Disney4me

So it’s no secret that sometimes things just close in Disney World. Fantasyland Sometimes, those closures are part of Disney’s refurbishment schedule, and we know about it WAY ahead of time. Other times, the weather can shut down rides. Sometimes things just…well, shut down without any apparent reason. Well, that seems to be happening ALL over Fantasyland — and WE HAVE QUESTIONS. So when we wandered into Magic Kingdom today (February 25th) and ended up in Fantasyland, one of the first things we noticed was a ride closure. For some unannounced reason, “it’s a small world” was closed. We spoke with some Cast Members who told us the ride had already been down for at least an hour and that they were working on some technical issues inside the ride. We were also told it wouldn’t be open anytime soon, though Cast Members could not share a specific reopening timeline. But hey, we can imagine some parents might be grateful for this closure if their kids insist on riding it over and over. Closed After that, we continued our stroll through Fantasyland. We reached The Friar’s Nook, and more than half of the restaurant was closed. We spoke with a Cast Member there, and they were unaware of why it was partially closed but assured us they were working on resolving it soon. So, if you wanted some of those yummy tots they have there, you might have to wait a little longer. Partially closed So yes, it seems like Fantasyland was having some problems in the morning. Listen, we get it; it usually takes us a trip to Starbucks to get really going on a weekend morning, but we hope these problems are resolved soon. We did check, and “it’s a small world” has reopened (sorry to those of you hoping it would stay down all day!). But, hey, at least it wasn’t a bear that closed things down this time! Now, THAT was a wild time! Stay tuned to DFB for more! Disney World Transportation Is CHANGING, and We’ve Got a NEW LOOK Inside! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you do when parts of Disney World are closed? Let us know in the comments! The post Multiple Parts of Disney World’s Fantasyland Are Mysteriously SHUT DOWN first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney collectors are SERIOUS about the items they collect. Tiki Mugs Available at the Disneyland Hotel Disney fans collect everything from popcorn buckets (we still can’t get over the Figment Popcorn Bucket chaos of 2022) to Loungefly bags (some designs sell out in MINUTES) to limited edition pins, Minnie ears, and more! One of the most SOUGHT-after Disney collectibles, though, are the Tiki Mugs from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney World. Among these tiki mugs, though, seven of them are SO memorable we had to write about them! Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Tiki Mug The gargoyles in the Haunted Mansion are ICONIC, so we had to talk about the Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Tiki Mug released in 2023 in Disney World. We had to stand in a MASSIVE line to get our hands on one of these babies, which resembles the gargoyle candelabra you’d find in the Haunted Mansion with a Tiki twist. The gargoyle! Now, this mug is a little delicate, so we don’t break it out to use often. No, this is one you show off in a display case with the rest of your Tiki mug collection. It’s special! (And valuable…) See more photos of this mug HERE! Hatbox Ghost Tiki Mug As you can imagine, Haunted Mansion Tiki Mugs are hot ticket items, and caused some of the longest lines we’ve seen at Trader Sam’s. The Hatbox Ghost Tiki Mug was originally released in Disneyland and Disney World in 2018, but another version turned up in Disneyland ahead of the Haunted Mansion movie premiere in 2023. Hatbox Hatbox Ghost is so popular now that he can be seen in both Disneyland and Disney World, so this tiki mug was a HOT commodity every time it was released. See more photos of this tiki mug HERE! Jose Tiki Mug Welcome to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room! Who doesn’t love a tiki mug inspired by a singing bird in the TIKI Room? The Jose Tiki Mug was released last year, and this is the mug for fans of The Enchanted Tiki Room (we bet the song is looping through your brain RIGHT NOW). ©Disney This mug was released to celebrate the Tiki Room’s 60th anniversary, although there have been previous Jose tiki mugs in the past, too. You can’t put a good bird down! More about this mug HERE Monstro Tiki Mug Okay, when we say Disney villains, you probably don’t even THINK of the whale in Pinocchio, but you should! This man-eating whale was terrifying in the movie, but oh, did he make a cute Tiki Mug. The Monstro Tiki Mug is another mug we had to wait in a long line for because it’s rare to get him on ANY merchandise. Monstro Tiki Mug We got Monstro in Disney World, although a similar mug quickly sold out in Disneyland, too. More photos of this mug HERE Missing Cargo Tiki Mug The ultimate mashup might have happened when Disney World released the Missing Cargo Tiki Mug, which recreated a scene from Jungle Cruise (the ride, not the movie). How fun is this mug? Missing Cargo Tiki Mug This one came out in 2021, and we’ll admit we weren’t so happy with the drink that came with it (we still think of that licorice-like flavor when we look at this mug). The mug itself, though? WORTHY. See more photos of this mug Now, new tiki mugs don’t drop all the time, and you’ll need to make sure to keep an eye out for announcements from Disney about when and where they’ll drop. We’ll also let you know when new ones are set to release, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The Best Disney World Souvenirs For Every Budget 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 favorite Tiki Mug release? Let us know in the comments! The post The 5 Best Tiki Mugs Disney Has Ever Released first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Kenneth Mitchell, an actor known for his roles in Star Trek: Discovery and Captain Marvel, has passed away. Kenneth Mitchell in Star Trek: Discovery ©CBS Mitchell played several characters on Star Trek: Discovery but was also known for his roles as Eric Green in Jericho and Joseph Danvers in Captain Marvel. The actor’s family stated that he died from complications of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 49. His family wrote on social media, “With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend.” The post detailed how he faced challenges from ALS, but “managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment.” The family’s full statement can be read below: According to the post, he is survived by his wife Susan, their children Lilah and Kallum, his parents Diane and David, brother Sean, in-laws Sally and Bill Pratt, sister-in-law Beth, nieces and nephews Kiran, Jyoti, Avery, and Eliza, as well as his two cats Chai and Cinna. Kenneth Mitchell in Captain Marvel ©Marvel The family asks that any gifts be directed to ALS research or in support of his children. Our thoughts are with Mitchell’s friends and family at this time. The post NEWS: ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Actor Kenneth Mitchell Has Passed Away first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We always say it’s important to have a plan in place when visiting Disney World, but sometimes things can impact your schedule. Fantasmic! For example, you may want to ride Rise of the Resistance, but the ride closes, and you never get a chance to get on it. Maybe you have plans to ride a bunch of outdoor attractions, but bad weather rolls in, and Disney closes those rides. Sometimes, other things can change your plans, too. For example, on February 24th, the second showing of Fantasmic! was canceled in Hollywood Studios. We’re going to tell you how to stay on top of this kind of cancelation and still get an opportunity to see the show. We wish we could tell you these things didn’t happen, but sometimes shows get canceled. This can be due to last-minute staffing issues, weather, or even technical difficulties. We know we often tell you to wait for that second Fantasmic! show if there are multiple performances, as that second show is generally less crowded. However, there is a risk that the show could get canceled. ©Disney Here’s how to be prepared so you don’t miss the show. Make sure you have multiple nights open so you can possibly see Fantasmic! another day if needed. You’ll want to keep an eye on how many showings are happening during the days you’re there because, sometimes, there is only one show per night. You can do this by checking the Fantasmic! page on the Disney World website or through the My Disney Experience app. You’ll also want to check the times for Fantasmic! on the day you plan on seeing it because showtimes can change at the last-minute. Fantasmic! Finally, make sure you have notifications turned on in My Disney Experience so that you get updates when this kind of thing happens. There’s nothing worse than getting blindsided by a change in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Keep those notifications ON, people! Fantasmic! If you’ve purchased a Fantasmic! dining package, note that even if the show is canceled, your dining experience will still take place. Stay tuned to DFB for more! Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. How Long is Fantasmic!? 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 planned to see Fantasmic! and had the show canceled? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney World Cancels Second Showing of Fantasmic! Due to “Unforeseen Circumstances.” first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning for your next Disney World trip? Let’s talk about what you can leave off of your packing list. Spaceship Earth in EPCOT You know how it goes when you start thinking about all the stuff you need to bring on a trip, right? The list just seems to go on forever, and it’s so easy to forget the really important stuff. But hey, let’s chat about something different today — things you can actually skip packing and save yourself some hassle! Before you start packing your bags for your Disney World trip, let’s talk about some stuff you can actually leave behind this time around. Ready? Let’s jump right in! Full-sized Toiletries Listen, we get it. You want to smell fresh and clean on your trip. But you can leave those big shampoo and conditioner bottles at home. Swap ’em out for travel-sized versions. H2O toiletries Plus, typically hotels hook you up with those essentials anyway, so why lug around extra weight? And if you use travel-sized bottles, you won’t have issues with TSA at the airport! Clothing for Every Weather Okay, so you might encounter a little rain or an unexpected heatwave. No need to pack for all four seasons, though. ©Getty Images Grab some versatile layers and check the forecast beforehand. Oh, and toss in a poncho or umbrella just in case Florida decides to throw a curveball. Too Many Clothes Guilty of packing half your closet? Don’t worry. We’ve all been there. But here’s the deal: less is more. Say it with me: less is more. What do you pack for Disney World? Stick to mix-and-match outfits and remember, you can always make use of the laundry facilities during your stay to refresh your clothing. Art of Animation Laundry Room Large Towels and Beach Gear We’ll just say this plainly — leave your oversized towels and beach toys at home. Pool Towels The hotels hook you up with towels, and truthfully, trying to pack your pool noodles is just asking for trouble. Too Many Shoes Oh, the struggle of choosing between heels or flats. We totally get it. Here’s a tip: limit yourself to a few pairs of comfy shoes to save space and weight in your suitcase. ©Amazon Think supportive kicks for long days of walking and save the heels for fancy dinners. Your feet will thank you later. Valuables and Irreplaceable Items Sure, your hotel room has a safe, but why risk it? It’s best to minimize the risk of loss or theft by leaving all the valuable or irreplaceable belongings at home. It’s not worth the stress. In-room safe Focus on making memories, not worrying about lost or stolen treasures. Cinderella Castle So there you go — our advice for making your packing a little bit easier for your next Disney World trip! Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! Click Here for Big Changes in Disney World in 2024! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you leaving off your packing list for your Disney World trip? Tell us in the comments! The post 6 Things to Keep OUT of Your Suitcase, According to Travel Experts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We can’t praise Disney Cast Members enough on this site. We love Cast Members! Cast Members go above and beyond to make magic for us every day in Disney World. They often share their unique stories and their imaginative creations with us, making our trips even MORE magical. Well, if you love Cast Members as much as we do, February 25th marks the beginning of a special day that’s ALL about appreciating our favorite people at Disney World! During our visit to Disney World, we saw a notice on the My Disney Experience app. Today (2/25) is the beginning of Global Recognition Week, a week where Disney encourages everyone to show appreciation for Cast Members. You can do that by sharing a compliment with the hashtag #CastCompliment on social media or by visiting City Hall in Magic Kingdom. ©Disney You can also recognize a Cast Member through the My Disney Experience app. To do that, open the app and click on the three bars in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see Cast Compliment. Tap on that, and you’ll be taken to the Mobile Cast Compliment section, where you can give special, personalized recognition to a Cast Member by entering their first name, hometown (or college), and date of interaction. The more information you can provide about the person who helped you, the better Disney can identify the Cast Member! ©Disney If you didn’t catch the Cast Member’s name, no problem! You can still leave a compliment by describing the location. ©Disney Of course, we encourage you to do this even when it ISN’T Global Recognition Week. If a Cast Member has done something to make your Disney World trip extra special, be sure to use this feature in the app to send them your thanks! EPCOT Cast Member Stay tuned to DFB for more! When are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out! 8 Confessions of a Former Disney Cast Member Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When was the last time a Cast Member made your Disney World trip extra special? Share your stories in the comments! The post Disney Just Announced a VERY Important Event, and It Starts TODAY! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes the quick service dining options in Magic Kingdom can be…a little lackluster. Tortuga Tavern We haven’t always been overly impressed with spots like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe or Casey’s Corner (outside of our beloved corn dog nuggets, of course!), and even the more unique spots like Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe can fall flat. But through the many quick service choices in that park, there’s one spot that often gets overlooked — and we headed there recently for a review! Atmosphere For this review, we’re heading to the one and only Tortuga Tavern! This restaurant is located in Adventureland across from Pirates of the Caribbean, and it is ALSO pirate-themed. Yo-ho! Here, you order at the counter because they don’t have Mobile Order available through the My Disney Experience app. Because of this, service might be a smidge slower than other quick service restaurants. The kiosks where you order The hours at Tortuga Tavern are fairly restrictive, which leads some people to believe that the restaurant is only open seasonally. They’re open daily, but only from 11AM-5PM. Outside of those time frames, they’ll put a sign up that says the restaurant is unavailable. Seating area There’s a decent amount of seating here, but it fills up quickly during the lunch rush. The restaurant is semi-outdoors, with most of the seating under an open-air space with ceiling fans. Seating There’s also a separate, more enclosed, dining room with a few tables. This room has more pirate theming. This space is more pirate-themed! They’ve got murals and artifacts to check out in here! LOVE the pirate artifacts This room is also home to some of the best-hidden bathrooms in Magic Kingdom. They’re usually nice and quiet. I highly recommend these bathrooms! And of course, like any other quick service spot, Tortuga Tavern has a small selection of condiments at various stations. Condiment station So what’s on the menu? Menu The reason this place often gets looked over is because the menu is fairly small. There are just four entrees and one specialty beverage, and there’s no kids’ menu. There’s a Barbecue Pork Sandwich and a Barbecue Slaw Dog for those who enjoy pulled pork. Tortuga Tavern Menu If you’re a bit more adventurous, try out the Orange Chicken Strips or the Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich. The Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy is one of our favorite specialty drinks in the park! Eats During my visit, I decided to try just a little bit of everything! Here’s the full spread. Tortuga Tavern Full Spread I kicked things off with the Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy for $6.49, since it tends to melt a little bit when it’s warmer out. There’s no description or ingredient list for this item, but it reminds me a LOT of the violet lemonade at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slush It’s tart and sweet, and there’s a really decent portion — it’s a lot for one person to drink! I could taste the lemon most prominently, with a little bit of the pear flavor underneath. If you like floral or citrusy beverages, this is a MUST. It’s tart and sweet and oh so yummy. Moving on to the food, I went next for the Barbecue Pork Sandwich. It comes with house-made chips for $11.79. I’m not particularly a fan of Disney World’s house-made chips, as they can be underseasoned and overcooked. I’d much prefer if they gave you the option to get a bag of Lay’s with this sandwich. Barbecue Pork Sandwich But the sandwich itself? Not bad at all! It’s topped with a hearty portion of pulled pork that’s definitely drenched in a sweet barbecue sauce — to me it tasted like it was made with brown sugar. The pork was tender and not too fatty. The sandwich was STUFFED It also has coleslaw on top, and that can make the center of the sandwich a smidge soggy. I pulled some of the coleslaw off to make it a little easier to eat. Otherwise, the sandwich is very tall. This is definitely better than some of the cafeteria pulled pork sandwiches I’ve tried in the past, but not anywhere close to the best barbecue you’ll ever eat. I was pleasantly surprised with it, if I’m being honest! Inside the sandwich My second entree was the one that sounded the most unusual to me — the Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich for $10.29. This one is also served with house-made chips, and I had the same complaints about this batch as I did about the chips that came with the pulled pork. Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich But really, we’re here to talk about the sandwich! This was SHOCKINGLY good. I expected it to be a little bizarre, but the fillings work incredibly well together. You get different kinds of sweetness from the chocolate, the hazelnut, and the banana, while the peanut butter brings in the nuttiness and salty flavors. SO GOOD The bread on the sandwich was toasted, but I could tell that the loaf had been a little bit stale. It honestly didn’t bother me though! All in all, the sandwich was really rich and I could only eat about half of it in one sitting, so beware if you’re averse to a lot of sugar. I would order this again! Last but not least, I’ve got to tell you guys about one of my FAVORITE lunch entrees in Magic Kingdom! Say hello to the Orange Chicken Strips, tossed in a sweet orange-soy glaze, and served with house-made chips for $11.29. Orange Chicken Strips This is an entree I’ve eaten at Tortuga Tavern several times, and based on my experience, it doesn’t disappoint! You get four chicken strips smothered in the glaze and topped with green onions. They’re sweet and sticky and those green onions add a nice tang. I LOVE these You can taste the orange flavor pretty strongly and they’re not exactly like the Orange Chicken you get at an Asian restaurant, but they’re similar. With four strips, it’s also a really good portion! Inside the chicken So what did I think of Tortuga Tavern overall? Overall Listen, you guys are SLEEPING on Tortuga Tavern! Two of the entrees were stellar, and the pork sandwich was still pretty darn good, especially by Magic Kingdom’s quick service standards. The slushy is also very unique and fun, so I think this restaurant deserves more love! Yes, yes, and YES It’s probably not going to be the BEST theme park food you’ll ever eat, but I’ve been back several times for those chicken strips and have not been let down yet. The one thing to consider before going to Tortuga Tavern is that EVERY item on the menu is sweet. If you want more savory-based foods or can’t eat much sugar, this might not be the spot for you. Nosh or Not? Dock your pirate ship and head to the tavern if… You want to try some unique quick service eats. The Orange Chicken Strips and the Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich are both unlike anything you can get elsewhere in Magic Kingdom. You’re eating lunch or a midday meal. Since Tortuga is only open from 11AM-5PM, you’ve got a limited amount of time in which you can visit. If you’re eating dinner, they’ll likely be closed. You love a pirate theme! If you’ve got Pirates of the Caribbean fans or kiddos who love the sea, this is a very cool theme for a restaurant. They even have a pirates’ code posted on the wall! Keep on sailing to the next port of call if… You have lots of kiddos in your party. There’s no kids’ meal here, so the little ones will have to order an adult entree if you decide to eat at Tortuga. You’ve got picky eaters. There aren’t many options on the menu, and most of them are fairly adventurous. This isn’t the place for chicken nuggets and burgers. You’re in a time crunch. Since this restaurant isn’t super popular and they don’t have Mobile Order, getting your food can take a little extra time. The pirate code! Stay tuned to DFB for more restaurant reviews from the Disney World parks and resorts! We’ll keep you in the loop with the best food recommendations for your vacation. The 10 Best Quick Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom — 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 Have you ever eaten at Tortuga Tavern? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: A Magic Kingdom Restaurant BLEW Me Away...and It's Not the One You Think! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the best parts of staying at a Disney World hotel is taking advantage of Disney’s FREE transportation. Bus directory at Hollywood Studios You can get to almost ANYWHERE on Disney World property by using an expansive transportation system that includes the monorail, the Skyliner, boats, and that good old standby, Disney buses. Well, if you’ll be taking a Disney bus around the resort anytime soon, you might notice some CHANGES. We were visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge recently and saw a bus pulling up to the hotel that looked shiny and new. That’s because it WAS! Disney just got some new buses! A Cast Member told us that there are about 40 of these on the road right now as of about a month ago. New bus! The new modular seating can accommodate three ECVs or wheelchairs (previously, it was only two), meaning these buses are now more accessible for a greater number of people. Check it out! We also confirmed that these are entirely NEW buses and not just old buses that have been modified. Check this out, too: the buses have charging ports EVERYWHERE, including on folding seats. So you can charge your phones while riding the bus. They’re also designed to accommodate more people standing on them (which isn’t the ideal bus scenario, but sometimes, you gotta stand). Also, the driver we met, Craig, told us the new bus “drives real nice.” Here’s a look inside We also asked the driver if he thought these would become the new Disney bus standard, and he seemed to think it was likely and that we’ll eventually see the older buses phased out. Note Disney has not officially confirmed this news, but we’ll keep our eyes out for updates. Who knows, your next Disney bus ride might be a lot different! There’s lots of room to stand or sit! Stay tuned to DFB for more! Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. A COMPLETE Guide to Taking the Bus in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you seen the new buses yet? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World Transportation Is CHANGING, and We’ve Got a NEW LOOK Inside! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so we’re not ones to gossip, but… Animal Kingdom Lodge Well, okay, sometimes we are, especially when it comes to certain communities in Disney World. We’ve been keeping up with the drama, crime, and horror that happens in EPCOT’s tiny train town, but now we’ve got to spill the scandal we spotted on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. We bet you didn’t even KNOW there’s a whole SAVANNA full of drama over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Sure, you can stroll by the animals, snap some photos, and move on with your day. OR, you can really dig in and learn more about the animals that live here. For example, let us tell you the story of Daisy Mae the ostrich. We first noticed Daisy Mae looking agitated while pacing back and forth behind her fence. If you’re wondering, this is exactly how we feel when we’re waiting to rope drop Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is STRESSFUL, OK? What’s going on there, Miss Ostrich? Cast Members told us that Daisy Mae laid an egg earlier that day, but we soon discovered that she was still pacing around because she, well…because she just laid another egg. Daisy Mae is like the Taylor Swift of ostriches — she’s working overtime, y’all. Cast Members revealed that she’s in the middle of a laying process that could yield up to 60 (!!!) eggs total! Whoa. Turns out Daisy Mae wasn’t feeling super attached to her egg, though, because she had no problem abandoning the egg to go gathering. Hey, maybe all that egg-laying makes you hungry. Trip to Sanaa, anyone? We have a feeling Daisy Mae would enjoy that bread service. You forgetting something there, Miss Daisy Mae? This tale, though, has a sad ending. When ostriches lay eggs, mean old Cast Members come by and STEAL THEM, often leaving a fake egg in its place. Yes, while Daisy Mae was off on her own on the savanna, her egg got kidnapped (or should we say, “eggnapped”). Okay, the truth is, this is how Disney’s animal care specialists take care of eggs — they take them somewhere safe and handle the situation properly so both the egg and the ostrich mama are safe and healthy. Rest assured, that egg is in good hands. There goes Daisy’s baby We also learned that the Cast Members don’t normally call the ostriches by their given names but instead call them by the color of the bands on their legs. HOW RUDE. We had to do some DEEP research to learn Daisy Mae’s name. Seriously, it involved Cast Members, spreadsheets, and EVERYTHING. (Okay, again, we get it…because, well, the ostriches do all kinda look alike). But, personally, we much prefer the name “Daisy Mae” to “Purple.” Just sayin. Look at the size of that egg! So, if you’d like to see Daisy Mae, she’s hanging out at Animal Kingdom Lodge with her fellow ostriches, Camellia, Blue, and Thelma. It’s a fun bunch of birds, that’s for sure! Stay tuned to DFB for more! We Have Some Disney Animal Photos GUARANTEED to Brighten Your Day or Your Money Back (OK, We Lied About the Money Part) 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 animal to watch on the savannah at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Let us know in the comments! The post There’s DRAMA on the Savanna at Disney World! (We Witnessed an EGGnapping!)😲 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This one is for you, Star Wars fans. Savi’s Workshop So we know that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is where you probably like to spend most of your time in Disney World. Perhaps you like to play the fun MagicBand+ bounty hunter game while you’re there. Maybe you like to build your own droid. Or maybe you’re looking to create a custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. Well, if you want to visit Savi’s Workshop, read this FIRST! If you have a Disney Visa card and plan on using that for your Savi’s Workshop experience, you can get 10% off the experience (which includes a custom-built lightsaber). How’s that for a good perk? ©Disney For those who have never visited Savi’s, it’s way more than just a create-your-own lightsaber experience. During the process, you’ll be led by the Force to build a saber that’s custom-made JUST FOR YOU. There’s a whole ceremonial aspect of it as you choose your parts and work with a Gatherer (aka a lightsaber expert) to assemble your lightsaber. It’s pretty cool overall, and hey, if you can get a discount, even better, right? Inside Savi’s Workshop We won’t spoil the whole experience for you, but it’s pretty much a MUST for Star Wars fans. While you’re visiting Batuu, be sure to swing by Ronto Roasters for a Ronto Wrap (trust us, it’s the BEST). Ronto Wrap Stay tuned to DFB for more! Disney’s Star Wars Hotel Was a First of Its Kind. Was It Also a LAST of Its Kind? 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 visited Savi’s Workshop? Let us know in the comments! The post EXCLUSIVE Souvenir Discount Revealed for Disney Visa Cardmembers first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a lot of things you can do to make your trip more magical when you’re visiting Disney World. France Pavilion in EPCOT For kids, the ULTIMATE experience has to be the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where girls and boys can get a princess or prince makeover. If adults want a makeover, they probably need to go to Sephora in Disney Springs, but we actually found ANOTHER place in a Disney World park where you can get a makeover — and it’s not where you might expect. So where might you go to get this makeover? Well, you’ll want to make your way to EPCOT’s World Showcase and head straight for the France Pavilion. You’ll find a Guerlain boutique there. If you buy three Guerlain products or more from that shop, you can get a makeover! Guerlain You’ll get your makeup professionally applied by a makeup artist. You can even call ahead and make an appointment if this is something you would like to do. You can call (407) 560-2869 to make an appointment. So if you need a little “you” time the next time you’re in EPCOT, this would be a great way to treat ‘yoself! We’re thinking about making an appointment for ourselves! Guerlain Business Card Just keep in mind that Guerlain is a luxury brand, and those three (or more) items you purchase — expect to spend a minimum of $125, and it’s likely the products you fall in love with will be more than that. But you’ll then have those products to use at home, along with getting info and instructions on using them from a pro! While you’re in the France Pavilion, you can also treat yo’self to some yummy treats, like the Ice Cream Martini, or one of the delicious pastries from Les Halles. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. Why You Might Want to WAIT To Go to the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 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 you know about this makeover opportunity? Would you be interested? Let us know in the comments! The post The HIDDEN Makeover Experience in the France Pavilion of EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you work at Disney World, you go to the parks all the time and you start to see things that you never noticed as a theme park guest. Disney’s Hollywood Studios After working at Disney World, there are things that I never do anymore during my park day, but there are also things that I never EAT anymore. We’re here to tell you about those things at one specific restaurant! We’re not here to judge you for what you choose to eat at Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios. Nope, we’re just here to let you know that you might find better options elsewhere. 