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Having a good bag to take into the Disney World theme parks is a super important part of your trip! Luckily, Disney just released two new options online, and we think either one would make a fantastic park bag. Magic Kingdom One of these bags features a classic Mickey and Friends design, and the other is a light-up Loungefly! If you’re like us, you might have trouble picking just one and end up adding them both to your cart. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Let’s check out the new bags! Get the Mickey and Friends Crossbody Bag ©Disney The Mickey Mouse and Friends Crossbody Bag is made of canvas with an all-over print that features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto. The bag has one main compartment along with an easy-access front pouch pocket. ©Disney The crossbody strap is adjustable and can be up to 25″ in length. The bag itself is about 9.5″ tall and 7″ wide. Shop on shopDisney! Get the Light-Up R2-D2 Loungefly Bag ©Disney There’s a new Disney Loungefly bag, too! This crossbody bag is shaped like R2-D2 and is made of simulated leather. It has a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap that can be up to 23″ long. And the best part? It has light-up features! ©Disney The front has two LED lights that glow red and blue. The on/off switch for those lights is inside the bag, and it does require batteries for them to work. Shop on shopDisney! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the newest Disney merchandise! Click here to check out more Disney merch on our Amazon storefront.The post Disney Just Released 2 NEW Bags You'll Want To Take to the Parks! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What can Disney say except, “You’re welcome!” A NEW Annual Passholder-exclusive souvenir is coming SOON, and now we know all the details! You love it, you really love it! Disney World has released some exciting free Annual Passholder magnets before, with designs that had us scrambling to EPCOT to pick up the latest magnet themed to Figment, Dumbo, and more classic characters. There was even a time that Disney re-released several of the past Annual Passholder magnet designs for those who hadn’t already picked them up when they were initially released. Now, Disney’s created another iconic look for their latest Annual Passholder magnet and revealed who will be featured this time! Becoming an Annual Passholder at Disney World has a lot of perks. Between merchandise discounts, exclusive offers to save on your tickets and hotel stays, and even special areas only Passholders are allowed into, you really could find value in them if you’re planning on visiting Disney World frequently. Disney World Annual Pass Occasionally, Disney also releases their free magnets available for Annual Passholders to pick up while visiting the park. These magnets have become something of an icon themselves, prompting curiosity about who will be featured on the next magnet and when it’ll come out. Time to grab some magnets! In a fun teaser on the Annual Passholder Buzz on the My Disney Experience app, Disney gave us a glimpse of who will be featured in the upcoming magnet design. Oh look, there’s Hei Hei! ©Disney Could this be a clue? ©Disney Well, he wasn’t always known for his sharp common sense! ©Disney Now, we finally have confirmation that the next magnet to release will feature Hei Hei from Moana. Here’s a first look at the magnet! ©Disney Hei Hei will be pictured front and center surrounded by the retro-fitted Disney “D.” The letter will be colored in teal to highlight the colorful (yet kookie) bird. This magnet will be available for Annual Passholders to pick up starting on January 29th, 2024. To get the magnet, head to Creations Shop in EPCOT during normal park operating hours sometime between January 29th and February 23rd. Pick up location at Creations Shop in EPCOT All you’ll need to do to snag it for yourself is be a valid Disney World Annual Passholder entering EPCOT with a current Park Pass Reservation or on a “Good-to-Go” day, and present your Annual Passholder card (via linked Magicband or Magicband+, physical card to scan, or Disney MagicMobile pass) along with a valid ID… that’s it! There’s a limit of one magnet per passholder. It certainly brought a smile to our faces to see such a vibrant character featured in the latest magnet release. Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest Disney news and updates! Did You Know About This Limited-Time Festival 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 Will you be visiting in time to pick up the latest Disney World Annual Passholder magnet? Tell us your thoughts on the new design in the comments below! The post FIRST LOOK and NEW DETAILS Revealed for FREE Annual Passholder Souvenir at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It can seem GRUELING to wait for new Disney movies to arrive on Disney+. ©Disney Whether you saw them in theaters and just can’t wait to watch it again at home, OR you’re waiting to watch it for the very first time from the comfort of your couch, it can seem to take FOREVER for fan-favorite titles to be released on Disney+. The Marvels has been a highly-anticipated release on the platform, and now, we know when it will arrive. Disney+ shared on X that fans can catch The Marvels on the platform starting February 7th! We expected the show to arrive in February or March based on the timeline of other movies Disney has released lately, but we didn’t expect it to be so soon in February! This could be a great watch for a Galentine’s party or even a Valentine’s Day date. ©Marvel This movie didn’t perform very well in the box-office when it was released in November, 2023, but don’t let that deter you from watching the film. ©Marvel Let’s compare this situation to what happened with other frequent release: Disney and Pixar’s Elemental. This animated film didn’t exactly meet expectations at the box office, but totally took off once it was on Disney+. This is a trend we’ve been seeing with so many films lately. It seems that folks got used to watching movies from home during the pandemic, and some would just rather wait for new films to arrive on streaming platforms. It’s entirely possible that The Marvels will do better on the streaming platform than in theaters. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney entertainment news, so make sure to follow along so that you never miss a thing. Looking for more Disney entertainment news? 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 seen The Marvels yet? Let us know in the comments! The post DATE ANNOUNCED: When 'The Marvels' Will Arrive on Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s still January, but a LOT has already changed in Disney World in 2024. Frontierland sign Park pass reservations are no longer required for most Disney World visitors. All-day park hopping is back (no more waiting until 2PM). The Disney Dining Plan has made a return. We’re seeing a LOT of progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Well, ANOTHER attraction is about to change in Disney World and it could affect your upcoming plans in Magic Kingdom. Country Bear Jamboree in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is changing! The attraction is getting a big update: this year, the bears will be learning an all-new act! However, for that to happen, the attraction must close. That’s set to happen on January 26th. You know what that means? EVERYONE will be heading to Frontierland to see the OLD Country Bear Jamboree one final time. Country Bear Jamboree We’ve seen this happen before. On Splash Mountain’s last day, Magic Kingdom was overrun with crowds of people who waited in line for HOURS to take one more ride on the attraction. So we expect to see the same with Country Bear Jamboree. So expect Frontierland to be extra busy! Splash Mountain lines on its last day It’s not like the bears are going anywhere, though. They’ll still be around, although they’ll be performing Disney songs in different genres of country music like rockabilly and bluegrass. The idea is that the show will pay tribute to the classic musical revues in Nashville. Disney is even working with Nashville musicians on the new act, which includes a new rendition of “Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. ©Disney The new show is expected to open in the summer of 2024, so they won’t be gone for long. