Lillian Disney’s own experiences traveling around the French Riviera. Disney’s Riviera Resort If you’re a big fan of finding fantastic dining at your Walt Disney World hotel, and are looking to relax when you’re not in the parks, this is the hotel for you! Disney’s Rivera Resort Again, that Skyliner will also give you easy access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, so if you’re visiting for the festival but also have other to-dos on the itinerary, this is a great choice! Check out our complete guide to dining around the Riviera here! Disney’s Beach Club & Yacht Club Resorts Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resorts are two separate deluxe hotels located right near each other on the BoardWalk, and even share some amenities, like the amazing Stormalong Bay pool, and they’re both within walking distance to EPCOT! Disney’s Beach Club Resort Both of these hotels feature New England vibes, which is perfect for families who are looking for a little less Disney theming in their rooms. Disney’s Yacht Club We’re not kidding though — you’re about a 10-15 minute walk (at MOST) from EPCOT at either of these sister hotels, meaning you can arrive at World Showcase’s International Gateway and start dining at those booths within minutes. Is there anything better? Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Staying at the deluxe BoardWalk Inn doesn’t only mean you’re close to what EPCOT has to offer, but you’re also steps away from SO many exciting restaurants and entertainment options outside the parks. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Now, this hotel is currently undergoing refurbishments that don’t have an official end date, so keep that in mind when booking, but you’ll enjoy turn-of-the-century Atlantic City vibes on the waterfront AND feel like you’re walking down a Coney Island-style boardwalk! Disney’s BoardWalk Inn You’re also just steps away from EPCOT here too, so if you want to experience all the festival has to offer, you only have to walk a few minutes and you’re there! Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels If you’re looking to travel on a budget but are still hoping to stay close to the park, you’ll want to check out Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Hotels! These hotels are also located in the BoardWalk area and are within walking distance to EPCOT. Swan & Dolphin Now, it’s important to note that these are TWO separate hotels — the Swan and the Dolphin, and both are considered deluxe hotels BUT at much lower prices than other deluxe Disney hotels. Swan and Dolphin Hotels You’ll also have access to an amazing pool with a waterslide, great restaurants, and some really amazing beds! Read more about the amazing beds at this hotel! Regardless of where you choose to stay, you can know that you’ll be as close as you can get to EPCOT staying at any of these hotels. We can’t wait to experience this year’s festival, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Food and Wine Festival news! Don’t forget about Disney’s OTHER Food and Wine Festival — learn more 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! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 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! Where are you planning to stay for this festival? Tell us in the comments! The post These Are the BEST Hotels for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Yes, it’s been nearly a year and a half since Disney’s Magical Express Service ended. And yes, we’re still just a tad bitter about it. Gone but not forgotten The Magical Express provided a free way to get from the airport to your Disney World hotel — and you didn’t even have to pick up your baggage at the airport baggage claim. It just “magically” showed up at your hotel. Now you have to pay to get to your hotel — either by rideshare, taxi, a shuttle bus, or a rental car. And that’s why we were SO EXCITED when a new public bus route made it easier to get from Disney World to the Orlando Airport (and vice versa) for the fare of just $2 each. But that bus route? Well, it isn’t *quite* the hack you may think it is. Let’s get into it! First of all, some disclosures: Do I live 15 minutes from Disney World? Yes. Did I spend a weekend afternoon taking this bus route when I needed to go to neither the Orlando Airport nor any Disney World hotel? Also yes. Why did I do that? FOR YOU, of course! I’m a frequent traveler who is always testing travel hacks. So, for the sake of science I tried out the new bus route to bring you all the info you might need to take it. New Bus Route Basics Lynx, the public bus system in Orlando, recently added a route that runs from Disney Springs to Orlando Airport without you needing to transfer to a different bus. The new route is called Link311, and it runs 7 days a week, every 30 minutes between 5AM and 11PM. The fare is $2 for the ride. Lynx bus The Disney World drop-off/pick-up point is the Westside Bus Loop in Disney Springs, and the Orlando International Airport drop-off/pick-up point is outside the main terminal — on the lower airport arrivals level. Airport pick-up/drop-off point The bus I rode had great air conditioning, and was clean and comfortable. There were rules against eating and drinking on the bus — so keep that in mind and finish your coffee before you board. Inside the bus I got to the airport and back to Disney Springs without any major problems. The actual bus trip took about an hour in each direction — and that’s about the same time you could expect on Disney’s Magical Express since it stopped at multiple hotels. (And it’s the same thing you’ll experience now on the Mears Connect shuttles available from the airport.) But the trip was not “easy” and may not work for everyone for two big reasons. Let’s take a look. You Have to Work to Get to the Drop-off/Pick-up Points As I said, the Disney Springs pick-up/drop-off is at the West Side bus loop. You’ll need to get from your hotel to Disney Springs to catch the bus. So how are you going to do that? Either by taking a Disney bus to Disney Springs or by taking a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. So there you go — already potentially adding more money to your cheap $2 fare. From most places on Disney property at most times of day (providing you’re not trying to travel at rope drop or right after fireworks), you can expect a rideshare to cost $7-$12. ©Disney Now if you pay and take that rideshare, you can get dropped off at the West Side Bus Loop, so you’ll be right there to catch the bus. This is easier to do with Lyft than Uber, because you’ll find that West Side Bus Loop as a destination in the app. You’ll have to maneuver your drop-off pin on the map in Uber to order your ride, making it a bit more difficult. But what if you opt for the free option — a Disney bus to Disney Springs? Disney Springs You’ll be dropped off at the bus loop in the middle of Disney Springs, and you’ll need to go through security there. Then you’ll need to walk to far west end of Disney Springs — past Cirque du Soleil — to get to the West Side Bus Loop where the Lynx Bus picks up. Depending on the line at security, this could add 10-20 minutes to your trip. And now, let’s talk about that airport drop-off point. Orlando International Airport You will be dropped off (or picked up, depending on which direction you are going) at a spot on the lower “arrivals” level of the airport, outside the main terminal. From there, you’ll take an escalator or elevator up to the departures level, and you’ll be right in front of the Southwest Airlines check-in counter. This is a convenient spot if you have bags to check and you’re flying out of Terminals A or B. BUT, if you’re departing (or arriving) out of Terminal C, you’re going to have about a 20 minute trip to the Terminal C check-in counters. Orlando International Airport The path is clearly marked, and you’ll walk part of it and take a train between some of the buildings. But just know that’s gonna take time, and if you have a bunch of luggage with you, you won’t be able to check it until you get over to Terminal C, so you’ll have to pull or carry and otherwise manage it on the trip. And that brings me to the second reason this trip isn’t the hack you might think it is… Baggage Could Be a Big Problem I packed a suitcase for this experiment. Did I need anything in it? Nope, because I wasn’t traveling, but I did it FOR SCIENCE. And taking luggage with you on this journey could present a number of problems. ©Amazon First off, you may not be able to get on a Disney bus to or from your hotel with your luggage. Your mileage could vary on this — but we know that at least sometimes suitcases are not allowed on the Disney buses. In addition, you will need to take your suitcase through security at Disney Springs if you are transferring from a Lynx Bus to a Disney Bus (or vice versa). The day I did this bus trip with my packed suitcase, I used a standard rollaboard size suitcase. And when I went through Disney Springs security, they opened my suitcase and handled everything inside. But I have also witnessed suitcases just being sniffed by a security dog and allowed to pass through. So, your mileage may vary here, too. In any case, if someone opening your suitcase and handling your unmentionables is going to be anxiety-inducing, keep in mind that it can and does happen. ©Amazon Both of these issues can be avoided by taking a rideshare to/from your hotel to Disney Springs. But there’s also the issue of taking your luggage on the Lynx Bus. There’s nowhere to store it, and you will have to carry it up and on to the bus, and then keep it at your seat. On the weekend afternoon I rode the