1. The Bland Burger Blues Sure, you can find burgers at almost every quick-service spot in the park, but if you’re looking for something truly satisfying, skip the basic burger at Backlot Express. Hamburger from Backlot Express Instead, head over to Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land for their mouthwatering BBQ Brisket Melt — you won’t regret it. BBQ Brisket Melt 2. Chicken Strip Snoozefest Craving some crispy chicken? Don’t settle for the ordinary chicken strips at Backlot Express. Chicken tenders Treat yourself to the fried chicken at 50’s Prime Time Café instead. 50s Prime Time Cafe Fried Chicken Entree Not only is it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, but it also comes with a side of nostalgia. 3. Generic Syndrome What we’re getting at is that instead of going for the generic option on the menu like the burger, chicken strips, or fries…don’t do that. Don’t pass Go. Don’t collect $200. Those meals are decent but nothing special. French Fries Instead, how about heading over to Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge giving the Ronto Wrap a go? Its roasted pork, grilled pork sausage, and peppercorn sauce all wrapped in pita bread make it unique and delicious. Ronto Wrap Well, we hope that you now have a few extra ideas of what to order when you’re thinking of stopping at Backlot Express. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so follow along so that you’re always in the loop! Looking for more Cast Member tips and secrets? 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 never eat from Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! The post 2 Things You Should NEVER Order at Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios, From a Former Disney World Cast Member first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has a LOT of big plans for the next decade or so. Disney Parks are getting bigger over the next decade The company is planning on spending a WHOPPING $60 billion to expand the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment of the company. Although some of that money will go towards expanding Disney Cruise Line and other products, a LOT of that will also go to expanding its theme parks, with many projects already underway. So if you can’t keep track of all of Disney’s CURRENT list of upcoming theme park expansion projects (because it’s a LOT), we’ve got you covered. Disney World Magic Kingdom Expansion Disney has confirmed that it’s planning a HUGE expansion for Magic Kingdom, the biggest it’s ever done for that particular park. For the expansion, Imagineers are looking to tell stories “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” The scale of this expansion would be similar to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora, and would include new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more. Possible Land Expansion in Magic Kingdom ©Disney Although Disney has not yet revealed what these plans entail, it has mentioned Imagineers’ “what if” ideas that have been floated around, including Coco, Encanto, or Disney villain-themed land. (Disney, we just want to let you know that it is TIME for a villains-themed land). What Should a Villainous Land Expansion Look Like in Magic Kingdom? Disney Experts Weigh In! Re-theme of Dinoland, U.S.A. Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland, U.S.A. will be going away to be replaced by something else. At first, Disney mentioned that the new land could be themed around Moana or Zootopia (maybe something similar to the new Zootopia land at Shanghai Disney Resort). However, more recently, we learned that Disney is leaning more towards theming the area to Encanto and Indiana Jones. ©Disney This makes it likely that the Dinosaur ride (which is basically the same ride as Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure) will get an Indy update. Disney has not yet confirmed these ideas yet, though. Disney Dropped a MAJOR Hint About the Animal Kingdom & ‘Encanto’ Expansion DisneylandForward In 2021, Disney announced its DisneylandForward initiative, which is a project where Disneyland will work with the City of Anaheim to re-zone specific parts of Disneyland property to be used for new lands. There are still a lot of hoops that Disneyland has to jump through to make this happen, but some ideas for those new lands have already been suggested. ©Disney The following have been mentioned as ideas for new lands in Disneyland: Tangled, Peter Pan, Frozen, Zootopia, and more. These concepts are already being used in some of Disney’s international theme parks. MAP Shows Layout of Disneyland’s $1.9 Billion Resort Expansion Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea Tokyo DisneySea is getting a new port and it will include THREE new lands. This massive expansion will include lands based on Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. There will also be a brand new hotel INSIDE the expansion. There will be new rides and restaurants in each of these lands, too. ©Disney Fantasy Springs is set to open on June 6th, 2024. This will be the biggest expansion at Tokyo DisneySea since it first opened in 2001. 10 MAJOR Announcements from Tokyo Disney That Will Have You INSTANTLY Booking a Trip Frozen in Disneyland Paris Disney is ALL about bringing Frozen to theme parks around the world. That includes Disneyland Paris Resort, which is also getting its own Frozen-themed land. We imagine this version of Frozen could be similar to the one in Hong Kong Disneyland. ©Disney Disney has announced that this new land will have a new attraction, food and beverage locations, a merchandise shop, and a meet and greet with Elsa and Anna. You HAVE to See the EASTER EGGS Hidden Within This Disney Hotel Just a note, but these are the lands and expansions that Disney has already announced. Who knows what else the company has planned for its theme parks around the world? We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more updates, though, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney’s $60B Expansion Plan Isn’t Quite What You Think It Is 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 new lands would you like to see in the theme parks? Let us know in the comments! The post A Full List of New Theme Park Land Expansions Disney Is Planning first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom soon, you need to be prepared for the HOT MESS that is Frontierland right now! Frontierland sign Almost HALF of the attractions in this land are currently closed, and they won’t reopen for several more weeks at least. Let’s check out those closures and all the temporary refurbishments happening in Disney World from February 25th through March 2nd. Frontierland Closures Right now, both Splash Mountain and Country Bear Jamobree are CLOSED in Frontierland. Splash Mountain is permanently closed — this ride is being renovated to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The new ride will be themed to The Princess and the Frog. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure We recently learned lots of new information about this ride, including a hint that there will be Splash Mountain Easter Eggs throughout the attraction! Updated ride vehicles Country Bear Jamboree is also closed. Disney announced that a NEW show is coming to Country Bear Jamboree, with the bears learning an all-new act. Learn more about the changes coming to Country Bear Jamboree here! Both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Jamboree are going to open THIS SUMMER. The show is closed for now! If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt… DFB Exclusive! …and a Tiana tee as well! Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch! You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store. Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store. With Country Bear Jamboree and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure closed, that leaves just Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Walt Disney World Railroad open in Frontierland. But even Tom Sawyer Island isn’t completely open! The Barrel Bridge is still missing from this attraction, and there’s no word on when it might return. Barrel Bridge Since so many attractions are closed right now, we’ve seen LONG lines at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Long lines We’re hoping that the lines will even out a bit once Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens this summer! Those aren’t the only closures in Disney World, however. Check out this list of other temporary closures that might impact your upcoming trip! Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick service restaurant that’s remained closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open. Tomorrowland Terrace dining room Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. CONFIRMED: You Can Still Buy Beignets in Magic Kingdom Right Now! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on January 8th, it won’t reopen until the summer of this year. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Although we don’t have an exact reopening date yet, we know that it’ll be at least a few months before the ride reopens. Last year, when the ride closed around this time (on February 20th, to be exact), it reopened on May 26th. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Well, it’s official — Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World. We had suspected this was the case for some time (as it hasn’t actually been open for a few years now), but now the permanent closure has been confirmed. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney is going to introduce a NEW show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024. ©Disney It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.” Disney, We’re Begging You to Revamp This Scrapped Project in Hollywood Studios! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kali River Rapids Kali River Rapids usually closes early in the year for refurbishment since water rides like this tend to be less popular during the winter months when it’s colder than usual. No one wants to get soaked if it’s chilly outside! In 2024, it closed on January 8th. Kali River Rapids is closed Disney has announced that Kali River Rapids will be closed through mid-March. Right now, Disney’s calendar shows that this ride should reopen on March 15th, but Disney hasn’t officially confirmed this as the reopening date. Disney Dropped a Major HINT about the Animal Kingdom Encanto Expansion EPCOT Restaurant Marrakesh Restaurant Marrakesh is still closed in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when it might reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh The restaurant is kind of open right now — it’s functioning as a lounge with just a couple of drink options. However, we’re still waiting for the full restaurant to reopen! The Land Cart The Land Cart in EPCOT has been closed for a while, but it’s scheduled to reopen on the first day of EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival. The cart will have a few new menu items when it reopens! There’s a new cart! We’ll be there to try all the new stuff, so stay tuned to DFB for a full review! Don’t be blindsided by this EPCOT change! Disney World Hotels 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare has been closed for a long time, but Disney has finally announced an opening date and BIG changes coming soon! 1900 Park Fare 1900 Park Fare will reopen with NEW dining offerings starting April 10th, 2024. It’s been confirmed that one of the signature menu items here — the Floridian Strawberry Soup — will RETURN! New characters will be available to meet at the restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Aladdin in his Prince Ali look, Mirabel, and Tiana in her new look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will all be present. 1900 Park Fare For breakfast and dinner, you’ll be able to enjoy a buffet meal. There will be new menu offerings available that pay homage to the new characters and their stories. Some Disney Fans Are NOT HAPPY With This 1900 Park Fare Change Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort The Fuentes del Morro Pool is the most popular pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The pool is themed to look like a colonial Spanish fortress and has two waterslides (including one that’s over a hundred feet long!), water spray cannons, and a shipwreck play area for the little kiddos. Fuentes del Morro Pool Fuentes del Morro is currently closed, and it’ll remain closed through late March of this year, so about another month or so. The closure is for routine maintenance, which we often see at Disney’s hotel pools during the winter months. If you’re staying at Caribbean Beach, are you just out of luck? Don’t worry! You can still visit any of the five leisure pools at this hotel. There’s one leisure pool at each village. Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter Doubloon Lagoon at Port Orleans — French Quarter has a 51-foot long water slide that looks like a sea serpent, a whirlpool spa, and Mardi Gras decorations. The pool closed in January and will stay closed through April 2024. Doubloon Lagoon Pool If you’re staying at French Quarter and want to take a swim, head over to Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans — Riverside, which you can easily walk to from French Quarter. Ol’ Man Island is actually a pool complex! The pool area there has waterfalls, a 95-foot waterslide, a whirlpool, and a kiddie pool. Typhoon Lagoon Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be reopening on March 17th, 2024! Typhoon Lagoon The water park has been closed since November 2023 while Disney worked on some refurbishments and spruced up the place. While the park was closed, visitors could instead go to Blizzard Beach Water Park, which was still open — but that’s about to change too. Blizzard Beach will be closed as of March 17th, 2024, so March 16th will be your last day to squeeze in a visit if you want! Learn more about Typhoon Lagoon here! Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: Frontierland Is a Hot Mess in Disney World Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are times when you just KNOW Disney World is going to be SUPER busy. Let’s look at Spring Break, for example. The weeks that comprise Spring Break always bring LOADS of people to the parks. But the holidays are also a big draw, especially on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We also see a ton of people in the parks during runDisney events. Then there are sporting events that bring folks to the park — well, we’ve got one of those to warn you about. Disney World is hosting the AAU Boys’ Basketball World Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports this summer. So that’s going to bring a lot of basketball players, their coaches, their families, and spectators to Disney World this summer. The boys’ championship events will take place from July 4th through 11th! So, not only will you have the July 4th crowds in Disney World, but you’ll also have sporting event crowds. Let’s just say things are going to be BUSY. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex But that’s not all, because just before that, the AAU Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Memorial Day Classic is ALSO coming to Disney World on May 25th through 27th. So expect that weekend to be extra busy when it brings in everyone for those events PLUS Memorial Day crowds. The Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Our best advice? If you can steer clear of Disney World during those events, do so. If not (and we get it if you’ve already planned and booked the trip), you’ll need to pack your patience. We’d also suggest grabbing Genie+ first thing in the morning (you can purchase it at midnight on the first day you plan to use it) so you can bypass the long standby lines for rides and access Lightning Lanes. We’ll be keeping an eye on those crowds, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 6 Mistakes to Avoid in Disney World in 2024 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting Disney World during these events? Let us know your plan for avoiding crowds in the comments! The post You May Want to AVOID Disney World on These 11 Dates in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Over in Disney World, we were SUPER excited to learn that Rapunzel finally got some recognition in Magic Kingdom. ©Disney Of course, all she really got was a tower that we can see in the distance, plus some bathrooms. Granted, we LOVE those bathrooms, but Rapunzel needs more love! Well, she’s finally getting an entire LAND as part of Tokyo DisneySea’s NEW expansion, Fantasy Springs. That land is going to have the one thing we’ve always dreamed of — A Snuggly Duckling! But what will be on the menu there? Well, we’re taking a wild guess! What we know about The Snuggly Duckling so far is that it will be a counter service restaurant where the “rough-and-tumble crowd gathers,” so we assume it will look a lot like the Snuggly Duckling in Tangled and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure. Disney also said that guests would be able to eat in a “variety of atmospheric dining areas,” which we hope means lots of references to both the movie and TV series. ©D23 But what kind of menu will this pub have? Well, we decided we’d put together a list of things we would like to see on the menu, and it all starts with Rapunzel’s favorite food, Mother Gothel’s Hazelnut Soup. Now, the Internet is FULL of recipes for this soup, but its primary ingredients are parsnips and hazelnuts. We’re thinking of a creamy soup with woodsy flavors. ©Disney You know what would go great with that soup? BREAD! So what about a Braided Bread (get it? like Rapunzel’s long hair)? Maybe even throw a few flower decorations on there to match Punzie’s long braid? Braided Bread For those who’ve watched Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, you’ll know that Flynn Rider’s BFF, Lance Strongbow, is ALL about the food. And although we often see him with a turkey leg in his hand, we’re going to say NO to more turkey legs… ©Disney Instead, there’s a moment in one episode when he asks if anyone wants to get Kebabs. So we think some Lance Kebabs would fit perfectly on the Snuggly Duckling menu. Kebabs This next one is a little on the nose, but Tangled Spaghetti and Meatballs should be one of the entrees because spaghetti gets TANGLED — get it? Plus, it’s an entree that even kids will enjoy. Classic spaghetti and meatballs with red sauce Rapunzel’s favorite weapon of choice is a skillet, so Disney HAS to do a skillet dish. What about a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie? ©Disney Since this is a counter service restaurant, maybe something like the skillet cookie you can get at Chili’s with a scoop of ice cream on top? ©Chilis One of the Snuggly Duckling’s denizens, Attila, had a dream to become the best cupcake baker in Corona. He even shows off a batch of his creations to Rapunzel. So Attila’s Cupcake should absolutely be on the menu, right? HE HAD A DREAM, PEOPLE! In the series, he reaches that dream and opens Attila the Bun. ©Disney In Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, Monty owns Monty’s Sweet Shop, and we think some sweet concoctions from his shop should be sold at the Snuggly Duckling. Wouldn’t it be fun to have an assortment of homemade candy? Let’s add Monty’s Sweets to the menu! ©Disney Now, let’s talk about drinks. As the Snuggly Duckling IS a pub, we expect there to be some beers and ciders on draft. But it could also use a signature cocktail that we’re going to call Sundrop Lemonade. We’re thinking something like a Lemon Drop Martini sweetened with honey. There could even be a non-alcoholic version that’s just lemonade and honey. So those are just some ideas WE have for the Snuggly Duckling. Disney — if you’re paying attention, call us! Fantasy Springs is set to open on June 6th, 2024, so we’ll probably have the actual menu before then. Stay tuned to DFB for more! EVERYTHING Coming to Disney’s New Tangled Land 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? What would you like to eat and drink at The Snuggly Duckling? Let us know in the comments! The post What We HOPE Disney Serves at Its NEW Snuggly Duckling Tavern Opening in June first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You might think of February as a slow time in Disney World. Depending on the week in February, this could be right or wrong! Crowds February has a holiday weekend that you may have forgotten about — President’s Day — when many kids are off school. On top of that, Disney World also hosts the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend which runs from February 22nd to 26th, 2024, and brings massive crowds of runners to the parks. So what does that mean for the wait times at your favorite rides? Well, buckle up because it’s NOT pretty… . Below, we have listed each average wait time from the past week from highest to lowest. The wait times have seriously increased since last week — take a look for yourself! Magic Kingdom Wait Times After increasing to a 78-minute average last week, wait times at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are on the rise again! This is also true for many of Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides this week. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 87 minutes Space Mountain — 62 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 71 minutes Jungle Cruise — 57 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 48 minutes Haunted Mansion — 48 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 40 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 38 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 36 minutes Astro Orbiter — 34 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 32 minutes “it’s a small world” — 28 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 26 minutes Hall of Presidents Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 24 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 22 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 21 minutes Mad Tea Party — 18 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 15 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 14 minutes Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 16 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 12 minutes Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes Liberty Square Riverboat — 5 minutes Tom Sawyer Island — 5 minutes Hall of Presidents — 3 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — (This attraction has now closed for refurbishment — read all about the changes here) REVIEW: Yep. This Magic Kingdom Restaurant Is Still UNDERRATED EPCOT Wait Times YIKES. We’re not gonna lie to you — the wait times at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After are a bit much compared to previous weeks. Luckily, you already know these are some of the hardest rides to get on in the parks so you can continue to use tactics like rope dropping or buying Genie+. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 93 minutes Frozen Ever After — 86 minutes Test Track — 73 minutes Soarin’ — 56 minutes Mission: SPACE — 32 minutes Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth — 23 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 19 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 18 minutes Journey into Imagination — 16 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 13 minutes Living with the Land — 13 minutes Living with the Land Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. REJOICE: Some of Our FAVORITE Bathrooms Just Reopened in EPCOT Animal Kingdom Wait Times You may not have thought it was possible, but wait times went up at Flight of Passage, Disney World’s most popular ride. After increasing to a 115-minute average last week, the average this week hit 118 minutes. While no other ride in the park was close to that, other wait times did increase. The most popular ride in the park Avatar Flight of Passage — 118 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 63 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 57 minutes Expedition Everest — 43 minutes Expedition Everest Dinosaur — 27 minutes It’s Tough to Be a Bug — 12 minutes TriceraTop Spin — 12 minutes The Boneyard — 0 minutes TriceraTop Spin Kali River Rapids is currently closed for refurbishment, however, it is set to reopen in March. Disney Just Dropped a MAJOR Hint About the Animal Kingdom Encanto Expansion Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash saw a huge increase this week from a 103-minute average to a 111-minute average. Rise of the Resistance over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was not far behind with an average of 94 minutes this week. Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash — 111 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 94 minutes Tower of Terror — 82 minutes Tower of Terror Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 68 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 68 minutes Toy Story Mania — 67 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 39 minutes Star Tours Star Tours — 24 minutes Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy — 13 minutes Muppet Vision 3D — 10 minutes Walt Disney Presents — 0 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to reopen this summer. Disney, We’re Begging You to Revamp This SCRAPPED Project in Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! A FULL List of Disney World Park Hours for March 2024 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite Disney World ride? Let us know in the comments! The post The WORST Week to Go to Disney World in February first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

At Disney World, there are souvenirs, and then there are SOUVENIRS! EPCOT Y’all, get this. We were strolling through EPCOT, enjoying the updates, and, of course, the food, but then we spotted a unique piece of merch that we just had to tell you about, and guess what? It’s made by a Disney Imagineer! Say whaaaaat?! As we said earlier, at Disney World, there are souvenirs, and then there are SOUVENIRS! To that point, did you know that you can special order themed furniture in Disney World, and it’s made by a former Imagineer? Yup! It’s true. Let’s talk about it! Beauty and the Beast-themed armoire For all you Beauty and the Beast fans, this one’s for you! We spotted this incredible Beauty and the Beast-themed armoire in one of the Festival of the Arts booths in the World Showcase, and we just had to know more about it. Beauty and the Beast-themed armoire closeup It was created by artist Krystiano Dacosta, a former imagineer. You’ve got to take a closer look at these details. Beauty and the Beast-themed armoire inside If you thought the outside was special, check out the inside. By the way, some more of your favorite characters are waiting to surprise you. Mrs. Potts and Chip We loved seeing Mrs. Potts and Chip waiting inside. Beauty and the Beast-themed armoire So where might you go to purchase this armoire? Well, you’ll want to make your way to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. There, you’ll find Promenade Fine Art Gallery. They are the dealer, so you’ll have to visit them in person. Promenade Fine Art Gallery at Disney’s Boardwalk You can also call (407) 560-8750 for more information about purchasing. By the way, this has a pretty hefty price tag, as you can imagine — $34,500. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Business Card Again, since Krystiano is a former Imagineer, if you purchase one, in a way, you’re getting a real piece of Disney Parks history in your home. Definitely something to think about, right? Stay tuned to DFB for more. Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. SURPRISE! You Can Still Get One of Our Favorite Festival of the Arts Treats in EPCOT! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you be interested in this armoire? Let us know in the comments! The post A Former Imagineer Creates UNBELIEVABLE Souvenirs, and You Can Buy Them in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

How do you get to Disney World? Do you fly to Disney World? We’re guessing that a lot of you probably fly into Orlando International Airport (or even Orlando Sanford Airport). We know many of you are big fans of Southwest, but we’re sure you use other airlines, too. That’s why we try to keep you updated on the latest airline discounts, news, and updates. Well, we’ve got an update for those of you who fly to Disney World from Canada. According to Reuters, Canada’s Lynx Airlines has filed for bankruptcy and will stop flying on February 26th. Although the company had significant growth and explored cost reductions and even efforts to be sold or merged with another company, the airline said that its financial issues had become “too significant to overcome.” ©Lynx Air Lynx Airlines has only been in business since 2022 and started flying into and out of Orlando International Airport from Toronto in January 2023. Although Lynx promises to operate most of its flights through the weekend, some of those flights might be canceled — affected passengers will receive an email. Lynx Air also states that it will not be able to assist with refunds or accommodations and that passengers will need to contact their credit card provider for a refund. ©Lynx Air If you have a flight booked on Lynx Air after February 26th, Lynx Air will not be available for refunds, so passengers must contact their credit card company for a refund. Stay tuned to DFB for more news. 12 Dates You Need To Know To Book the CHEAPEST Flights in 2024 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever flown on Lynx Air? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Airline That Flies to Orlando Airport to CEASE Operations first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We have been spending A TON of time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently. Tower of Terror With spending so much time there, we have come across some…well, unfortunate scenarios. Some of these issues are one-off moments, but other things happen fairly often. Like, every day (we wish we were joking, too). We’ve seen things as small as shows cut short due to weather (ahem, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular) and other things as big as not being allowed through the turnstiles of the park right until the park opens — which differs from some of the other Disney World theme parks. Throughout our time here, we have noticed five unfortunate things that happen almost every. single. time. we go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Our Favorite Attractions Have Super Long Wait Times We know that being at Disney World comes with long wait times, but sometimes, it just feels like we NEVER see anything with a low wait. We notice this issue at Rise of the Resistance almost every day. We’ve come across hours-long wait times more often than we’d like to admit (and we’ve waited in them, too). Rise of the Resistance The long wait times aren’t even the worst part. What makes this problem super unfortunate is that the ride breaks down pretty often. So, you may have waited in the hours-long line just to not be able to ride it. If we’re talking about something unfortunate (which we are)… this one takes the cake. Hollywood Studios Rise of the Resistance isn’t the only ride we’ve seen this with. Actually, we’ve seen the opposite happen on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! There are times when we have gotten in line for Tower of Terror when it has a relatively short wait time, but then all of a sudden, the wait time skyrockets, and we feel like we’re waiting twice as long as we planned. This can be because one of the elevators on the ride has gone down, so now all of the guests in line are stuck using the only working elevator — which makes the wait time so. much. longer. The