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates about the new Country Bear Jamboree, so stay tuned to DFB for more! These Will Be the Most Popular Disney World Rides 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 checking out the Country Bear Jamboree one more time before it closes? Let us know in the comments! The post Why You Should AVOID Frontierland on January 26th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Springs is a fantastic place to go when you want to stay in the Disney magic but step out of the parks for a little bit. Disney Springs There are tons of different restaurants to experience, shops to explore, and you can even see a Cirque Du Soleil show! If you’re a big fan of Jaleo by Chef José Andrés, like we are, check out the menu for their strawberry festival this year! This year’s Festival de Fresas is in partnership with Florida’s Southern Hill Farms, and you can enjoy it from January 29th through February 18th at the Disney Springs Jaleo location. Guests can enjoy a menu of sweet and savory specials curated by Head Chef Kristoffer Anderson. ©Jaleo This event isn’t really like the festivals in EPCOT. It’s on a much smaller scale and mostly just includes special, limited-time menu items at the restaurant! These menu items all use locally grown strawberries from Clermont, FL. ©Jaleo So what can you find at this event? You’ll be able to try eats like the following: Bright strawberry gazpacho Scallop crudo accented with sweet berries A special strawberries and cream dessert Avant-garde Cono de Fresa y Queso Mamá Marisa A signature Jaleo small bite of strawberry marmalade and blue cheese decorated with crumbled pistachios But there’s more! If you visit Jaleo during the festival this year, you’ll get an exclusive offer for a “U-Pick Strawberries” experience at Southern Hill Farms. The farm is located on 120 acres of land and has strawberry, blueberry, peach, and sunflower u-pick activities from December to May each year. ©Jaleo You’ll need to make reservations for this event, which you can do below! Make your reservation here! We always keep you updated on the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! We love Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs, but we’re BEGGING them to make these two changes! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite thing on Jaleo’s menu? Tell us in the comments! The post Did You Know About This Limited-Time Festival in Disney Springs? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Disney Vacation Club can be a great way for your family to stay at beautiful Disney resorts. ©Disney If you use your Disney Vacation Club points, rent some points, or pay out of pocket, you can stay at one of the many DVC locations at Disney World. You can rent rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and so many others. One DVC rental has been getting a major overhaul and is set to open this summer, and now we were able to get a NEW look at some concept art! Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins have been getting completely remodeled for some time now. Until recently, all we knew was that they would be opening sometime in the summer of 2024. But then, we learned that they will officially be open for renting on July 1st, 2024! ©Disney On the day of the opening date announcement, we also got a new look at some concept art for the cabins. Here’s a peek at the proposed floor plan of the cabins that Disney shared to The Cabins’ website! ©Disney Disney also included a new look at the pull-down bed which will be part of the cabins. ©Disney And check out this art of the bathroom! It’s so sleek, contemporary, and still outdoorsy. ©Disney The cabins will sleep up to six adults and have a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio. And some of the cabins will even be dog-friendly! These cabins could be perfect for your family on your next Disney World vacation. ©Disney Sales for DVC membership points for The Cabins will start on February 1st, 2024 for existing members. You can add on The Cabins by contacting your DVC Guide or by contacting Member Sales at (800)-800-9800. DVC members who have added on points at The Cabins can begin to book sales online on February 15th, 2024. The general public will have access to the sales on February 27th, and new DVC members whose home resort is The Cabins can begin booking online or with Member Services on March 12th. After April 23rd, all members can begin booking stays! You can take a look at the breakdown of points below. ©Disney We’re getting excited to try out these new cabins! Will you be booking them this year? As we learn more, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. Until then, keep following DFB for more Disney news! Looking for more Disney World hotel news? 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 Will you be purchasing Fort Wilderness Cabin DVC points? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Concept Art Revealed for a Disney World Hotel MAKEOVER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re anything like us, then you always try to bring the magic and some extra rejuvenation home with you after your trip to Disney World. Magic Kingdom One of our favorite places to shop for relaxing souvenirs that remind us of Disney World is Basin White! Disney World has two of these shops — one in Disney Springs (which is just Basin) and one in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (which is Basin White, the luxury version of the brand). Here, you can shop a seemingly endless array of body butters, soaps, bath bombs, sugar scrubs, and more! The best part is that a ton of the scents here are inspired by Disney Parks, characters, movies, and even the hotels. The shops closed in early January for refurbishment, but now, the one in the Grand Floridian is back open! Let’s go see what’s new! We headed over to the Basin White shop that’s located in the Grand Floridian to check out the new changes. They were definitely subtle, but they made a BIG difference. Basin is back open! To start, let’s check out the sinks! Basin White has sinks so that customers can test soaps, body scrubs, and more. Previously, the underside of the sinks (pipes included) were exposed. You can sort of tell in this older pic we have! Now, the sinks have been revamped! The pipes have been hidden, and the counters don’t stick as far out into the walkway. It’s definitely much earlier to move around in there. New sinks Next up, we noticed a new display! This display has some new slots for lip balms and smaller bath bombs. Everything is so organized and well-kept; the Type A Personality in us LOVED this change. New display for lip balm and bath bombs The typical table displays for body butters, soaps, and everything else now have a “marble” finish, and are lit from the inside, which is pretty cool. A Cast Member told us that the ones that were here previously were inlayed and very difficult to clean. Lit from within! While these changes are definitely subtle, we do think they enhance the shop a bit more and allow more room to walk around. If you’ve been here before, then you know things can turn into a traffic jam pretty quickly. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. Looking for more Disney World shop changes? 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 these shop changes? Let us know in the comments! The post A Disney World Hotel Gift Shop Has REOPENED -- Come With Us To See the Changes! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s 2024. The holiday season has come and gone. What do we have to look forward to? The 2024 holiday season, of course! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Disney has us ALREADY thinking about the next holidays and how to celebrate them at Disney World — we’re looking at you Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This got us thinking. When are the tickets for the 2024 Christmas party going to go on sale? Let’s talk about it! Even though we just finished the 2023 holiday season, you can already feel the excitement building up as we gear up for the most magical time of 2024 with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Now, I know some of you are waiting for those tickets to drop to finalize your plans, so let’s do a bit of holiday sleuthing based on past years. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime parade Let’s start by pulling up the data for the last three years and see if we can spot any trends. Here’s a schedule of when Disney World released the tickets: 2021: August 20, 2021 2022: June 30 (resort guests) & July 7 (everyone else) 2023: June 29 (resort guests) & July 6 (everyone else) 2021 was a bit of an oddball year as they started selling the tickets on August 20th, 2021, not to mention that it was also a different event (Disney Very Merriest After Hours). We were still in the throws of pandemic changes, so, let’s ignore that year. Now, with 2022 and 2023, there seems to be a pattern that we can discern. It would appear that Disney started selling tickets for the Christmas Party to resort guests in “late June” and to everyone else in “early July.” Christmas in Magic Kingdom We can probably even go one step further and say that it seems like the last Thursday of June and the first Thursday of July could be the trend! Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks That being said, don’t go marking this date on your calendars just yet as Disney could always switch things up like they did in 2021. So until Disney confirms anything, stay tuned to DFB. We’ll be watching for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Every Single Disney World After Hours Event 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 Are you planning on attending a Disney after-hours event in 2024? Let us know in the comments below! The post When Will Tickets Go On Sale for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2024? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Check out this sneak peek into some of the new ear headbands you can expect to see in 2024!View the full article

