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From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the launch of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship, to the first-of-its-kind Pixar Place Hotel and other highly anticipated experiences, here are some sensational things to look forward to in 2024!View the full article

Go ahead and mark January 8th, 2024 on your calendar because, for Disney, it could be a doozy. Magic Kingdom As you know there are a TON of changes happening at Disney World on January 9th, 2024, but there could be a lot of issues that will make things really hectic on the 8th for Disney. So, what’s happening on January 8th and is it only happening at Disney World? Let’s go over it! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios is a fun, fast-paced coaster that features music (and a pre-ride show) by Aerosmith. We saw that starting January 8th, 2024, the ride does not have any open times available. ©Disney Right now, the Disney World website shows that the closure will last as far as the calendar goes, and we haven’t heard any sort of official announcements for a reopening date, which makes it entirely possible that the closure will go longer than expected. For context, early in 2023, the ride was closed for nearly three full months. If the 2023 timeline is any indication, we could see the ride remain closed through early April. We are keeping an eye on the calendar and will let you know as soon as we have more reopening details. World of Color — ONE World of Color — ONE will close for refurbishment in Disney California Adventure starting January 8th, 2024. Remember that this closure will be for over a month, so go ahead and set your alarm for February 29th. In the meantime, we’ll definitely update you if there are any changes to the refurb schedule! ©Disney Grizzly River Run Grizzly River Run is also temporarily closing for a refurbishment starting January 8th; however, Disneyland hasn’t shared an end date for this closure just yet. Grizzly River Run Jungle Cruise Now this one isn’t a “closure” per se, but rather a re-theme. According to Disney, Jingle Cruise will be running until January 8th, 2024 — the last time showing on Disney’s website. ©Disney Starting on January 9th, the website shows that the regular old Jungle Cruise will be back in action, so make sure to check it out beforehand if you’re hoping to see it with all of its festive additions! ©Disney Kali River Rapids Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom will close for refurbishment on January 8th, 2024. There is no end date currently listed for this closure. Kali River Rapids January 9th Changes All of that was taking place before the truly huge changes that will happen on January 9th. Welcome Back Disney Dining Plan The Disney Dining Plan is returning. It hasn’t been available in Disney World since 2020, but as of January 9th, 2024, you’ll be able to use it again. The Disney Dining Plan is returning! There are some changes to it though (of course). To start with, only the Standard Dining Plan and the Quick Service Dining Plan are coming back at that time. Also, prices have increased for the adult plans and Disney recently revealed that credits will be a bit more restricted. Learn more about the changes to see if it’s worth it for you or not here. You’re Going to See Different Park Pass Rules Next, park guests with date-based tickets won’t need park passes to get into the parks. In other words, people who buy theme park tickets that are tied to a specific date or set of dates won’t need park passes to get into the parks at all. Scanning in! Visitors with other types of tickets like Annual Passes will still need to make those reservations. Park Hopping Is FINALLY Back to Normal All-Day Park Hopper Access will finally be back, meaning guests with a ticket with park hopper benefits or an annual pass will be able to visit another park any time during the day (subject to capacity limitations)! You could park hop to EPCOT via the Monorail quickly from Magic Kingdom We won’t know how all of these closures and rule changes will affect you specifically, but we would expect there to be higher crowds and a potential for some outages or other tech issues that could arise on January 9th due to all of the changes. ©Disney Also, since we don’t have definitive dates on when some of the attractions will open back up, we’d recommend keeping it right here for the latest info so that you can plan accordingly. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back to DFB for more Disney updates. You Might NOT Want To Fly to 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 Are you going to Disney World or Disneyland in 2024? Let us know in the comments! The post January 8th Is a BIG Day in Disney World and Disneyland -- Here's What You Need to Know first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the most popular watering holes in Disney World is La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT. La Cava del Tequila This bar — which is actually third-party-owned, not Disney-owned — just made a MYSTERIOUS announcement on Instagram! La Cava is a fan-favorite spot, known for their signature margaritas like the La Cava Avocado and celebrity-created drinks from Neil Patrick Harris and Lily Aldrige. La Cava del Tequila Now, it looks like this bar is cooking up something exciting for its 15th anniversary! On Instagram, La Cava del Tequila posted this photo, which has a big “XV” inside the word “Cava” to commemorate that the bar turns 15 years old in 2024. The photo simply says “Stay Tuned,” so we’re thinking that an exciting announcement could be coming! ©La Cava del Tequila The only clue we have is the caption, which says, “15 years ago, Agaves began to cook…” We can’t wait to learn more! La Cava del Tequila La Cava del Tequila is owned by Palmas Restaurant Group, who manage thirteen locations in Disney World, including several spots in the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT, a few at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs. Mexico Pavilion Pyramid Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news! Click here to learn more about La Cava del Tequila. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a fan of La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World's La Cava del Tequila Just Made a MYSTERIOUS Announcement! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Some big changes are coming to Disney World in 2024! Magic Kingdom From virtual queue changes to grand openings and special events, 2024 is going to look a lot different than 2023 at Disney World. In case you forgot, we’re here to remind you of perhaps the biggest change announced — the park pass system is getting a complete overhaul in January! Beginning January 9th, 2024, parks will NO LONGER REQUIRE reservations (for date-based tickets). Additionally, a couple more changes will be implemented that same day! Since the parks reopened at Disney World in 2020, online reservations were required to visit your desired park for the day. That removed any ability to adjust on the fly or simply wing it. It also made park hopping harder (something we’ll get to later on). The reservation system could also be confusing at times and if not done properly, could ruin your vacation. Fortunately, that’s about to be in the past and the Disney World parks are about to revert to something closer to the pre-pandemic era. Spaceship Earth Another change coming is the return to normalcy for park hopping. When park hopping returned in 2021, the ticket add-on was only valid after 2PM each day. That restriction will be lifted on January 9th. Per Disney, “On days when theme park reservations are required for Annual Passholders and certain non-dated tickets, Passholders and guests will be able to take advantage of the updates to Park Hopper access after visiting their first park.” While Annual Passholders will still need reservations on select days, they will still be able to park hop and visit the parks WITHOUT a reservation on “Good to Go” days. Let’s Go! Finally, the Dining Plan is coming back in 2024, also on the 9th! Two plans will be made available as optional add-ons to a Disney World Vacation Package. These plans allow you to go to a restaurant that accepts the Disney Dining Plan and use your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile pass as a credit card. The plans include the Standard Disney Dining Plan and the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. Mickey Plates at Garden Grill We’re super excited for all of these changes and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop on anything and everything Walt Disney World, so stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest! Don’t Forget that Genie+ Is CHANGING 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 other restrictions or rules would you like to see lifted in 2024? Let us know! The post Don't Forget! Disney World Park Pass Rules Change SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Actress Ana Ofelia Murguía has passed away at the age of 90. ©Getty Images via BBC Murguia is best known for her role as Mama Coco in Disney x Pixar’s Coco. The Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura of Mexico announced the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, “With deep sadness we regret the sad passing of the first actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx del #INBAL and whose artistic career was vital for the performing arts of Mexico. We send condolences and warm hugs to her family and friends.” According to ABC 13, Murguia’s “early well-known roles were in several Spanish-language films including the 1995 movie Nobody Will Speak of Us When We’re Dead.” Disney fans will recognize her as the voice actress for Mama Coco in Coco. ©Disney Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. The post NEWS: Actress Ana Ofelia Murguía from Disney's 'Coco' Passes Away at Age 90 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to beloved Disney personalities and park icons, there are THOUSANDS. So many minds contributed to each of the amazing details that can be found in the Disney Parks. Omnibus in Magic Kingdom Many of you might be familiar with Bob Gurr and his Omnibus. Gurr had a hand in creating some of the most ICONIC ride vehicles in the Disney Parks, including the Doom Buggies in the Haunted Mansion. The Omnibus was a beloved addition to the list of his creations. Originally created in 1956, it’s a double-decker bus that folks can now hop on to get around Main Street, U.S.A., and once upon a time, there was one that went around World Showcase in EPCOT. Well, the World Showcase Omnibus made a reappearance in a very special way. Pasadena-Star News covered this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade, which takes place each New Year’s Day. This year, the World Showcase Omnibus got to be part of the parade! Riding on the Omnibus was the President of The Tournament of Roses, Alex Aghajanian, as well as his family. ©Bob Gurr via Instagram We’re so glad that Gurr and his creation was able to be showcased in such a unique way. ©Bob Gurr via Instagram If you’re hoping to take a spin on the Omnibus yourself, be sure to add it to your list of experiences the next time you visit Magic Kingdom. Omnibus sign in Magic Kingdom We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along for more. Click here to see what New Year’s Day looks like at Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the use of the Omnibus for the Rose Parade? Let us know in the comments! The post A Retired Form of Disney Park Transportation Made a Reappearance for New Year's Day! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is usually very busy during the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s, but another super crowded time is just around the corner. Entrance to Magic Kingdom If you’re planning to visit the theme parks this coming weekend, you can expect some pretty busy parks. In fact, some of the parks have already SOLD OUT of park passes for Annual Passholders! January 4th through the 7th is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, so lots of runners and their support groups head to the parks for the races, which include a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon. ©Disney With the special event comes lots of crowds, and we always warn people to be aware that the parks will be busier than normal. Crowds So far, Magic Kingdom is sold out of park passes on January 6th, but that’s the only one that’s sold out for guests staying at Disney World hotels or with theme park tickets. Park passes for Annual Passholders are a different story. ©Disney For all Annual Passholders, Magic Kingdom is already sold out on January 5th and 6th. This is the case for all tiers of passes, although Pixie Passholders are blocked out on the 6th. ©Disney Disney’s Hollywood Studios is sold out on January 5th, 6th, and 7th. Again, this is true for all passes aside from the Pixie Pass, which is just sold out for the 5th since these Passholders are blocked out on the 6th and 7th. ©Disney Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios generally sell out around busy times, but even Disney’s Animal Kingdom has sold out for Annual Passholders on January 5th. It looks like the 5th is going to be incredibly busy! So far, there are still EPCOT park passes available for Annual Passholders. ©Disney Don’t forget that Park Hopping starts at 2PM, so even if you can’t get a reservation for the park you wanted, you can grab one for a different park and then hop to the one you wanted after 2PM (as long as that park isn’t at capacity). In fact, after 2PM, Passholders can go anywhere they want without a reservation, with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays in Magic Kingdom. Hollywood Studios Park Pass Reservations are going away for date-based tickets on January 9th, but Annual Passholders will still need to make reservations to visit the Disney World theme parks. Annual Pass card Park Hopping rules are also changing: You’ll be able to park hop at any time starting on January 9th (no more 2PM limit!). This change applies to all guests, not just those with date-based tickets. We’ll let you know about all the latest Disney news and updates, so stay tuned to DFB! Click here to learn more about Disney World Annual Passes. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to Disney World for the Marathon Weekend? Let us know in the comments! The post Annual Passholder Park Passes Already SOLD OUT for 3 Disney World Parks on January 5th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a little out of the way, but it’s worth traveling to if you’re looking for some excellent food! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge You can find Boma — Flavors of Africa, Sanaa, Jiko — The Cooking Place, lounges and stands around the hotel. Each of these restaurants has amazing food that you won’t regret trying. We recently stopped by the lodge to visit an old favorite and to find out if it’s still living up to our expectations. Jiko — The Cooking Place is one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants in all of Disney World. Unlike Sanaa, you won’t find immaculate views of the savanna at this high-end location, but the food truly makes up for it. Jiko Jiko is located in Jambo House on the ground floor at the lodge. Your best bet to get a seat at this restaurant is to have a reservation. Starting in January 2024, you will be able to use the Disney Dining Plan at Jiko which will use 2 table service credits. But enough about the logistics, let’s dive into everything we LOVE about Jiko! Atmosphere Jiko is a much more romantic restaurant than its partners Boma and Sanaa. It’s located on the ground floor of Animal Kingdom Lodge and has a pretty view (just not of the savanna and animals). It’s the perfect place if you want to go out for an evening without the kids (though families are certainly welcome here, too!). Jiko There are a lot of hidden gems in the decor of the restaurant. For example, the rings on the large columns in the restaurant represent the rings worn on women’s necks by some African tribes. Also, the back wall is meant to resemble a beautiful African sunset. Jiko — The Cooking Place And if you look closely, you may find a hidden Mickey above the smoke stacks at the flatbread station! Can you spot the hidden Mickey? It’s a lot brighter inside Jiko than you might find at many other signature restaurants in Disney World. This means you’ll have a better chance at reading the menu without needing your phone flashlight (certainly a bonus for us)! The restaurant was designed by Jeffrey Beers and we would argue that it is a very interesting and beautiful location to look at. Jiko — The Cooking Place There is a very large selection of wines exclusively from Africa. There’s a wine lounge where you can sit in and try some unique wines that you may not find elsewhere on property. Cape Town Lounge Like most things in Disney World, Jiko was designed very thoughtfully and with lots of intention and details. It’s so fancy, that you get a hot rosewater towel to clean your hands before your meal. We even got little hand towels! You’ll find a main dining room, a wine lounge, and a private dining room. And because it is a signature dining location, Disney does require a dress code. Per the Disney website: “This restaurant is a Disney Signature Dining experience offering fine dining with a distinctly magical flair. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat, and in good condition. Please no swimwear.” Jiko — The Cooking Place It is truly a beautiful atmosphere with wonderful and meaningful details. It is an intimate setting that we love and find to be very special. Menu You may be a little nervous about eating here at first when you hear the food is inspired by African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors. But there’s no need to worry! They have lots of options. You can find meat-based, vegan, and vegetarian meals that change seasonally. The table setting is gorgeous and includes a menu You’ll find Appetizers, Entrees, and Enhancements on the menu. The menu When you’re seated, you receive a food menu and a drink menu that includes signature cocktails and wines. Drink menu After you’re done with your main meal, you’ll receive an After Dinner Drink and Dessert menu. After Dinner Drink and Dessert menu You can appetizers anywhere between $15 to $19. Enjoy a Jiko Salad or some Diver Scallop and Moroccan Snails to start off your signature meal. ©Disney When we went this time, the entree options ranged from Oak-grilled Filet Mignon and Cocoa-crusted Venison Loin to the plant-based Injera Basket and Sustainable Fish. Entrees range from $38 to $59. ©Disney You can also add on a few enhancements like the Octopus Salad (which we chose as an appetizer!), the Bobotie Mac & Cheese, and Zulu Oxtail Samp and Beans. ©Disney There are several fantastic dessert offerings at Jiko, as well! You can get options like Melktert for $12 or grab the Potjie Pot for $16. There is also a no-sugar-added Chai-spiced Ice Cream option for $13. ©Disney If you hope to bring the kids with you, don’t worry, they have a kids’ menu with several familiar options! They can choose one entree and two sides. There is also a kids’ a la carte appetizer menu. ©Disney Whew, now let’s dig in! Eats Since this restaurant is known for its wine and drink selection, let’s start with our main drinks of the evening! We opted for the Seychelles Martini and the Cederberg White Wine. Cederberg White Wine Even if you’re not a big gin drinker, we think you would like the Seychelles Martini — at least this was our experience. The gin isn’t the primary flavor in this cocktail, instead, you’ll find pineapple at the forefront. It’s sweet, but not overly sugary. We thought it had high acidity but it was light, refreshing, and bright. Seychelles Martini The Cederberg White Wine was a very classic white wine. It was dry but there was some sweetness among the flavors. It almost felt like it wanted to be bubbly because it was so crisp and light. We really enjoyed it, but if you’re not a fan of dry white wines, you may want to opt for something else. Cederberg White Wine Next, our appetizers. Like we said before, we chose the Octopus Salad as an appetizer instead of as a side — and we are SO glad we did. The salad consists of Confit Octopus Salad with Coconut, Mango Pearls, Green Tomatoes, and Mint for $22. For a salad, it was strangely complex in the best way possible — it was addicting. It’s like the fanciest deli salad you’ll ever have. Octopus Salad There were so many textures going on. From the chewy octopus to the crunchy bell peppers, and the popping mango pearls, it was so fun to eat! We were literally scraping the bowl trying to make more of the colorful and slightly sweet salad appear. Octopus Salad We also had the bread service. Knowing how good the neighboring Sanaa bread service is, we needed to give this one a shot — and we weren’t disappointed. Bread Service Unlike the bread service at Sanaa, you get one side and two types of bread. So if you’re looking for a truly adventurous bread experience, Sanaa is the place to go. But Jiko’s bread was great in its own right. You get giraffe bread, Egyptian bread, and a side of butter. The giraffe bread is just a simple yeast roll, but they must use some of that Disney magic when baking it because it is spectacular. Giraffe Bread Somehow, the giraffe bread is perfectly crispy on the outside and pillow-soft on the inside. It has its own butter flavor, but the side of butter adds a bit of a citrus note to it. The Egyptian bread was thin and crispy. It has a heavy sesame flavor and is much more unique. We found it nice to have an adventurous option complimented with a crowd-pleaser. Egyptian Bread is a flatbread The last appetizer we tried were the Diver Scallop and Moroccan Snails. You get a seared scallop with confit snails, butternut nhopi, and fennel slaw in a fragrant broth for $18. Scallop and Moroccan Snails This is a bold statement, but that seared scallop may just be the best thing we’ve ever had in Disney World. It was meaty but seared to perfection. It wasn’t overcooked or tough. The butternut nhopi was sweet, and the fennel underneath was a fantastic addition, adding an earthiness that balanced with the snails well. The one downside to this