bus, it was not at all crowded, and I didn’t experience an issue keeping my suitcase next to me at my seat. But if the bus is full, you would likely have to hold your luggage on your lap in your seat with you. And that would be nearly impossible with a large suitcase or multiple bags. So, there you have it — this $2 cheap and easy bus ride isn’t as easy (and maybe not as cheap!) as it sounds. So, who should take the Lynx Bus from the Orlando Airport to Disney World? Cinderella Castle I am a very frequent traveler, and I’m often looking for ways to travel on a budget. I also am usually traveling solo. And in those cases, this bus could be a very good option for someone like me. A typical trip for me probably involves flying a no-frills, budget airline, and packing in a backpack or other “personal item-sized” bag with no checked or even rollaboard luggage. In that case, the reasons this trip isn’t convenient pretty much melt away. I don’t mind some extra walking to save some pretty big bucks (probably $20-$50 each way with a shared shuttle or rideshare), and I don’t travel with luggage that would be banned from a Disney bus or be hard to manage on a Lynx bus. Walt Disney Statue in EPCOT But if you have a checked suitcase or multiple bags, or this all just seems like more hassle than it’s worth, my best advice would be to spend more money and take an easier route. If you’re traveling with other people, they may not share your budget traveler ways, in which case this whole thing could seem really aggravating. And if you’re traveling with several people who can split a rideshare fare, that’s definitely the better way to go. In the end, it’s about choosing the route that fits your needs and your budget the best — and in some cases that’s just not the cheapest way. We’re all about testing new strategies for your Disney World trip, so keep following us here at DFB for more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try the public bus route from the Orlando Airport to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post 2 Reasons the Bus From the Orlando Airport to Disney World Isn't the Hack That Everyone Thinks It Is first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We use Genie+ a LOT in Disney World, and we’ve gotten pretty good at working the system to our advantage in the past few years. Genie+ Genie+ can feel a bit complicated with its varying prices and rules about when and how and what you can book Lightning Lane-wise, but it’s definitely possible to conquer and use to make your vacation more successful. As people who’ve used Genie+ dozens (if not hundreds) of times, today we’re sharing our list of things that Genie+ experts would NOT do in Disney World! Wait to Purchase Genie+ First of all, we’re going to advise you against WAITING to purchase Genie+. Genie+ cannot be purchased ahead of time in Disney World, so you’ll have to wait until midnight on the day of your visit to buy it. You don’t necessarily need to wait up until the stroke of 12 to make your purchase, but we definitely suggest buying Genie+ for everyone in your party before 7AM. Kali River Rapids LIghtning Lane Why 7AM? Because that’s when everyone who purchased Genie+ can make their first Lightning Lane selection for the day. At 7AM the popular rides go really quickly, so you’ll want to have already logged on and purchased Genie+ for everyone in your party — that way you can be ready to do your booking at 7 on the dot. Prioritize Less Popular Rides Once that 7AM booking time happens, there’s something else that a Genie+ expert would never do, and that’s booking a less popular ride FIRST. The 7AM booking window is not the time to snag Dumbo the Flying Elephant or It’s a Small World or TriceraTop Spin. it’s a small world Nope, at 7AM, you’ll want to go for those super popular rides, assuming you want to ride them at all without waiting in 2 hour lines. 7AM is a good time to book Jungle Cruise, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Slinky Dog Dash, or Na’vi River Journey. Those tend to go more quickly than the other options, and by the time you get the chance to make your second Lightning Lane of the day, their availability could be greatly diminished. Buy the WRONG Genie+ Option If you’re a Genie+ expert, you’re definitely not going to buy the wrong Genie+ option. When you go to make your Genie+ purchase each day of your trip, you’ll be given the choice between buying Genie+ for any of the four parks individually or buying the Multiple Parks option. ©Disney If you’re planning on Park Hopping at all, you’ll want to purchase the Multiple Parks choice — it’s way cheaper than buying Genie+ individually for each park. But on the same token, don’t spend money on the Multiple Parks Genie+ if you don’t have a Park Hopper ticket. The Multiple Parks Genie+ is typically one of the more expensive options, and you don’t need access to Genie+ at all four parks if you’re just going to EPCOT, for instance. Buy Genie+ Too Often One mistake that you may not think about is buying Genie+ too often! If you’re coming to the parks during a slower season and wait times aren’t too bad, you may not need it for every day of your vacation. Generally, we recommend getting Genie+ for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, but Animal Kingdom and EPCOT can be a bit of a toss-up. EPCOT Genie+ is incredibly useful for avoiding lines during holiday seasons or summer break, but those random weekdays during other parts of the year when there aren’t many visitors? You might not need it. And why spend the money on getting it for everyone in your party if you’re just going to use it to skip 15-minute waits? Sleep in on Those High-Priority Days Unfortunately, one Genie+ mistake that happens a lot is that people sleep in! As we mentioned before, your first Genie+ selection can be made at 7AM, and if you want to snag those really popular rides, we definitely recommend getting up to book AT 7. Genie+ Also, the earlier you start booking, the more rides that you’re likely to accomplish with your day. If you’re paying for Genie+, you’ll want to get your money’s worth, and that starts with being up early in the morning to snag your first Lightning Lane. Disney Genie+ allows you to book the Lightning Lane for rides. Those are some of the biggest mistakes you can make when using Genie+, and now you know to avoid them! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and advice on how to conquer the Disney World parks. We’ve got you covered! Click Here to See Our Genie+ Guide! 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 best Genie+ tip? Tell us in the comments! The post 5 Things Genie+ Experts Would Never, Ever Do in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ever wanted to visit Disney World and Disneyland on the same day? Disneyland Park For many Disney fans, visiting the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts on the same day, or at least very closely together, is a bucket list item. Given the 3,000+ MILES between Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California, it’s not exactly a realistic goal for many. However, thanks to Breeze Airways, it’s just gotten slightly easier… Breeze Airways has announced the return of their popular seasonal “Disney to Disney” flights. The nonstop flights, which run from Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida’s Orange County to John Wayne Airport in California’s Orange County, will start at an almost UNBELIEVABLE $89. The route will run from MCO on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays through the summer. Breeze Airways In just under four years, Breeze has become one of the more popular low cost carriers in the U.S. According to the company, since its 2021 launch, Breeze has “flown more than five million Guests and now operates more than 170 nonstop routes between 56 cities in 29 states. As it enters its fourth year of flying, the airline is on track to achieve its first full quarter of profitability in Q2 2024, while continuing to expand both its footprint and its fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft.” This summer would mark a particularly smart time for you visit both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as each resort has a ton going on. On the east coast, the Magic Kingdom will see the highly-anticipated opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, while EPCOT will finally see the last element of its years-long re-imagining open to the public when CommuniCore Hall opens in June. In addition, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts on August 9th and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival launches August 29th. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Meanwhile, on the west coast the Disneyland Resort will see the long awaited return of Fantasmic!. In addition, Pixar Fest – – which features the new daytime parade, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!, and “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular – – runs through August 4th. Finally, both the Halloween Time and Plaza de La Familia (a Coco-themed celebration of Día de los Muertos) will return on August 23rd. ©Disney Traveling a direct route between Disney World and Disneyland is a dream adventure for many Disney fans who wish to take advantage of both resort’s offerings, and Breeze Airways just made it much easier. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney travel tips. DFB Video: 12 Things That SHOCK Disneyland Guests 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 and visit Disney World and Disneyland in the same day? Let us know in the comments below. The post NEWS: Orlando Airport Added a NEW Nonstop “Disney to Disney” Flight first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to food, Disney World has you covered! Disney Springs As you may (or may not) know, with over 200 restaurants, you definitely have your choices. You can grab a bite to eat from one of the parks, hotels, and Disney Springs at just about any time of the day. Speaking of that, what do you do when you’re hungry and it’s late at night? Does Disney World have any 24-hour spots for you to grab some grub? Let’s talk about it! As we were saying, let’s set the stage for you. So, the day is almost over, and you’re starting to feel hungry. Now you’re wondering what to do. Are there any 24-hour dining options for you at Disney World? Let’s find out! Disney Springs Well, the short answer is no. Disney World doesn’t have any restaurants be it in the parks, hotels, or Disney Springs that are open for service 24 hours a day. That being said, fear not! If late-night hunger pangs hit you, there are some options you can tap into to satisfy those cravings: Late-Night Options at Disney World Hotels If you’re staying in a Disney World hotel, you’ve got several convenient options to grab a bite late at night: Riverside Mill Food Court The Hotel Food Court: Many of the Disney resorts have food courts that stay open late (until 11 PM). These spots typically offer a variety of quick-service meals and snacks. The Hotel Lounges: If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, check out your hotel’s lounges where you can enjoy light bites and beverages. While these aren’t open 24 hours, they usually stay open until 11 PM, which makes them a great option for a late-night snack or a nightcap. The Grab-and-Go Counters: If you’d like something a bit quicker than a lounge, don’t sleep on the grab-and-go counters since they tend to stay open until 11 PM, and they’re stocked with snacks, beverages, and pre-packaged meals. These are perfect for grabbing something for a meal in your room. Riviera Grab and Go Late-Night Dining at Disney Springs If you’re looking for a wider variety beyond what your hotel offers, Disney Springs has a TON of restaurants and shops that typically stay open until 11 pm. Disney Springs While reservations might not be available super late, you can usually snag a table or grab something to go around 10:45 pm. Lively crowd tonight Last up, you’ll want to keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app to view real-time hours of operation for all the restaurants on Disney property. This way, you can plan your meals and snacks ahead of time (as best as you can). Disney Springs at night Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest Disney food news. REVIEW: Should You Try Fancy French Fast Food 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 do you do when you’re hungry late at Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post Does Disney World Have Any 24-Hour Restaurants? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s almost June, and that means Disney is gearing up to celebrate Pride Month! Magic Kingdom Pride Mural While many folks get excited about all the fun, rainbow merchandise that pops up in the parks, we love to celebrate with the yummy snacks. Disney just released a list of all the snacks you’ll be able to get in the parks this year for Pride Month, and we just had to share it with you all! Let’s go! We’ll start over on the East Coast! Disney World Snacks Disney’s Hollywood Studios PizzeRizzo and The Trolley Car Café (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available at PizzeRizzo only) Pride Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with rainbow sprinkles and berry marmalade topped with red berry buttercream, rainbow sprinkles, rainbow glitter, and a chocolate Mickey pride coin ©Disney Magic Kingdom Park The Lunching Pad (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Pride Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with rainbow sprinkles and berry marmalade topped with red berry buttercream, rainbow sprinkles, rainbow glitter, and a chocolate Mickey pride coin Main Street Bakery (Available June 1 through 30) Pride Mousse Dome: Dark chocolate and strawberry mousse, flourless chocolate cake, and rainbow glaçage (New) ©Disney EPCOT Connections Cafe and Connections Eatery (Available June 1 through 30) Pride Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with colorful icing ©Disney Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Creature Comforts (Available May 30 through June 30) Pride Mousse Dome: Lemon chiffon cake, raspberry lemonade mousse, white chocolate glaze, and rainbow sprinkles (New) Disney Resort Hotels Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Pride Mousse Dome:Dark chocolate and strawberry mousse, flourless chocolate cake, and rainbow glaçage (New) Disney’s BoardWalk BoardWalk Deli (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Pride Cinnamon Roll: Classic Mickey cinnamon roll with rainbow icing Available at Multiple Disney Resort Hotel Locations (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Pride Strawberry Cupcake: Sprinkle cupcake filled with fresh strawberries, topped with Bavarian cream and vanilla buttercream, and garnished with chocolate décor; available at the following locations: World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney Springs Amorette’s Patisserie (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Rainbow Love Mousse Bar: Orange dream mousse with crispy cereal crunch and orange passion curd (New) Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available June 1 through June 30) Pride-themed Jumbo Squeeze Bottles: 22-ounce Pride-themed jumbo squeeze bottles available for purchase with the Shine on Tap (Refills available) ©Disney Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Available June 1 through June 30) Rainbow Donut topped with rainbow sprinkles and a rainbow sour belt Vivoli il Gelato (Available June 1 through July 31) Cake Batter Cannoli: Cannoli with sweet cream and cake batter ricotta topped with rainbow sprinkles Now, let’s head out West! Disneyland Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Pride Cookie: Shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate sprinkled with nonpareils Disney California Adventure Park Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe (Available June 1 through 30) Pride Cookie: Shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate sprinkled with nonpareils Hollywood Lounge (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Strawberry Vodka Cocktail: Vodka, strawberry purée and soda water topped with a rainbow candy belt (New) ©Disney Novelties Available Throughout Disneyland Resort (Available starting June 1) Pride Bottle Topper (New) (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply); Available at the following locations: Disneyland park: Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Churros near Haunted Mansion, Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros near Town Square, Critter Country Fruit Cart, Churros & Lemonade in Critter Country, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Main Street Fruit Cart, Popcorn near Haunted Mansion, Popcorn near Mark Twain Riverboat, Pretzels near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Ship to Shore Marketplace, Troubadour Tavern Disney California Adventure park: Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill ©Disney Pride Stainless Steel Tumbler: Available at the following locations: Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Golden Horseshoe, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Red Rose Taverne, Stage Door Cafe Disney California Adventure park: Aunt Cass Café, Award Wieners, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Cappuccino Cart, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Hollywood Lounge, Paradise Garden Grill, Smokejumpers Grill, Studio Catering Co. Pride Parade Castle Tumbler: Available at the following locations: Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Fantasyland Fruit Cart, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Lemonade at small world Promenade, Plaza Inn, Red Rose Taverne Disney California Adventure park: Aunt Cass Café, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Corn Dog Castle, Paradise Garden Grill Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill Scented Pride Cake Straw Clip: Available at the following locations: Disneyland park: Alien Pizza Planet, Golden Horseshoe, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Red Rose Taverne, Stage Door Cafe Disney California Adventure park: Aunt Cass Café, Award Wieners, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Corn Dog Castle, Schmoozies!, Select Outdoor Vending Locations Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: GCH Craftsman Grill Downtown Disney District Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available June 1 through 30) Pride N’ Candy Cannoli: Cannoli shells filled with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, rainbow candy chips, and cotton candy flavoring Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available June 1 through 30) Sunset Serenade: Pineapple, Aperol, soda water, gin, and elderflower syrup Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available June 1 through 30) Pride LED Tumbler Available at Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Trolley Treats (Available June 1 through 30; mobile order available) Rainbow Mickey Apple: Granny smith apple dipped in caramel and milk chocolate decorated with two marshmallow ears, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple sanding sugars and white M&M’S chocolate