Disneyland is getting another reason to celebrate very soon! ©Disney Disney loves to celebrate special occasions any time they see an opportunity. Most celebrations are one-day events where we can expect a sweet treat, a beverage, or maybe even some specially-themed merch. If you need an excuse to come out and celebrate with us, Disney’s throwing a multi-day party soon! So you know the 1992 Disney film The Mighty Ducks? The success of that film actually inspired Disney to create a REAL hockey team, called the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim! The team was sold and rebranded the Anaheim Ducks in 2005, which is what they’re known as today (CBC). Anaheim Ducks Day 2019 Disneyland has teamed up with the Anaheim Ducks to celebrate their 30th anniversary season. To really kick off the celebration right, Disney and the Anaheim Ducks will be hosting an extensive Anaheim Ducks Days event in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. This event will span two full days. Pixar Pier The event will start on Thursday, February 22nd, and run through Friday, February 23rd, 2024. The special festivities will include new and returning offerings like fan activities that can be found throughout the park, themed merchandise, and specialty food and beverage items. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store! Get in on the action with a celebratory cavalcade featuring several of the current Anaheim Ducks players on February 22nd. The cavalcade will stroll down the same path the parade takes in Disney California Adventure, from Paradise Gardens Park to Hollywood Land. ©Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort And, don’t miss the Legacy Celebration cavalcade on February 23rd, which will highlight select Anaheim Ducks alumni! Be on the lookout for Wild Wing, the Anaheim Ducks mascot, who will be making special appearances throughout Ducks Days in Hollywood Land. ©Yahoo Sports Don’t miss your chance at a photo op with the Stanley Cup! The place to pose with one of the most iconic sports trophies can be found at Paradise Gardens Park (the “World of Color” viewing area) and will be available during a select time on Friday, February 23rd. On both days, you can catch a walk down memory lane with Anaheim Ducks of past, present, and future around Hollywood Land (featuring select jerseys and memorabilia.) ©Disney Show your spirit in the Fan Zone! A section of Hollywood Land is transformed during the evening hours to kick the party into high gear with energetic performances by the Anaheim Ducks DJs and a live band. ©Disney You can test your hockey skills, take part in meet and greets (which will feature limited space, and wristbands will be required to get in), capture perfect photogenic memories, play during a fun park-wide “seek and find” activity, learn to draw Disney ducks at Animation Academy, and party with the Anaheim Ducks Power Players and DJs, including JoJo Maestrado! There will even be some limited-time treats, like the Chocolate Mousse Cake from Schmoozies! and the Chicken Fried Steak Burrito from Studio Catering Co. in Hollywood Lounge. ©David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort Don’t miss your chance to snag collectible merchandise released in honor of the team’s 30th anniversary season, like this commemorative Spirit Jersey. ©Disney If you’re looking to catch an in-person glimpse at the Anaheim Ducks of past and current players, you should go ahead and purchase tickets for the select days and secure your park pass reservation soon! Be sure to follow along with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in Disney news, updates, and more! Why January 23rd Could Be a BIG Day for 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 Is hockey one of your favorite sports to follow or play? Tell us all about your favorite sports teams in the comments below! The post NEW Disney Souvenirs and Treats Are Coming SOON for a Special Occasion! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s TIME! It’s TIME! It’s FINALLY time for your Disney World vacation! Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom But that means it’s ALSO time to start packing those suitcases and park bags. Let’s go over everything you NEED to pack before taking a trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth! Check out our video below: DON’T Forget to Pack These 13 Disney World Essentials  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more Disney news! 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 essentials are on your “must-pack” list for Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post DFB Video: DON'T Forget To Pack These 13 Disney World Essentials first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Your local 7-Eleven might soon have a taco drive-thru, if it doesn’t already. ©Food Business News We’ve spotted some strange food news recently! We’ve seen McDonald’s and Crocs team up for an apparel crossover, adult Happy Meals (with nostalgic toys), and even a new McDonald’s spin-off store, CosMcs where they offer some unusual (but incredibly tasty) menu items. However, this 7-Eleven update just might be the most unexpected news so far! According to PR Newswire, 7-Eleven is now the proud new owner of a BUNCH of taco restaurants. If you’re left scratching your head at that sentence and wondering just how a convenience store company could acquire so many taco restaurant locations, allow us to fill in a few gaps for you. ©Laredo Taco Company Just recently, 7-Eleven spent $1 billion to purchase 204 Stripes Convenience Stores from Sunoco LP, the gas company (CSP News). As part of this acquisition, 7-Eleven also came to own every operating restaurant of Laredo Taco Company, which are located inside the newly purchased Stripes locations. This latest sale to 7-Eleven now makes the convenience store company the sole owner of both Stripes and Laredo Taco Company brands. ©Stripes Convenience Store In a press release statement, 7-Eleven’s CEO, Joe DePinto, said, “We’re excited to welcome the remaining Stripes stores and Laredo Taco Co. restaurants to the family.” He continued, “And we look forward to serving even more customers across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma” (most of the 204 stores sold to 7-Eleven operate out of these three states). As strange as it may sound that 7-Eleven owns taco restaurants, this isn’t a new thing for the gas station chain! They previously purchased 1,000 Sunoco-operated locations in 2018 and were introduced to the Mexican restaurant at that time. The company first began expanding with Laredo Taco Company in 2021 when it opened a drive-thru window at a corporate-owned location in Dallas, TX. ©7-Eleven Loredo Taco Company isn’t just known for its tacos, though. They also serve taco bowls, sides, and aguas frescas. At the drive-thru location, customers could also order 7-Eleven convenience items like Slurpees. ©7-Eleven Apparently, things have gone well enough for the company to continue to evolve its brand since that first mash-up. Eventually, this led to 7-Eleven opening an Evolution Store prototype in 2022, which featured a full-service Laredo Taco Company restaurant complete with its own patio and a menu of beer, wine, and (of course) frozen margaritas. ©Retail TouchPoints This convenience store chain’s expanding ventures couldn’t have better timing. Consumers are reportedly turning to convenience store food as an affordable, alternative meal option. In 2023, Restaurant Business reported that data collected by Technomic, a food service intelligence company, found that 54% of convenience store customers were visiting restaurants less frequently due to rising food costs. According to a representative of Technomic, customers find value in the food offerings at convenience stores, likely taking these customers away from fast food restaurants they typically patronize. ©Laredo Taco Company Leaning further into a combined effort of convenience stores and full-service restaurants (even if only by drive-thru window), could prove to be a game changer if things continue looking up for the gas convenience store company. Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in foodie news! Taco Bell Joins McDonald’s in Creating NEW Drinks To Compete With Starbucks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you think we’ll see more convenience store companies switch to this hybrid restaurant offering? Leave us all your thoughts in the comments below. The post OK WAIT. 7-Eleven Has TACO Drive-Thrus? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We heard about lots of ambitious projects that Disney World looks to complete over the next few years. We’re going to miss this Several of the announcements that originally came from Destination D23 were things like closing Dinoland U.S.A., exploring what could be beyond Big Thunder Mountain, and a possible expansion for the Magic Kingdom park. However, one other expansion idea really seemed to land in favor with parkgoers and attendees when it was announced initially… so, why is no one talking about it now? The current version of Dinoland U.S.A. is very much in its last days and has us on edge looking out for any sign of change every time we visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. DinoLand This section of the park is original to the park’s opening in 1998, however, it’s not been without its challenges. It’s no secret that the high thrill dark ride Dinosaur is one of these rides that we see breaking down or temporarily closed quite frequently. Dinosaur Before this, Disney had already removed an equally popular ride in the land called Primeval Whirl — a ride in which you were tossed about and spun around as you traversed time and space with Chester and Hester on a thrilling adventure ride. The rumors of Dinoland U.S.A. closing were confirmed during a special segment talk with Disney executives during Destination D23 in September 2023. Primeval Whirl In that announcement, artist-rendered concept art was shared depicting a familiar tone to the land’s update. Many quickly jumped to the conclusion that the scenery and architecture from the Casita house in Disney’s Encanto could be made out in these renderings and that rumor was fueled further when Disney shared the same concept art depicting a “Tropical-Americas” feel during a special edition of 20/20 — named “Disney100: A Century of Dreams.” Concept art for DinoLand expansion ©Disney Based on these drawings alone, it’s entirely possible that we could see something resembling the land of the magical Madrigal Family as Disney proudly intends to immerse us in a land we’ve yet to see in a Disney World park. We’re already imagining how incredible it could be to walk inside an iconic landmark like Casita itself (it’s got a mind of its own, ya know!) Casita from Encanto So, what may be in store for the current Dinosaur attraction? Well, Disney announced that Indiana Jones may be part of the Tropical Americas-themed land. And we know that the ride system for Dinosaur is the same as Indiana Jones Adventure ride in Disneyland, so we think it’s pretty likely we’ll see this attraction come to Disney World. Indiana Jones Adventure ride in Disneyland While nothing has been confirmed just yet about Dinosaur’s fate and if it will be turned into another attraction at all, we could totally see this tropical atmosphere, buildings, and storyline fitting in just nicely with the rest of the tropical land update. For now, we’ll have to wait until Disney issues official word about what exactly they have in mind for this big space, but we’re betting that it’s going to be spectacular! Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in Disney World updates and news! Wait Times at Disney World’s Most Popular Ride Are DOWN 53% What are you most excited about for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s upcoming changes? Give us your thoughts in the comments below! The post Nobody Is Talking About This HUGE Disney World Expansion Plan first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Another popular Disney ride is in for a lengthy closure! Walt & Mickey Disney’s been hard at work lately, refurbishing several rides and starting to reimagine the iconic entrance to the park across Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Now that the holidays have come and passed, it’s time to put away a fan-favorite holiday ride overlay and begin work on reimaging a classic attraction. If you’ve been enjoying the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay for the past few months at Disneyland, it’s finally time to say goodbye for the year. Haunted Mansion officially closed for refurbishment as of January 21st, 2024, and we can expect this closure to last a little longer than we’d like. ©Disney While all the holiday overlay theming will obviously be coming out of the ride during this closure, more extensive projects will also be just beginning. Disney is going to begin work on the reimagined grounds and expanded outdoor queue of the attraction. Check out the artistic renderings that Disney shared of the updates to the exterior of the ride’s entrance… ©Disney …the attraction’s grounds and surrounding area… ©Disney …and the extended queue area for the attraction. ©Disney So what changes will take place? Well, first there will be an expanded outdoor queue “to immerse guests in enhanced theming.” Disney shares, “Local legend suggests the manor known today as the Haunted Mansion was first built by a prosperous sea captain. To this day, the mansion’s staff faithfully maintains the happy haunting grounds. The expanded queue will tie into these stories and more, including new gardens inspired by Master Gracey, Madame Leota, and the one-eyed cat.” There will be gardens in this space that’ll “feature unique elements ranging from a water fountain and gazebo to themed statuary and landscaping.” Guests will also get the chance to “see a new greenhouse where the groundskeepers for the Haunted Mansion grow their plants.” Plus, Disney has shared that they’ll be taking this opportunity to “improve the accessibility of these areas which includes a new elevator exit from the Haunted Mansion for guests with disabilities.” When we checked Disney’s website for more information on how long we can expect the ride to be closed for these updates, we were met with a note to check back for more updates later. For now, the calendar is showing that the ride will be closed through at least early March, but that could change. ©Disney This could be a pretty lengthy closure for the popular Disneyland attraction and certainly could put a wrench in your plans if you aren’t aware of it in advance. We’ll be certain to let you know as soon as Disney has announced a reopening date for Haunted Mansion so be sure to stay tuned with us for the latest! Click here to check out more closures at Disneyland! 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 Will this closure affect your Disneyland plans? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! The post NEWS: Haunted Mansion Has CLOSED for a Lengthy Refurbishment at Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This Disney discount isn’t super common, but it’s available right now! ©DIsney Have you ever considered taking an excursion with Adventures By Disney to a far-off place, guided by local tour guides, immersing yourself within the rich culture and heritage of your chosen destination? If you’ve looked into these trips, you might have been sticker-shocked by the price of one of these exclusive travels. We’ve got good news, though! Disney has just released a promotion that will literally shave off HUNDREDS per person if you book soon! If you’ve ever told yourself you’d take that special Disney-guided trip across the globe “someday,” the time has finally arrived! If you’re not so familiar with Adventures By Disney, these vacation itineraries go beyond a thrilling theme park experience. There are tours all around the world, and they’re guided by location professionals with a Disney outlook to teach you all about the history and culture of places you’ve always wanted to visit. In fact, they’ve become so expansive lately that Disney has opened up small ship sailing itineraries in addition to their land destinations, giving you even more options to choose from than ever before. Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise ©Disney Disney’s latest offer could literally save you hundreds of dollars on select 2025 Adventures By Disney small ship sailings. Seven destinations with multiple trip itineraries are eligible to save you anywhere from $500 up to $750 per person if you’re willing to book EARLY. ©Disney These itineraries are expected to be booked soon, and availability is limited. To secure your savings, you’ll need to have your next adventure booked by April 15th, 2024. Let’s take a look at the sailings and dates that qualify for this promotion! ©Disney An additional tier of savings is offered for the following itineraries: ©Disney Who wouldn’t like to visit a foreign country with the familiar touches of Disney details that only Adventures By Disney can provide? Yeah, that’s a no-brainer for us, too! If this sounds like your kind of Disney vacation, we suggest contacting our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which savings work best for your travel party, dates, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest in Disney news, updates, and more! Is a NEW Expedited Dining Trend Taking Over the Disney Parks? 