option is that it’s quite small, but it was worth it to us. The seared scallop was perfect! Okay, let’s move on to our entrees, shall we? While we see many entree items rotate seasonally, one has been here since the beginning — Botswanan Short Ribs. Truly, we know exactly why these ribs have made the cut season after season, they are amazing. They are the most incredible short ribs that just melt in your mouth. They literally fall apart. There is a subtle sweetness, but the sauce gives them a good and hearty feel. Botswanan Short Rib The hominy, sea peas, and carrots were an incredible base. They were soft but not mushy. We loved the balance of the slightly salty vegetables to the hearty and slightly sweet ribs. It was really robust and well-balanced. This meal is $52. Botswanan Short Rib The other entree we got was the Oak Grilled Filet Mignon for $59. Like everything else we tried at Jiko, this was wonderful. It was cooked perfectly with a warm pink middle. It was seasoned beautifully, and as with a good filet mignon, it wasn’t fatty, but it was still tender and flavorful. Oak-grilled Filet Mignon and Four-cheese Mac and Cheese The steak is served with four-cheese macaroni, seasonal vegetables, and a chocolate-red wine demi-glace. The Mac and Cheese was to die for. It was creamy and hearty, as the best mac and cheese should be (you know we’re mac and cheese connoisseurs). The chocolate-red wine demi-glace was a great addition, as well. It added richness and helped keep the steak good and moist. Cooked to perfection Now, what we have all really been waiting for — DESSERT! We opted to try the Potjie Pot. It is a chocolate custard, on a lemon-olive oil cake, with whipped caramel, cocoa nib crunch, and cherries for $16. And it was INCREDIBLE. (We realize we’ve said that about practically everything, but seriously the food here is THAT good.) Potjie Pot Even if you’re not a fan of mouse types of desserts at Disney, this is wonderful. It’s complex, smooth, and creamy. It’s everything you hope it will be. The whipped caramel was a major flavor factor for the dessert and it was delightful. The cake is the perfect size to share a small bite at the end of a big meal. Potjie Pot But of course, we couldn’t say no to a Zebratini while at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! This drink is $16 and includes Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur, Frangelico Liqueur, Amarula Liqueur, and a shot of espresso in a chocolate zebra-striped martini glass. Zebratini It was very tasty. We thought it was creamy and sweet. It was also light on the alcohol flavor, so you’re not getting a bite on the back of your throat as you enjoy your dessert. Nosh or Not? Take the journey to Jiko if… You’re looking for a romantic date night spot — Jiko would make a GREAT Valentine’s Day, Anniversary, or other celebratory dining experience. In fact, AJ has dined here on a date night before and it became one of her favorite places to eat in Disney World. You want a unique dining experience — The flavors at Jiko are impeccable. You get a wonderful combination of African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors that you may not find elsewhere. And the African wine selection is amazing. You want to try a Disney signature restaurant — There are a few signature restaurant experiences around Disney World, but Jiko is one of our favorites. In our opinion, it’s worth the drive to eat here! Skip Jiko if… You’re on a tight budget — As a signature dining location, Jiko is pretty expensive. You’re getting elevated flavors, cuts of meat, and fancy options. These things come with a hefty price tag. You have picky eaters with you — There are some interesting and unique options at Jiko! If you or someone in your party doesn’t like to adventure outside of their comfort zone, this may not be the place for you. Take a look at the menu before booking a reservation to see if you find something that fits your taste. You’re not a fan of the ambiance — Jiko is an upscale restaurant that is a fine dining experience. This is different from most Disney restaurants, and it may not be to everyone’s liking. If you’re concerned about your little ones being able to be comfortable in a quiet atmosphere, we say skip it. Jiko Final Thoughts We loved our experience, once again, at Jiko. It never disappoints us (hence why we keep going back). The food and service is fantastic. We’ll continue to stop by to try their selections as they rotate and we recommend that you give it a try! For more food takes, keep following DFB! The ONE Thing You Must Try from EVERY SINGLE Disney World Table Service Restaurant 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! What is your favorite table service restaurant in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Is Why We Keep Going Back to Jiko in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time, and this includes the Disney Parks. Storm view from aboard Disney Cruise Line An incident happened at Tokyo Disneyland after a major earthquake occurred on Monday, January 1st, 2024. Here’s what we know. According to ABC News, Japanese officials issued a tsunami and evacuation warning after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck around 4:10PM. According to U.S. Geological Survey data, the epicenter was located on the Noto Peninsula, along the Sea of Japan — which causes concern regarding a potential tsunami. ©ABC According to Reuters, 100,000 citizens were then ordered to evacuate the area, and thousands were left without power. One fatality has been reported. A Tokyo Disneyland visitor shared this footage on X of the effects that occurred at the Disney Park, 8.5 hours away from the epicenter of the earthquake. Tokyo Disney hasn’t announced any operational changes as of now, and it seems like the parks will continue to be open as normal. According to an updated article from ABC, the initial earthquake was followed by a series of others — which caused Japanese officials to raise the highest level of tsunami warning. A few hours later, the warning was lessened, but citizens were instructed to not go home. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with the latest Disney News. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Powerful Earthquake Hits Japan, Effects Felt at Disney Parks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2024 is coming fast whether you’re ready or not! Magic Kingdom If you didn’t know, there are SO MANY NEW things coming to Disney World — new rides, restaurants, and more! That’s all well and good (and we’re stoked for all that), but it’s not going to be all smiles. With all the new things that are coming, there’s bound to be some NEW PROBLEMS that you’ll have to face at Disney World in 2024! What are those new problems we were talking about? Let’s go over it! January 9th There’s a LOT going on January 9th. I’m not sure you understand. THERE IS A WHOLE LOT CHANGING ON JANUARY 9TH! For starters, the Disney Dining Plan is returning. The Disney Dining Plan is returning! Next, park guests with date-based tickets won’t need park passes to get into the parks. Scanning in! THIRD on this list, All-Day Park Hopper Access will finally be back, meaning guests with a ticket with park hopper benefits or an annual pass will be able to visit another park any time during the day (subject to capacity limitations)! No more waiting until 2PM to hop over to your favorite ride from your favorite snack stop or vice versa. You can park-hop