candies (New) Rainbow Mickey Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped cereal treat dipped in white chocolate and decorated with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple sanding sugars ©Disney Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite (SOLD OUT) For those of you who already have your tickets for the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite on June 18 and 20, there’s some additional treats to indulge in. Throughout the night, enjoy sweet bites like the Cereal Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café or the Red Balloon Mickey Cookie from Candy Palace Candy Kitchen. Looking for a refreshingly delicious sip? The Peach Tea at Refreshment Corner is a must! For a savory dish, the Loaded Corn Dog at Little Red Wagon is sure to satisfy. And for those interested in a combination of salty and sweet, the Popcorn with Freeze-dried SKITTLES at Popcorn near Haunted Mansion is for you. For extra tasty fun, you can reserve a spot for the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite Specialty Dining Package at Plaza Inn where you can enjoy a delicious chicken and waffles dinner with reserved viewing for the Welcome Pride Cavalcade. These are just a taste, and there are even more items to try at the event this year! ©Disney Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Hearthstone Lounge (Available June 18 and 20 from 4 p.m. to midnight; reservations highly recommended, walk-ins will be limited) Hearthstone Lounge Reception: On the Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite evenings, anyone is welcomed to gather for a special reception at Hearthstone Lounge, with a themed photo op, upbeat music and specialty beverages like the XOBC Cellars Proud Sparkling Rosé, the Ketel Watermelon Vodka Cocktail, and the Elderflower Gin Fizz, which is also available at Napa Rose along with the XOBC Cellars Proud Sparkling Rosé. You can also enjoy the recently launched menu, including Truffle Mac and Portobello Mushroom Risotto, as well as a premium whiskey library. Whew! There ya have it! We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney News — snacks included — as we have it. Make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop and never miss a thing. Looking for more Disney snacks coming in June? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these snacks are you most looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: 6 NEW Disney Snacks Are Coming SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s no secret that Disney World is getting more and more expensive as time goes on. And, although it isn’t just at Disney World where folks are feeling the squeeze, many people are looking for ways to save at the Most Magical Place on Earth. Walt Disney World Disney World hotels come with a TON of perks — but they can also come at a price. So, what if we told you there was a way to stay at a Disney World resort for even CHEAPER than the price of a Value Hotel? It’s true — but it just might prove to be our most controversial tip yet. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground probably isn’t what you think of when you think of a Disney World hotel, but this “resort” has quite the cult following, and those who make the trip find the time it takes to get there to be worthwhile. There are a few different options when it comes to staying here — you can rent one of the cabins (which are in the process of being refurbished) or stay at one of the many campsites! Welcome to Fort Wilderness Yep, you read that correctly — campsites. You’ll find premium, preferred, and standard full-hookup campsites. But, if you really want to save some dough, you can also opt for tent camping! Starting at an average rate of $115 per night, a Tent or Pop-up Campsite at Fort Wilderness includes room for a pop-up camper or a camper van-type vehicle, and up to 2 tents. It can also accommodate equipment on a concrete pad up to 10 feet by 25 feet. ©Disney On the flip side, the average nightly rate at a Value Resort like All-Star Movies is around $190 per night. So, is camping at Disney World worth the money you can save? We turned to the experts — Disney Adults — to find out. Yes, It’s Worth It Fort Wilderness has a fan club and they’re pretty darn passionate! Obviously, the biggest pro is the low cost of staying at a Disney World resort that comes with amenities like stellar dining, themed pools, and plenty of activities. The campsites come with access to restrooms with full showers that are quite private and roomy, too. Fort Wilderness Another advantage is that while the official check-in is 3PM just like other Disney hotels, housekeeping doesn’t have to come “clean up” the rooms or anything — other than placing a pinecone Mickey on the ground — so you can typically show up to your campsite and start setting up your tent even earlier. ©Disney And, if you happen to visit around Halloween or Christmas, you’ll get to check out the famous Fort Wilderness golf cart parades! Not to mention all the incredible decorations that other campers put up to celebrate the holidays. Some people really go all out. AT-AT golf cart The biggest downside is how hot it can be — so we recommended going during fall or winter for hopefully cooler temperatures and some serious excitement. Nope, Absolutely Not Speaking of those hot temperatures, plenty of folks would much rather shell out a little extra dough if it meant they got to sleep in an actual, you know, bed. Which, honestly, we can’t really blame them for. Florida certainly isn’t bug-free and you might even have to contend with a snake or two — it is the outdoors after all. ©Disney And, like we mentioned before — it gets HOT in Florida, and not just hot, but humid. Imagine waking up inside a tent that has basically turned into a greenhouse thanks to all that moisture in the air. Sure, you can bring an extension cord and plug in a fan, but most of the time we’re already sweaty and tired enough from a park day and don’t need to add a tent into the mix. ©Disney But, if you’re not an avid camper to begin with — of course you’re probably not going to be into camping at Disney World. Even if it is, you know, at Disney World. It Depends! It seems like the general consensus is camping at Disney World is totally worth it — if you like camping already and maybe aren’t planning on spending much (if any) time at the theme parks. If you do want to stay at Fort Wilderness and still go to the parks, consider renting an RV or booking one of the cabins instead! Horses! Of course, camping certainly isn’t for everyone — and if you’re planning to spend any significant amount of time in the parks, coming back to an actual bed and hotel room (or cabin!) probably sounds much better than camping in a tent with no air conditioning. But, hey, we’re not here to tell you how to party. ©Disney But, if camping in a cabin sounds more your speed, look out for over 350 refreshed cabins opening at Fort Wilderness soon. The new design features sleek, modern cabins, which Disney explained are “inspired by the resort’s idyllic setting, while also paying homage to the resort’s unique culture and heritage through the magic of Disney storytelling.” The cabins will sleep up to six adults and feature one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, a full kitchen, and a private patio. Some cabins are also dog-friendly and you can check out our full tour of one of these cabins at the link below. NEW Fort Wilderness Cabins! We’re always on the hunt for the latest ways to help you save when you’re at Disney World — even if it means roughing it in a tent! Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel tips, updates, and more news from Disney World. We Got an Exclusive Look at the NEW Fort Wilderness Cabins in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever tent-camped at Fort Wilderness? Tell us in the comments. The post Disney Adults Are DIVIDED Over This Money-Saving HACK first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Star Wars fans, prepare to add a new collectible to your shelves! We are excited to reveal an exclusive first look at the new ‘Hilt of a Jedi’ collectible box set.View the full article

When you think of Disney World, what is the first thing that pops in your mind? For many, it may be the Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is home to lots of iconic rides including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world.” Cinderella Castle There is so much to explore and do inside of Magic Kingdom, and while we think it is a truly magical place, there are also some hard truths to know about this park. We are exploring some hard truths about Magic Kingdom that may cause a bit of annoyance or frustration; however we are here to help and make sure your Magic Kingdom trip is as magical as possible! The Transportation & Ticket Center Will Likely Annoy You The Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) will be a necessary evil if you are planning on parking at Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, there is no parking lot directly connected to Magic Kingdom, so your only option is to park and then take the monorail or ferry over to the park (or if you are feeling really adventurous, you can also walk!). However, whichever option you decide will add a decent chunk of time onto your commute into Magic Kingdom. As well, don’t forget you will also need to do the reverse when you are leaving Magic Kingdom. After a long day at Magic Kingdom, realizing you still have to get on the monorail or ferry BEFORE you can head to your car can be a bit rough. Transportation and Ticket Center The best way to overcome this hard truth is to be prepared. If you need to be at Magic Kingdom at a certain time, leave early so you aren’t rushing through trying to maneuver through the Transportation & Ticket Center. Also, know that the ferry and monorail will have long lines first thing in the morning and right after fireworks. Try to avoid these times if you can so you can make your way through the TTC as efficiently as possible. Check out these rules you need to know to navigate transportation at Disney World! The Ride You Want to Ride May Not Be Open This is true for anyone of the Disney World theme parks, but the ride you really want to ride may not be open. You can prepare for planned refurbishments ahead of time, and Disney World will announce when a ride is going down for a longer period of time. However, there are a lot of moving parts on the attractions and there is always a chance that the ride goes down for technical difficulties. Some rides may also close down due to weather. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad While it can be frustrating to realize the ride you were going to next is closed, there are plenty of other things to experience in Magic Kingdom. It can be especially annoying if you are rope dropping a ride only to find that it is not open. For example, we see Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed a fair amount in the morning. Both of these rides can be popular rope drop rides, so be prepared with a back-up plan if you original ride isn’t open. Be okay with plans changing sometimes, you never know what you might experience instead! Early Entry Can Be a Blessing and a Curse If you are staying at a select Disney World hotel, you are eligible to take advantage of Early Entry to the theme parks. This allows you to enter the park 30 minutes prior to non-resort guests. However, be aware that not everything is open during Early Entry. In Magic Kingdom, ONLY Tomorrowland and Fantasyland are open for Early Entry. If you want to ride a ride that is in Adventureland or Frontierland, you will need to wait until the park opens for all guests. Don’t race all the way to Jungle Cruise to find out it won’t be open for another 30 minutes. Tomorrowland While Early Entry is a great perk for Disney World hotel guests, if you are not staying at a Disney World hotel you will want to keep Early Entry in mind. Since Tomorrowland and Fantasyland are both open during Early Entry, there will already be crowds in these areas if you are rope dropping Magic Kingdom. Your best option is to rope drop a ride that is not a part of Early Entry to take advantage of lower wait times. Check out a full list of what you can ride during Early Entry! Be Prepared If You Want to Ride TRON Lightcycle / Run TRON Lightcycle / Run is the newest attraction at Magic Kingdom, and if you are hoping to ride it during your trip to Magic Kingdom, you need to know a few things. First of all, you can only ride this ride by getting a virtual queue or purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane. There is not currently an option to stand in a stand-by line for this ride. You can join the virtual queue at 7AM and 1PM on the My Disney Experience App. It is also important to note that once you get a virtual queue, you will be assigned a boarding group number. You will only be able to ride once your group is called, and you will need to arrive within an hour of being called. There may be a slight bit of leeway on the hour, but TRON is very strict on return times so you will want to try your best to be there within the hour. TRON Lightcycle / Run That means that you won’t really be able to control when you ride TRON. If you are wanting to ride at night, you won’t be able to show up four hours after your group was called and expect to ride. As well, if the ride goes down they will pause calling back groups and you will need to wait longer to be able to return. Having a boarding group does not guarantee you will be able to ride, so keep that in the back of your mind as well. The key is being flexible and understanding that you won’t be able to choose exactly when you will ride TRON. If you get a boarding group at 7AM, you will most likely be called back by early afternoon, whereas if you get a boarding group at 1PM you will likely be called back late afternoon into evening. Find out how to ride TRON at night right here! The Fireworks are Great, But the Aftermath Is Rough The Happily Ever After Fireworks in Magic Kingdom are lots of fun, but a hard truth is that it can be crazy around fireworks. People will often start grabbing spots way before the start of the show, and then there will be lots of people trying to leave at the end. You will be doing a lot of crowd maneuvering to see the fireworks, but we think it will be worth it. You don’t need to reserve a spot hours before the show, unless you want a really prime viewing location. As well, we recommend hanging around in the park after the fireworks if Magic Kingdom is still open. Beautiful! After the fireworks, walkways will be extra crowded and the lines for transportation will also be the longest. If the park is still open, get in one last ride or do some shopping (although we suggest avoiding the Emporium right after fireworks.) There are going to be lots of people trying to make their way out of viewing areas, so bring patience and don’t feel like you need to rush out of the park right away. Read about our tips to getting the best view of the fireworks! The Parade is Also Great, But Can Be Inconvenient On a similar note, the Festival of Fantasy Parade is a fantastic parade, but it can also cause some inconveniences. As the parade moves through the park, walkways will be blocked off and you may find it hard to get places. If you find yourself stuck by the parade, you may as well stop and enjoy it! It has lots of our favorite Disney characters and we promise it will pass by soon enough. Festival of Fantasy Parade Additionally, we suggest avoiding the Walt Disney World Railroad around parade time as it will pause operations to let the parade through. It may seem like a great idea to get off your feet mid-afternoon, but you may find yourself enjoying a longer sitting time if you board as the parade is starting. Find out the secret way to get the best parade view! Space Mountain is Showing Its Age If you are an avid Space Mountain fan, we apologize in advance. However, Space Mountain has been showing its age and has been getting rougher and rougher. We are also getting older, so our backs are not what they once were, but we wanted to warn you ahead of time. We aren’t trying to say don’t ride Space Mountain but be prepared for a jerky and rough ride. Space Mountain It is hard to beat shooting through the stars in your rocket, but our backs have definitely been feeling it. We are all for riding Space Mountain for lots of nostalgic vibes, but if you are looking for a smoother ride we may suggest trying a different ride. Some of our suggestions include TRON Lightcycle / Run or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Check out our favorite rides in Magic Kingdom! If You Are Looking For Olaf, You Are Going to Be Disappointed We want to send a warning out that you won’t be able to find EVERY character in Magic Kingdom. Not every character meets regularly in the theme parks, and some characters only meet in certain parks. We suggest checking out the My Disney Experience app under “Characters” and you can see a full list of characters that are meeting at Magic Kingdom. You can find Olaf in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We don’t want you all dressed up and hyped to meet Olaf, only to find out that you can’t meet him in Magic Kingdom. Although, you can sometimes find rare characters roaming or meeting in the parks, there is no guarantee you will see them if they don’t have a scheduled meet and greet. These are just a few of the tips we have for your Magic Kingdom trip. We know there is a lot to know about planning a trip to Magic Kingdom, so make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide to Magic Kingdom for 2024: We are in the parks every day to make sure you have the best Disney vacation. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, updates, and reviews! Check out our favorite meal at EVERY Magic Kingdom restaurant! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your must-do ride in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post 8 Disney World Truths That Hit Hard and Make You Regret Your Magic Kingdom Decisions first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re visiting Disney World soon, there’s a certain EPCOT restaurant we recommend visiting if you’re craving some delicious sweets! EPCOT EPCOT is famous for Drinking Around the World, innovative attractions, and stellar cultural eats, so it’s only natural we’re on the hunt for the best meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts every visit. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like us, then this news from a restaurant in the France Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase is sure to make you smile! Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion is a quick-service kiosk that specializes in crêpes, ice cream, wine, ciders, and, soon…milkshakes! @artisandesglace L’Artisan des Glaces announced on its Instagram page that it is bringing three house-made milkshakes to Crêpes À Emporter! You can grab a vanilla shake… @artisandesglace …Chocolate shake… @artisandesglace …or a strawberry shake! @artisandesglace Give them all a try, and be sure to share your reviews with us! Per the post, L’Artisan des Glaces says the milkshakes are available NOW! And stay tuned for our full review. As we previously mentioned, the Crêpes À Emporter kiosk is in the France Pavilion of the World Showcase in EPCOT. It is adjacent to La Creperie de Paris and fairly close to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Crêpes à Emporter The France Pavilion has some of our ABSOLUTE favorite eats in all of Disney World, so we’re always looking for an excuse to head over to that corner of EPCOT and indulge in tasty delicacies. As for the rest of the restaurants in EPCOT’s World Showcase, we consider ourselves experts in that field as well and you can find more information on those by clicking the link below! EPCOT’s World Showcase Restaurants Stay tuned here at DFB for the latest EPCOT and Disney World news, tips, reviews, and more! REVIEW: Should You Try Fancy French Fast Food in EPCOT? Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you plan on heading over to Crêpes À Emporter to try the new milkshakes? Let us know in the comments! The post We've Got 3 NEW Reasons To Visit This EPCOT Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you were following Disney news a few weeks and months ago, then you probably watched the company’s proxy battle unfold. The Walt Disney Company headquarters in California For many months, we watched activist investor Nelson Peltz and his Trian Partners attempt to secure a spot on The Walt Disney Company board. It all culminated in a very important vote during Disney’s annual shareholders meeting, and Peltz ultimately lost the election. But now, we have one major update on the situation. CNBC reports that Nelson Peltz has sold his entire stake in Disney, according to a person familiar with the matter. All his stock was sold at roughly $120 per share, meaning that he made about $1 billion on the deal. ©New York Times Nelson Peltz of Trian Partners This move comes just weeks after the shareholder meeting in April where Peltz and former Disney finance chief Jay Rasulo did not earn spots on the board. The 2024 shareholder meeting was not the first time that Peltz had ignited a proxy campaign — he’d taken issue with Disney leadership in the past. ©Getty Images In October of 2023, CNBC reported that Peltz upped his stake in Disney to about 30 million shares, right before kicking off the latest proxy battle. Peltz’s campaign at the time took particular interest in Disney’s streaming woes, as well as the failed succession plan for CEO Bob Iger. Currently, both of those tasks are things that Disney is taking an interest in. Cinderella Castle Disney already announced a new sports streaming service to house ESPN content, where the company is partnering with Fox and Warner Bros. And as far as a successor for Bog Iger goes, the candidates have reportedly been narrowed down, and Iger has reassured shareholders that he and the Board of Directors have learned from the past, and hopefully, with this succession, there won’t be so many external factors affecting a successor’s ability to lead the company. ©Disney We’ll be interested to see what important business decisions Disney makes going forward, and we’ll keep you in the loop if we get any more updates on policy changes or new business ventures. Stay tuned to DFB. Click Here to Learn More About the Proxy Battle! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW The post NEWS: Activist Investor Nelson Peltz Sells BILLION Worth of Disney Shares After Contentious Proxy Battle first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The reality of Genie+, secret virtual queue drops, and FREE park tickets? Disney World Disney World might not be the park you THOUGHT it was. Check out our video below: 12 Things People Don’t Realize About Disney World Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! 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 did you think of this video? Tell us in the comments! The post DFB Video: 12 Things People Don't Realize About Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney likes to keep us on our toes regarding announcements for both the theme parks and entertainment. However, there is a special event coming up that almost always means we will be getting some exciting announcements about Disney’s future plans. D23 Media Event We never know what sort of plans Disney might announce during this event, but there are always a few things we are hoping to hear more about! And we are hoping for a very specific announcement this summer. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is taking place this summer from August 9th through the 11th, 2024 in Anaheim, California. During this event, Disney executives will run panels and presentations where we will learn about future plans for entertainment and the theme parks. This event usually has some BIG announcements, and we can’t wait to see what may be announced during this year’s event. ©Disney One announcement we are hoping that Disney might make revolves around an abandoned building in Disney World. We are talking about the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. This hotel was a unique, immersive experience into the Star Wars world. The experience was a 2-night voyage that provided guests with a new way to experience Star Wars. While many guests raved about the unique experience, Disney made the decision to close the experience on September 30th, 2023, saying that it “didn’t perform exactly like [they] wanted it to perform.” Just 19 months after the maiden voyage, the Galactic Starcruiser hotel had its last voyage. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser However, since then, the building has remained abandoned next to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the hotel is smaller than most Disney World hotels, it is by no means an unusable space. We have seen a couple indications that Disney is not done with this building yet. There have been two different permits filed for this space, Disney guests received a survey after the closure, and Disney has already mentioned they want to learn from the failed experience. So, the logical next question is, what are Disney’s plans for this abandoned building? We haven’t heard much about the future plans for this area, but could we find out more during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Dining on the Galactic Starcruiser We would love to see this space utilized for something, and we know Disney has some pretty great creative minds. We are hoping that the D23 Expo may feature a plan for the Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Or maybe we could at least get an update on what is going on inside? Curious minds want to know if it is still being cleaned or if it just going to turn into an abandoned, dusty building. What is the future for this building and what types of plans does Disney have for learning from this creative project? Previously, Disney has stated that they will take what they have ” learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our guests and fans.” Galactic Starcruiser’s Atrium We could theorize all day about what could become of Galactic Starcruiser. Disney could reopen it as a Star Wars themed hotel, without as much immersion. They could also retheme it completely and create a somewhat similar immersive experience. Or retheme it and take out the immersive aspects entirely. They could also turn it into offices or meeting spaces, or even completely tear down the building. There are lots of options for this area and we could get an announcement about it during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Only time will tell! In the meantime, we are covering all the Disney news, so make sure to stay tuned to DFB! Check out what to expect at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this August! 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 announcements are you hoping to hear at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Let us know in the comments! The post The One Major Hotel Announcement Disney Could Make in August first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Treat yourself to tasty bites and sips across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort for Pride MoView the full article

Y’ALL. Can you believe it’s almost time to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom?! ©Disney The Princess and the Frog-themed ride will open to everyone on June 28th, 2024. But previews for exclusive groups of Disney fans start next week . We just got a first look inside the attraction, but now the CONSTRUCTION WALLS are down! Let’s get into it! We were SO EXCITED to see that Disney has taken the walls down around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The construction walls are DOWN at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! And with those walls down, we’re getting our FIRST LOOK at the ride sign! It’s the first time we’re seeing the sign for the new ride! We know that lots of things change between the initial concept for a ride and the actual construction and ride design, but wow, that sign is SO CLOSE to the one we saw in a model displayed at the D23 Expo in 2022. The ride sign on a model displayed at the 2022 D23 Expo. New Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Souvenirs Are Coming to Disney World! We were there at rope drop to get our first look at what was behind the walls, and there were big crowds waiting for the rope to drop in Adventureland. Kinda chaotic! Lots of folks ready to go at rope drop! We can finally see those adorable frogs on a log! FROGS!! Now, if you’re planning to ride when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disney World, here’s what you need to know! There are two ways to do so. You can either purchase Genie+ and make a