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 taken an Adventures By Disney excursion? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below! The post Disney’s "Book Early" Offer Saves You 0 or MORE on Your 2025 Vacation first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is it just us or is January the longest month of the year? Okay, so we probably feel like that because so much has happened in Disney World this month. Sweethearts Mix Popcorn from Main Street Confectionery In food news, we’re still trying to figure out all the ins and outs of the Disney Dining Plan now that it’s returned. We’re also on the lookout for all the upcoming Valentine’s Day treats. Plus it’s only the second week of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts. But Disney World restaurants are continuing to change, so let’s take a look at what those changes were for the past week. Magic Kingdom Skipper Canteen Under Non-Alcoholic Beverages, the Enchanted Orange Dream changed from $9 to $9.5. Skipper Canteen Under Beer, the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale changed from $10.25 to $11. REVIEW: We’re Trying NEW Drinks at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom — Come With Us! EPCOT Chefs de France We’ve got quite a few changes in the France Pavilion at EPCOT. Entrees have changed: Filet de boeuf grillé, riz pilaf, sauce beurre blanc changed from $34.95 to $36.95 Ratatouille sur quinoa changed from $26.95 to $25.95 Filet de saumon Gratin de macaroni changed from $25.95 to $26.95 Filet de boeuf grillé, sauce poivre, gratin Dauphinois, haricots verts changed from $42.95 to $43.95 REVIEW: Have Lunch With Us (and the BEST Dessert!) at Chefs de France in EPCOT The Land Cart You can no longer get a Pickle-in-a-Pouch at The Land Cart. The Land Cart Also, Bud Light Lager Draft has been removed from the menu. However, Orange Blossom Pilsner has been added for $12. Ranking EVERY Fast Food Restaurant in EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios BaseLine Tap House The Coffee-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff has been removed from the menu here. Coffee-rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff That’s the only update here. REVIEW: This Hollywood Studios Lounge Might Just Be One of the Best Kept Foodie Secrets in Disney World Catalina Eddie’s You can no longer get the Frozen Rum Berry Lemonade at Catalina Eddie’s. Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade at Animal Kingdom’s Dino Diner There are no other updates, though. Disney Food Blog REVIEW: Is This Snack Spot at Disney World Just Another Version of PizzeRizzo? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Restaurantosaurus There are some changes on the Kid’s menu. The Macaroni & Cheese option is no longer available. Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom However, the Impossible Burger has been added. It’s Served with choice of two sides and a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI Bottled Water with a copy of National Geographic Kids So Cool! Dinos Book for $10.79. REVIEW: Dear Disney World, You Had Us at “S’mores Pizza” Flame Tree Barbecue You can now get Rice and Beans as a Side at Flame Tree Barbecue for $4.99. Flame Tree Barbecue It’s Short Grain White Rice with Plant-Based Pinto Beans. REVIEW: One of Our FAVORITE Snacks Is BACK in Disney World — Spoiler Alert: It’s Still AMAZING Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Sanaa Lounge The Spicy Poblano Margarita changed from $16.50 to $17. Sanaa Lounge That’s the only change here, though. REVIEW: This Tiny Spot Might Just Be One of the Best Kept Foodie Secrets Left in Disney World Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Campground Crockett’s Tavern Under Cocktails, Camper’s Coupe changed from $14.50 to $15. Crockett’s Tavern Everything else here is the same. REVIEW: The OTHER Spot to Get a Moonshine Cocktail Flight in Disney World Disney’s Boardwalk Inn AbracadaBar The snacks menu at AbracadaBar has changed: ADDED: Chips and Dip Trio — Green Tahini, Roasted Eggplant Puree, and Whipped Truffle Creme Fraiche served with House Chips for $12 ADDED: Pork Belly Slider — with a Cherry Aioli and Fennel-Apple Slaw served with House-made Chips for $12 ADDED: Charcuterie Plate — Calabrese Salami and Prosciutto di Parma with Gouda Reypenar 2 Year V.S.O.P. Brilliant Savarin, Seahive Beehive, Humboldt Fog, and Point Reyes Blue for $15 AbracadaBar There were changes to drinks, too: Coney Negroni description changed from “Eagle Rare 10 yr Bourbon, Campari Liqueur, Antica Carpano Sweet Vermouth” to “Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Campari Liqueur, Antica Carpano Sweet Vermouth” The Sour Assistant description changed from “Breuckelen Distilling 77 Whiskey, House-made Sweet-and-Sour” to “Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whisky, House-made Sweet-and-Sour” Pepper’s Ghost description changed from “Ciroc Pineapple Vodka, Habanero Lime” to “SKYY Pineapple Vodka, Habanero Lime” Pepper’s Ghost Beer also changed: Florida Beer Co. Sunshine State Lager changed from $9.75 to $10.50 3 Daughters Bimini Twist IPA changed from $9.75 to $10.50 Original Sin Dry Rosé Cider Draft changed from $9.75 to $10.50 REMOVED: JDub’s Brewing Passion Wheat Ale Lexington Brewing Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale changed from $9.75 to $10.50 ADDED: Boulevard Tank 7 American Saison – Kansas for $10.25 Disney Food Blog REVIEW: Is AbracadaBar Worth Experiencing in Disney World? Disney’s Old Key West Resort Olivia’s Cafe The Kid’s meals now include Buttermilk-fried Chicken Strips — Served with choice of two Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk, Small DASANI Water, or Small Minute Maid Apple Juice for $11.50. Olivia’s Cafe There are no other updates here, though. REVIEW: SPAM Biscuits and Banana Bread Pudding — See What Brunch is Like at Olivia’s Cafe in Disney World If you have your heart set on particular menu items at Disney World restaurants, we always recommend checking menus on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also keep you updated on any changes we spot, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Use our discount code for DFB readers – WDW2023 – for 25% off! The NEW Problem With Disney World Restaurants Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Disney World restaurant? Let us know in the comments! The post Skipper Canteen, Chefs de France, And MORE Disney World Restaurants CHANGED This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, we get it — we know that Disney World is always updating and changing restaurant menus. BaseLine Tap House Sometimes, that means we can discover our NEW favorite foods, but it also means some of our favorite foods disappear, presumably gone forever. Yes, we get sad about it, and now Disney has gone and done it again because ANOTHER fave snack of ours is gone (give us a minute — we need to shed a tear in its honor). So we noticed something had changed on the menu at BaseLine Tap House in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, this is one of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat and drink in that park. One of the things we LOVE there is the Coffee Rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff. It was a light and fluffy pastry puff filled with thin slices of meat and cheese sauce, and WE LOVED IT. It even came served with a side of olives. Coffee Rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff Well, after checking Disney World’s menus this week, we noticed that the Coffee Rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff was NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. Say what? This must be a joke, right, Disney? RIGHT, DISNEY? ©Disney So we decided to check out the situation and headed to Hollywood Studios to see what’s up. We spoke with a Cast Member who confirmed that the Beef Puff is no longer on the menu. However, there were no details about whether it will return or be replaced with something else, so that’s all we know for now. It will be missed! But hey, at least the Bavarian Pretzel and California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate are both still available. PHEW! Bavarian Pretzel with spicy mustard and beer cheese fondue But y’all, we’re going to miss that Beef Puff. But, hey, you never know; it may come back again. That happens sometimes. Stay tuned to DFB for more. And check out our video below for MORE Disney snack recommendations! 