it up to your heart’s content! You could park hop to EPCOT via the Monorail quickly from Magic Kingdom While all of these things are great and changes we’ve been looking forward to for some time, we’re just dreading the technical difficulties that might be coming, too! ©Disney We won’t know how this will affect you specifically, but we would expect there to be higher crowds and a potential for some outages or other tech issues that could arise too. Coming Attractions Now, all of us love getting to experience new rides and Magic Kingdom is going to have not one, but two “new” attractions opening next year — Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Jamboree! Talking about Tiana’s new ride, it’s coming at some point in 2024 and is set to take visitors through the bayous of Louisiana to help Tiana with her new endeavor, Tiana’s Foods. New Concept Art This ride will pick up the moment after The Princess and The Frog ends and we will “join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.” So what actually happens after the film? Tiana opens Tiana’s Palace and requires the riders’ help finding a missing key ingredient for the Mardi Gras party she’s throwing for the people of New Orleans. We’re going to be seeing old and new characters, hearing familiar and new songs, and embarking on a whole new adventure with Tiana! It’s set to open in 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney There’s a NEW SHOW coming to Country Bear Jamboree! In 2024, the beloved bears will be learning an all-new act — they’ll sing their usual songs in new styles like country, rockabilly, and bluegrass. ©Disney Country Bear Musical Jamboree will be a take on the classic variety shows found in Nashville, Tennessee, and Nashville musicians are involved in the new arrangements. For instance. we’ll be hearing a new version of “Bare Necessities” in a rockabilly style! A Disney Imagineer has shared, “The music is going to be amazing, and the show will still have the fun and friendly tone that we all love about the Country Bears.” Country Bear Jamboree The main reason we’re listing these as potential problems is that, as you can imagine, the hype is so unreal that we could see HUGE crowds that could seriously clog up your days, and that’s not even talking about the tech issues that can sometimes plague new attractions. Since we don’t have definitive dates on when these will open, it’s going to be in your best interest to keep it here for the latest info so that you can plan accordingly. Magic Kingdom In the meantime, don’t forget to check back to DFB for more Disney updates. 6 Mistakes to Avoid in Disney World in 2024 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What problems are you already anticipating at Disney World in 2024? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Problems You Will Face in Disney World in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Happy New Year from Disney World! Magic Kingdom We’re celebrating the best way we know how — around the parks, of course! The holidays are known for being some of the busiest times throughout the entire year, so is New Year’s Day any different? Come along with us to find out! Apparently, folks are tired from all the late-night partying they did on New Year’s Eve, because we were SHOCKED by how low the crowds felt in Magic Kingdom this morning. Driving in The front entrance was still busy, but just normal busy and not “oh my goodness, what is even happening” busy. Not terrible It’s certainly not an empty park by any means, but compared to the crowds we’ve been seeing the last few days, today feels downright chill. Pretty quiet! On Main Street, U.S.A., we could actually see the pavement, which hasn’t been true all week. Usually, it’s been too crowded to do that! Is that…PAVEMENT we see? It was a bit busier by Cinderella Castle, but still not nearly as bad as yesterday or Christmas Eve. Cinderella Castle Adventureland was pretty quiet — there was just one family in line at Aloha Isle Refreshments, so you could get your DOLE Whip without a wait here! Aloha Isle Refreshments Frontierland felt more crowded than Adventureland, but Big Thunder Mountain Railroad still had just a 55-minute wait time around 11AM, which isn’t terrible. Big Thunder The wait times around the park proved that it’s still fairly busy, although not nearly as bad as the past week. Adventureland Around 11AM EST, Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” had 45-minute waits, but Jingle Cruise had nearly DOUBLE that with an 80-minute wait. ©Disney Peter Pan’s Flight was at 75 minutes, and Pirates of the Caribbean had a pretty high wait for this ride at 55 minutes. ©Disney Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain had 120-minute and 80-minute waits, respectively. ©Disney There were still some walk-on or almost-walk-on attractions in the park, with the Enchanted Tiki Room at 15 minutes, the PeopleMover at 5 minutes, the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at 5 minutes, and the Swiss Family Treehouse at 5 minutes. It’s the PeopleMover!! When it comes to Genie+ pricing, today’s prices match the lower crowds. It’s a bit cheaper today than it’s been recently, with the multi-park option and Magic Kingdom costing $35, EPCOT costing $25, Hollywood Studios at $30, and Animal Kingdom at $20. ©Disney For the past week or so, the multi-park option and Magic Kingdom have been $4 more expensive, at $39 (a record-high price for Disney Genie+). Get more details about today’s Genie+ pricing here! We’ll continue to update this post as we keep an eye on crowd levels in Disney World today! Stay tuned to DFB for more news from Disney World throughout 2024! 12 Major Changes Coming to 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 Are you heading to Disney World soon? Tell us in the comments! The post The Shocking Truth About CROWDS in Disney World on New Year’s Day first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While the Disney Parks are one of our most favorite places to vacation, we find that sometimes, a Disney cruise just hits the spot. Disney Dream After all, what could be better than a few days of surf, sun, and the occasional trek off the ship to some white sand, especially when you’re surrounded by all your favorite Disney characters and theming? Well, if you ask us, nothing sounds better. If you’ve been debating whether or not you should plan your first Disney cruise or plan your first Disney cruise in a while, we need to tell you a few things first! Disney cruises are filled with all sorts of surprises. There are five things that really surprised us on our last Disney cruise, and trust us, these are GOOD surprises that you’ll want to know beforehand. Let’s go! It’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to do everything. A lot of folks avoid cruises because they’re worried they’ll run out of things to do before their trip is complete, or that their kiddos will be bored after being trapped on a ship in the middle of the ocean for a few days. AquaMouse Rest assured, my friend, that there is a very, VERY low chance that you will run out of things to do on a Disney Cruise. From a water coaster on some ships to seemingly endless themed entertainment on board, it’s pretty much impossible to do every single thing, meet every single character, and try every single snack in three to four days. This cruise had us wishing we were a KID. Disney Cruise Line’s ships have a massive, indoor play area called the Oceaneer