Lightning Lane reservation for the attraction, or you can join the Virtual Queue at 7AM or 1PM. The Virtual Queue can be TRICKY, especially for brand new rides – learn all about it here. Just remember that you won’t be able to walk up and get in a standby line for this ride when it opens — you’ll need to prepare by using Genie+ or getting in that Virtual Queue, so do your prep work in advance! ©Disney Don’t forget — this ride is also coming to Disneyland! Construction is moving quickly in California, too! We don’t have an opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland just yet, but it is set to open sometime in 2024. Construction progress in Disneyland Just like today — we’re monitoring the progress on this new ride every single day in Magic Kingdom! So, keep following DFB for the latest on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and all things Disney World! If you are already planning your “first ride on Tiana’s” outfit, we’ve got the PERFECT SHIRT for you! Check out our Tiana shirts! Grab Our Bayou Adventure Shirt Right Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer? Tell us about your plans in the comments below! The post BREAKING: Sign Revealed, Construction Walls Down at Tiana's Bayou Adventure Ride in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The classic Country Bear Jamboree is getting a new look and a new sound this year! A new show is coming! We learned in September 2023 that the show would be closing for a revamp, and that Nashville singers, producers, and musicians were involved. And we know that “The Bare Necessities” is one of the Disney tunes being used in the new show. But we just got more info — and we’re sharing it here now! First up, though, we want to warn you that some of what we’re about to share may be considered spoilers. So, if you want to be surprised the first time you watch the new Country Bear Jamboree, you may want to click out of this post now! Now that that’s out of the way, Walt Disney Imagineering just dropped a new episode of its YouTube series, “We Call It Imagineering.” This episode focuses on soundscapes in the parks and on attractions. We got to see some scenes INSIDE Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride — and you can read about that and see the photos right here! But we also got to go inside some Nashville recording sessions for the NEW Country Bear Jamboree show! You can watch the episode right here. In the episode, we learned that the new show will open with Trixie singing “Try Everything” from Zootopia. Trixie will be voiced by Emily Ann Roberts, a country and gospel singer who rose to fame as a contestant on “The Voice.” Emily Ann Roberts in the studio with producer Mac McAnally. And we got to see Grammy winners Allison Russell and Chris Thile recording “A Whole New World” from Aladdin for the show! Allison Russell and Chris Thile We can’t wait to see what else the new show has in store! Disney has not announced an opening date yet, but the NEW Country Bear Jamboree show is set to open sometime in the summer of 2024. We’ll be bringing you all the Country Bear Jamboree news as soon as it’s released, so keep following us here at DFB for the latest! Why Disney Fans Are So Angry About the Country Bear Jamboree Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited to see these songs in the new show? Tell us in the comments below! The post NEWS: SONGS, ARTISTS Revealed for Revamped Country Bear Jamboree Show in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re just days away from being able to check out Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride in the Magic Kingdom! ©Disney The Princess and the Frog-themed ride is set to open to everyone on June 28th, 2024 after sets of previews for Cast Members, Annual Passholders and more Disney fans. Since construction started in early 2023 in Frontierland, we’ve been eagerly waiting for the opening of this attraction! We previously got a sneak peek at the animatronics, new characters, queue details, and more, but now we’re getting a glimpse inside the ride FOR THE FIRST TIME! Now we do want to stop right here and say there are several SPOILER ALERTS in this post — so if you want to be totally surprised when you ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for the first time, you should probably click out of this. Disney Imagineering just dropped a new episode of their YouTube series, “We Call It Imagineering.” This one is all about Soundscapes in the parks and there’s LOTS of interesting info in it, but we were most interested in the shots of a Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride-through in the video! You can watch the whole video here. Grammy Award-winner PJ Morton wrote a new song for the ride — “Special Spice” — and the video takes us along for his first time experiencing the attraction with his song. Musician PJ Morton, front right, riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for the first time. Here’s a look at Tiana greeting riders on the lift hill… ©Disney …and a closer look as you ride by her. ©Disney The new song — “Special Spice” — plays during the finale scene of the ride, and we got so many looks at this room overflowing with animatronics! ©Disney We’ve got Mama Odie… ©Disney …and a banner welcoming us to Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen’s home, Fleur du Bayou. ©Disney Here’s a look at Tiana and Louis… ©Disney …and another Tiana animatronic because she appears in multiple ride scenes. ©Disney Just as we have watched the outside of this ride be covered with flowers and greenery, the inside has similar lush landscaping. ©Disney We also got a glimpse of a ride sign warning that we may get wet on the ride — no surprise with that hill! ©Disney That final scene will include all of the musical critters we help Tiana round up during the ride for her party playing “Special Spice” — with Louis directing the band. Prince Naveen will be playing his ukelele, and Prince Ralphie will be o the drums! “Seeing my song on the ride for the very first time was mind blowing to me,” Morton said. A full version of the song will be released on Friday, May 31st on all streaming platforms — so you can listen before you ride. AND we’ve got the PERFECT SHIRT for you to wear when you go to Disney World to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for the first time! Check out our Tiana shirts! Grab Your Bayou Adventure Shirt Here! We’re checking out the progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure every day, and we will be covering alllllll the things about this new ride as we approach its opening next month. So keep following us here at DFB for more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW The post BREAKING: Let's Go INSIDE Tiana's Bayou Adventure for the FIRST TIME in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Go behind the scenes with Walt Disney Imagineering to see how music is created for upcoming attractions like Tiana's Bayou Adventure.View the full article

Do you dream of joining the Resistance and fighting the First Order? Galactic Starcruiser Cast Members For a sweet 19 months, you could live out that dream at Disney World’s Star Wars hotel — the Galactic Starcruiser. A 2-night “cruise” on the Galactic Starcruiser put you in the middle of an immersive environment where you could choose to join the First Order or fight with the Resistance. It was an experience like no other — and many potential guests decided the price was also completely out of this world, at about $4,800 for 2 people for 2 nights. Yes, that price did include food, entertainment, an “excursion” to Batuu, and your stay — it was basically all-inclusive like a cruise. But ultimately, the cost was too high — both for customers and for Disney — and the hotel closed less than two years after it opened. Stormtroopers on board the Galactic Starcruiser So what’s a Star Wars fan to do? Well, we’ve found what we believe to be the CLOSEST experience you can have to the Star Wars Hotel … but there’s a BIG catch! The NEW Star Wars Experience will be aboard the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship, which sets sail in December 2024. That’s right. The Disney Treasure will be home to Star Wars: Cargo Bay, where, according to Disney, you can “step aboard a starship prepping for a mission to aid the Resistance and join forces with Star Wars friends like Chewbacca and Rey.” BUT. And here’s the catch (oh, you thought the catch was that you had to take a cruise? Nope.), Star Wars: Cargo Bay is part of the Disney Oceaneer’s Club aboard the ship. And that means you’ll need to be between the ages of 3 and 10 to visit. ©Disney Yep, the kiddos are in for lots of Star Wars fun aboard the Disney Treasure. And they won’t just be aiding the resistance, they’ll become animal wranglers in that galaxy far, far away. “…become the crew’s newest exotic-creature handler and wrangle exciting animals like Porgs, Loth-Cats, a Dianoga and more,” Disney says. ©Disney The Disney Treasure is going to have so many “first at sea” innovations for Disney — including a Haunted Mansion Lounge and a lounge themed after the Jungle Cruise! Have you booked your cruise yet? We suggest getting in touch with our friends at Small World Vacations — they can help you find the perfect stateroom and excursions for your ideal cruise! We’ll be on board the Disney Treasure on some of its first sailings to bring you full coverage and reviews of the new ship, so keep following us here at Disney Food Blog for much more! What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Have you been on a Disney Cruise? Tell us about it in the comments! The post This NEW Star Wars Experience May be the CLOSEST Thing to the Star Wars Hotel We’ve Seen! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s nothing more crushing than having your flight canceled before a highly anticipated trip. Southwest plane However, the unfortunate truth is that sometimes it’s unavoidable, So the best thing you can do is be as prepared as possible. If you’re flying Southwest, that means knowing the most common reasons flights are canceled, and knowing what to do if that happens. Why Does Southwest Cancel Flights? According to Southwest, there are several reasons flights are canceled, including “standard maintenance tasks, severe weather, and staffing logistics (planes are legally required to have a minimum number of staff on the plane.)” Southwest Plane The airline went further into what “severe weather” entails, saying that they keep “planes on the ground when there is bad weather, especially weather that might cause unfavorable conditions. These weather events can include dense fog, heavy rainfall, low clouds, heavy snowfall, lightning, and other extreme weather at any point along the route, not just at the departure and arrival cities.” What To Do If Your Southwest is Canceled Now that we’ve established the most common reasons WHY Southwest cancels flights in their own words, here’s what you should do if you find yourself in the unenviable situation of having one canceled. According to Southwest, if your flight is canceled, “you’ll receive a new itinerary automatically via email, text, phone call, or you will see it in your Southwest app.” As long as the new itinerary works for you, then there’s nothing else you’ll need to do other than show up once this automatic process is complete. If the new provided itinerary doesn’t work, “you can cancel or change your flight to a better time” according to the airline. Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport If you choose to cancel, the airline’s current refund policy is relatively straightforward: “If you choose a method-of-payment refund, you’ll receive it in the form of the original payment within seven business days. For cash refunds, you’ll receive a check within 20 business days. If you used Rapid Reward Points, they will return to the account used to book the flight.” Southwest Cabin Having your flight canceled — whether it’s a long-awaited vacation, or you suddenly need to get somewhere quickly — can be immensely disappointing. However, knowing why flights are canceled (and in turn being prepared for the possibility) as well as (arguably more importantly) knowing what to do in the event of cancellation can make the whole process much easier to deal with, and get you back on your way as quickly as possible. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips. Southwest Airlines is Partnering with Google To Make Flying to Disney World Even EASIER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever dealt with a canceled Southwest flight? Let us know how that went in the comments below. The post 8 Reasons Why Your Southwest Airlines Flight Could Be Canceled first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re trying not to get too bent out of shape over Universal’s latest announcement but, it’s BIG! Epic Universe Preview Center If it feels like updates about Universal’s Epic Universe park are coming at you fast and furious it’s for good reason. So much has already been shared from Universal about a few of the lands you’ll find in each park including exclusive rides, restaurants, and so much more. We’ve also been keeping up with the latest progress on the park and the surrounding 3 hotel’s construction as they start making more visible progress. But, now, Universal has just released another update that will help you prepare to experience the upcoming park before you’re able to step foot inside. If you’ve been eagerly waiting by every communication device you own to find out when you can get the first look at Universal’s Epic Universe you might get a chance sooner than you thought. Universal Parks – Epic Universe ©Universal Back in January, we first learned that the Universal Legacy Store in Universal’s City Walk would be abruptly closing to make way for a preview center full of ways to experience the highly-anticipated new theme park. If you’re not totally familiar with where this store once stood, you’ll find it on the side closest to the entrance of Islands of Adventure between the BigFire, CowFish, and Vivo restaurants on the ground floor. Now, it seems that Universal is ready to share more details with us about the center and what we’ll find inside! ©Universal Starting in June 2024, Universal will start welcoming visitors to the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center. Universal expects this new area to open as an “all-new interactive experience that allows guests to get an up-close look at the new theme park ahead of its opening in 2025.” Inside, you’ll find a massive model of the entire park offering its visitors a more comprehensive overview of the park’s layout and features, including each of the 5 lands. ©Universal Studios The preview center also aims to highlight many of the attractions and experiences within Epic Universe. Visitors of the center will have the opportunity to watch exciting elements of the park’s model come to life through augmented reality on their compatible mobile devices, shop brand-new collections of Epic Universe merch, and stop to pose for pictures with unique backgrounds themed to each of the park’s five lands — Celestial Park, How To Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. ©Universal We’re beside ourselves with excitement at the chance to get an even further peek at the new park and see how it comes to life right before our eyes! We’ll be keeping up with all the construction progress, and future announcements, and will even be out on the opening day of Universal’s Epic Universe! Check to make sure you’re following us for all the latest updates and stay tuned with DFB for more. FIRST LOOK: We Went INSIDE Universal Orlando’s NEWEST Land! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What are you most excited to experience at Universal’s Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments below! The post NEWS: The NEW Epic Universe Preview Center Is Opening SOON at Universal Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If McDonald’s and Disney have zero fans, we’re dead. McDonald’s Whether we’re trying the latest menu items at the restaurant, grabbing the newest Happy Meal toys, or even making our own food hacks with the items from their menu — we love Mickey D’s just about as much as we love all things Disney. So, when we’re able to combine our passions we have a reason to celebrate — and today happens to be one of those days. Well, almost. Die-hard Disney fans know all about POG Juice. What’s POG Juice, you ask? Allow us to explain. POG Juice is a truly delightful drink found at several restaurants around Disney World. “POG” stands for Passionfruit, Orange, and Guava — the fruit juices that come together to make this beloved beverage! It has a cult following (it’s us, we’re in the cult) and you can even find POG mimosas, gelato, and more treats around the parks and hotels. POG Juice It’s a popular drink around Hawai’i as well, which explains why it was brought to Disney’s Polynesian Resort and eventually found its way around the rest of Disney World. But, certain folks can now get POG Juice at their local McDonald’s thanks to the NEW Passionfruit Orange Guava Smoothie! ©McDonald’s The Passionfruit Orange Guava Smoothie is made with “real guava purée, with the fresh taste of passionfruit and orange. Blended together with yogurt and ice.” Not only that, but you can get it with or without yogurt if you’re looking for an extra creamy treat. But, we do need to warn you before you grab your keys and head out to your car… POG Juice with rum? YES, PLEASE! …as of now, the Passionfruit Orange Guava Smoothie is only available at McDonald’s restaurants in Canada! So far, we haven’t seen any indications that this flavor might soon be available stateside, but we’re definitely keeping an eye out for this treat. Oh, POG Juice, how we love thee. In other McDonald’s news, new Happy Meal Toys have arrived! And, it gets even better because they’re Disney-themed Happy Meal Toys, too. To celebrate the release of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 coming to theaters soon, new character toys have landed at McDonald’s. The toys are available now at McDonald’s and come with customizable stickers so you can personalize them based on how you’re feeling. And, they double as fun little disc shooters so you can practice getting those emotions out. ©McDonald’s Inside Out 2 follows the emotions in Riley’s mind as she enters her teenage years. The movie comes out on June 14th, and you can purchase your tickets from Fandango right now. And, while you’re at it — swing by your local McDonald’s to get your hands on these new Happy Meal Toys! There are ten different toys in total, including emotions like Joy, Anger, Sadness, and the new emotion Riley experiences during this movie — anxiety. ©McDonald’s Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 will be hitting theaters on June 14th, and tickets are available now. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog as we continue to bring you the latest McDonald’s, Disney, and Pixar news! Check Out EVERYWHERE You Can Find POG Juice at Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a POG Juice fan? Tell us in the comments. The post McDonald's Has a NEW POG JUICE Smoothie! There's Just ONE Problem... first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article