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We know that Imagineers are usually working on dreaming up new experiences for us in the parks, and a lot of that work involves how things LOOK. Disney is known for its over-the-top theming, the “easter eggs” and Hidden Mickeys hidden throughout the parks, rides, cruise ships, resorts and just about everything Disney World does. But a lot of Imagineer time is also spent on how things WORK. © @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram at TRON Lightcycle/Run Disney’s most accomplished inventor is Lanny Smoot, who holds 106 patents and counting! In a recent video, Disney shared more about Smoot’s amazing career with the company, and toward the end of the video, we got a sneak peek at his latest invention. And we can’t stop thinking about it! Behold the Holo Tile floor… ©Disney It looks … weird, but you’ve gotta see what it can do! Disney describes the Holo Tile floor technology as the “world’s first multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor.” Basically, all those tiny tiles you see rotate and move to keep any object in the center of the floor. What’s more, MULTIPLE people can be on the floor moving in different directions simultaneously. Smoot said when he started working on this project years ago, he was trying to figure out if a holodeck — like the ones on Star Trek ships that allow people to exist in any environment holographically — could really become reality. And, if anyone could do that, it would probably be Smoot (he invented that “real” light saber we saw in use in the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, after all!). ©Disney Lanny Smoot shows off the Holo Tile floor he invented. “I knew about the thing called the ‘Holodeck,’ which is where people can walk around forever in a room that’s 24 feet by 24 feet,” Smoot told the Los Angeles Times. “They’re going off to distant mountains and streams. How can that possibly be, right?” So now we’ve seen this myterious treadmill floor, and it’s COOL. But how might Disney use it? We know that Imagineering often works on new tech without a particular attraction or use in mind. But we have found some CLUES as to how the Holo Tiles could show up in Disney Parks! Let’s take a look! Virtual Reality Attractions We had the opportunity to test out some new tech at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention last fall in Orlando, and of course, there were lots of virtual reality attractions. Most of them involved wearing a headset as you might expect, and what we can definitely say about them is that you had to cover a lot of ground to play the games, physically walking around in the crowded convention center. IAAPA Expo That can be annoying, worrisome, and perhaps even dangerous to be walking around in a crowd while wearing a VR headset. We could imagine the Holo Tile flooring being very useful in VR environments! Live Performances Smoot himself said he has imagined the floor being used by dancers, and it could be an interesting application to install holo tiles on stages! Finding Nemo: The Great Big Blue and Beyond show Complex choreography involves carefully planning out how much ground dancers can cover as they move, to keep them from getting too close to the edge of the stage (or accidentally spinning off stage and out of the view of the audience). A treadmill floor could allow for bigger moves, without the dancers needing as much room to do them. And remember, multiple people can be on the same Holo Tile floor and be moving independently! Moving (and Controlling the Moves of) Objects Ever wanted to truly “Use the Force” and move objects around with a gesture of your arm and sheer will. Guess what the Holo Tile floor can do? Lightsaber training at the Galactic Starcruise Yep, the floor will move objects when you make certain movements! Now, we know, we know, it’s probably going to be a long time before we see this tech come to Disney Parks … but we can’t wait to see the attractions the Imagineers dream up to use it! Keep following us here at Disney Food Blog for the latest on all things Disney! You’ve Gotta See the New Robot Tech Disney Just Dreamed Up! 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 would YOU use this tech in Disney Parks? Tell us in the comments! The post 3 CLUES About Disney’s Mysterious NEW Virtual Reality Treadmill Floor Technology first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Starbucks fans are usually very happy when they step into the Disney Parks and realize they can get their favorite coffee drinks there! Downtown Disney Starbucks With Starbucks locations inside the parks, you can get your caffeine fix before you really start your day. And if you’re a big fan of Starbucks and Disney merchandise, you likely loved the collection of new mugs that was released earlier this year. Well, we’ve got great news — a new mug in the collection has been released in Disneyland! While we were walking around Disney California Adventure a few days ago, we spotted a new Disney California Adventure Been There Mug for $24.99! This mug can be found at the Starbucks location in this park, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café. On one side of the mug, you’ll find iconic attractions and characters like Lightning McQueen, Mr. Incredible, Soarin’, and Radiator Springs. Disney California Adventure Starbucks Mug On the other side of the mug, you’ll find Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!, Captain America’s shield, a Green Alien from Toy Story, palm trees, and more. So cute! You can also grab a mini version of the mug as an ornament! It has the same design as the full-size mug. Perfect for your tree! These will likely sell out very quickly, so we suggest grabbing one ASAP. Right now, the mug isn’t available online, but we’re hoping to see it become available soon! More Recent Disneyland Resort News! NEWS: Disney Has CHANGED the Sip and Savor Festival PassA Popular Disney Nighttime Spectacular Returns TOMORROW!HURRY! Tickets for TWO 2024 Disneyland Events Are ON SALE NOW!CONFIRMED: Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash Is Returning in 2024 As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Here are all the ways Starbucks costs you MORE in Disney Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Which mug is your favorite in the collection? Tell us in the comments! The post There's a NEW Addition to the Internet's FAVORITE Disney Starbucks Mug Collection! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We need to talk about this new boozy Dole Whip float in Disney World! Valentine’s Float Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with so many adorable treats and snacks to try out, it’s hard to decide which ones are really worth your money. If you’re looking for a sweet, shareable treat to split just after a romantic dinner out we may have found just the thing! Our next adventure in the search for a tasty Valentine’s Day treat took us over to Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This is a popular spot for anyone to come by and order a regular pineapple-flavored Dole Whip, but on occasion, they have other flavors that are a bit more fun. Pineapple Lanai While we were browsing the menu, we spotted the new Valentine’s Float that was released just in time for the upcoming holiday and thought we should try it out! This float is made of raspberry-flavored Dole Whip with Rosa Regale Sparkling Red topped with raspberries and strawberries and costs $14. The real kicker about this treat is it’s super limited as it’s only offered from February 1st through the 14th! We thought this one was such a pretty treat and definitely had a Valentine’s vibe about it. Raspberry is one of our favorite Dole Whip flavors and it delivers just what we expected it to. Rose Regale Red is a sweet, sparkling red wine — so the decision on whether you will like this really comes down to whether you like sweet red wines or not. Valentine’s Float Now, this isn’t SUPER sweet, it actually had a nice balance of fruit and acidity, but if you’re not a wine drinker (or if you only prefer the driest of wines), this one probably isn’t for you. Look at the fruit! Overall, we really enjoyed it and the addition of the fresh strawberry slices was nice. But we’re also warning you that you’ll probably need both a spoon AND a straw to best enjoy this one! This isn’t the only Valentine’s Day treat we’ve tried recently! There’s plenty more to check out down below and stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest. Check out more limited-time treats in Disney World here! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be trying out this tasty treat on your next Disney World trip? Give us your thoughts on it in the comments below! The post REVIEW: Yes, WINE Dole Whip Exists in Disney World 😲 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It feels like there’s always something new happening in the Disney parks. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney World alone has Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the updated Country Bear Jamboree show in progress in Magic Kingdom, as well as refurbishments coming up soon for Test Track in EPCOT. But now Disney has also started casting for the brand new show that’s coming this fall! “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is a reimagining of the stage show “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” which hasn’t opened since the parks closed in 2020. The theater has been left sitting empty for years now, but Disney is finally ready to put another live-action show back on the stage. ©Disney This show will still be based on the cartoon version of The Little Mermaid, and Disney says it will include classic songs from the film, like “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Ariel and Prince Eric in EPCOT Now, Disney has officially begun the casting process for two of the show’s main characters — Ariel and Prince Eric! Here’s what they’re looking for in these characters: Ariel: 5’2″ – 5’6″ A spirited, fun-loving, yet curious mermaid princess who longs to be a part of the human world. Lyrical pop soprano with belt to C. Prince Eric: 5’10“- 6’0″ Charismatic and fearless, Prince Eric is a true romantic who never gives up on his heart’s desire. Non-singing role. ©Disney If you’re interested in auditioning for the show and you fit the descriptions, check out the link below! Once you’re on the Disney auditions page, search “Hollywood Studios” and this audition should pop up. Learn more about auditions right here! The new Little Mermaid show is going to open in the fall of this year. Live entertainment is so much fun at Disney World! If you’re visiting before Fall 2024 and want to see some other amazing shows, we recommend checking these out: The Dapper Dans in Magic Kingdom Voices of Liberty in EPCOT Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond! in Animal Kingdom Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Finding Nemo The Big Blue and Beyond! We’ll be sure to keep an eye on this show and more casting announcements, so stay tuned to DFB! Don’t miss the news about the Disney College Alumni Program returning this year! 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 form of live entertainment in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post The NEW Little Mermaid Show in Hollywood Studios Is One Step Closer to Opening! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Today, we’re headed over to Paradiso 37! Let’s go! You can find Paradiso 37 over at The Landing at Disney Springs! It’s surrounded by a ton of different shopping options, other places to dine, and of course — water! This waterfront option has plenty of seating and a ton of different food options to choose from. If you’re looking for drink options — look no further! Paradiso 37 features a wall of Tequila with over 37 different options for you to choose from. Grab your bags, we’re headed to Paradiso 37! Atmosphere When you walk into Paradiso 37, you’re met with a super spacious environment with A TON of seating. They have multiple dining rooms throughout this location, each with its own unique vibe. It is even full of decorations from different locations throughout the Americas! Outside of the Entrance Once inside, you’ll be met with a very large dining room. The Dining Room When We First Walked In Throughout the restaurant, there was a ton of seating, and it could accommodate parties as small as 2 and as big as 8 without moving tables. Throughout the restaurant, there were a few other dining areas, each with their own vibe. Outdoor Dining Area There are a few different outdoor dining areas at Paradiso 37. Each of them has a beautiful waterfront view. When it’s cold outside, they even have heaters to keep guests comfortable. Back inside, we have a few different bar areas — here is one of them! Bar Area In some areas, there was a TON of natural light. We loved how this area looked with all of the natural daylight. Look at that natural light! Menu Now that we’ve taken our seats, let’s take a look at the menu. Here, you’re going to find a wide variety of food options. Paradiso 37 specializes in foods from across the Americas, so you’ll be able to find a wide array of different dishes to choose from. Food Options The drink menu is located on the back of the food menu. Here, we can find a selection of margaritas and cocktails for you to enjoy. If you’re not looking for something alcoholic, they have a wide selection of coke products, iced teas, and coffees. Alcoholic Beverage Options! The Drinks Now that we’ve taken our seats, let’s order some drinks! The server brought over some water and gave us a great cocktail recommendation. We were looking for something sweet but not too overpowering — and they pointed out the Down By The Bay cocktail, which is a mix of P37 premium vodka, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine for $15. Down By The Bay It turns out, this was a great recommendation. We wanted something fruity, and got just that! It also has a lot of coconut flavor, which we enjoyed! Overall, the drink is super creamy and rich which was perfect for the piña colada vibes we were getting from this. Down By The Bay All of the grenadine sits at the bottom of this drink, and it is very sweet and offsets the richness very well. Just make sure you mix it around first! After a few sips, the pineapple really started showing through and it balanced out the flavor even more. We couldn’t even taste the alcohol in this drink — so if you order it, be careful! The Eats Now that we’ve gotten our drinks, let’s order some food! A few different appetizers sound delish to us right now, so let’s get them! Our Spread First up, we have the Mexican Crazy Corn. We have been BIG fans of this for a long time, and this visit was no different. This dish consists of corn on the cobb, chipotle mayo, cotija, Mexican spices, and queso blanco cheese. You can get it for $20. Mexican Crazy Corn We still LOVE this dish. The cheese on top of the corn was warm and gooey to start it all off. The chipotle mayo under the cheese has a great level of spice and provides a kick that feels necessary for a dish like this. The corn is perfectly cooked as well and serves as a great vessel for the cheese and mayo. Mexican Crazy Corn Next, we got the Big Smoke Poutine, which is made of house fries, brisket burnt ends, country gravy, cheese curds, cherry peppers, green onions, and Alabama white sauce. You can get it for $22. Big Smoke Poutine The fries were super crispy and crunchy — exactly what you want for a dish like this. They were topped with a whole mountain of things, so we knew that it was time to dig in. Big Smoke Poutine The brisket was seasoned really well and was super tender. It fell apart every time we went to put it on our fork. The cheese curds were fried and were super gooey when we tasted them — which we liked. The peppers added a nice level of spice and added a new texture to the dish as well. The sauces were a great way to top it all off and added a nice flavor component that had a nice kick to it — but don’t worry, it wasn’t too spicy. We enjoyed this dish, but if you don’t like textures that clash, maybe eat around the things that you’re not feeling. Overall, it was a super tasty dish and we would get it again. Big Smoke Poutine Now, it is time for the main course! We got the Peruvian A La Brasa Rotisserie Half Chicken, which came with half chicken, cilantro rice, and black beans with lime crema. It is on the menu for $29. Peruvian A La Brasa Rotisserie Half Chicken We got this dish and were excited to dig in. The chicken was good and tender. The skin was seasoned nicely and was crispy. We noticed that there wasn’t anything super unique about the flavor — it wasn’t bland, but also wasn’t anything to write home about. We decided to dip it in the lime crema. and it paired well and was a good addition to the chicken. The Chicken The black beans that came with this meal were your standard black beans. If you like black beans, you’ll enjoy it. They added some sour cream on top which we enjoyed, and it provided something light to add to the black bean flavor and saltiness it had. Black Beans! The cilantro rice was something we were honestly a little unsure about going in. However, it comes with a few different dishes on the menu so we wanted to give it a try. We enjoyed it, but if you don’t like cilantro (or have the gene that makes it taste like soap to you — so sorry if you do!) maybe ask to replace it with a different side. We enjoyed it overall but felt it needed a little something. We added a bit of pepper and felt that it gave it a fuller flavor and was exactly what it needed. The Cliantro Lime Rice Finally, we need something sweet! It looks like it is time for dessert. Churro Donut While all of the dessert options sound good, we went with the Mexico City Churro Donut. It is topped with cinnamon and sugar dusted, and topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel, and chocolate sauce. You can grab it for $12.00. Is your mouth watering yet? We were kind of obsessed with this. We love a fun take on a churro — especially at Disney. This was everything that you love about a churro, but in a donut form. It was very sweet and the ice cream added a great touch. There is chocolate and caramel sauce hidden underneath the donut, so make sure you don’t miss it when you’re eating it. The sauces provided a great source of flavor and we really enjoyed it — especially the caramel. Nosh or Not? We recommend trying Paradiso 37 if… You’re at Disney Springs and looking for a place to grab some quick drinks and tapas You want some waterfront dining without the crowding of other waterfront options You enjoy a variety of different flavors and types of food You want some good happy hour deals You might want to skip Paradiso 37 if… You want some familiar flavors or comfort food You don’t want apps or desserts and are just looking for an entree You’re looking for an upscale dining experience Overall We’ve had the same sentiments about Paradiso 37 for a long time. This is a solid choice for you if you’re looking for some good cocktails, tapas, and dessert — but we wished it would give us more. Happy Hour Deals! If you’re looking for some unique flavor profiles that would be harder to find in other places (like the cilantro rice), it is worth a try! If you’re looking for more familiar flavors, there are also a ton of other delicious spots at Disney Springs for you to try. Outdoor bar They have a lot of positives, like their happy hour specials, the spacious dining rooms, and the tequila wall. If you’re looking for a quick stop for some quick drinks and apps, this would be a fine stop. However, we still can’t fully recommend it for a full dinner when you have so many great options throughout Disney Springs. Even then, if you’re looking for dinner options and are coming up short, go ahead and give them a try for yourself! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of Paradiso 37? Let us know in the comments below! The post REVIEW: This Disney Restaurant Has A Churro Donut? Say Less. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company has had its fair share of headaches over the last year. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters From multiple lawsuits and less-than-stellar box office results to a second proxy battle for seats on Disney’s Board of Directors (waged yet again by Nelson Peltz), the Company has had to work hard to maintain investor support. And, that’s precisely why April 3rd is such a huge day for Disney. The 2024 Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting of Shareholders is taking place on April 3rd, and we’re expecting to learn quite a few updates from the gathering. But, perhaps more importantly, that’s when shareholders of the Walt Disney Company will vote on Nelson Peltz’s (and others’) attempt to gain a seat on the Board of Directors. Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times We had previously shared that Trian nominated Peltz and former Disney CFO James Rasulo to the Walt Disney Company board back in December. Trian released a statement reading, in part, that the group “Believes the Disney Board’s lack of focus, alignment, and accountability has resulted in chronic underperformance at one of the world’s most iconic companies.” ©Disney But, Disney has specified that “the Board does NOT endorse the nominations of Nelson Peltz and James Rasulo put forth by Trian Fund Management, L.P. and its affiliates, led by Nelson Peltz and supported by former Disney executive Isaac Perlmutter (collectively, the “Trian Group”).” The notice went on to say, “The Board recommends that shareholders do not vote for the Trian Group nominees, and that they reject a related proposal from the Trian Group to amend the Company Bylaws.” Disney also made it clear that the Board “does not endorse the nominations of Craig Hatkoff, Jessica Schell and Leah Solivan put forth for election as directors by Blackwells Onshore I LLC, Blackwells Capital LLC and Jason Aintabi (collectively, the “Blackwells Group”).” ©Getty Images Peltz “brings no media experience and has presented no strategic ideas for Disney,” the Company said in a statement, while Rasulo “is stale given he left Disney in 2015 and has not held any executive positions in the industry since.” ©Trian Partners Instead of Peltz, Rasulo, and the Blackwells Group, Disney has its own list of nominees — 12 of them, in fact. They are “best qualified to create sustainable shareholder value. The Disney Board of Directors is comprised of engaged, diverse and dynamic leaders whose skills, perspective and insights are essential in driving profitable growth and delivering on Disney’s strategic priorities as the Company navigates ongoing, industry-wide challenges,” the Company said in a letter to shareholders. Cinderella Castle You can see the list of 12 nominees that the Disney Board of Directors recommends for election at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders below: Mary T. Barra — Chair and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Co. Safra A. Catz — Chief Executive Officer of Oracle Corp. and its former President Amy L. Chang — former senior executive at Cisco Systems, Inc. and Google and a current director of Procter & Gamble Co. D. Jeremy Darroch — former Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Sky Carolyn N. Everson — former senior executive at Instacart, Meta Platforms, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. and a current director of The Coca-Cola Co. and Under Armour Inc. Michael B.G. Froman — President of the Council on Foreign Relations and former Vice Chairman and President, Strategic Growth at Mastercard Inc. James P. Gorman — Executive Chairman and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Robert A. Iger — Disney’s Chief Executive Officer, formerly also served as Chairman Maria Elena Lagomasino — Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of WE Family Offices and a former senior executive at JP Morgan Private Bank and Chase Manhattan Bank and a current director of The Coca-Cola Co. Calvin R. McDonald — Chief Executive Officer of lululemon athletica inc. Mark G. Parker — serves as Chairman of the Disney Board, is Executive Chairman of NIKE, Inc. and its former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Derica W. Rice. — former senior executive at CVS Health Corp. and Eli Lilly and Co. and a current director of The Carlyle Group Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., and Target Corp. Hi, Mickey! In addition to the shareholders meeting happening on April 3rd, we also expect to hear quite a bit of updates from the company during the first quarter earnings call of 2024. That call is taking place on February 7th at 4:30PM EST, so make sure you keep an eye out for the latest news from that! We’ll be bringing you the latest updates from the next Disney earnings call and shareholders meeting, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! 5 Big Changes Bob Iger Has To Make 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 tuning into the shareholders meeting? Tell us in the comments. The post Why April 3rd Is a BIG DAY for the Walt Disney Company first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

February is Black History Month and Disney is celebrating “soulfully.” Magic Kingdom Throughout February, you can find new special treats all around Disney World. We got really excited when we found out that Tiana’s famous beignets were making an appearance in Magic Kingdom! But it’s not just in the parks that you’ll find sweet treats celebrating Black History Month; the hotels are also offering some special snacks, too. We stopped by one of the five hotel locations that are serving a Mini Red Velvet Cake to “celebrate Soulfully.” The Mini Red Velvet Cake is bigger than a standard Disney cupcake and has a fluffy cream cheese buttercream. It’s $5.99 at the following resorts. Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Mini Red Velvet Cake While we love a good red velvet cake, the star of the show on this little treat was definitely the cream cheese buttercream! It was whipped which made it fluffy and light. We thought it had a good balance of butter and cream cheese. It was perfect in sweetness and tang; we absolutely loved it. Mini Red Velvet Cake Unfortunately, the cake fell flat compared to its frosting. It was overcooked and tough around the edges. It was good, but it was missing the cocoa flavor flavor that red velvet cake is known for. We expect that if you’re a lover of red velvet cake, then you’ve most likely had better than this little snack. That cream cheese buttercream was perfect! However, we wouldn’t discredit this treat as a valid option; it is pretty good if you consider that you can pick it up at your resort’s quick-service dining location. If you’re looking for a quick dessert that’s inexpensive and easy to grab and go, then this is worth checking out! You can find it at several resort quick-service cafes. We love trying out new snacks in Disney World (it’s literally in our name), so be sure to keep following Disney Food Blog for more snack reviews! This Is the ONLY Way We’re Eating a BUG in Disney World Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you a red velvet cake lover? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: One Thing SAVED This Limited-Time Mini Cake in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re heading to Disneyland soon, please be weather aware! Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle If you didn’t already know, Southern California is currently under a state of emergency as an atmospheric river has hit the area for the second time in less than a week. Atmospheric rivers are narrow tunnels of wind and water vapor that can bring tumultuous rain storms and flooding given the proper environment. Eight counties, including Orange County, have been put under a state of emergency while Santa Barbara, San José, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties have been issued mandatory evacuations. Now, Disneyland’s hours have been affected. On Sunday, February 4th, the Disneyland parks closed early due to weather. On Monday, February 5th, the same thing occurred. Early Monday morning, the Disneyland app said that both parks would close at normal times: 10PM for Disneyland and 9PM at Disney California Adventure. Sleeping Beauty Castle Now, the app says that Disneyland… ©Disney and Disney California Adventure will each close at 8PM. ©Disney While the Disney Parks typically operate normally under rainy conditions, the atmospheric rivers are bringing intense flooding that makes it unsafe for both visitors and Cast Members to drive. The weather has already resulted in road closures. Stay safe! We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing. Click here for more information on the atmospheric rivers Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Disneyland Will Close Early Due to Severe Weather first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Having a good park day bag is a must at Disney World. Main Street Loungefly backpacks are a very popular park day bag for the parks, but they can be pricey. Fear not! We found SIX Loungefly bags for under $50! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Loungefly bags are known for featuring some of our favorite characters from Disney movies and the Disney parks and now you can own one for a fraction of the cost! Shop this Disney Stickers Loungefly for UNDER $50 ©Amazon This Loungefly features a bright sticker look of some of the Sensational Six! The bag also has a front pocket which is perfect to keep your smaller park day essentials. The inside of the bag is simple and black and white. In block letters it has all the characters that are featured on the front of the backpack. Get this Bag Here Shop this Peter Pan 70th Anniversary Loungefly for 40% Off! If you are a fan of Peter Pan, this next Loungefly is for you! ©Amazon This Loungefly features Peter Pan and the Darling children. The interior of the bag has a blue lining with Peter Pan and a logo to celebrate 70 years of the movie. This bag is perfect to add a little bit of pixie-dust to your park day! Shop this Bag Here Get this Tangled Loungefly for 38% Off! If you are a fan of all things Tangled, this next Loungefly might just be the bag you were dreaming for! ©Amazon This Loungefly is perfect for all of those who have a dream! The bag has Flynn Rider and Rapunzel front and center. The lining of the bag is filled with floating lanterns which fits the theme well. Find it on Amazon Snag this Muses Loungefly for 44% Off! This next bag will make you zero to hero in no time! ©Amazon This bag features everyone’s five favorite Muses from Hurcules. The interior of the bag is filled with lightning bolts and is perfect for the hero in all of us! Find it on Amazon Get this Star Wars Loungefly for 20% Off! Calling all Star Wars Fans! This next bag is for you! @Amazon This Loungefly is great for a day in Hollywood Studios and strolling through Galaxy’s Edge. The front of the bag has both Obi-Wan and Darth Vader, along with their Lightsabers. Unlike most, Loungefly this one is unique because the Lightsabers LIGHT UP! Shop on Amazon Don’t Sleep on this Deal and get this Sleeping Beauty Loungefly for 43% Off! There is one last bag for all of our princess fans! ©Amazon This Loungefly has Sleeping Beauty on the front and features simple pink drawings of her and Prince Phillip on the interior. This is a great choice of a park day bag for Magic Kingdom to meet all of your favorite princesses! Get this Bag Here Act fast and snag yourself one of these Loungefly backpack for a great deal! Shop our Amazon Storefront for more Great Disney Finds!The post Stop Scrolling! You Can Get 6 Loungeflys For Under on Amazon Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you were thinking about heading to Disneyland soon, you might want to think again. Sleeping Beauty Castle After severe weather impacted much of California over the weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for eight counties — including Orange County, where Disneyland Resort is located. But, Disneyland has remained open through the storms and we’re giving you a look at what it’s like to be in the park under a state of emergency. Southern California is typically known for having pretty temperate weather, but lately, it’s been a different story. We happened to be some of the unlucky ones (though we are still very lucky!) who planned a trip to the parks during this weather event, so we thought we’d make the most of it and show you what it’s like to be in Disneyland during a state of emergency. We weren’t the only people who braved the weather to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. It looks like most folks came prepared and brought umbrellas, rain jackets, and even ponchos. Sleeping Beauty Castle Over near the entrance to Mickey’s ToonTown, people seemed to take cover under the bridge before heading back out into the rain. Lots of folks were using ponchos to keep strollers dry, which is a great protip if you ever run into a storm when you’re in the parks. Mickey’s ToonTown Mad Tea Party wasn’t looking too mad after all, on account of being closed due to the weather. In situations like this, it’s important to be flexible — there are still lots of things you can do in the parks in the rain. Make your way over to an indoor ride like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, or go check out a show! Mad Tea Party Flood watches were put into effect on February 3rd and will last through February 6th in central and southern California. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Santa Barbara, San José, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties. Experts predict the storm will stall in the greater Los Angeles area Monday night, bringing up to 8 inches of rain to the coast and up to 14 inches in the mountains. Stay safe! Stay safe out there, California friends! Keep an eye on your local news and DFB as we bring you more updates on this situation and the latest news from Disney parks. Our BEST Tips for Doing Disney Parks in the Rain Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disneyland Is Under a State of Emergency. Here's What That Looks Like Today. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning on taking a trip in 2024, you’ll want to keep up with all the latest travel news to stay up-to-date. Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport This includes things like making sure you don’t fall prey to this sneaky passport problem, knowing when to book the cheapest flights in 2024, and so much more. However, if you’re holding off your trip until 2025 and you’re planning to fly with Southwest Airlines, you need to know about the new plane design on the way. Southwest has unveiled the new seats that will be on their new aircrafts coming in 2025! The reviews are in and they’re…mixed. And as you can see from the comments on this post, some travelers are NOT having it! One commenter (Kyle) said, “What I’m seeing is rockhard seats.” Another (Katie) posted, “Why not just put wooden benches in? They’d be just as comfy…” Many commenters on this TikTok are not fans (to say the least) of the way the seats all touch, like bench seating. Not to mention that the back of the seats look like they wouldn’t support your back at all. ©Southwest According to USA Today, while the seats will have USB-A and USB-C plugs, there are still no normal outlets. It’s not all bad news, thought! The new seats feature holders for your personal electronic devices (that can be charged through the plugs). ©Southwest And larger overhead bins are also coming to these new planes and will also be added to the airline’s Max 8 and Boeing 737-800 planes in the coming years. It sounds like that means more space for everyone’s carry-ons! ©Southwest These changes are a little controversial, to say the least, but we’re going to have to wait and see how they are for ourselves when they launch in 2025. More Recent Travel News! Southwest Revealed NEW Planes and the Internet Is ROASTING Them in the Comments NEWS: You Can Get Flights to Disney World as Low as $59 Right Now!BEWARE This Sneaky Passport Problem If You Need Us, We’ll Be Booking a Trip to This NEW Cruise Destination 12 Dates You Need To Know To Book the CHEAPEST Flights in 2024 Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest travel news! Meanwhile, we’ll be booking a trip to this NEW cruise destination! Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What do you think of the new seats? Tell us in the comments! The post Southwest Revealed NEW Planes and the Internet Is ROASTING Them in the Comments 😬 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Traveling is a big part of a trip to Disney World. Magic Kingdom Whether you live an hour away or across the country, you’ll be making travel plans to get to your favorite place on earth. If you happen to be flying to Disney World, we have some great news about a new limited-time deal on airline tickets! During their anniversary week, JetBlue Airlines will be offering daily flight deals! Each day this week, February 5th through February 9th, a new deal will be available for when you purchase tickets through their website. @JetBlue Airways For one day only, on February 5th, you can get one-way tickets for as low as $49!! ©JetBlue If you’re flying to Orlando to visit Mickey Mouse, you can grab tickets for under $100! To get this deal, you have to book by 11:59 E.T. on February 5th, 2024. The tickets can be used for travel between February 20th and May 15th, 2024 on Tuesday and Wednesday flights. ©JetBlue We’re all about taking advantage of a good deal, and this is a great deal if you book today! Stay tuned for more deals coming this week! And keep following DFB for more Disney news! The CHEAPEST Way to Get To Disney World From the Orlando Airport DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Do you fly to Orlando for your Disney World vacations? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: You Can Get Flights to Disney World as Low as Right Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re a fan of the Haunted Mansion, then there’s a good chance you’ve wandered into Memento Mori in Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Memento Mori If you’ve never been inside the spooky but quaint gift shop that’s nestled right next to the Haunted Mansion ride, you absolutely MUST go if you consider yourself a fan of the Mansion and its lore. The shop is filled to the brim with strictly Haunted Mansion-themed souvenirs — from clothing to paintings. The design of the shop is also a continuation of the ride’s story, and is said to be Madame Leota’s former residence. Throughout the shop, you’ll find all sorts of decor and Easter eggs, which is what we’re here to talk about. First, we need a bit of backstory. When Walt Disney and the Imagineers were brainstorming ideas for the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland, they originally wanted to make it a walk-through attraction. Imagineers like Marc Davis, Xavier Atencio, and Claude Coats submitted their ideas for this spooky amusement, but Walt really liked the ideas from Rolly Crump. Rolly Crump via ©LA Times Crump submitted things for the walk-through attraction that included voodoo artifacts, coffin clocks, talking chairs, man-eating plants, and more. So, Walt decided to create a “Museum of the Weird” that would be inside the Haunted Mansion’s entrance. Of course, this never happened. However, one of the artifacts that was meant to go inside the original attraction now rests in the attic scene of the Disney World attraction. Yep, Candle Man! He’s creepy Well, did you know that Candle Man has a COUSIN? Yessiree. He’s not quite as terrifying, but you can find him in Memento Mori atop a shelf. Candle Man’s long lost cousin At first glance, you might miss it, but you can make out the form of a melted-looking creature as he holds up the two candle sticks. Creepy! We had never noticed this detail before, but the knowledgeable Cast Member told us all about the long lost cousin, and even confirmed that the Candle Man in the Haunted Mansion ride was recently moved forward into better lighting. This explains why a lot of folks are just now able to see it! Memento Mori Disney World The next time you visit Memento Mori, be on the lookout for Candle Man Cousin. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, and more backstage secrets (!!!), so make sure to follow along for more. I used to WORK at the Haunted Mansion. Click here for 10 things I NEED you to know. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever noticed the candle people? Let us know in the comments! The post Only Experts Know This Hidden Haunted Mansion SECRET in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We LOVE our Disney World hacks. Disney Springs Whether it is a way to get the best bang for your buck out of Genie+, some top-notch snack recommendations, or essential ride tips and tricks, we’re here to discover all the best Disney World hacks for you. We recently learned about a hack at a popular Disney Springs restaurant, and we gotta tell you about it. Have you ever been walking around Disney Springs looking for something to eat, but it seems like there is no availability anywhere? Table service restaurants sometimes don’t have any walk-up availability, and quick service locations can often have lines out the door — an absolute nightmare. What if we told you that there is a quick service location at Disney Springs that could allow you to essentially hack the line? Boathouse is SO popular! We’re sure they’re busy tonight. Well, good news! We have just the thing for you. We know how frustrating it can be when you’re starving and just need a bite to eat — so let’s head over to The Polite Pig and tell you about this hack. The Polite Pig is a quick service restaurant in the Springs, serving some of our favorite barbecue fare in Disney World. The Polite Pig At The Polite Pig, you’re able to Mobile Order your meal and pick it up to go! Whether you want to eat at one of the tables at Disney Springs or head to your resort to have a quiet meal, we think this hack can be a game changer. Fried Chicken Sandwich Although Mobile Order is pretty common at quick service restaurants throughout Disney World, the way the Polite Pig does it is DIFFERENT. Rather than going through the Disney World app to Mobile Order here, you’ll need to go to the Polite Pig’s website. ©The Polite Pig You can choose to pick up your food ASAP and they’ll give you an estimate for how long you’ll have to wait to pick it up — or you can schedule your order to be picked up at a later date and time. ©The Polite Pig You can even schedule your mobile order for up to two weeks in advance! Key West Pink Shrimp Ceviche From there, you’ll choose what you’d like to order. You can choose from their standard menu — but it’s important to note that you can only order non-alcoholic beverages through their mobile ordering system. So, if alcohol is something you’re looking for, you’ll have to head over there and dine in. The Polite Pig at Disney Springs We were SHOOK when we found out that you can mobile order here, and it can be a big game changer during busy nights at Disney Springs. Be sure to keep this in mind when you’re planning your next day at Disney Springs! The Polite Pig We’re always on the lookout for fun hacks like this, so keep checking in with us at DFB to see what we find next! The Definitive List of the BEST Desserts in Disney Springs! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your favorite thing to eat at The Polite Pig? Let us know in the comments below! The post The SECRET TIP To Get Disney World's BEST BBQ! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We may be in the midst of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, but that doesn’t mean Disney isn’t already preparing for the next EPCOT event! Flower and Garden Festival (2023) The 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival kicks off on February 28th and runs through May 27th, bringing incredible topiaries, exciting eats, and of course — exclusive souvenirs to the park. But, this year’s festival will also include something new that has taken Disney World by storm and we’re bringing you a sneak peek! In case you haven’t been introduced just yet — meet Lug Bags! These babies have taken Disney World by storm and are flying off the shelves. The Figment-themed Festival of the Arts bag sold out quickly and we’ve seen the Winnie the Pooh collection suffer a similar fate. Imaaaagination But, Disney just shared another sneak peek of the Lug Bag coming to the 2024 Flower & Garden Festival, and it features a Disney park icon — Orange Bird! We first caught a glimpse of this bag back at Destination D23 in 2023, but now we’ve got another look! Hey, Orange Bird! The bag features multiple different pockets and compartments along with a long, crossbody, adjustable strap. We love the interior orange pattern featured here! ©Disney The strap is detachable and the back features loops you can pull the strap through to turn it into a belt bag! Of course, the back also includes an embroidered leaf and the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival logo. We don’t know about you, but we’ll be lining up to see this baby in person — and we expect quite a few folks will be too. ©Disney If history is any indication, we know that Orange Bird merchandise tends to be pretty darn popular alone! Last year’s Orange Bird Loungefly backpack and ears sold out and restocked multiple times — that, combined with the popularity of Lug Bags makes us think this bag will likely sell out. More often than not, EPCOT festival merchandise can be found at the Creations Shop and various kiosks around the park, so keep that in mind! Lug bags! Stay tuned to DFB as we bring you even more news about Lug Bags and the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival! Learn More About the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Right Here! MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS DFB's Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest. It includes all the must-have information for navigating this one of the most BEAUTIFUL festivals at Disney World, including: Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations! The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!) All the details on special events, topiaries, festival exclusive merchandise, and more! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Flower & Garden Festival INFO! See the FULL LIST of Food Booths, Menus, and Photos from the Festival Learn About the Garden Rocks Concert Series and Dining Packages Secret Tips for the Flower & Garden Festival Everything Returning to the Flower & Garden Festival in 2023 2 Things We ALWAYS Bring to the Festival Click HERE for All of the Latest News and Details About the Festival! Will you be heading to the Flower & Garden Festival this year? Tell us in the comments. The post HEADS UP: This Will Be the Hardest Souvenir To Get at the 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been nearly five months since the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser took its final voyage. Galactic Starcruiser room The Star Wars themed hotel permanently shut its doors on September 30th, 2023. Since then, many Disney fans have wondered what will take over the space — if anything at all. Fans paid tribute to the closed hotel by tying ribbons to the gate that used to lead to the hotel, but Cast Members soon closed the area off. Now, the passageway to the former hotel is being used for something else entirely! Capture Your Moment PhotoPass sessions are a great way to commemorate your Disney World vacation without having to endure those awkward family photos. You know — the ones where only three people are ready, one person (perhaps the one in the stroller) is crying because they don’t want to take a photo, and another person has their eyes closed. ©Disney With Capture Your Moment, you’ll have your very own PhotoPass photographer who totally customizes your session for a PRIVATE photo shoot. It’s a great way to make sure you have unique family photos that aren’t rushed-through. Disney just added sessions to be taken in Galaxy’s Edge, which is so cool for Star Wars fans. ©Disney Now, the passageway that leads to the former Star Wars hotel is being used for Capture Your Moment check-ins! Capture Your Moment check-in Now, if you schedule a photoshoot, you’ll head on over to the Cast Members near the old Star Wars hotel. Capture Your Moment Check Ins We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news and park updates, so make sure to follow along so that you never miss a thing. Looking for more stuff to do in Galaxy’s Edge? 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 done a Capture Your Moment photo session? Let us know in the comments! The post There's Something NEW at the Former Star Wars Hotel Entrance in Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s probably no secret that Disney is kind of our whole thing — chances are, that’s why you’re here! Cinderella Castle And that means you probably love Disney merchandise and souvenirs as much as we do. So, when we find the latest and greatest we can’t help but share it with you! A new collection has dropped online and we can’t get enough of it! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A new Disney home decor collection has landed on shopDisney and we’re loving it! Let’s check it out. Grab the “Home” wall sign! ©shopDisney This is absolutely adorable! There is no better way to show off your love for Disney while at home than with this sign. Whether you like to call Disney World your “Home” or not, we think this sign implies that your second home will always be Cinderella Castle. View on shopDisney You can snag this weighted pillow! ©shopDisney This weighted pillow is the perfect thing to grab if you want a nice way to help you relax. This two-and-a-half-pound pillow will do nothing short of easing your stress and anxiety. Plus, it looks super soft — what a great bonus! View on shopDisney Or, get the Mickey Mouse photo frame! ©shopDisney This frame is perfect for your family photo that you get taken while on your next trip! Just make sure you’re all wearing Mickey ear headbands so you can match the frame! View on shopDisney We love the Mickey Mouse silhouette desk lamp! ©shopDisney There is nothing quite like this Mickey silhouette lamp to add a little bit of magic to any space. The warm white light creates an inviting atmosphere — and with the addition of the weighted pillow, we can imagine how relaxing this space would be! View on shopDisney And, the Mickey Mouse figurine! ©shopDisney We can’t talk about a homewares collection without bringing in the main mouse himself! This statue is 6 inches tall and is full of fun. It is such an artistic way to bring a little bit of Disney to your home! View on shopDisney We’re loving all of this home decor, and we think you will too! We’re keeping our eyes out for more cute stuff like this, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney souvenirs, shopping news, and more! Shop More Disney Home Essentials by Clicking Here!The post ALERT! Disney Just Released a New Home Collection! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Every time we say that we’re not going to buy any more popcorn buckets, Disney releases an adorable new popcorn bucket. Who else LOVES popcorn buckets? The good news is that the stunning bucket that Disney just released is only available for a select few of you — and we’re a bit too far away to grab it right now. The year of the dragon is almost here, as the Chinese New Year celebration is set for the weekend of February 10th. Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland are prepped and ready for the festivities to begin — and one of the parks has launched a NEW popcorn bucket. Let’s check it out! The all-new popcorn bucket to celebrate the year of the dragon features one of our FAVORITE dragons! Yep, it’s Mushu from Mulan.You can get it at Shanghai Disneyland. ©Disney The popcorn bucket itself is shaped like a Chinese drum, and even features a little drumstick atop the bucket. ©Disney The front of the bucket, of course, is for Mushu to shine. Isn’t he cute? ©Disney We love that this popcorn bucket also resembles a purse with the placement of the handle. It could make for a great celebratory accessory and souvenir if you’re celebrating the Chinese New Year IN China. That’s not all, though! There will be plenty of treats for you to try. At Shanghai Disneyland, you can grab the New Year Donut… ©Disney …and the Disney LinaBell Waffle with Hawthorn & Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream. ©Disney Over at Hong Kong Disneyland, you can grab the Duffy & Friends Mandarin Cupcake… ©Disney … and the Duffy & Friends Festival Éclairs Box. ©Disney We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along so that you never miss a thing. Looking for new snacks you can get at Disney World? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the Mushu popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Disney Popcorn Bucket Is Out NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World Cast Members have their own language when things happen in the parks. Cast Members have codes for everything Most of the time, the language is there to keep folks from panicking. Because you’d rather hear about a “Code A,” than hear that someone has dumped a deceased loved one’s ashes in Haunted Mansion (yep, that happens). A “Code V” happens when someone gets sick on a ride (yep, that happens, too). A “Code 101” is when a ride goes down unexpectedly. Well, what if you hear a Cast Member refer to a “Signal 70?” Well, we’ll tell you that it’s not happy news. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A Signal 70 is given when there’s a missing child. However, in Disney World, Cast Members never refer to a lost child. Instead, it’s a lost parent or a lost adult, which is language that is meant to keep children calm if and when they are found (or if they’re found by themselves). Makes sense, right? The most important thing is to keep kids from freaking out. There’s never a lost kid, but a lost adult Cast Members try to keep the entire incident as lowkey as possible so that the child doesn’t get scared, but also so that other parents in the park don’t overhear. So they keep calm and radio it in as a Signal 70. Then leaders take over from there to find the parents. Cast Members stay with the child where the child was found and do their best to keep the child as calm and distracted as possible until the lost adults are found. Cast Members know what to do in almost any situation! The good news is that kids don’t go missing a LOT in Disney World, and when they do, Cast Members are trained on what to do to reunite lost kids and parents as quickly as possible. But what can you do to help keep track of your kid in Disney World? Well, we’ve seen a lot of parents using Apple AirTags with their kids. Apple Air tags are GPS-enabled so if your child gets separated from you, you can use an app on your phone to quickly track them down. AirTags 4 Pack You can also get Apple AirTag Anna and Elsa Bracelets for your kids, which means you probably wouldn’t even have to convince Frozen fans to wear them. These are also a great option to help you keep track of your kids in a place as big as Disney World. ©Amazon How about using these fun Airtag Silicone Holders for Kids? Just put the Airtag in the holder, place it over your kid’s head, and go! They also feature fun characters like Stitch, Angel, Mickey, and Minnie! ©Amazon If neither of those options are a good fit for your kid, you can also get Air Tag Holders For Shoelaces that will attach an airtag to your kid’s sneakers. ©Amazon Finally, if your kid will wear it, you can get a Toddler Harness with Leash because kids can disappear on you if you just so much as blink, especially when they’re somewhere with so many distractions like in Disney World. This one is Minnie Mouse-themed! Stay tuned to DFB for more. A “Code H” Is BAD NEWS at Disney World. Here’s What It Means. 