Club. It’s super themed, and it looks like SO MUCH FUN. Hand washing stations at the Oceaneer Club One thing we also loved at the Oceaneer Club was the automated hand washing station outside of the club. Yes, your kiddo can stick their hands in the slots, where their dirty paws will be blasted with a mixture of soap and water in a circular motion for 20 seconds. There are DOLE Whips galore. On each Disney ship, you’ll be able to get a different version of a DOLE Whip treat. These are more like smoothies, as opposed to ice cream, though. Here’s where you can get DOLE Whip on each Disney Cruise Line ship: Disney Magic: Frozone Treats (Deck 9) Disney Fantasy: Frozone Treats (Deck 9) Disney Dream: Frozone Treats (Deck 11) Disney Wonder: Sulley’s Sips (Deck 9) Disney Wish: Wheezy’s Freezies (Deck 12) If your itinerary goes to Nassau, Bahamas, though, there’s a spot located just to the right of the port entrance where you can grab nine (!!!) different DOLE Whip flavors in the traditional soft serve form. Mango Lime DOLE Whip They do taste more like sorbet, but they’re SUPER good. There is just as much theming as there is in a Disney Park. If you’re used to vacationing in a Disney Park, it can be hard to decide to do something else, like go on a cruise. A major concern is that the cruise just isn’t as magical! There are even seasonal costumes and decorations, too! We were surprised at how much theming was found across the ship, from the grand hall, to the rooms, to the characters you can meet. It’s Disney through and through! So, trust us, it’s still magical. There are so. many. dining. locations. Seriously, there are just as many dining locations aboard a Disney ship as there are in a Disney Park. It’s incredible! Enchanted Garden on the Disney Dream Each ship has a buffet option, quick service (or fast-food) type options, snack bars, table service dining, and luxury signature dining. Plus, Disney Cruise Line’s signature Rotational Dining lets you dine at every restaurant while the wonderful crew servers rotate with you, so they get to know your group and dining preferences! Well, folks, there you have it! These five things definitely had us pleasantly surprised on our Disney cruise, and we think that you’ll love these things as well. If you’re debating a Disney Cruise, make sure to say hello to our friends over at Small World Vacations, as they’ll help you plan your cruise from start to finish, and might even be able to help you snag a discount or two along the way. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop. Looking for more on Disney Cruise Line? Click here! 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 Have you ever been on a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Things That SURPRISED Us on Our Last Disney Cruise first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s hard to believe that it’s already 2024, but you know what they say. Time flies when you’re having fun! How is it already 2024?! We’re grateful to have been able to ring in the New Year at Disney World, and now we’re headed to continue the celebration with a special treat. (What? Did you really think we’d celebrate a holiday WITHOUT finding a sweet treat?) We’re headed over to Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Here, you can grab an assortment of quick service food options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and dessert, which is what we’re grabbing today, of course! Let’s go! Today, we’re trying out Roaring Fork’s Bear-y Happy New Year Mousse for $7.99. This is a berry-flavored bar made of strawberry mousse, champagne gel, vanilla cake, mirror glaze, and chocolate decor. Bear-y Happy New Year Mousse When we got the mousse, we were super impressed with the amount of detail that was put into the treat. It’s stunning! Just look at all those stars. It’s so pretty However, when we cut the treat open, we didn’t feel so keen on trying it anymore. The berry mousse was a bit too light in color and we couldn’t help but think that it looks like flesh. Or meatloaf? Well, there’s no backing out now. A look inside So… how does our first treat of 2024 TASTE? Well, the strawberry mousse is very light in flavor — it’s good! The mirror glaze acts as a sort of gel to hold the treat together for visual purposes, but doesn’t do much in terms of flavor. The mousse is good! The rest is… okay. What grabs our attention the most in this treat is the champagne gel. It resembles a layer of Jell-O and we couldn’t decide if we liked it or not, just because it has the most dominant texture without adding any flavor. The vanilla cake at the bottom was so moistened by the other layers that it was just goopy. New Year’s Mousse Overall, it’s a fairly enjoyable treat if you can get past the texture (and initial appearance). Besides texture, our only other complaint is that we wish dark or milk chocolate would have been used in lieu of the white chocolate. We found that it was an odd pairing with the champagne, but we understand that it might have been better for visual purposes.While we probably won’t get this treat again, you might enjoy it if you love mousses, champagne flavors, and don’t mind gelatinous textures. For the price, we didn’t find this one to be worth it, but hey — you might! We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and reviews, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing. Looking for more treats we’ve had recently? Click here! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Would you try this treat? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: There's a NEW Treat at Wilderness Lodge in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The way you plan a Magic Kingdom visit for 2024 is gonna be TOTALLY DIFFERENT than planning one in 2023. Magic Kingdom And that’s why we’re here TODAY, giving you an ULTIMATE rundown of what’s up-and-coming, as well as what classic tips and tricks are still gonna ring true for your future vacation. Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Magic Kingdom in 2024 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 Are you going to Magic Kingdom in 2024? Let us know in the comments. The post DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to Magic Kingdom in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of our FAVORITE places to grab dessert in Disney World just announced a couple of NEW treats! Gideon’s Bakehouse If you haven’t been to Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs yet, you’re seriously missing out. The bakery boasts nearly half-pound cookies, giant cake slices, and unique cold brew flavors. We love it all. Now, two new treats and a returning favorite are coming to Gideon’s for January 2024! Gideon’s announced on Instagram that they’re kicking off 2024 with a new flavor! Gideon’s Bakehouse The Maple Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie will be the limited-edition flavor for January 2024. The cookie is Gideon’s classic chocolate chip cookie mixed with “the highest quality Maple Syrup.” It’s got housemade candied walnuts mixed in and is sprinkled with “a generous serving of our own Cinnamon Nutmeg Sugar.” ©Gideon’s You can get the new cookie at both the Disney Springs and East End Market locations (though note that the location at East End is closed today, January 1st, for the holiday). There’s a limit of two of these cookies per customer. ©Gideon’s But wait — we promised TWO new treats, right? Gideon’s also has the new Maple Caramel Chocolate