Disney4me

Pride Month is just around the corner and with that comes some special offerings! Pride Month Sign Disney World has a lot going on in June, Pride Month included! If you’d like to join the festivities and take advantage of some special Pride Month offers, Disney Springs might have just the thing for you! Patina Restaurant Group recently shared with us that some of its Disney Springs locations will be offering specialty Pride Month cocktails! PATINA® To celebrate the vibrancy of the LGBT+ community, these restaurants have created four unique cocktails crafted with 21Seeds tequila and real fruit. The drinks and the restaurants where you can find them are as follows: Maria and Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and The Edison Seed & Sassy: Choice of 21Seeds Infused Tequila with club soda, served over fresh fruit and ice for $15 Spicy Ms. Margarita: 21Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Infused Tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup with a lime wedge, cucumber slices, and salted rim for $17 Morimoto Asia Seed & Sassy and Spicy Ms. Margarita are offered here in addition to two more drinks: Mr. Margarita: 21Seeds Valencia Orange Infused Tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup with a lime wedge, cucumber slices, and salted rim for $17 Proud Paloma: 21Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Infused Tequila, pink grapefruit juice, and club soda, served with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of basil for $15 The Edison in Disney Springs Along with these new June offerings, Patina Restaurant Group’s Orlando restaurants will make a donation to The Center Orlando, an LGBT+ organization that strives to promote and empower the LGBT+ “community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.” So if you’re all about the cause and want to give back, head over to any of these four restaurants and grab yourself a cocktail! Maria & Enzo’s Area Patina Restaurant Group’s Pride Month offerings are just another part of the larger Disney World Pride Month celebration, which in the past has included special merchandise, new food, unique PhotoPass backgrounds, and Pride Month-themed art and decorations around the resort. Pride Month mural in 2023 We’ll keep you posted on Pride Month updates as they roll out in addition to any and all Disney Springs and Disney World news — so stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest! ALERT! Disney Just Dropped a NEW Pride Collection Online! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a fan of any of the restaurants offering these limited-time drinks? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT! These NEW Disney World Cocktails Are Gonna Be POPULAR! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve given you a heads-up about all kinds of things that can go wrong with your Disney World vacation and tried to prepare you every step of the way. ©Terminix This time we don’t have trip cancellations or delays to tell you about, but we do have ANOTHER pesky bug to warn you about before it has a chance to make a dent in your vacation plans! If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in the near future, you’ll want to be aware of an ant species that is capable of setting up “super colonies”. Yep, you heard us right… and you’ll need to be aware because they’re starting to pop up all over Florida. ©Arrow Termite and Pest Control This problematic ant species isn’t just your normal, run-of-the-mill ant. Although they’ve been around for decades, with summer just beginning it’s a prime season for these ants to spread. According to WKMG, researchers at the University of Florida have named this particular ant the “Tawny Crazy Ant” due to the erratic and quick ways they move and their reddish-brown color. Tawny crazy ants feeding on NecDew (Photo Credit: Dr. Rudolf Scheffrahn) (Rudolf Scheffrahn) Although they’ve got quite the jarring name, these ants are relatively harmless, since their bites are very lame and they have no sting. The real problem you’ll encounter with them is that they’re capable of creating “super colonies” with more than one queen and a system of connected nests. Several counties in Florida have already reported trouble dealing with these ants and we can totally see why. ©WKMG According to Dr. Rudolf Scheffrahn, a professor of entomology at the University of Florida, just spraying the infected area won’t fix your problem. While most folks want to self-treat or get pest control companies in to take care of the problem, these pests aren’t going away easily until you’re able to deal with all of their nests (and there might not be an easy way to know where and how many of them are connected). Dead crazy ants outside of a screened patio (Photo Credit: UF/IFAS) (University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) Experts are advising that if you experience an infestation, you should try to remember the following: Eliminate food, water, and shelter that could encourage ants to seek out your property. De-clutter and remove debris or other unneeded items from your property. Establish regular trash removal. If you have had pest control performed on your property, don’t hose ants off the pavement area, as this can also wash away the treatment. Instead, use a blower. Prepare to pay for frequent pest control services. Be careful about “self-treating,” as your efforts could counteract those of a professional pest control service. For example, spraying an insecticide over a bait could render the bait ineffective. However, even if your best efforts prove less successful than what’s ideal, not all hope is lost. Dr. Scheffrahn also added that this species of ant is “ephemeral,” which means they won’t stick around for too long. He explained their M.O. is to come into an area, take over, and then abruptly leave after a year or two. While he’s not totally certain of what exactly drives them out eventually, Scheffrahn thinks it could be as simple as being lesser to fire ants or encountering another big-headed ant species that take over their habitat. It’s certainly not ideal for something to encounter while you’re looking to have the best vacation ever but knowing what to watch for and being proactive with treatment really will be your best route of trying to rid yourself of these pests fastest. Be sure you stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog as we bring you the latest in news, updates, and more to help you plan for your next Disney World vacation! 4 Hotel Rooms in Disney World That Are Only 127 Steps Away from the Skyliner Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are the bugs in Florida that you dread most when you visit? Give us your list in the comments below! The post A 'Crazy Ant' Species Has Been Spotted Near Disney World. No, Really. We're Serious. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We give out plenty of Disney World tips here at DFB, but one of the most important will always be remembering sun protection! Flying We seriously cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your skin safe from those harmful UV rays — whether it’s with sunscreen, a hat, loose long-sleeved shirts, or whatever floats your boat. But, we recently learned a travel fact that may or may not have scarred us for life, and if we have to be scared forever now — so do you. Sure, you know you need to worry about wearing sunscreen — and the proper amount at that — when you’re outside in the sunshine, at the beach, at Disney World, and really anywhere you’re planning on going where you might be exposed to the sun. But, did you know you should actually also be wearing sunscreen when you’re on a flight?! Air travel It’s the truth, it’s factual, but not everything is satisfactual if you don’t wear sunscreen on your next flight. According to the Ohio State University (OSU), airplane passengers are especially at risk “because airplane travel is closer to the ozone layer of Earth’s atmosphere.” This means that ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be even more powerful and pose a greater risk of sun damage. Flying can be stressful! Passenger exposure is typically less than that of the flight crew, especially pilots, because of the difference in the size of passenger windows as opposed to cockpit windows, the different frequencies, and extended periods of time spent on airplanes. Luckily, not all hope is lost! There are ways to protect your skin when you’re in the skies. OSU recommends applying “a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours. If you’re in a window seat on an airplane, shut the shade when you can.” But, it’s not just air travel that can pose risks of harmful UV exposure. Flying on Frontier Airlines Anytime you’re near a window exposed to daylight for long periods of time you’re potentially exposing yourself to UV rays — which can increase your risk for skin cancer and sun damage that leads to early signs of aging. Wearing SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and reapplying regularly can be a huge help, but so can wearing sun-protective clothing or a wide-brimmed hat. You’re sure to be the most fabulous-looking passenger on the plane! And, check out our tips for how to choose the best sunscreen below. Airplane First thing’s first, check the ingredients. There may be some that you are allergic to (for example, many sunscreens contain gluten) or you may prefer a product with more natural ingredients. If you are concerned about these things, check the labels. For all sunscreens, doctors recommend using at least SPF 30 or higher and ones that provide both UVA and UVB protection (sometimes called “broad spectrum”). However, if you do pick a sunscreen with a higher SPF, that doesn’t mean using less or applying it less often, so stick to your normal sunscreen routine. Now, figure out what you are looking for in sunscreen. This can help narrow down your choices! We have compiled some great options for each of these categories, so take a look below! If you have little ones, there are specially-formulated sunscreens for infants and kids that start off white so you can see where it has already been applied before fully rubbing it in. For those with darker skin tones, there are plenty of options for sunscreens that won’t leave a white-cast on your skin. Natural sunscreens are great for those who prefer organic products and for people with sensitive skin. Spray sunscreens are popular for their light-weight feel and ease of application. It’s always a good idea to bring some travel-sized sunscreens for reapplication while in the parks. Let’s fly! Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog as we continue to bring you the latest travel news, updates from Disney World, and more! I Travel to Disney World 20 Times a Year. This Is How I Keep My Skin Healthy Despite Airplane Air. 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 suncare tip? Tell us in the comments. The post This Travel Fact Scared Me and Now I Wear Sunscreen on Planes first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Join runDisney for Global Running Day on June 5. Run virtual races anywhere, make racing bibs and running shirts, and win some really sweet medals.View the full article