24 Snacks You Need 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’s your favorite food at BaseLine Tap House? Let us know in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: A Popular Menu Item Has DISAPPEARED at BaseLine Tap House in Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Genie+ is CHANGING temporarily in Disneyland tomorrow! Disney Genie Genie+ is the skip-the-line service that guests can buy in Disneyland and Disney World. Once you buy it for the day, you can make Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day to skip the normal standby lines and save time! Only certain attractions are included with Genie+, and the list for Disneyland Park is changing tomorrow, January 22nd. Starting on January 22nd, the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland Park will be temporarily available on Genie+! Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t normally available with Genie+ in Disneyland, but it will be for a while since so many other rides are under construction in this park. View of Pirates of the Caribbean from Blue Bayou | 2021 In fact, January 22nd is also the day that Haunted Mansion closes as Disney re-works the queue area and adds in a souvenir shop. Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Splash Mountain closed last year as Disney works to turn this ride into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland Here’s a look at some other closures in Disneyland Park: Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular — Anticipated Reopening Date: May 24, 2024; Guests can enjoy a NEW show in the meantime: The Heartbeat of New Orleans — A Living Mural. Mark Twain Riverboat –– Closed on September 17th; Anticipated Reopening Date: February 3rd, 2024 Astro Orbitor — Closed November 27th; Anticipated Reopening Date: Not yet known Blue Bayou Restaurant — Closed January 7th, 2024; Anticipated Reopening Date: January 20th “it’s a small world” — Closed to transform from the holiday version of the attraction; Anticipated Reopening Date: January 19th Haunted Mansion — Closing on January 22nd to accommodate work on an expansion of the queue! Anticipated Reopening Date: Not yet known Disney hasn’t announced yet how long Pirates of the Caribbean will be available on Genie+, but we’ll be watching for more updates! Stay tuned to DFB. Check out more Disneyland ride and restaurant closures here! 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 Are you a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: Genie+ Is CHANGING in Disneyland Tomorrow first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney loves jumping on trends, and we’ve seen our share of trends in the parks, even involving food Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland First, Disney loves a good color trend and when everyone was all about Millennial Pink, we even had Millennial Pink snacks! Snacks in and of themselves can also be trendy, and we expect Disney’s newest snack merchandise is going to fly off shelves. Don’t get us started on how popular those Starbucks Tumblers are…they ALWAYS sell out. But we’re starting to see what might be a NEW food trend in Disney World. So what got us thinking this could be a trend was a new addition at Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. As of January 26th, you’ll be able to get a Hungry Bear Restaurant On the Go Package, featuring your choice of Entree, along with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, choice of beverage, and choice of a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar or Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bar. This new offering will even be available via Mobile Order on the Disneyland app. A meal in a box? How interesting. Does this remind anyone of the quick to-go dinners you can get from your local chain restaurants? Be honest. If we told you that was a picture from the Applebee’s website, you’d believe us, right? (For the record, it’s not. It’s the real preview Disney shared of the new Hungry Bear options.) ©Disney This isn’t necessarily a NEW idea at Hungry Bear — you could previously order a Fantasmic! to Go Dining Package here with select Entrees, sides, a dessert, a fountain beverage, and reserved seating for Fantasmic. That offering is not available while Fantasmic! is closed, although we’re hoping it will be available again when Fantasmic! reopens on May 24th. Fantasmic! Dining Check-in at Disneyland However, we’ve seen something like this in Disney World, too. Not only can you get a variety of kid’s snack packs throughout Disney World (although adults can eat them, too), but you can also grab a heartier meal in a snack pack with a sandwich. You can read all about that Sandwich Pack, as well as see our review of it, HERE. Turkey Sandwich Kid’s Pack During runDisney events, most hotel counter service locations offer a Runner’s Pack, which is a pre-made breakfast that usually includes a bagel, a banana, peanut butter, a granola bar, and a small bottled water. Runner’s Pack Some counter-service restaurants even have things like Protein Packs with pre-packaged food for a quick snack. Low-Carb Protein Snack If you’re looking for something a little more robust, though, you can still Mobile Order Table-Service-To-Go from many Disney World hotel restaurants with the My Disney Experience app. ©Disney To-Go food could be the next big Disney trend in food, and we’re not mad about it. Sometimes, you don’t want to stop your busy park day to sit in a restaurant, right? Speaking of food trends, check out our video below to see ALL our 2024 Disney snack recommendations! Stay tuned to DFB for more. The Biggest Trends You’ll See Taking Over Disney World 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 Do you ever grab the snack packs or Mobile Order Table Service To-Go when you’re in Disney World? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments! The post Is a NEW Expedited Dining Trend Taking Over the Disney Parks? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, what is it about Stitch that makes Disney just want to do really strange things with his merchandise? Stitch Like we are STILL not over that demonic Stitch plush that came out a few years ago with the red eyes. That was the stuff of NIGHTMARES. There was also that Spaghetti Stitch merchandise that still has us scratching our heads. Then there was the Stitch/Cinderella Castle incident. Like…what? Well, here we go again — we just found another piece of Stitch merchandise that we can’t decide is cute or terrifying. Brace yourself. Okay, so here it is — it’s a Stitch Pet Bed. Now, on paper, someone in Disney merchandising thought this would be SUPER cute. But then someone else who created this thing decided to give Stitch teeth like a SHARK. Um…do we really want a pet bed where it looks like Stitch is EATING OUR BELOVED FLUFFY?!!! Um… Okay, Stitch. Just NO! Pets are friends, not food! So, who dreamed this up? We feel like the concept started out like a good idea, but then someone just decided to make it just a liiiiittle weirder. Now, granted, you can buy an actual shark bed similar to this on Amazon for $10, but is it a good idea to have a Disney character look like he’s chowing down on your precious Fido? Stitch would NEVER — right? RIGHT?! Stitch is coming for your pets! Okay, Disney, we see you. We’ll admit, though, that we think you should go buy this if you’re visiting Disney World soon, especially if you love Stitch. It’s SO unique, after all — and who knows, maybe your fur baby would love to sleep inside Stitch’s mouth! We found the pet bed at The Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs for $59.99. But then again, we’re the kind of people who miss the Alien Encounter attraction in Tomorrowland, so maybe don’t listen to us? We’ll keep an eye out for more…um…interesting merchandise in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Are you headed to Disney World soon? We’ve got the PERFECT t-shirt for you to wear into the parks. Click here to check out our whole merch line! 5 Souvenirs We REALLY Regret Buying 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 What do you think about this pet bed? Yes or no? Let us know in the comments! The post We’re Not Sure What To Think About This Bizarre New Stitch Souvenir in Disney World. But We’re a Little Scared. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As The Walt Disney Company prepares for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, it not only announced its recommendations for 12 nominees for the company’s Board of Directors, but it also released information about its executives’ salaries, including the 2023 salary for CEO Bob Iger. ©Disney Iger returned to the company in November 2022 to step back into his role as CEO. Since then, he’s made a lot of changes, including changes in leadership, proposed changes for Disney Parks, and a new priority focused on improving Disney’s streaming assets. In 2023, Iger made $31.6 million, but let’s take a closer look at that. First, the $31.6 million was Iger’s full pay package, which is made up of his base salary, stock awards, stock-option awards, cash bonuses, and other compensation. Note that the $31.6 million is down from Iger’s prior full year of employment with Disney when he made $45.9 million. ©MasterClass But, yes, that is still a LOT of money. To put it in perspective, it’s actually a bit lower than what many other CEOs make. For example, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook earned $63 million in 2023. Warner Bros./Discovery CEO David Zaslav earned $39.3 million in 2022, according to Variety. Also, according to Variety, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos will make $40 million, while Netflix’s Reed Hastings will get $34.6 million in 2024. Now can we argue that most CEO’s are paid too much? Well, in 2022, Reuters reported on a poll that showed that bipartisan majorities of U.S. adults think CEO pay is too high. Previous polls have also shown public dissatisfaction over the salary of CEO’s. ©Netflix Something to also point out is that in 2020, Iger, who was Executive Chairman for Disney at the time, actually chose to forego his salary for the year, while then CEO Bob Chapek took a cut of 50%. Just a year earlier, though, Iger’s salary was $66 million (double his current salary). According to Deadline, Iger explained that the stock award he received that year was a “was a one-time grant, it’s not something that repeats itself year after year.” He also said that the large payout was due to the Disney and Fox merger going through and his “involvement in the dealmaking,” as well as the increased “responsibilities” he was taking on by expanding the company. He also mentioned that part of it was due to an agreement to keep him from leaving the company that year and to have him stay for three more years. ©Apple The New York Times reports that this was the same year Disney heiress Abigail Disney called the company out for Iger’s pay package in 2018, which was worth $65 million. She pointed out that a study done by a union showed Iger was making 1,400 times more than the median Disney worker. She was also vocal on social media about the issue. However, The Walt Disney Company defended Iger’s salary, with “90 percent of Mr. Iger’s compensation was based on financial performance and that, under Mr. Iger’s watch, Disney’s stock price had risen to $133 a share from $24″ — “which directly benefits the literally thousands of employees who hold our stock.” Most recently, Mark G. Parker, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company shared, “Time and again, Bob has shown an unparalleled ability to successfully transform Disney to drive future growth and financial returns, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s best CEOs.” ©TIME So what we can take away from his current salary is that it is considerably lower than it was four years ago, before he stepped down as CEO. But at the same time, we have seen Disney Cast Members protesting and even striking over their pay. Iger has said that he will “definitely” step down as the CEO of the Walt Disney Company in 2026. A successor has not yet been announced. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news. Learn more about Bob Iger’s 2023 Salary Here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Bob Iger Makes .6 Million. But That's Not the Most Shocking Part. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s no fun to lose things in Disney World, but it does happen. What happens if you lose your phone on a roller coaster We’ve lost a lot of things on vacation, from items of clothing left behind at our Disney World hotel to little souvenirs we somehow lost track of to sunglasses that we might have laid down on a table and walked away from. We’re all guilty of it. But what happens if you’re on a ride, like a roller coaster, for example, and you lose your phone on it? Well, don’t panic, but that’s exactly what happened to one major celebrity. Alright, alright, alright, let’s tell you the story. Okay, so your phone could be the absolute WORST thing to lose in a theme park, especially if it happens at Disney World where you need it for EVERYTHING. Seriously, we use our phones to unlock our room, scan our park tickets, book Genie+ Lightning Lanes, use Mobile Order, and check in for dining reservations. Well, actor Matthew McConaughey recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and talked about losing his phone on a roller coaster at Six Flags. YIKES. ©Warner Bros. McConaughey was enjoying a day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas with his roller coaster-loving daughter for her birthday. They rode every roller coaster multiple times (probably skipping lines with their VIP status). On the last ride of the day, McConaughey lost his phone — as in his phone flew out of his pocket on the coaster. By some miracle, though, Six Flag staff members found the phone and — get this — it still worked. You can watch him telling the whole story below. So, what should you do if this happens at Disney World? Well, the good news is that Disney has a VERY robust Lost and Found system. The first thing you can do is speak to a Cast Member at the ride, just in case it ended up on the seat or seat pocket or something like that. The first rule is if you’ve lost an item, go to where you think you lost it and talk to a Cast Member. Often, Cast Members will hold onto lost items for a short period of time before sending them on to Guest Relations or Lost and Found. Expedition Everest If it’s been a few hours since you lost the item or if Cast Members haven’t recovered your item, go to the nearest Guest Experience location (look for the blue umbrella) or visit Guest Relations near the entrance of the park. They will be able to point you in the right direction in terms of next steps. You can find Guest Relations near each park entrance. You’ll find it in Magic Kingdom at City Hall Disney’s Lost and Found is HUGE. People lose a LOT of stuff in the parks, but there is an extensive system that documents each lost item, but note it could take a few days for your phone or lost item to be cataloged and even longer before it’s returned to you. So it’s best if you can report it lost as quickly as possible. Lost and found However, if the item isn’t found at this stage, you can fill out this online form to report your missing item, and Disney will do its best to find it. You’ll be kept updated on the status of your item, too, and if/when it’s found, Disney will usually mail it to you at no extra charge. Of course, the best thing you can do is not lose any items and make sure your phone is somewhere secure while you ride, but sometimes, these things still happen. Stay tuned to DFB for more. The Most Common Items LOST in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever lost anything in Disney World? Was it recovered? Let us know in the comments! The post A Celebrity LOST Their Phone on a Roller Coaster – Here’s What To Do if It Happens to YOU first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning to visit Disney World in February? Are you visiting Disney World in February? Well, there are a lot of things you’ve probably already thought about. You probably know which hotel you’re staying at. You’ve probably already made many of your advance dining reservations. You’ve probably decided to get the Disney Dining Plan — or not. But there are some other things you need to be aware of if you’re visiting Disney World in February. It’s okay, though, we’re going to remind you of those things you may NOT be thinking about if you plan on visiting Disney World in February. Here are the mistakes you need to avoid in February. Visiting during special events Several special events happen in Disney World in February and those events can bring in some serious crowds. For example, runDisney’s Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend runs from February 22nd through 26th. Not only will that event create crowds in the parks, but it will also affect traffic around Disney World. ©Disney You should also check to make sure you’re visiting when there are no cheer or dance competitions. These bring crowds to Disney World, too, particularly at the All-Star Resorts. There are also ESPN events during this time, including kid’s soccer tournaments. You can visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports events calendar online to check out what might be happening during your stay. You’ll want to look for ANYTHING like that going on in the parks so you can avoid the crowds they bring. The Unexpected Reason To AVOID Disney World in February Underestimating how cold it can get Don’t let Florida’s usual sunny weather fool you — it can get downright cold in the winter, especially if you’re out in it traipsing around the parks. Yep, Elsa even makes occasional visits to Florida. Make sure you check the weather forecast BEFORE you leave, so you can pack accordingly. Elsa likes it cold, even in Florida Also, don’t forget a raincoat. If it’s Florida, it’s going to rain — trust us on that. Plus, if it’s cold AND rainy, and you’re not wearing the right gear, you’ll be miserable. The Cold Weather Problem You’re NOT Thinking About in Disney World Not making Valentine’s Day dining reservations early If you haven’t made your Valentine’s Day dining reservations already, you might just be out of luck. You should do that as early as you can because a LOT of restaurants are going to be fully booked for that special evening. If you’re wanting a romantic dinner in Disney World, Casey’s Corner is just not going to cut it, no matter how much you and your significant other love that plastic cheese. California Grill view So if you haven’t done this already, get on it right now. We could recommend some great places — and some of these may even have reservations open for February 14th. There’s California Grill, where you can have a quiet romantic evening, complete with Magic Kingdom fireworks. In EPCOT, you’ve got Monsieur Paul for elevated French dining. We particularly like Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge if you want to try more adventurous fare. All the Valentine’s Day snacks coming to Disney World Not checking for closures You’ll need to know if closures at Disney World are going to affect your plans. Hotel pools are notorious for being closed during the winter months. For February 2024, we’ve got a few pool closures: The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. will be closed through March, while the Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter will be closed through April. The Fantasia pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is also closed through April. Fantasia Pool is closed in February But those aren’t the only closures. Country Bear Jamboree in Magic Kingdom will be closing for a refurbishment at the end of January. Kali River Rapids is also closed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom through mid-March. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently closed for a lengthy refurbishment. 4 SUPER LONG Ride Closures Will Affect Disney World This Year Not planning where to watch the Super Bowl The Super Bowl is on February 11th, and if you’re a fan, you’ll want to watch it, even if you’re in Disney World. Plus you might even get to indulge in a few Super Bowl-themed snacks! But you’ll want to know where to go to watch it. Sure, you can just sit around in your Disney World hotel room, but there are bars and lounges in Disney World that might make for a better experience, like Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, City Works in Disney Springs, and more. Super Bowl cupcake So be sure to plan in advance for February 11th so you know where you’ll be when the big game day happens! We Found the Perfect Disney World Hangout for Super Bowl Sunday in 2022 Not planning for President’s Day weekend crowds February 19th is President’s Day and you may not think much about it, but that’s a very popular weekend in Disney World. Kids are out of school and many folks are off work, so that means Disney World could be crowded that weekend. President’s Day is in February So you might want to avoid that weekend if you’re averse to more crowds in the parks. Not Planning for the EPCOT Festival of the Arts The EPCOT Festival of the Arts runs through February 19th, so if you’re visiting EPCOT during that time, you need to plan in advance. If you don’t plan, you could feel very overwhelmed by all there is to see, do, and eat. Don’t worry, though — we’ve got your back! We’ve got loads of posts about the festival PLUS a guide to help you make sense of it all. EPCOT Festival of the Arts We also suggest NOT skipping out on the festival — it’s one of our favorites of the year. Where else can you celebrate ALL the arts, performing, painting, drawing, cooking, and more? The Best Use of Your Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts You can check out AJ’s video on the BEST things to eat at the festival right here! Not planning for the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival If you happen to miss the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival starts on February 28th and runs through May 27th. You’ll need to do some planning for this festival, too. But again, we’ll be there helping you along the way. You can even pre-order our EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival guide RIGHT NOW so you’re ready. Figment Topiary at the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Arts The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is all about celebrating spring, and this is another festival you do NOT want to miss. 2024 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Booth Menus and Food Photos So if you’re visiting in February, be sure to pay attention to these things and plan around them accordingly. We’ll do our best to help you out with our best tips and tricks, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn Ya! You NEED These 8 Items to Survive Disney World Now Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your best tip for visiting Disney World in February? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post The Disney World Mistake You'll Make in February first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Well, if you are, we’ve got some great news to share with you. Do you fly to Disney World? So you’ve probably already figured out where you’re staying, and you’ve probably already purchased your park tickets. But how are you getting to Orlando? If you’re planning on flying into Orlando International Airport, now may be the BEST time to book those flights because, right now, airfare is the lowest it’s been in a LONG time. According to CNN, the price of plane tickets is currently the lowest it’s been in 15 years! According to CNN Travel expert Katy Nastro, average airfare is nearly 25% less than it was in 2019 and “hasn’t been this cheap since 2009.” Just WHOA. If that isn’t the universe telling you to book that trip, we don’t know what it is! NOW is the time to fly! But why is airfare so cheap? Well, this is the first “normal” year of travel since 2020. However, the biggest factor keeping prices low is competition. Nastro said, “We want (budget) carriers in the mix because it actually places downward pressure on the legacy carriers.” This helps keep prices lower. Perhaps that means it’s a good thing that the JetBlue and Spirit Airlines merger was blocked by a federal judge. ©Spirit Airlines We’ve recently seen some super low fares. At the moment, you can score a flight on Southwest Airlines for as little as $39 each way. No, that is not a typo — $39!!! Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport American Airlines also currently has a “Flights under $100” category with flights to Orlando for just $90. ©American Airlines Low-fare flights are available on Spirit Airlines right now for as little as $21 each way. Note that all these airlines except Southwest charge additional fees for things like seat selection and checked bags. But still, these low airfare prices are a good incentive to book that next Disney World trip, right? Stay tuned to DFB for more! The One Item That Makes Flying 100% More Enjoyable 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 Will you be booking a flight to Orlando soon? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Experts Say THESE Prices Haven’t Been This Low Since 2009. Is Now the Time To Plan a Trip to Florida? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There have been a lot of closures lately at Disney World! The Skyliner is CLOSED Recently, we’ve seen Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom, and the Skyliner transportation system all shut down for refurbishment. Happy news though, one of those closures will be reopening TOMORROW! The Skyliner is Reopening! Disney Skyliner The Disney Skyliner closed for its annual refurbishment on January 16th. Most of it will reopen tomorrow, January 21st! Disney World Skyliner The service between Disney’s Riviera Resort and the International Gateway at EPCOT will stay closed through January 27th. Disney World Skyliner If you’re worried that this will affect your trip, don’t fret — free bus service between the parks and hotels that usually are connected by the Skyliner will be provided. Learn more about the Skyliner 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 When is your next trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Part of the Disney World Skyliner Reopens TOMORROW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article