Cake this month! This cake is made with three layers of chocolate cake, covered in heaps of maple cream cheese buttercream with ribbons of housemade caramel, chocolate chips, and walnut chunks. ©Gideon’s It’s only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays in January, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly! ⁣⁣⁣⁣The cookie and cake are new flavors, but an old favorite is returning in January as well: the French Toast Nitro Cold Brew. This is ONLY at the Gideon’s location at Disney Springs, and it’s just back for the month of January. French Toast Cold Brew Gideon’s Bakehouse is a super popular spot — so popular that it usually has a virtual queue to manage demand. To get inside, you’ll need to head up to the area just to the right of the front doors (if you’re facing the entrance), where you should find a couple of employees taking down names for the virtual queue. You’ll give them your name and phone number, and they’ll send you a text when it’s your turn to go inside! Once you’re called back, you’ll join the line to go in, which usually goes pretty quickly. Gideon’s Bakehouse Line ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣We’ll be trying out the new treats soon, so stay tuned to DFB for our full review! Click here to learn more about Gideon’s Bakehouse 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 been to Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post ALERT! Gideon's Bakehouse Just Announced NEW Limited-Time Treats in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The holiday crowds have certainly arrived at Disney World this week! Crowds in Magic Kingdom The parks have been significantly busier lately, and it feels like the crowds start arriving earlier and earlier every year. That means you can expect wait times on your favorite rides to soar. Want to avoid some of those long lines? Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes are great ways to save some time, but it will cost you! Disney World is a popular place to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. That means it’s busy and Genie+ prices typically are more expensive! Today, January 1st, 2024, Genie+ costs $35 for the multi-park option, $35 for Magic Kingdom, $25 for EPCOT, $30 for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and $20 for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This cost is per person, per day. ©Disney This is actually down a few dollars from what it’s been the rest of the holiday break. Genie+ was $39 for the multi-park option and Magic Kingdom from December 23rd through the 31st. Does that mean that crowds might be a bit lower today, too? We’ll have to wait and see, but we’ll be sure to update you! Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight With Disney Genie+, you can book Lightning Lanes for many rides in the Disney World parks, which means you’ll get to SKIP the standby line and save some time. Lightning Lane You can buy Genie+ starting at midnight on the day of your trip, and you can make your first Lightning Lane reservations starting at 7AM. Click here to see which rides you should book FIRST with Disney Genie+. Note that not all rides are included with Disney Genie+ — some of the most popular rides have Individual Lightning Lanes instead, which you must purchase a la carte. These rides include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT, Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios. TRON Lightcycle / Run To skip the line on any of those popular rides, you must pay a separate fee. Like with Genie+, the cost for those rides’ Lightning Lanes changes based on the day. Here’s a look at those costs today, January 1st, 2024: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $12 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $17 Avatar Flight of Passage: SOLD OUT by 9:30AM EST Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: SOLD OUT by 9:30AM EST As you can see, some of these rides’ Lightning Lanes sell out QUICKLY. You can start making Individual Lightning Lane reservations at 7AM if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel or at the time that the park opens if you’re staying off-site. If these rides are a top priority for you, we recommend buying those Lightning Lanes ASAP on the day of your trip so they don’t sell out before you make your reservation. Rise of the Resistance You do NOT have to buy Genie+ to purchase Individual Lightning Lanes, and you don’t have to buy Individual Lightning Lanes if you purchase Genie+. Genie+ Can Be Confusing — Here’s Our FULL GUIDE to Help You Out! Genie+ can occasionally sell out, so make sure to buy it soon if you’re hoping to use it today. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Don’t Forget that Genie+ Is CHANGING in 2024 All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection BIG Genie+ Changes Being Planned For Disney World FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World 3 Tips to OUTSMART Genie+ in Disney World Right Now Please Stop Skipping These Genie+ Hacks in Disney World (They Really Work!) Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Did you use Genie+ this holiday season in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post NEWS: Genie+ Prices DROP in Disney World on New Year's Day first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So, you’re hooked on Disney? Fun fact: We are too! EPCOT Who could blame us? Millions flock to Disneyland and Disney World every year. It’s almost like it’s turned into some kind of annual pilgrimage of joy. But wait. Could there be more to this obsession than meets the eye? Spoiler alert: science thinks so! Who better to dive into the science behind this irresistible allure of the happiest place on Earth than a neuropsychologist? The Science Behind the Obsession: Dr. Paul Nussbaum, the brain guy we were talking about, says there’s a method to the Disney madness. It’s all about cravings. No, not the chocolate kind. We’re talking about the “I-need-my-Disney-fix” kind of cravings. One of the best parts about Disney World is the FOOD! But don’t count out those snacks because smell is a big player too. It is a potent trigger of memory and emotion. Disney’s got these “Smellitzers” pumping out scents strategically. Why? Because, according to science, smells trigger memories and emotions and reduce stress. It’s like a brain-hug, but with smells. Can you SMELL this photo? The Power of Social Media Listen, Disney isn’t just a theme park. It’s a social media SUPERSTAR. Social media professor Andrew notes that Disney knows how to make every moment Insta-worthy. They basically entice you to share your experience on social media. Right in front! It’s not just about Mickey; it’s about the entire park. And admit it, we all want to share that perfect Disney snapshot. Disney’s doing something right if they can have the line for a pic with Mickey be longer than some rides, but hey, that’s the magic of social media! Mickey! Nostalgia as a Driving Force Now, let’s talk nostalgia. Disney’s a PRO at nostalgia. Old posters, classic characters, even the Main Street architecture — it’s a trip down memory lane. ©Disney Erica Hepper, a lecturer of psychology, says this nostalgia trip brings joy, optimism, and even stronger social bonds. It’s like Disney’s whispering, “Remember the good times?” No wonder we keep going back! ©D23 And don’t forget that for many, Disney World is like a nostalgic refuge, a place that taps into their treasured