It’s not uncommon to see Disney parks close early every now and then. Hollywood Studios However, when they do, they add it to their calendar with at least a week’s notice typically, to help guests plan for what park(s) they’d like to visit on that day. If you’re heading into Disney World next week, you need to know that one park is closing WAY early on June 5th. On this date, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close early at 5:30PM. This is due to the SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference Orlando. They will be hosting a special event in the park that evening. ©Disney Park pass reservations for regular ticket holders and hotel guests are also totally sold out for Hollywood Studios on June 5th, however some Annual Passholders can still grab passes. Slinky Dog Dash So what should you do? Well, you could grab a park pass reservation for a different Disney World park, since plenty are still available, OR if you’re an an Annual Passholder who can still grab a reservation, it’s POSSIBLE (key word here being possible) that crowds many actually be lower during the day, since most ticket holders who don’t need park passes won’t want to go to Hollywood Studios on the day that it’ll be cut short. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Looking for more recent Hollywood Studios news? Check out our posts below! More DHS News! REMINDER: Hollywood Studios Closes EARLY One Day Next Week4 Hotel Rooms in Disney World That Are Only 127 Steps Away from the SkylinerThis Might Be the Best NEW Part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and I’m Ready To Debate This Fact2 CLOSURES Continue in Disney’s Hollywood Studios This WeekBREAKING: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Potential REOPENING DATE in Disney World As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Check out where this part of the permanently closed Star Wars hotel is hiding in Hollywood Studios! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite part of a Hollywood Studios day? Tell us in the comments! The post REMINDER: Hollywood Studios Closes EARLY One Day Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Fireworks over Cinderella Castle are an iconic part of a Disney World vacation. Happily Ever After fireworks in Magic Kingdom For many people, a Magic Kingdom day just isn’t complete without staying for the nightly fireworks. And the fireworks shows are getting more and more elaborate — going from basic fireworks in the “Fantasy in the Sky” show that ran at Magic Kingdom from its opening day in 1971 to 2003, to the first show with a storyline and music designed to elicit emotion (“Wishes”), to the addition of castle projections and today, projections on the castle and all the way down Main Street, U.S.A., as well as spotlights and other effects in “Happily Ever After.” But what if the fireworks that have been a part of almost every evening for more than five decades went away? Nearly 1,000 people responded to our question about this on Facebook, so let’s take a look at what YOU said! Now, here’s the thing. Fireworks are becoming a bit controversial because of air pollution. A recent study reported that fireworks do increase air pollution and decrease air quality. Researchers from the University of Maryland monitored particulate matter in the air at 315 sites around the United States for a few days before and after the Fourth of July — when you’re most likely to have fireworks shows. They found that particulate matter in the air was elevated an average of 42% on July 4th-5th. In addition, there are fire risks associated with fireworks — and in 2021, there was a small fire near Cinderella Castle in Disney World that was reportedly caused by the fireworks. Image from DFB reader @ptolley_ on Twitter And now, we’re seeing drone shows as an alternative to fireworks in many places — including Disney Springs, where the “Disney Dreams That Soar” drone show has just debuted and is set to run nightly throughout the summer. (And we need to note that there are questions about the environmental impact of drones, too — especially if they operate on Lithium-Ion batteries.) Disney Dreams That Soar We’ve got a look at how to handle the crowds at the drone show and some of the best places to watch. But this show got us wondering if drones could ever replace the fireworks in Magic Kingdom, and we decided to ask YOU — our experts — on Facebook. We got 1,000 responses, so we know you have some strong feelings about whether or not fireworks should remain. Carl and Ellie’s house from Up in Disney Dreams That Soar Bring On the Drones! Malarie said the environmental impact would be less with drones, so she’s all for them: “Yes. Better for the environment, and honestly what they can do with drones is way more interesting. I understand the sentimental attachment to fireworks, but I absolutely believe this is the right way forward and inevitable and in 5 years after they implement it people will be curious why it didn’t happen sooner.” Jamie agreed, saying, “I think it would be fine, honestly. I’m sure they’d come up with something magical that still struck and awed us. Plus, the environmental impact of fireworks kinda sucks. I definitely wouldn’t knock it until I saw it.” View of the drone show from the Coca-Cola rooftop And some readers went beyond environmental concerns, saying that the explosions associated with fireworks can have a negative impact on autistic people or those suffering from PTSD. Drone shows are “far more environmentally friendly, not to mention PTSD-friendly. Easier to configure new shows for more minor holidays, and other special events. I’m not certain, but they might also be more cost-effective in the long run as well. And no loud bangs to frighten the smaller children,” according to Laurie. And Annette said it would be “finally a way for kids on the spectrum to enjoy a magical ending to a magical day.” Keep the Fireworks, Please But about an equal number of comments advocated for keeping the traditional fireworks in Magic Kingdom. Derek said he thinks drones are cool, “but I prefer fireworks.” And Belazco said absolutely not — “Fireworks are prettier and more old school. Not everything needs to change, some things are just classic and need to stay that way.” Magic Kingdom fireworks “I think that would be cool and more ecofriendly but I think they should stick to the magic of fireworks and maybe do a special drone show once in a while,” said Jillian. And Josef said he doesn’t want to see a change: “At the risk of sounding like an old white guy, (I’m not old) some things don’t need to change. Like I’m fine with most ride changes, etc, Disney has to keep things fresh. But honestly, the fireworks feel magical when you see them above the castle. Save the drones for something else.” Add a Drone Show in Another Park Some of you who were opposed to drones replacing fireworks in Magic Kingdom did say you would like to see drones in another park. The most common suggestion here was Animal Kingdom — because fireworks there would negatively impact the wildlife. Kristin said, “I think they would be great at Animal Kingdom.” And Miranda agreed. “The Animal Kingdom might be a great place for a night time drone show. I dont believe they would harm or disturb the animals and it would be great to see the park open late.” Animal Kingdom And John made the point that the amphitheater in Animal Kingdom that used to be the home of KiteTails could be a good location. “A drone show at Animal Kingdom would be great. Disney needs to get ROI on the rivers amphitheater they built. They could do Lion King , Jungle Book , so many movies to use. They need a night time show there again.” But some of you suggested EPCOT as a good drone show location! <3 Candice said, “at EPCOT they would be cool. I hate the fireworks there.” And Doug agreed. “…put the drones at Epcot!! Something different at each park!” Why Not Do Both? Many of you also suggested that an addition of drones to the fireworks and projections would make a nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom even better. Sashia said she’s in favor of a compromise. “Drones is great and all but not the same magical feeling!! Maybe incorporate the drones with the Fireworks show!!!” And Laurence agreed. “…the fireworks should be enhanced with the drone show.” Peter Pan “Drone show before fireworks like in Paris for the win,” Darren said. And Edward floated an idea that might help eliminate that post-fireworks crowd crush: “If the drone show happens over the 7 seas lagoon at the same time as the fireworks it will split the crowd. It pleases everybody and helps the congestion that occurs at the hub amd on main street.” And there you have it — a sampling of the HUNDREDS of responses we got about replacing the Magic Kingdom fireworks with a drone show. Keep following us here at DFB for alllll the Disney news — we go to Disney World every day to bring it to you! 2 Ways to Beat the Chaotic Crowds at the Disney Springs Drone Show Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Fireworks or drones? Where do you fall in this debate? Let us know in the comments! The post Is It Time To Say Goodbye to the Magic Kingdom Fireworks? 1,000 Disney Fans Had STRONG Opinions first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you heard of Disney’s NEW summer ticket and hotel deals? Partners It’s no secret that tickets to Disney theme parks are quite expensive and that costs to visit them can add up quick, which is why we’re always on the lookout for new deals and discounts to help you save on a Disney vacation. Our (Mickey) ears perked up when we heard bout Disneyland’s latest offer, and we wanted to remind you that both deals start TODAY! Earlier this month, Disneyland announced a new 2024 summer ticket offer. From Mondays to Thursdays, 3-day 1-park-per-day tickets start at $249 for adults and $149 for children, while Friday-Sunday 3-day 1-park-per-day tickets start at $299 for adults and $199 for children. This breaks down to roughly $83 per adult, per day and $50 per child, per day for the lowest option. The discounted tickets are available beginning TODAY (May 29th) and can be purchased for dates between June 10th and September 26th. Entering Disneyland According to Disneyland, the offer gives guests “flexible options and a great way to save to enjoy three days of magic at The Happiest Place on Earth. With thrilling adventures, popular attractions, beloved Disney characters and refreshing summertime treats, there’s something for everyone at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.” You can also save on a Disneyland Resort hotel stay! If you’re booking a stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, you can save 25% on stays of four nights or longer from June 10th through September 26th. You can also save 20% off these hotels on stays shorter than four nights on Mondays through Thursdays. This offer can be reserved starting on May 29th through September 12th. A Pixar Fest Summer classic! The deal comes during a VERY busy summer at Disneyland. Pixar Fest is running strong across the resort, including Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, the Pixar Pals Playtime Party, and Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration. In addition, the resort’s original nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! just returned to the Rivers of America! Fantasmic! is back Beyond the summer, the tickets also cover the first month of both the Halloween Time events and the Plaza de la Familia celebration of the spirit of Día de los Muertos, both of which begin on August 23rd. There’s SO MUCH going on at the Disneyland Resort this summer, and this new ticket discount offer gives a great opportunity for you to enjoy it all at a discount. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disneyland deals. DFB Video: 12 Things That SHOCK Disneyland Guests Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Does this new ticket deal make it more likely that you’ll take a trip to Disneyland this summer? Let us know in the comments below. The post Disney's NEW Hotel and Ticket Discounts Start TODAY! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re “Almost There” (nope, we’ll never stop referencing that song). Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom will soon be having early previews for select Disney World visitors and then open to the public on June 28th. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is opening in June! Ahead of that opening, we’re getting to see even more sneak peeks of the ride (Disney just keeps teasing us), and we recently learned that beignets will be available again in Magic Kingdom to celebrate the ride’s opening (ALL the beignets, y’all). We’ve even seen a sneak peek at some new merchandise. But right now, you can pick up ANOTHER Tiana’s Bayou Adventure-themed treat at Disney World. Yes, RIGHT NOW. Joffrey’s has announced that a brand new coffee blend, Tiana Bayou Beignet, is now available FOR PURCHASE in Disney Springs at the Joffrey’s location at The Landing. Yep, you can officially buy the FIRST Tiana’s Bayou Adventure treat just by visiting Disney Springs. ©Disney The description of the new coffee calls it “a decadent delight with flavor notes of honey and powdered sugar.” That sounds DELICIOUS, right? Coffee and beignets have always gone together, so it totally makes sense in a new coffee flavor. It’s a medium roast, so it should hit that perfect balance between light and dark roast. Joffrey’s in Disney Springs If you can’t get to Disney World to pick this new coffee blend up, though, you can order it online, too, from Joffrey’s website. So be sure to try it out! In the meantime, we’re just counting down the days until we can ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney has shared details about the story, mentioning that the ride picks up after the events of The Princess and the Frog. Tiana is a successful businesswoman and is throwing a party for the city of New Orleans, but she needs a special ingredient. You’ll have to float through the bayou and help Tiana find that ingredient so her party is a success. ©Disney And, you’ll come across a variety of characters and critters in the bayou, as well as Mama Odie, who will tell you to “Dig A Little Deeper” — maybe right before you take the ride’s big wet plunge! The ride will feature brand-new state-of-the-art animatronics, some great music, and a lot of fun. We can’t wait to take this adventure through the Louisiana Bayou ourselves! ©Disney Remember, you can also pick up other Disney-specific Joffrey’s coffee blends in Disney Springs, too, as well as online. That even includes blends specific to Disney World hotels. Pro tip: Joffrey’s tends to have shorter lines than Starbucks, so if you want a coffee fix and don’t want to wait in line, go to one of Joffrey’s locations (located throughout the parks and Disney Springs). Stay tuned to DFB for more FIRST LOOK at On-Ride Photo for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 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 Are you excited about the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Will you be visiting Disney World this summer to ride? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Tiana's Bayou Adventure Souvenir Is Now Available in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As many of you know, Pixar Fest is in full swing at Disneyland Resort and you’ve got to try our first-ever Pixar Best Friend Duo quiz!View the full article

Disney Chase Visa cardholders can enjoy numerous exclusive perks, including discounts at select restaurants and additional benefits throughout Walt Disney World! Disney Visa The Disney Chase Visa, offered by Chase Bank, comes in two varieties: the Disney Premier Visa Card and the regular Disney Visa Card. This Disney-themed credit card allows you to earn Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases, which can be converted into a Disney Rewards Card. You can use this card to purchase Disney theme park tickets, resort stays, merchandise (both online at shopDisney and in the parks), dining at Disney parks, movie tickets for Disney films, and more! For more info on perks and discounts available at Walt Disney World AND Disneyland Resort, CLICK HERE! On this page, we’re diving into the DISCOUNTS (and a few other perks) that cardholders can enjoy at Walt Disney World! Redemption Card Walt Disney World Dining Discounts Disney Rewards Visa cardholders get 10% off at select dining locations at the Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen EPCOT Biergarten Coral Reef Restaurant (Lunch only) Le Cellier Steakhouse (Lunch only) Rose & Crown Dining Room (Lunch only) Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Hollywood Brown Derby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tiffins Tiffins Disney Resort Hotels Boma — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jiko — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Sanaa — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge ESPN Club — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Flying Fish — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Sebastian’s Bistro — Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood — Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Trail’s End Restaurant — Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Citricos — Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Grand Floridian Cafe — Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Narcoossee’s — Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Olivia’s Cafe — Disney’s Old Key West Resort Kona Cafe — Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Boatwright’s Dining Hall — Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside The Turf Club Bar & Grill — Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Whispering Canyon Cafe — Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Ale & Compass Restaurant — Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Sanaa Disney Springs Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop Paddlefish Planet Hollywood Terralina Crafted Italian The Polite Pig ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill Disney Visa cardholders may also receive a 20% discount at Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea locations around Disney World. Joffery’s in Tomorrowland Disney World Tour and Recreation Discounts Disney Rewards Visa cardholders get 15% off at select guided tours at Walt Disney World. This discount cannot be made with online booking. Rather, cardholders should call (407) 939-7529 to make a reservation and note their Disney Visa card. The tour discount is available for the following experiences: Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth EPCOT Seas Adventures – DiveQuest Behind the Seeds at EPCOT Caring for Giants (featuring African Elephants) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Up Close with Rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek (Mid-Day Tours only; block out dates apply) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Savor the Savana: Evening Safari Experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Wild Africa Trek Disney Rewards Visa cardholders get 10% off at these select Recreational Experiences at Walt Disney World: Horse-drawn Carriage Rides at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Horseback Trail Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness ©Disney Exclusive Photo Opportunities Disney Visa Cardholders can meet Disney pals and receive complimentary photos of this exclusive experience! Location: EPCOT — Find the Disney Visa Photo Spot near the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival in World Celebration Time: 1PM – 6:30PM Daily Disney Pals: Though characters vary, typically, you’ll meet a member (or two!) of the Fab Five: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, or Pluto! Simply show your Disney Visa card to a Cast Member to enter! (This spot is somewhat hidden, but you can always find Cast Members in the area around the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival and Journey to Imagination with Figment to guide you.) Disney Pixar Film Festival Disney Visa Cardholders can also pose for a complimentary photo with Star Wars characters in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Star Wars Launch Bay in Animation Courtyard Time: 11AM – 4PM Daily Simply show your Disney Visa card to a Cast Member to enter! Disney Visa Cardholder EXCLUSIVE Meet and Greet Disney World Merchandise Discounts Disney Visa Cardholders can receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select merchandise locations throughout Disney World. Current Disney World Vacation Promotions Disney Visa Cardmembers can enjoy reduced rates for Disney World hotels rooms for stays from March 25th through June 29th, 2024. Click HERE for all the details. Disney Visa Cardmembers can get a FREE Disney Dining Plan! The deal applies to select arrival dates in July, September, and December, and you must book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Disney Travel Company Package with the Park Hopper option. You can see applicable arrival dates below, and check out FULL details HERE: July 1 to July 31, 2024 September 1 to September 7, 2024 December 9 to December 21, 2024 For a convenient way to earn rewards for Disney AND enjoy discounts on merchandise along with various other perks, consider getting a Disney Rewards Visa Card! With this card, you can save 10% on purchases of $50 or more at shopDisney and