Food Is…Underwhelming Y’all, we LOVE food here at DFB. We will try everything at least twice, and we like to keep an open mind. However, when it comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we have been underwhelmed by the food offerings. outside of the restaurant There aren’t a ton of Quick Service options for you to choose from, and when we do find a spot to eat, we don’t think the food is all that special. We’re not sure if it’s us or them, but we tend to hop on the Skyliner to park hop to EPCOT for some better food options. A slice of pizza If you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and looking for a sweet treat, something that we are BIG fans of is the Carrot Cake Cookie that is sold at the park’s Starbucks location in the Trolley Car Cafe. So, at least there’s that. Carrot Cake Cookie We WISH that we had some better food options at this park, and we’re ready for some new and improved quick-service options (Unless you’re getting that carrot cake cookie. It isn’t appreciated enough). The Fantasmic! Crowds That’s it. Send tweet. Just kidding, but these crowds seriously give us SO much anxiety. We know that this show is so beloved, but the crowds that come with it aren’t. Fantasmic! Whether you’re going into the show or leaving, we can’t help but point out how anxiety-inducing the crowds can be. Sometimes, we hang back a bit after the show to let the big crowds leave first, but that stressful feeling is still there regardless. It’s unfortunate that the crowds are so heavy, but hey, at least we can sit down during the show! Missing Out On Character Meet and Greets We LOVE being able to meet our favorite Disney characters. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has such a fun lineup, too! However, we have missed meeting SO many characters here because they tend to stop meeting early in the day, and we sometimes forget to check the meeting times in the My Disney Experience app. We know this is partially our fault, but we’re so used to being able to meet characters later in the evening that sometimes it doesn’t cross our mind until it’s too late! Hi, Sully! Missing out on these precious character interactions can be really unfortunate. Especially when it comes to the lesser-known ones! If you head over to Star Wars Launch Bay, you’ll be able to find some meet and greets there with some popular Star Wars characters. We’ve noticed a lot of people don’t even know that there are meet and greets there, so keep this in mind for your next trip! SCARY! There are a bunch of other unfortunate things that tend to happen to us when we visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but we feel like these are the most common and really take the cake (insert another shameless mention of the Carrot Cake Cookie here). We LOVE this park to pieces, and we’re hoping that some of these things become better over time. Disney’s Hollywood Studios We’re always trying to give you the best tips, tricks, and info so you can be prepared for your trip, so keep checking in with us at DFB for the latest! 4 Unfortunate Things That Happen Every Time We Go to Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is something unfortunate that you’ve experienced at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below! The post 4 Unfortunate Things That Happen Every Time We Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion…lounge? A Haunted Mansion lounge is coming soon! Yep, that’s right. One of the most POPULAR spooky rides in the Disney parks is getting its own lounge on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure. The bar will be where “Foolish mortals will sip spirited craft cocktails among 999 happy haunts for the first time.” You’ll even be able to grab some NEW exclusive Haunted Mansion merchandise at the bar, too. But this bar holds some ghoulish secrets that only real Haunted Mansion stans will get. First, watch Disney’s teaser clip featuring a little peek at the new bar. Look alive, and pay attention now! Did you spot the secrets? Let’s take a closer look, shall we? Face Armchair The first thing we bet you noticed was the Face Armchair, as seen in the Haunted Mansion ride. This burgundy chair has a very familiar face on it, and if you look closely enough, you’ll recognize that it’s Donald Duck! So, instead of a Hidden Mickey, it’s a Hidden Donald. And the arm chair! This chair was originally the idea of Imagineer Rolly Crump, who was working on a Museum of the Weird for the Haunted Mansion. The chair was originally supposed to move and speak while interacting with people, and no, that’s not creepy at all! Only Experts Know This Hidden Haunted Mansion SECRET in Magic Kingdom Door Knocker Another ICONIC part of the Haunted Mansion is the infamous Spiked Door Knocker you’ll find in the Corridor of Doors scene. The Haunted Mansion Door Knocker Well, according to Disney’s video, it looks like that door knocker might be found on the entrance to the new lounge (or at least on a door somewhere). ©Disney We have a feeling it will be knocking on its own, just like it does in the Haunted Mansion. How’s that for setting a spooky mood? We’re Spilling BACKSTAGE SECRETS of Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom! Hatbox Ghost If you look closely at the opening scene of Disney’s video, you’ll see a set of portraits on the right wall. The portrait closest to the screen looks familiar… ©Disney It’s Hatbox Ghost! This infamous character is mostly famous for how he didn’t work right when the Haunted Mansion first opened in Disneyland. It took Imagineers 45 years to figure out how to get his head to transfer to his hatbox and back. Now you can see him in both Haunted Mansions in the U.S. 2 Big Problems Fans Have With the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom Of course, there are plenty of other nods to the Haunted Mansion in the video, including candelabra (which is usually found floating in the Endless Hallway), the Hitchhiking Ghosts appearing behind the bar, the purple wallpaper, the clock that goes to 13, and more. The Disney Treasure sets sail on December 21st, 2024, so we hope to get even more details about this lounge over the rest of this year. Stay tuned to DFB for more! 9 Things We’re Begging Disney To Bring to the NEW Haunted Mansion Bar What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What Haunted Mansion secrets did you spot in Disney’s video? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 Secrets Only TRUE FANS Will Find in Disney’s NEW Haunted Mansion Lounge! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s February, and in years past, that’s meant a slower time in Disney World. Magic Kingdom Entrance However, in recent years (especially since the 2020 park closures), we’ve noticed that some of those “slow seasons” that happened periodically in Disney World aren’t really happening anymore, and it feels like crowds descend on the parks 24/7. If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may be seeing videos from guests highlighting how busy the parks really are. But, is that just a false lens through social media, or is that what’s actually happening? First, what videos are we talking about? Well, we’ve seen videos from multiple creators over the last few weeks showing the crowds they’re finding in Disney World. Creator @walruscarp posted a video from Magic Kingdom on February 21st, a Wednesday, showing the massive crowds near Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. But these are only snapshots of two days — a MINUTE of two days — in the parks. So, do things really look like this? Tomorrowland Crowds Well friends, we’re sad to say that the answer, in our research, is yes, the parks really are that crowded now on most days. How can we tell? Other than the physical amount of people we see in the parks, we can also look at the price of Genie+, which changes depending on how busy the parks are expected to be that day. ©Disney In the beginning (October 2021), Genie+ was a set $15 per person, per day in Disney World. However, in October 2022, surge pricing hit the service, and it changed to be somewhere between $15 and $22 per person, per day, depending on how busy the parks were expected to be (by looking at park pass reservations). Things changed AGAIN in June 2023 when park-specific pricing hit the Genie+ system, meaning that you would select a single park or multi-park option, and the prices would vary based on how crowded EACH PARK would be. We’ve seen these prices start at $15 and go all the way up to $39. While part of this decision is just Disney wanting to make more money, they can do it BECAUSE the parks are so busy and people need Genie+ in order to do everything they’d like. Genie+ Not to mention that we do still see park passes selling out for days in Disney World, when most guests don’t need park passes anymore because they have date-based tickets. It is also completely possible for regular Disney World tickets to sell out during peak times, so be sure to grab tickets as soon as you know when you’re going to be on the safe side. Genie+ can also sell out too! ©Disney Okay, so there’s more people in the parks, but who’s actually waiting in those lines? Uh, a LOT of people, unfortunately. We keep an eye on Disney World wait times frequently, so we stay in the know. Just this week, a typically calmer week in February, two rides easily hit triple-digit wait times. Using Genie+ means that you can skip these lines, which can save you tons of time, but you’ll be dropping a ton of cash for your whole family to experience more of the parks. If you budget for this ahead of time, you won’t be caught off guard, which is why we recommend that if there’s even the SLIGHTEST thought in your mind that you may use Genie+, budget for it ahead of time! Then, if you don’t use it, you can use that money towards snacks, souvenirs, or whatever else you’d like. Tower of Terror line at over 100 minutes So overall, yes, the Disney World parks are really as crowded as they look online, but there are ways to still have an amazing day in Disney World with crowds surrounding you. As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news and planning tips! Here are our best Genie+ tips for crowded days in Disney World! Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What’s your #1 tip for dealing with crowded days in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post Are Crowds in Disney World Really Worse Than Ever or Is TikTok Just Lying to You? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Y’all, Genie+ is COMPLEX. ©Disney We’ve spent a TON of time learning about this skip-the-line service so that we can make sure that you’re prepared for any Genie+ experience you may encounter on your trip. We’ve told you about all of our tips and tricks, how to maximize your day and even all of the changes that have happened to it since it was announced. However, there is one MISTAKE that we have seen people making in the parks, and we have to talk about it! Genie+ is Disney’s new skip-the-line service that is available for guests to purchase on the day of their visit. This service allows you to select a designated return time for a specific attraction. Once it reaches your return time, you can hop in the Lightning Lane line and skip the (often much longer) standby wait! Expedition Everest Lightning Lane We should also take a moment to define the “Individual Lightning Lane” terminology. Certain (a.k.a. the newer, more popular) rides in Disney World are NOT available on Genie+. Instead, if you want to skip the line for these popular attractions, you must purchase an Individual Lightning Lane. The prices will vary from day to day, and Individual Lightning Lane access can only be used once per person per day. That means you can’t use the paid Lightning Lane to ride Cosmic Rewind more than once per day! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Picture this: You’re in Disney World using Genie+ like a pro. All of a sudden, the ride you had a Lightning Lane booked for has to shut down…right before your arrival window. How could they?! We’ve all been there, and it can be so frustrating — especially if it’s a ride you’ve been looking forward to all day. Well, there is no need to worry! When this happens, you’ll receive a Multi-experience Redemption Pass — a free Lightning Lane pass that you can use at any time for select attractions. Genie+ Problem solved, right? Well, maybe not so much. The big mistake that we’ve been seeing people make with these Passes is that they don’t look at the attractions that the Redemption Pass is eligible for. In fact, we watched Cast Members turn away a whole line of people who thought they could use their Multi-experience Redemption Pass at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train after Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed. Trust us — Cast Members are BEGGING you to read the fine print on those special passes! Lightning Lane When you receive one of these passes, there is some IMPORTANT information included. The Pass tells you where you are allowed to use the Lightning Lane and other important details so you can set yourself up for success while using it. Spaceship Earth Lightning Lane Recently, we have been seeing a lot of guests get turned away when trying to use these Multi-experience Redemption Passes at rides that utilize the Individual Lightning Lane system. That is because those specific rides do not apply to the Multi-experience Redemption Pass, so keep that in mind when choosing where to use it! It won’t work here! Keep in mind that with these Multi-experience Redemption Passes, you can only use them in the park where your original Lightning Lane was booked. For example, if you book a Lightning Lane for The Haunted Mansion and it closes down during your return window, you will have to select another ride at Magic Kingdom to use the multi-experience redemption pass for, even if you’re planning to hop to another park later. Lightning Lane We know there are so many nuances when it comes to Genie+. We’re always keeping our eyes open for tips and tricks for this service, so keep checking in with us to see what we find next! The Big Disney Genie+ Rule That EVERYONE Gets Wrong! All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection BIG Genie+ Changes Being Planned For Disney World FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World 3 Tips to OUTSMART Genie+ in Disney World Right Now Please Stop Skipping These Genie+ Hacks in Disney World (They Really Work!) Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What Disney ride do you always want to skip the line for? Let us know in the comments below! The post The MISTAKE Cast Members Want You to Stop Making with Disney Genie+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s no doubt that a trip to Disney can be expensive. But even as experienced Disney-goers, we STILL got sticker shock from these souvenir prices! Pixar Pins There are TONS of different souvenirs to choose from around the Disney parks. From Minnie ears to tumblers, there’s something for just about everyone. But if you’re planning on doing some shopping around Disney, beware — we’ve seen some SUPER expensive souvenir prices lately! One of the standard souvenirs that you’ll see all over the Disney parks are pins, featuring all kinds of different characters, attractions, and more. But if you’re planning on doing some pin collecting in the parks, you might want to budget a little extra cash. Because the prices on those cute little pins are getting out of hand! 1 of 12 pins to release for Stitch Attacks Snacks We recently stopped by Westward Ho Trading Company in Disneyland Park where we spotted this Disney Villains pin set for a whopping $34.99! To be fair, it does include four pins. But still, it’s hard to swallow that price tag for four relatively small pins! Disney Villans Pin Set And those weren’t the only pricey pins we found. Like this Sleeping Beauty Pin that’s $19.99 — and this one DOES just have one pin included! Sleeping Beauty Pin Plus, check out this Donald Duck Pin… Donald Duck Pin …and this Snow White Pin, which are both priced at $17.99 each! Snow White Pin We love a cute Disney pin as much as the next person, but the prices of some of them are a bit rich for our blood! We’ll continue to report back with more souvenir finds from around the Disney parks, so keep an eye on DFB to help keep your wish list up to date! 5 Stupidly Expensive Disney World Hotel Rooms That Might Actually Be Worth It 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 many Disney pins do you own? Let us know in the comments! The post These Disney Souvenir Prices Are Getting Out of Hand first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We know what you’re thinking. You probably read the title of this post and thought, “Well, every week at Disney World is practically perfect, if you ask me.” Disney World You’re not wrong, my friend. However, there were some things that we saw and did in the parks this week that had us thinking we’d officially hit PEAK perfection. From a great hotel experience, to seeing the first hints of an upcoming EPCOT festival, to finally checking out an iconic Magic Kingdom souvenir, it’s safe to say we had a GREAT week. Let’s talk about it! We’ll start over at at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. We went horseback riding! This week, we headed out for an early morning horseback trail ride at the Tri-Circle D Ranch after being invited by Disney to check it out. These recreational rides are hosted here at the hotel and campground and are offered at various times throughout the day. You can book these recreational rides on the My Disney Experience app or by calling Disney directly to make a reservation. Horses! This is a great family-friendly experience that could be especially great for kiddos who love animals. Our guides were fixed at the front and very back of our group as we were guided through the mile-long trail. The whole experience took about 45 minutes and the entire trail brought us around the side of the property, by the existing wilderness cabins, and rounded back. Along our trail ride, we talked with our guides about the wildlife found around the campgrounds as well as the care and nature of the horses. It was truly one of the best experiences we’ve partaken in at Disney World and can’t recommend it enough. Click here to see what else is new at Disney World’s hotels Next, let’s head over to Magic Kingdom! We remembered that some ICONIC souvenirs existed. One of the most iconic souvenirs that you can get at Magic Kingdom is SILHOUETTE ART! This classic souvenir has been around for decades, but it often gets overlooked as an option. Over the years, we’ve seen people get silhouettes made of their family, friends, children, and even their pets! You either need to be present for the portrait session or have a photo of the person (or pet) who you’d like a silhouette made of. Honestly, I want one for my whole entire family. Center Street Portrait Cart Prices for an individual silhouette start at $14, and there are several places you can get one done in Disney World. Magic Kingdom has two locations — one on Center Street (off of Main Street, U.S.A. right outside the Crystal Arts shop) and one in Liberty Square. You can get a silhouette portrait for $14 or a pet silhouette for $18. Disney also offers oval frames for an additional $13.95. Keep in mind that those prices are excluding tax. So adorable There are also silhouette stands in Disney Springs in The Marketplace area and at EPCOT in the France Pavilion. This is such a timeless souvenir that you can appreciate or years to come. While this totally isn’t anything new, we think that these souvenirs could get a lot of attention soon with vintage home decor trends on the rise. Click here to see what is new in Magic Kingdom! For the last stop of the day, we’re headed to EPCOT. We saw a BRAND NEW topiary! EPCOT’s 2024 Flower and Garden Festival will kick off on February 28th and run through May 27th. This is one of our FAVORITE festivals, as it brings in gorgeous blooms and topiaries along with some fresh springtime eats. Lately, we’ve been giddy as we’ve watched the first topiaries of the year be placed around the parks. A NEW one just arrived, and we were thrilled to see that it’s of FIGMENT! World Celebration Gardens He can be found in the all-new World Celebration Gardens. Since this is an all-new land in EPCOT, this is the VERY FIRST topiary to ever be featured here. We think it’s pretty neat that it gets to be Figment. PhotoPass photographers are stationed in front of the topiary, so you can snag a photo with Figment and his flowers in front of Spaceship Earth. Click here to see what else is new in EPCOT. Of course, that’s not all that happened this week. New things pop up at Disney World seemingly every few MINUTES. Be sure to click through the links below to see all of that for yourself. WHAT'S NEW AT DISNEY? Check out our daily updates on all the happenings around Disney World and Disneyland! Magic Kingdom EPCOT Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom Disney Hotels Disney Springs Disneyland We’re at Disney World every day, so we’ll be sure to keep you updated with more news that comes our way. Make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing. Click here to see what’s coming SOON to 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 Will you be visiting Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 Things That Made Our Week at Disney World Practically Perfect first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article