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 heard Cast Members use code language that you’re curious about? Let us know in the comments! The post A Signal 70 Is BAD NEWS in Disney World. Here’s What It Means first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning a trip to Disney World, soon? Magic Kingdom If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, Disney has created special benefits exclusively for you! You can get discounts, perks, merchandise, and more periodically. While many of these aren’t specifically for your Disney World vacation, one certainly is, and time is running out to take advantage of it! As of January, Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of an exclusive deal to get a FREE Disney Dining Plan! If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, you can get a free Dining Plan if you book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Disney World vacation package. The package must include a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, and you must purchase a park ticket with the Park Hopper option. ©Disney This deal is ending soon, though! You can book now through February 14th for arrivals most nights from July 1st through September 30th, 2024. We know that this includes a lot of stipulations and planning, so if you’re looking for a travel agent to help you get this FREE Dining Plan package, we recommend using Small World Vacations! They’re great at what they do and can help you make the most of your vacation. The Disney Dining Plan just recently returned in January 2024, and it can be a lot to understand if you’ve never used it before. If you’re looking for more information on how to take advantage of it, check out our Disney Dining Plan page! Or you can learn all you need to know in our Disney Dining Plan Guidebook. There’s a lot of great information so you can use your FREE plan effectively on your next trip. If you want to get a FREE Dining Plan, be sure to head to Disney’s website now to book your 2024 Disney World vacation. You only have a few more days to take advantage of the exclusive offer! In the meantime, check out our video with LOTS of tips for using the Dining Plan. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and planning tips! Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It in 2024? DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you taking advantage of this FREE Disney Dining Plan deal? Let us know in the comments! The post HURRY! Disney World's FREE DINING Deal Ends SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve got even MORE big McDonald’s news! Don’t you have 20 photos of a McDonalds on your camera roll, too? We LOVE to keep up with things going on at McDonalds — It’s one of the most convenient places to grab food if you’re looking for something familiar but still within the Disney World bubble! We’ve kept up with the newest Happy Meal toys, new menu items, and even the happenings with their spin-off location, CosMc’s. NOW we have something even bigger and better to talk about. The RETURN of one of the most beloved menu items. We’ve been hearing rumors of McDonald’s expanding their McCrispy line in all markets around the world. So how exactly is McDonald’s going to expand the McCrispy universe (we like to think about it as the Marvel Cinematic Universe of McDonald’s)? Spicy McCrispy Chicken Sandwich We’re glad you asked! Instead of just offering the McCrispy sandwiches, they plan to use the same chicken to make chicken tenders and (drumroll please) WRAPS. That’s HUGE NEWS, y’all! the McCrispy! WE KNOW. We’ve heard rumors of this in the past, but during the company’s recent First-quarter earnings call, it was CONFIRMED. Ba da da da da, i’m lovin’ it! While these won’t be brought back exactly as we remember them, just having Chicken Wraps back on the menu in any form is something that we’re looking forward to. We’re excited to see how these new chicken tenders and wraps will compare to how we remember them. Chicken Nuggets! We’re all over this McDonald’s news like Big Mac Sauce on a Big Mac — and we plan to keep it that way, so keep checking in with us at DFB for updates about these menu items coming back and MORE! Please Don’t Say These Three Things in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited about this news? Let us know in the comments below! The post CONFIRMED: McDonald's Announces NEW Menu Items Coming This Year! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So many new snacks and treats have debuted around Disney World’s parks and hotels recently, and while we love a good sweet treat, we were really excited to try out something savory. Cinderella Castle We’ve been chomping at the bit to try out some of the new savory items released with the Celebrate Soulfully creations since Disney’s announcement. Now that the time has come, let’s take a look at what we thought of two of these new items! On a recent trip out to Magic Kingdom, we decided to stop by Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland and try out their limited-time menu items. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe There is a new and returning offering for the Celebrate Soulfully lineup that is only available here from February 1st through the 29th, so we knew we had a small window to enjoy these offerings and decided to try them both at the same time! Now on the menu for a limited time! We placed our order and waited to pick up the Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich and the Sweet Potato Pie. Friend Green Tomato BLT Sandwich and Sweet Potato Pie Let’s talk about this sandwich first though because there’s a lot to unpack here! This sandwich is made of fried green tomatoes with lettuce, bacon, and bacon-pimento spread served with house-made chips for $10.99. Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich This sandwich is lightly buttered and toasted on the outside but has lots of bacon-pimento spread on the inside against the crisp “patty” of fried green tomatoes. The sandwich Admittedly, we weren’t terribly enthusiastic about trying this one due to the droopy, thin lettuce pieces but decided it deserved a fair shake. Inside of the sandwich Once we bit into this one, our minds changed for the better. The bacon-pimento spread was the more forefront flavor (against the crispier bacon slices on the sandwich). That was followed by a light crunch as we bit into the crispy-battered coating of the fried green tomatoes held inside. They were thinly sliced so they didn’t take a lot of room but had outstanding flavor to them! If you enjoy eating fried green tomatoes regularly, this one would serve you well in a pinch when you’re looking for something savory. Look inside! The side served with this one is house-made chips. Disney’s started serving these more often with entrees that we find mostly around the Disney World hotel lounges and restaurants, so we were surprised to see them make their way to Pecos Bill with this meal. Since Pecos Bill doesn’t tend to serve fries, it made sense for this restaurant to offer a different kind of side with the sandwich. Side of house-made chips These were fairly consistent with the ones we’ve had at other locations. They have a baked taste and crunch to them but these weren’t as seasoned as we’ve experienced at some of the hotels. It didn’t take away from the chip itself, but it also didn’t have a super salty taste or leave your fingers feeling greasy and needing to be wiped right away before touching anything else. Then it was time to move on to the second item we picked up — the Sweet Potato Pie. This pie comes topped with toasted marshmallow cream and candied pecans; however, ours was missing the candied pecans. We picked this one up for $5.99. Sweet Potato Pie It’s served in a pie dish that’s on the smaller side but could comfortably be split between two people (especially if you’re combining it with the rest of your meal) and when we saw that the gooey sweet potato pie filling was trying to escape from the top when tilted, we couldn’t wait to try it! Inside the pie The inside has a hint of a cinnamon flavor with the marshmallow creamy that’s lightly toasted on top. The pie crust is what you would traditionally think of when you picture pie crust in your mind, and it didn’t disappoint. It took a little more force to break through the pie crust but still held great flavor and the consistency of the sweet potato was only a bit lumpy throughout (like you would imagine sweet potato to be.) This is definitely a dish we enjoyed and once you got past the marshmallow topping, you were met with a more savory flavor to the sweet potato pie filling rather than keeping with a sweeter taste. So yummy Overall these were great (and necessary) additions to the menu offerings at Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Cafe and we’re a bit sad that they’re only available to enjoy for a short amount of time. Remember, if you’re looking to try out either of these you’ll need to be quick because they’re only available through the end of the month! We’ve tried everything there is to eat around Disney World! If you’re looking for more of the Celebrate Soulfully treats, check out the reviews below and be sure to stay tuned with us for more! Click here to see more NEW treats and snacks 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 Will you try either of the limited-time items at Pecos Bills Tall Tale Cafe on your next Disney World visit? Leave us your thoughts on them in the comments below! The post REVIEW: This Is the ONE Disney World Sandwich Our Team’s Pickiest Eater Approved 100% first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney may have stopped celebrating the 100th Anniversary, but that hasn’t stopped them from celebrating the magic of beloved stories. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The 100th Anniversary celebration brought us lots of new foods, merchandise, and platinum and purple. We also got to see the return of a very special parade. However, when the anniversary celebration ended so did the parade. But we’re excited to tell you that the Magic Happens parade is BACK in Disneyland! The popular parade, Magic Happens, first debuted in 2020, but it disappeared. Then it was brought back to the park in 2023 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary. The parade celebrates “the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories.” You can see some of your favorite characters like Mickey, Minnie, Moana, Maui, princesses, and more! Magic Happens parade in Disneyland In 2023, the parade disappeared again, but Disney shared on Instagram that it would be returning on February 2nd, 2024. And now, we have seen the reappearance of the upbeat parade! Mickey Mouse in the Magic Happens parade We headed to Disneyland Park to catch the return premiere of the Magic Happens parade, and it was as good as ever! The music, dancing, and characters make this parade one of our favorites. Chip and Dale, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Minnie! The whimsical parade celebrates magic each evening at 5:30 PM. You can catch it as it works its way through the park, or wait for it at your favorite viewing area, such as the central plaza. Merlin and Arthur If you love a parade with awesome music, exciting characters, and beautiful effects, you’ll have to catch this one before it disappears again! This parade has been known to come and go, so hurry to see it now. And in the meantime, keep following DFB for more Disney news! 6 Groundbreaking Changes Coming to Disneyland Resort! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Do you enjoy watching the Magic Happens parade? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney's Popular Magic Happens Parade Is FINALLY BACK! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to theme parks, Disney World still pretty much maintains its hold on the theme park resort market in Orlando, Florida, there’s a strong indication that could soon change. Magic Kingdom For starters, last year, a new study revealed that the most popular theme park is now Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, followed by Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Yep, Disney is already at #2 with many people. However, now with all the big announcements Universal has released about its upcoming third park, Epic Universe, Disney could have some super serious competition on its hands when Epic Universe opens in 2025. That’s right, Epic Universe could give Universal Orlando the upper hand and create three specific threats for Disney World to face in just a year. Universal will become a week-long vacation spot The one thing Disney World now has over Universal Orlando is that with its four parks, it’s often a week-long destination for people visiting the resort. Universal Orlando has always been a 1-3 day vacation for most with its two parks. However, with the addition of Epic Universe, which will have a total of FIVE new lands, visitors to Universal Orlando will need more time to see and do everything they wish. Universal Orlando That makes Universal Orlando more of a vacation destination, especially now that it’s also getting two new hotels near Epic Universe, putting it right up there with Disney for week-long trips. Visitors who spend a few days at Universal while visiting Disney World will now be more inclined between the two. Learn more about Universal Orlando’s NEW hotels here A Universal Orlando vacation is easier to plan than a Disney World vacation Yes, planning a Disney World vacation is a LOT. It’s managed to become a LITTLE easier now that park pass reservations are no longer required for most visitors, but you still have to think WAY ahead if you want to experience certain events, dine at certain restaurants, and even ride certain rides. You have to understand the ins and outs of Genie+ and how Individual Lightning Lanes work if you want to skip the standby lines. You’ll also find yourself glued to your phone and the My Disney Experience app because almost EVERYTHING at Disney World is tied to it. It’s easier to plan a trip to Universal Orlando On the other hand, a vacation to Universal Orlando is a lot simpler. It’s a trip that allows for way more spontaneity. You also don’t need to use Universal’s app if you don’t want to so you can put your phone away. Universal does have a paid skip-the-line program (which is free if you’re staying at certain Universal hotels) called Express Pass, but you don’t have to book reservations for rides like you have to with Disney World’s Genie+. At Universal, You just show up at the ride when you’re ready and scan your pass in the ride’s Express lane. Not all rides are included, but it beats having to use Genie+ to book specific times to ride attractions in Disney World. Genie+ is complicated In Disney World, you have to book dining reservations 60 days before the first day of the trip or you risk not dining where you want to. At Universal, you’re much more likely just to be able to walk into a table service restaurant whenever you want without having to plan ahead. 51% of Disney Fans Say THIS Is the Most They Will Pay For Genie+ It’s new Disney World hasn’t opened a new theme park since 1998, when Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened. The one thing Epic Universe will have over Disney World is that it’s 100% new. It’s not just one little land added to a theme park. It’s a new park with five different-themed lands, including one land with an original theme. ©Universal A lot of us go to Disney World A LOT, so we’re not getting that new feeling much, save for one new ride that will open in 2024, as well as a re-themed Country Bears Jamboree. If you’re craving an experience that is ALL new, Epic Universe is going to be way more appealing. We’re talking new lands, new rides, new experiences, and new restaurants. Everything You Need To Know About Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe So when 2025 rolls around and Epic Universe opens, Disney World might suddenly find itself emptier. The only way Disney World may be able to compete is by announcing something BIG and new itself, like a fifth park. We’ll have to see how things play out, though. Have You Heard About the NEW Dueling Roller Coaster Coming to Universal Epic Universe? 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? Will Disney World lose visitors when Epic Universe opens? Let us know in the comments! The post Internet Reaction To Universal’s New Theme Park Shows 3 Major Threats To Disney World’s Dominance first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney frequently comes out with new merchandise, both in the parks and online. Sometimes, that merchandise is EXCLUSIVE, meaning only certain people are eligible to buy it! Pins! We’ve seen Annual Passholder-exclusive items, merch that’s only out during special events, and some souvenirs that you need a Disney Visa Card in order to purchase. Now, the newest pin is out on shopDisney, and it’s exclusive to D23 Members! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. D23 is the Official Disney Fan Club. The club itself is free to join, but if you want to be a Gold Member and get extra perks (including access to exclusive merchandise like this new pin), you must pay an annual fee. Right now, there’s a new pin on shopDisney that’s just for those D23 Gold Members! Get the D23 Gold Member-Exclusive Sleeping Beauty Pin! This limited-edition pin came out for Sleeping Beauty‘s 65th anniversary. The pin shows Princess Aurora as Briar Rose, the evil Maleficent, and the ominous Spinning Wheel. There’s also a “65” logo to commemorate the anniversary. ©Disney Only 1,500 of these pins are being made! ©Disney To buy one, you must log in to shopDisney with the Disney account that’s tied to your D23 Gold Membership. Once you’re logged in, you should be able to purchase the pin! Shop this exclusive pin now! We’re always on the lookout for the newest Disney merchandise, so stay tuned to DFB for all the updates! Click here to check out more of our favorite Disney souvenirs online!The post Only D23 Members Can Buy This NEW Disney Souvenir Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article