in Disney Parks. Additionally, you earn 1-2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on every purchase, which you can later redeem for Disney-related purchases. Stay tuned with us here on DFB as we give you all the need-to-know info and the latest in Disney news! We answer ALL of your Disney Visa Credit Card Questions 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 Do you have a Disney Visa Card? Tell us about your experience with the card in the comments! The post Full List of Exclusive Perks for Visa Cardmembers in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The teaser for one of the most anticipated Disney animated sequels is finally here (and we have THOUGHTS)! ©Disney Ever since The Walt Disney Company’s earnings call that announced Moana 2 was not only in production but would be dropping in November of the same year our Moana-loving hearts just about exploded! We’ve seen lots of Moana influence in the Disney World parks in everything from the revised Fantasmic! show-themed snacks, a dedicated attraction, and even a few meet-and-greet locations. So if you’re just as Moana-obsessed as we are, get ready, because we’re about to break down everything we know so far about Moana 2 in anticipation of it coming to theaters soon. Make way for MORE Moana, MORE Maui, and even MORE of Moana’s lovable sidekick pals Hei Hei and Pua! The titular character is BACK for another action-packed, full-length animated film that has the internet in a complete chokehold right now. ©Disney In case you’re not familiar with the story of Moana and how she came to be such a superheroine allow us to recap for a moment. Moana is the daughter of the village chief (try not to sing past that line, y’all) on the island of Montonui. She finds herself mysteriously drawn to the sea over and over again as she grows and with a little help from her Grandmother (who at the time is the only one who encourages her connection with the sea), sets out on a quest to save her people who are experiencing a rapid decay of their beautiful lands and destroying their resources. She meets Maui the demi-God along the way and with his cunning wit and charm (although he does tend to get in the way a bit) is able to overcome multiple challenges to restore the heart of Te Fiti and renew her village’s island. ©Disney In the recently dropped trailer, Disney is giving us the first look at what lies ahead for Moana in her next journey. The trailer opens with Moana along the beach helping a crab find a bigger fitting shell and reaching for her trusty conch to blow out of. ©Disney Then we get a glimpse of a little more grown-up-looking Moana who’s right back in her element as suggested by her hand outstretched doing her wayfinding thing. ©Disney We also get a brief look at the village people looking out towards the sea (almost as if saying goodbye?) and we can’t help but notice Moana’s parents holding a little girl. Could that be Moana as a small child or does Moana get a sibling in this film? Our anxiety is racing to find out, folks! ©Disney Just then we cut to what appears to be a happy celebration with villagers banging on drums and smiling and then CRASH… ©Disney … lightning comes out of nowhere and cuts through a building causing instant chaos! The next scene we’re shown could be familiar from the first film. Moana appears behind the waterfall in the secret docking place for the voyager boats when she takes wooden sticks to bang on a drum, looks up to see her swirl in the sail of a boat, and then is greeted by a similar drumming right back. Could this be her ancestors encouraging her out on another journey? ©Disney Oh, wait… it could just be Hei Hei being his crazy self again! ©Disney Then we’re whisked away to a montage scene of Moana taking her boat out into the sea (sensing an adventure coming up y’all)… ©Disney … with dolphins, bio-luminescent whales… ©Disney … and it seems like Moana could be keeping more company on her journey this time thanks to this scene! ©Disney To answer the burning questions on everyone’s minds … YES, we’ll see the Kakamora again… ©Disney … and we’ll get to meet up with Maui along the way (who’s also glad that Moana brought a “boat snack upgrade” with both bacon and eggs). We’ll let you figure out that joke for yourself! ©Disney Check out the FULL TRAILER below! We’re so stoked to be along for the ride for the next journey Moana is ready to face but we know with a little help from her friends and believing in herself, she’ll be ready to face it head-on! We’re always talking about the latest movies and more coming from Disney! Make sure you’re following up with us at DFB for all the updates. NEWS: Disney Shares SNEAK PEEK INSIDE CommuniCore Hall at 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 How do you feel about this new Moana 2 teaser trailer? Leave us your thoughts below! The post NEWS: Check Out Disney's NEW 'Moana 2' Trailer Out Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes even the biggest fans need a break. APs this way There’s no doubt that Annual Passholders are some of the most devoted Walt Disney World visitors, if you are one you know this. But we’re guessing even you have your breaking point where it becomes time to briefly step back. For two major reasons, June of 2024 may be one of those times. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening The June 28th grand opening of the Magic Kingdom’s highly-anticipated E-Ticket is arguably the biggest event of the year in Walt Disney World. However, you as an Annual Passholder will technically have a chance to experience it earlier, as there are AP Previews on June 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 20th. But there’s a catch… Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Disney is using a virtual queue system for the AP previews. In theory, you’d need to make a theme park reservation for one of the preview days and then try and score a virtual queue spot at 7:00AM. However, we say “in theory” because Magic Kingdom reservations for these days are ALREADY sold out, so this option wouldn’t even be on the table for you. Now, you could make a reservation for another park, park hop over to Magic Kingdom as soon as possible, and try for the second virtual queue at 1:00PM. However, these reservations are going quickly as well. Plus, these previews are sure to be jam-packed with people, and likely a bit hectic. In all honestly, as much as we understand your FOMO, it might be best to just sit out June. Empty EPCOT June is going to be an interesting month for EPCOT. On the one hand, it will see the FINAL part of the park’s massive transformation finally open when Communicore Hall finally opens on June 10th. However, the month also marks a (relatively rare now) period when EPCOT will be festival-free, as the Flower & Garden Festival ended on May 27th and the Food & Wine Festival doesn’t begin until August 29th. While this may be a relief to some — and we definitely understand that feeling — if you’re the type who finds festival-free EPCOT to light on things to do, June may make sense to skip. CommuniCore Hall While both of those are compelling reasons for you as an AP Holder to skip out on Disney World in June, we will balance it out by saying there are still a few perks available through parts of June – particularly in EPCOT – that might make a visit worth it. These include: The free-with-membership Stitch V.I.Passholder Days magnet is available at Creations Shop in EPCOT through June 26th. Remember, you’ll need to bring your Annual Pass card, linked MagicBand, or Disney MagicMobile pass, along with a photo ID to get the magnet. NEW Annual Passholder Magnet Speaking of Stitch, Sunshine Seasons features an exclusive-for-AP Holders Stitch Cake Cone dessert. Annual Passholder Stitch Cake Cone You’ll also be able to visit an exclusive AP lounge located in the Morocco pavilion’s Restaurant Marrakesh through June 18th, and take an exclusive AP photo with an oversized Mickey donut prop in the Celebration Gardens area through June 26th. Annual Passholder lounge line Moving beyond just EPCOT, through June 26th, AP Holders can save DOUBLE — 20% — at the following Walt Disney World restaurants: Magic Kingdom Be Our Guest Restaurant Cinderella’s Royal Table The Crystal Palace The Diamond Horseshoe Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen Liberty Tree Tavern The Plaza Restaurant Tony’s Town Square Restaurant Skipper Canteen EPCOT Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Biergarten Restaurant Coral Reef Restaurant Garden Grill Restaurant Le Cellier Steakhouse Rose & Crown Dining Room Spice Road Table Rose & Crown Disney’s Hollywood Studios 50’s Prime Time Café The Hollywood Brown Derby Hollywood & Vine Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant 50’s Prime Time Cafe Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tiffins Restaurant Tusker House Restaurant Tiffin’s Signature Burger Disney Hotels Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place and Sanaa Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort – Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno Disney’s Caribbean Resort – Sebastian’s Bistro Disney’s Contemporary Resort – California Grill, Chef Mickey’s and Steakhouse 71 Disney’s Coronado Resort – Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood and Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Cítricos, Grand Floridan Cafe and Narcoosee’s Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Olivia’s Cafe Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Kona Cafe and ‘Ohana Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Boatwright’s Dining Hall Disney’s Riviera Resort – Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – The Turf Club Bar and Grill Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – Wind & Waves Grill Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White and Whispering Canyon Cafe Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – Ale & Compass Restaurant, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, Cape May Cafe and Yachtsman Steakhouse Boma While there are two major reasons that you as an AP Holder may want to avoid Walt Disney World in June, there are still some temporary perks available that MAY make it worth it. Stay tuned to DFB for more Walt Disney World updates. NEW Behind-the-Scenes Look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 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 Are you an AP Holder planning to visit Disney World in June? Let us know in the comments below. The post 2 Reasons Why Annual Passholders Might Want To AVOID Disney World in June first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re sharing a recipe for a Green Tea Berry Mint Julep from the Disney Recipe Vault with you!View the full article

Get all the details on the all-new “Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland” show running at Disneyland Paris this summer.View the full article

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary, cast members tell their stories of creating magic at Wilderness Lodge, from 1994 to today.View the full article

Now that Disney’s newest drone show has taken Disney Springs by storm, you’ll probably encounter quite the crowds when you visit to see the show…unless you’re heeding our advice on how to OUTSMART the viewing area crowds. The drone show crowds are massive! If you’re someone who really wants to plus up your experience and pair your viewing with an exclusive spot (with elbow room) and possibly a meal, we’ve uncovered the BEST options for you! Both of these exclusive experiences are located at Jaleo! We’re big fans of the restaurant Jaleo and their extensive menu of tapas that showcase traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, like their massive pans of paella, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota, and wood-grilled Iberico pork. Arroz con Pollo Paella And it also helps that the restaurant is gorgeous inside and out… Lots of natural lighting … but one of its best features has to be the lakeside view from the back of the restaurant! Lakeside seating Jaleo is looking to enhance your evening experience while viewing Disney’s Dreams That Soar drone show by bringing two exclusive viewing options at the restaurant. Let’s take a closer look at each! Jaleo’s first option allows you into their roped-off section to view the show. This option is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will also allow you access to the restaurant’s full bar and nearby bathrooms (that’s a huge plus)! This option will only accommodate standing areas for viewers and to get in, you’ll need to pay $35. Standing room area When we spoke to the Cast Members at the restaurant, they said they’re currently encouraging viewers to arrive at least an hour prior to each show time if they want access to this area. However, if you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat while you’re waiting for the show to start Jaleo has an option for that, too! The restaurant has debuted a tasting experience where you’ll get to dine on tasty light plates and apps along the restaurant’s lakeside for $79. Here’s a peek at the menu offerings! Jaleo tasting experience You can also pair an espresso martini with your meal for an additional $12! Add on an espresso martini As you can see, it’s a pretty extensive list to choose from and has guaranteed seating for the show. If you’re looking to book a reservation for this option, Jaleo has advised that these reservations can be booked currently through Open Table. You’ll want to book a reservation at 7:30PM for the first drone showing and at 9:30PM for the second showing. It’s also helpful to note that since the tasting experience isn’t exclusively bookable on Open Table, you’ll want to make sure that Lakeside seating has been requested for each reservation so the restaurant knows you’re looking for the tasting experience. The restaurant also kindly asks that each table limit their seated experience to 90 minutes from the time their first order is placed in an effort to accommodate more dining parties looking to experience the next show. Disney Dreams That Soar While there are plenty of viewing areas that you can take advantage of for free, these are just a few options that one of the neighboring restaurants that back up to the lake is offering to give those who want it a chance to truly enjoy the experience and show free of the bigger crowds and make it an evening you won’t easily forget! So you tell us, is this a new tasting experience you plan on taking advantage of? Be sure to let us know your thoughts either way in the comments below and stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney news. Learn more about the crowds at the drone show 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! Would you pay for a tasting experience while watching Disney World’s newest nighttime show? Tell us why or why not in the comments below! The post 2 Ways To BEAT the Chaotic Crowds at Disney World’s NEW Drone Show first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Dreams That Soar is a new nighttime drone show that just premiered at Disney Springs! ©Disney The show features Disney stories that celebrate “the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky” all paired with a “soaring” musical score interspersed with movie quotes.” We caught the show the first night it premiered — and so did lots of other folks, which created a bit of a chaotic scene leaving after the show. But, how big are the crowds, really? Disney Dreams That Soar premiered with quite a bit of fanfare in Disney Springs — but that also meant quite a few fans showed up to take it all in, too! It’s an incredible feat of technology, so it’s no wonder that the show has become pretty popular and garnering some chaotic crowds. But, we did some investigative reporting to help figure out how you can beat the crowds at Disney Dreams That Soar — and we think it pretty much all comes down to skipping the first show. Disney Dreams That Soar We stopped by to check out the shows yet again and noticed crowds lined up long before the first show was set to start at 9PM. This created a bit of a problem for those looking to stroll through Disney Springs’ shops and restaurants — especially near those designated viewing areas. The drone show crowds are massive! We spoke with Cast Members who work at the restaurants surrounding the viewing area including Summer House on the Lake. They mentioned that they’ve had people make reservations for hours before the show to try and catch it — but not leaving when they’ve wrapped up their meal and lingering to catch the show instead. And, while that’s not inherently a bad thing — it’s causing more stress on the restaurant and backing up their reservation times for folks with later reservations. Summer House has started asking those who are finished with their meals to grab a spot in the designated viewing area to catch the show. Drone show crowds However, you do have a couple of options if you’re trying to catch this new show while enjoying some dinner and drinks! Jaleo is offering an outdoor seating and tasting experience for $79 per person. You can book the experience through Open Table but will need to book seating for the 9PM drone show at 7:30PM and specify Lake View seating. If you want to book the second show at 10:45PM, book your dining reservation for 9:30PM and also specify Lake View seating. Jaleo is also offering another option on a first-come, first-served basis and is standing room only in the roped-off bar area. This will cost you $35 per person and currently, the restaurant is recommending you arrive at least an hour early before show time for your best chance at a spot. Check out the tasting menu below! Jaleo tasting menu But if you ask us — you might just be better off waiting for that second show at 10:45PM! We tried it out and found that there were far fewer crowds and it was much easier to find places to catch the show, like the back patio at Starbucks and over by the food trucks! Hardly any crowds You can also get a pretty good view of Disney Dreams That Soar from the rooftop bar at the Coca-Cola Store, but you won’t be able to hear much of the show’s soundtrack. The music playing at the bar does a pretty solid job of drowning it out. View from the Coca-Cola rooftop We also found that the crowds leaving the show after it was over were much less chaotic and more manageable following the second show as well! So, if you can make the second nightly showing of Disney Dreams That Soar fit into your schedule — we highly recommend doing so. Otherwise, consider opting for Jaleo’s offerings or trying to view the show from somewhere unexpected. Just keep in mind that the show is best viewed from the designated viewing areas! Crowds after the show There are so many incredible scenes and characters represented in this new nighttime spectacular. Want to catch the show? It plays nightly at 9PM and 10:45PM from now until September 2nd, however, like most nighttime Disney shows, it could be canceled if there is inclement weather. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest news from Disney Springs and the rest of Disney World! Catch Our FULL Coverage of Disney Dreams That Soar by Clicking 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 Have you caught the new show at Disney Springs yet? Tell us in the comments. The post How BIG Are the Crowds for Disney World's NEW Drone Show REALLY? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Magic Kingdom in Disney World is definitely a magical place. Magic Kingdom The amount of dreams and magical moments that come true have to be uncountable at this point. However, there are a number of cringey things happening there that have us questioning if we’ll ever walk into the park again! Let’s talk about them As we said, we’re going to go over some of the cringey things at Magic Kingdom that seriously have us questioning if we’ll ever go there again! Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom The Never-Ending Lines for Magic Kingdom Buses at the Hotels Waking up early to catch the first bus to Magic Kingdom sounds like a good plan until you see the lines. The morning rush can make you feel like you’re waiting for a concert. Bus stop at All-Star Movies And trying to leave the park after the fireworks? Good luck. The crowds and wait times can be a real test of patience. The Crowds and Castle Proposals Magic Kingdom is the most nostalgic park at Disney World, but it’s also the most crowded. Cinderella Castle Crowds Trying to navigate through a sea of people, especially those getting engaged in front of Cinderella Castle (it can feel like it happens every five minutes), can be overwhelming. Congested Walkways Tied with that last item, congested walkways are one of my biggest pet peeves. People stopping in the middle of the path or clustering around shop entrances and exits can really bring foot traffic to a standstill. Imagine stopping in the MIDDLE of all of this It’s a surefire way to kill the magic when you’re constantly trying to dodge or navigate through human traffic jams. Rope Drop Chaos If you’ve ever experienced rope drop at Magic Kingdom, you know it can be utter chaos. Rope dropping lines at Magic Kingdom. The rush to get to the most popular rides can feel more like a stampede than a magical start to your day. It’s not exactly the enchanting experience you might have in mind. The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) Dilemma Unlike the other parks, Magic Kingdom requires you to go through the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). This is a problem unique to Magic Kingdom. TTC This extra step can make an easy escape incredibly difficult, especially when you’re tired after a long day and just want to get back to your hotel. It’s a Snack Kingdom, Not a Foodie Paradise While Magic Kingdom has some decent snacks, planning a full meal there can be tricky. Delicious and golden I usually find myself planning to have my meals outside of the park (usually in one of the resort restaurants) to avoid the underwhelming food options. It’s a shame when you’re in such a magical place but can’t find a satisfying meal. Those Train Tracks The old-timey charm of the tracks on Main Street USA loses its appeal when you’re constantly tripping over them. Main Street USA Trolley Tracks They’re a hazard for strollers, wheelchairs, and distracted walkers alike. Let’s just say that it’s not the most “magical” experience. Getting Stuck on the Wrong Side of a Parade If you’ve ever been caught on the “wrong side” of a parade route, you know the struggle! Festival of Fantasy Parade The parades are beautiful, but boy can they put a serious wrench in your plans if you’re not prepared. What should have been a quick walk to the next ride suddenly can turn into a lengthy detour if you’re caught on the “wrong” side. Broken or Closed Attractions Maybe it’s just my bad luck, but it seems like something is always broken or closed at Magic Kingdom. Golden Oak Outpost when closed I get that rides shut down for maintenance and shops close for refurbishments, but for some reason, I feel it happens more here than in any other park. Haunted Mansion is CLOSED Additionally, all those closures can cause other areas of the park to become even more congested as people flock to the few remaining available attractions. Fantasyland crowds in Magic Kingdom Those are just a couple of the cringey things at Magic Kingdom that seriously have us questioning if we’ll ever go there again, and we’d love to hear more about it from you! In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more tips, tricks, and resources to help you plan the BEST Disney World vacation possible. 9 Times Disney World Was TOO Cringey to Handle 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 cringy things might cause you to skip out on any of the parks in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post 9 Cringey Things That Make Me Rethink Walking Into Magic Kingdom Ever Again first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re heading to EPCOT, you’ll have a LOT of snack stands to choose from! EPCOT There are treats to be tried in every World Showcase pavilion, plus the lands at the front of the park, so how do you choose where to go? Well, recently I stopped by one of EPCOT’s slightly more hidden spots to try ALL the eats on the menu. Let’s head to Sommerfest! Atmosphere Sommerfest is tucked away in the back of the Germany Pavilion, next to Biergarten Restaurant. It’s a little blink-and-you-miss-it snack stand that serves a few different eats and some beverage options. Sommerfest The restaurant has just two windows — one for Mobile Order pickups and one for counter-made order pickups. There’s a small ordering counter in the front and usually there isn’t too much of a line to get food here. Inside Sommerfest After you pick up your order, you can grab a few pre-packaged condiments. They’ve got the basics — mustard, ketchup, and Gulden’s spicy brown mustard. Condiments In terms of seating, there aren’t too many options, and they fill up FAST with people just hanging out in the Germany Pavilion plaza. Unless someone vacates one of the tables as you walk out with your food, you’re probably going to have to sit over by World Showcase Lagoon. Seating nearby Now let’s chat about the menu! Menu As far as the snacks on this menu go, there are only three options — the Jumbo Pretzel, the Bratwurst (served with house-made paprika chips), and the Pretzel Bread Pudding. Menu However, if you’re thirsty, you’ve got quite a few choices. There are four different types of beer, two wines, and several fountain beverages. No dehydration here! Eats I’m going pretty simple for this review, just ordering all three of the snack options! I grabbed a table with a spectacular view of Spaceship Earth and laid out the spread. Full Spread First up, we’ve got the Bratwurst with House-made Paprika Chips. This is $11.49 and served on a fresh-baked roll with sauerkraut. I tried the chips first and immediately liked them a LOT more than other house-made chips in Disney World. The paprika adds some nice spice and really elevates these above their plain salted counterpart. Although there isn’t an option to order the chips on their own (without the bratwurst) on the menu, we’ve been able to order the chips at the window by themselves in the past, so it doesn’t hurt to ask if you just want a lighter snack instead of the full meal. Bratwurst The bratwurst itself was THICK and thoroughly seasoned with hints of garlic and pepper throughout. The bun is massive and it makes the bites a little bit bread-heavy and slightly difficult to manage. Add to that the pile of sauerkraut on top, and I found myself making a bit of a mess eating this. However, the sauerkraut was the perfect tangy counterpart to the sausage and really brightened up the overall flavor profile. I think this would’ve been great with some mustard on top as well. Inside the bratwurst My second item was a Germany Pavilion classic — the Jumbo Pretzel for $11.29. My main complaint here is that this does not come with dipping sauce automatically on the side. You can pick up those little packs of mustard at the counter, but you won’t get a cheese sauce or cup of mustard like with some other pretzels around Disney World. Jumbo Pretzel However, the quality of this pretzel was superb! I’ve had some other large pretzels in Disney World that were tough or hard on the outside, and this one was incredibly soft despite its size. It was thoroughly salted, although the salt had a hard time sticking to the outside in some spots and made a mess falling off the pretzel and onto my table. They serve you the pretzel in a bag, so if you’re like me and can’t finish it, you can take it with you around the park as an all-day snack. That’s a lot of pretzel! Last but not least, we need dessert! The Pretzel Bread Pudding is probably my favorite item on the Sommerfest menu, and it’s available for just $4.79. That’s a CHEAP snack! Pretzel Bread Pudding The texture is soft with a bit of chew, just like you’d expect from a perfect bread pudding. There are bits of pretzel on top, and it has kind of a sweet-and-salty flavor profile going on. The vanilla and caramel sauces are creamy and sweet, a really delicious pairing that makes this treat so much better. Honestly, this is a top-tier EPCOT dessert for me! YUM So how does Sommerfest stack up? Overall Sommerfest is a GREAT spot if you’re interested in picking up a German-inspired snack, especially if you want a classic pretzel or bratwurst. The Pretzel Bread Pudding is a great inventive twist on a pretzel, and it has become an EPCOT icon in the past few years that it has been in the park. Treats I’m also usually a big fan of Mobile Order, and the fact that this is one of the few World Showcase spots that offers it earns Sommerfest a spot on my nice list. Nosh or Not? Stop by Sommerfest for a snack if… You want to try a German classic. Both the pretzel and the bratwurst are quite good and a nice, simple representation of German cuisine. You want to try the iconic Pretzel Bread Pudding. Yep, this treat is worth a visit all on its own! That sweet-and-salty combo is SO yummy. You need some carbs to wash down your beer. Sommerfest isn’t usually the spot of choice for a beer, but it’s nearby and a great spot for carb-loaded snacks. Skip Sommerfest and keep on strolling if… The menu options don’t interest you. This may seem like an obvious one, but with only three items, there isn’t much variety here. Picky eaters might not like this spot as much as some others nearby, like Regal Eagle in the American Adventure. You want a more special experience. For more authentic and sophisticated German food, try making a reservation for Biergarten next door instead! You’re just interested in the beer/drinks. For that, people typically stop at Bier und Bretzeln out in the pavilion, or in Weinkeller. Sommerfest That’s a wrap on my visit to Sommerfest, thanks for coming along! With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. DFB Guide We’ll continue to review all the restaurants in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for our up-to-date thoughts and comments! Click Here to See Our Ranking of the Best EPCOT Restaurants! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to Sommerfest? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Too Many of Y'all Are Skipping This AMAZING Dessert in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Calling all Disney movie lovers! We’ve got exciting news! ©Disney At Disney’s 2024 annual shareholders meeting, we got to hear all about Disney’s plans for the future — whether that be across the parks or within the film studios. One movie that we were looking forward to learning more about is Moana 2, which Disney recently shared would be in theaters THIS November! Disney just confirmed on Instagram that Moana 2 will be in theaters on November 27th. ©Disney November 27th is the day before Thanksgiving, so if you’re hoping to go see it throughout the holiday weekend, expect some crowds! Will this be a box office success for Disney, especially since it’s premiering on a holiday? We’ll have to wait and see! ©Disney There’s only one problem as of right now. We still haven’t gotten the trailer! But that’s about to change, too. The new trailer is coming out TOMORROW! We’re just so excited about this film, and can’t wait to learn more about it. We don’t yet know what the rest o Moana’s story will entail, but Moana broke records as the most-streamed movie in 2023, and we’re hoping that this one will do it justice. ©Disney The only thing that Disney has confirmed about the movie so far is that both Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho would return for reprises of their roles. We’d previously heard this from both the celebs, but it was extra reassuring to hear it from Disney. OH, and we know that the movie started as a series back in 2020, but Disney CEO Bob Iger said that it ended up being so good, they decided to make a movie out of it. ©Disney We hope that we’ll get a trailer very soon, and we’ll be looking forward to November 27th. We’re always on the lookout for more Disney news, so make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop and never miss a thing. Looking for more Disney movies being released SOON? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of Moana 2 so far? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Official ‘Moana 2’ Trailer Will Be Released TOMORROW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning a Disney World trip can be pretty overwhelming — especially when you have to worry about severe storms. Storm view from aboard Disney Cruise Line Hurricane season is expected to be worse this year than what we’ve seen in the past, and we’ve been doing our best to bring you the latest news and planning tips you need to know if you’ll be heading to Disney World during that time. But, it’s not all bad news, as experts are now using new technology that helps predict storms more accurately. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November, and experts are now predicting it will be “potentially explosive.” The forecast is calling for 20 to 25 named storms, with between eight and 12 of those strengthening into hurricanes. Four to six of the storms could potentially directly impact the United States. On average, the season typically has 14 named storms. ©WESH But, new technology has been developed that helps experts more accurately predict hurricanes. According to The Orlando Sentinel, Hurricane Analysis and Forecast Systems — known as HAFS — is a computer model that went fully operational last year. Bill Ramstrom, senior software engineer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who helped develop HAFS, said, “It performed very well last year… We were very happy with how the numbers looked with it.” Rainy Day in Magic Kingdom An important part of the model is its improved “grid,” or “nest” that it runs on. The nest provides more accurate and higher-resolution data to the model. “Just like with your phone, if you get more pixels in your camera, you get a nicer-looking photo,” Ramstrom shared. “We have the same sort of idea of simulating the hurricane.” ©WESH Up until recently, most hurricane tracking models lacked the computer power and resolution needed to make these forecasts. But, NOAA implemented new weather and climate supercomputers in 2022, giving them the power to now create these new high-resolution forecasts. Not only that, but the new HAFS system works. Since it debuted in 2019, “HAFS has shown an improvement in track predictions for storms by 10 to 15%.” In 2022, the only model to correctly predict the period of rapid intensification we saw with Hurricane Ian was HAFS. Magic Kingdom during Hurricane Idalia 2023 The Sun Sentinel reports that in 2023, we saw 20 named storms with seven hurricanes. Idalia was the only named storm to make landfall when it struck the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 3 storm. AccuWeather lead forecaster Alex DaSilva said, “All indications are pointing toward a very active and potentially explosive Atlantic hurricane season in 2024.” Rainy Day at Animal Kingdom Of course, these are all just predictions for now, but it’s still important to be prepared for anything if you’ll be traveling to Disney World during hurricane season. Disney World is always prepared during a hurricane and typically makes your stay in one of the hotels fun and memorable (as well as safe, of course). Rainy day in Magic Kingdom Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog as we continue to bring you the latest news, tips, and more updates about visiting Disney World during hurricane season. 6 Essentials You Need to Conquer Hurricane Season 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 Are you planning a Disney World trip during hurricane season? Tell us in the comments. The post NEW Tech Will Help Experts Track Storms More Accurately Ahead of 'Potentially Explosive' Hurricane Season first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

At this point, we’re just counting down the days. ©D23 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in both Disneyland park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom this year! It has been announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in Disney World on June 28th, 2024, and in “later in 2024” in Disneyland. We’ve gotten glimpses of ride testing, the characters you’ll meet along the way, and we’ve even gotten a sneak peek of the on-ride photo. As the opening date grows nearer, we get even more updates on the ride — small little details that have us getting even more excited. Now, Disney has released details behind the water tower! The water tower over at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was one of the very first bigger details that showed up at the site of the ride. It’s already acting as an icon for the ride, and it isn’t even open yet! Disney just shared details behind it. Let’s talk about it! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Disney said, “Topped with a larger-than-life tiara fit for a princess and standing at 32 feet tall, the water tower is an integral part of the next chapter of Tiana’s story. The structure features the Tiana’s Foods co-op logo and special nods to characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog film. Look closely at the right-hand side of the crown for this starry tribute … Je t’adore! Je t’aime!” ©Disney Disney Imagineers worked alongside Icarus Exhibits, a local business, to bring the water tower t life. Disney said that the icon fits seamlessly into the story of Tiana’s Foods and is fit for royalty. Icarus is a design and build company located just down the road from Disney World that specializes in “creating intentional, themed designs that bring immersive environments to life.” They’ve been working alongside Disney since the 1990s! “Whenever we’re creating new experiences, we frequently work with trusted and valued industry leaders like Icarus,” said Peter Ricci, principal show manager at Walt Disney Imagineering. “That was no different for the construction of the beautiful water tower at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I’ve had the privilege of working with Icarus for more than two decades now, and their work as a longtime collaborator never ceases to amaze me.” The tower in March 2024 Disney and Icarus collaborated on design mock-ups, paint and material samples, feedback sessions, and of course — the final installation. “There’s an immense sense of pride to know that you’ve built it,” Icarus co-owner Mark Ireland said when reflecting on the final installation. “First, there’s a little bit of relief that everything turned out and was installed correctly, but mostly there’s pride.” Tiana’s Foods Water Tower “Growing up here in Florida, I’ve been going to Magic Kingdom since I was seven years old,” he said. “Any time we work on anything at the park, it’s special. Working on an attraction like Tiana’s is really cool.” You might recognize other pieces of Icarus’ work around the parks! The Lightcycle shown in the exit of TRON Lightcycle / Run, the super cool speeder in Galaxy’s edge, and the larger-than-life characters in Toy Story Land were all collaborations with Icarus. Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios It’s so nice to see yet another ride icon that was created by a local business. We can’t wait to see how it ties in with Tiana’s story. Don’t forget, the ride opens on June 28th at Disney World, where it will be available via Virtual Queue and Genie+. We’ll be sure to keep you up to date with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop. Looking for more on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the water tower? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Behind-the-Scenes Look at Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You’ve been HOODWINKED by Disney World! Sure, you may THINK you know everything going down across the parks… but you don’t even know the HALF of it. Crowds in Magic Kingdom Whether it be after park hours or out in broad daylight, Disney World is constantly doing things behind the scenes to improve guests’ experiences, keep everyone safe, aaaaand make a little extra cha-ching while they’re at it. Price Increase #2: Merch Price increases on merchandise are often done quickly and without any warning. MagicBands are a REALLY good example of that. While Disney World Resort guests can get the regular-style bands discounted if they order them through their My Disney Experience account before vacation, once you arrive these bands could cost anywhere from $19.99 to $64.99, depending on your style and design. So if you’re visiting soon, be prepared with a flexible souvenir budget — OR find those authentic Disney souvenirs at a much cheaper price point someplace else. Oftentimes, the DisneyStore website will run sales on select items straight from the parks. OR you can take a trip over to one of the character warehouses located in the Orlando Premium Outlets nearby (which’ll sell overstocked Disney merch at discounted prices) It’s so cute! Price Increase #3: Food We love Disney food. We love it a lot. But, MAN, it’s getting pricier and PRICIER.We’re constantly spotting overnight price changes on restaurant menus that usually amount to just a few dollars at a time. But once you add all those price increases together, it could amount to A LOT more than you spent on food during your last visit. (Even if you’re last visit wasn’t too terribly long ago.) In October 2023, hundreds of price increases hit Disney World, and many snacks were also affected. This included things like Mickey pretzels, Starbucks drinks, Joffrey’s Coffee, Dole Whips, prix-fixe meals, personal pizzas, premium ice cream bars… Basically, you could throw a dart at any of these Disney menus and you’d more than likely hit a price increase. So how can you better prepare yourself for the potential of Disney’s spiked dining prices? First of all, know that the HUNDREDS of October price increases we experienced LAST year weren’t an isolated case. Historically-speaking, food prices tend to sweep across the property around October — so if you plan on visiting PAST October of this year, just brace yourself for potentially higher food costs.But DON’T assume you’re out of the woods IF you’re visiting BEFORE October — since Disney still finds ways to bump up menu prices, little by little, all year round. It’s just…more like a wave of price increases instead of a huge TYPHOON of them. One of our favorite snacks… Now, I know we’re called Disney FOOD Blog because we’re all about the Disney eats and drinks around the parks — but at the end of the day, I want you to feel like you can DO Disney on a budget that you’re comfortable with. While Disney dining might be tasty, you don’t HAVE to rely on Disney restaurants if you don’t WANT to. There are several nearby grocery stores and big box stores just RIGHT outside the Disney bubble that you can hit up for some cheap and easy meal options that you can take into the parks with you. If you don’t have a rental car or you don’t want to take an Uber to the local grocery store, you can also have those food items delivered to your hotel — via grocery app services like Kroger Delivery and Instacart. That way, you can save money by ordering items — like breakfast bars, or sandwich fixings, or whatever else you wanna take into the parks with you (just as long as they don’t need to be kept frozen or reheated) Paint Job Time for Disney to get ARTSY on us! Disney World restaurants, attractions, show buildings and decor are regularly repainted to keep them looking fresh. This is especially important for anything exposed to the intense Florida sun, which can cause some serious sun bleaching over time. PPG Paint construction signs And while you might be able to see this paint activity being not-so-subtly hidden with scrim or those go-away green walls, the repainting itself will be done after guests have exited the parks. Recently, we’ve seen these paint job walls and scrims pop up in: Frontierland at Magic Kingdom (around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Jamboree — which is ALSO getting remodeled and will reopen later this summer as Country Bear MUSICAL Jamboree) CommuniCore Hall and Plaza at EPCOT (which should be coming down OFFICIALLY once this area opens on June 10th) And Vacation Fun — an Original Animated Short with Mickey and Minnie (which should actually be reopening here in the next few days on May 25th Pushing Back Release Dates While new rides, restaurants, and show releases are EXCITING to hear about, your eagerness to experience them may come back to bite ya. While Disney will sometimes give us very loose opening timelines for their new projects, there’s no way to guarantee that they’re gonna stick to these timelines. There’s actually a very good chance that Disney might quietly push back a release date, but not overly-advertise it. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Take the Cake Bake Shop AND Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, for instance. Both eateries were slated to open by the end of 2023. And yet here we are, well into 2024, and they’re… still under construction with no exact opening date. And the same thing happened to CommuniCore Hall and Plaza; Originally, Disney had said we should expect to see it open toward the end of 2023 — but NOW we’ve got an OFFICIAL opening date for it on June 10th of this year. Now, Disney’s not doing this because they’re being mean. Delays can — and do — happen. So if you really wanna time your visit JUST right so that you can SEE these up-and-coming experiences, wait until Disney makes a more solidified announcement for an attraction’s official opening date. With all that being said, make sure you’re not putting ALL your eggs into one basket here. You don’t want the weight of your trip to rely solely on one ride or one show or one restaurant being open. So many things could happen that’ll delay an opening yet again, or cause a ride/show to shut down for the day, or you may not even be able to get into a virtual queue OR snag an advance dining reservation for it. LOTS of factors to consider. So make sure that when you’re planning this big Disney trip of yours, you’ve got a WHOLE list of things you’ll be excited to see and do rather than just being excited for ONE thing and ONE thing only. Magic Kingdom Who KNEW Disney World could be so… so… ninja-like? Sorry, Disney — but we’ve just UNRAVELED your secrets to all our DFB friends. (But you guys can keep a secret… right? Right???) Stay tuned for more fun behind-the-scenes updates and hidden gems here on DFB! The Disney World Mistake You’ll Make in June 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 Did we reveal something you didn’t know about? Let us know in the comments! The post Shh! Disney Does Some SNEAKY Things When They Think You’re Not Looking first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When we hear “free Starbucks,” you know we start paying attention! Grab yourself a coffee!! Starbucks is running a “Summer App-y Days” promotion where they’re dropping new deals on the app throughout this season. We’ve already seen some great discounts, but make sure you mark your calendars because there’s a BOGO deal going on tomorrow that you won’t want to miss! Tomorrow — May 29th — you can buy one Starbucks drink to get a second one for FREE! Hurry in with a friend or get two drinks just for you because, honestly, you deserve it. ©Starbucks The deal is only valid from 12PM to 6PM, so make sure you order within that window. You can buy one drink and then the second one of equal or lesser value is free, with a $10 max value. But that’s not the only discount we need to tell y’all about! If you head to Starbucks TODAY (May 28th), you can get four drinks for $20 total! There was no time restriction listed on the app, so it looks like this deal is good all day today. ©Starbucks This deal is valid for one-time use, and it applies to four standard, menu-sized drinks. Note that customizations cost extra. Starbucks is featuring some limited-time summer drinks on their menu right now, including the Summer-Berry Refresher, which has little popping pearls that taste like raspberry. Our reporter noted that this drink tastes sort of like berry Kool-Aid in the best way! It’s available with a water, lemonade, or coconut milk base. Summer Berry Refresher Some Starbucks locations also have summer treats, like the Orange Cream Cake Pop and the Pineapple Cloud Cake. There are several Starbucks locations in Disney World, including Creature Comforts (in Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Main Street Bakery (in Magic Kingdom), Trolley Car Café (in Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and Connections Café (in EPCOT). Main Street Bakery Starbucks But did you know that you can get SECRET Starbucks drinks in Disney World? The Starbucks locations in Disney Springs — both at Westside and Marketplace — have all the classic drinks. But these spots are also known to come up with fun, limited-time drinks to celebrate special occasions! Starbucks We’ve seen Taylor Swift-themed drinks, Halloween offerings, drinks that are themed to new Disney movies, and more at these Starbucks locations. Fun Starbucks drinks Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the latest foodie news! Click here to learn more about SECRET Starbucks drinks 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 Are you heading to Starbucks tomorrow for this BOGO deal? Let us know in the comments! The post How To Get a FREE STARBUCKS DRINK on May 29th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This day has been years in the making. We are less than one month away from a HUGE change coming to EPCOT. EPCOT EPCOT has been undergoing a multi-year transformation that has included a redesign of the entrance and area around Spaceship Earth, renovated shopping and dining at Connections Eatery and Creations Shop, the addition of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, and the construction of the CommuniCore Hall & Plaza. While most of the transformation is finished, we are still one step away from completion! On June 10th, 2024, the CommuniCore Hall & Plaza will be opening up, marking the end of this EPCOT transformation. This new area will bring some huge changes to EPCOT and provide guests with lots of new opportunities! CommuniCore Hall CommuniCore Hall is the first fully-purpose-built structure for festival programming. The Hall will host numerous experiences including food, live music, art, and more. Even though it was designed with festival programming in mind, this area will be open year-round for guests to enjoy, even when there isn’t a festival going on. The CommuniCore Plaza is an outdoor space where visitors can relax and experience concerts, performances, and other live entertainment including a new show. ©Disney New Entertainment One of the biggest changes coming to EPCOT as a result of the opening of CommuniCore Hall & Plaza is a bunch more entertainment options! For starters, there will be a new Encanto show debuting in CommuniCore Plaza. The show will be called “¡Celebración Encanto!” and will feature songs and stories from the movie. And Mirabel and Bruno will be there too! ©Disney Additionally, the CommuniCore Plaza is designed to host concerts and performances. Inside the CommuniCore Hall, there will be an exhibition gallery space, demonstration kitchen, mixology bar, and more. While we don’t know how much of this space will be in use outside of festivals yet, we are hoping that there will be at least some offerings year-round! More Air Conditioning and Space to Relax Another big change is simply that the CommuniCore Hall & Plaza will provide additional options for places to sit and relax. Communicore Hall ©Disney Plus the CommuniCore Hall will provide some great air-conditioned space to take a break. Being in the parks all day long is exhausting, so it is always great to see more spaces being added to take a load off. New Meet and Greet Space This new area will feature a new meet-and-greet space. While Mickey & Friends used to meet around this area in the “EPCOT Character Spot” before construction began (way back when), they were moved to allow for all of these changes. Mickey & Friends Sign The Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet will now be moving to a space inside of CommuniCore Hall. We have spotted the signs going up for this new space, and we are excited for this meet and greet. More Food Options? Finally, CommuniCore Hall & Plaza will likely provide more food options. We noticed a sign for “Festival Favorites” was put up on the building, and although we don’t know exactly what that will be, a Cast Member said it was going to be a festival food booth! Note that we haven’t heard anything official from Disney World. Festival Favorites sign If it is a food booth, we also don’t know if it may offer food year-round or if it will only be open during festivals. Either way, we are excited to see what Festival Favorites becomes. In addition to Festival Favorites, CommuniCore Hall will also feature a demonstration kitchen which could mean the return of demonstrations and seminars. The demos and seminars were once a large part of the Food & Wine Festival but have been missing for a few years now. We are hoping that, with the opening of this new space, we will see a return of these offerings. It is an exciting time for EPCOT as the transformation nears its completion. The CommuniCore Hall & Plaza space promises to bring a lot to EPCOT and we will be bringing you all the details as we explore this area on June 10th. While we wait for June 10th to arrive, get ready by watching our Ultimate Guide to EPCOT in 2024: While this marks the end of a multi-year transformation, EPCOT is still being reimagined and updated. Test Track will be closing on June 17th, 2024, for a reimagining of the ride. This reimagination will take inspiration from World of Motion, a ride that was in EPCOT when it opened. Change is always happening in Disney World and we are here to keep you updated on all the latest news. Stay tuned to DFB for even more Disney World news! Check out our guide to the BEST snacks at 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 are you most excited about that is coming to CommuniCore Hall & Plaza? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 HUGE Ways EPCOT Will Change on June 10th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article