childhood memories and emotions. Also, getting to see their children and grandchildren run and play where they did when they were those ages is something special. Here’s Orange Bird in Magic Kingdom as Tropical Serenade is Being Built ©Disney So, here’s the crux of it all: Disney’s got us hooked, and science says it’s not our fault. From the way they play with our brain’s cravings to the Insta-magic and nostalgia overload, it’s a perfect storm. The next time you catch yourself daydreaming about Space Mountain or craving a Dole Whip, know it’s not just a whim — it’s your brain asking for another hit of that Disney magic! Magic Kingdom In the meantime, don’t forget to check back to DFB for more Disney updates. Terrible Things I Totally Recommend 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 Disney World cravings do you have? Let us know in the comments! The post You Can't Stop Going to Disney World -- But Science Is On Your Side first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Happy New Year from Disney World! EPCOT We’re ringing in 2024 the best way we know how — by celebrating in the parks, of course! As 2023 comes to an end, we’re taking in all the sights and sounds of Disney World as we know it. 2024 is sure to bring major changes to the parks and we can’t wait — but first, it’s time to check out EPCOT’s rare New Year’s Eve fireworks show! You can only catch EPCOT’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show on December 31st (unlike the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Magic Kingdom, which run on December 30th as well), and it all kicked off around 11:50PM. Folks started gathering around World Showcase Lagoon much earlier than that, though! Stay tuned to DFB throughout the new year — Disney World will be going through a whole lot of changes and we’ll be here covering it all. Happy New Year from Disney Food Blog! MAJOR Changes Are Coming to 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 Are you going to Disney World in 2024? Tell us in the comments! The post Watch the RARE EPCOT Fireworks Show You Can Only See ONCE A YEAR! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This Is Magic | Feel It At Walt Disney World Resort—The Most Magical Place On Earth.View the full article

It’s the last week of 2023, and we’re looking back over the week to see what’s changed. The ganache on this thing is SO good Yes, this is generally a slow time of year for Disney World, but this week alone, we already tried our first 2024 snack, spotted a Crumbl cookie dupe in EPCOT, and met Santa Duffy. We’ve seen some Disney World restaurant menus change this week, too, so let’s take a look at those. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood Brown Derby Under Desserts, the Brûléed Champagne Sabayon has been removed from the menu. Hollywood Brown Derby It’s been replaced by Poached Pears and Panna Cotta — Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Petit Poached Pears, Almond Sponge Cake, and Caramelized Florentine Shards for $14. If You Think You’ve Seen All That This Disney World Restaurant Has to Offer, Think Again Disney’s Contemporary Resort Chef Mickey’s Chef Mickey’s has noted some menu changes for both breakfast and dinner. Let’s start with the Breakfast Buffet offerings: Waffles and French Toast changed to Waffles, House-made French Toast, Seasonal Pancakes, and Croissant Beignets Carved Pit Ham and Beef Brisket changed to Carved Pit Ham and Andouille, Peppers, and Onions Eggs and Frittatas have been replaced by Steak and Egg Scramble, Omelets, and Tofu Scramble Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s Here’s how the Dinner Buffet offerings have changed: Seasonal-inspired Salads description changed from “with Ranch Dressing” to “with Assorted Dressings.” REMOVED: Shrimp and Grits REMOVED: Roasted Pork REMOVED: House-made Macaroni & Cheese ADDED: Shrimp Scampi ADDED: Carved New York Strip Loin and Herb-roasted Turkey ADDED: Baked Macaroni & Cheese REVIEW: A WARNING About Going to Chef Mickey’s for Lunch Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jiko There’s a new item under Herbal Infusions to try at Jiko: Harmony — Organic peppermint leaves, organic chamomile flowers, orange blossoms, and allspice for $9.25. Jiko Disney describes it as “a fresh and minty herbal blended for complexity, balanced with the fragrant notes of allspice.” It Takes an ADVENTUROUS Eater to Try This Disney World Restaurant! Are You Up for It? If you’re planning some meals at Disney World, be sure to keep an eye on those menus — they do change often. You can do that on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also keep you updated on menu changes, 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! 3 Disney World Restaurants That Will Be HARDER to Book 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 Did your favorite Disney World restaurant have any big changes this year? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 Disney World Restaurants CHANGED This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Isn’t it interesting how a bag can either make or break your trip to Disney World? Magic Kingdom Your bag can be your best friend that carries your most needed necessities into the park with you. Even if you aren’t planning on carrying too much with you, that bag can also be a great addition to your outfit. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. While you may be tempted to just pack whatever old bag you can find, just like everything else you plan to bring you should put thought into how it will perform during your trip. You want to make sure you’re choosing the best bag for you or else it will just be another thing to carry! These are our tips for picking the best backpack to bring with you on your next Disney World vacation. Best Backpack Features for Disney World We like using the “Goldilocks” rule when trying to pick a backpack: not too big, not too little, but just right! Our best advice is to plan out what you’ll be bringing into the parks to figure out what size bag you’ll need — if you’re prepping for every possibility, you’ll need a big bag, but if you’re just popping in for a churro, you might be just fine with a tiny belt bag. Also, have an idea of how heavy your bag will be ahead of time. The average empty backpack weighs between 1 and 6 pounds, and after adding your belongings the final weight needs to be something you’ll be comfortable carrying around for 10+ hours. Make sure you’ve got the right bag that won’t weigh you down since you’ll be on your feet ALL DAY! Also be on the lookout for the features you’re interested in like comfortable straps, hidden pockets (for storing valuables), and charging ports for plugging in your phone on the go. Don’t forget about water-resistant bags, which are especially useful when visiting from July to September, Florida’s rainy season. There are so many features you can find across all kinds of backpack brands and styles — consider which aspects will be most useful to you and let that guide your choice! Best Overall Backpack for Disney World Our pick for the best overall is the Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack from Amazon. This bag is both durable and water-resistant which will come in clutch for those afternoon rain showers at Disney World. ©Amazon It is also incredibly compact by folding into its own zippered inner pocket. You can’t beat that functionality which will save a ton of space in your carryon. View on Amazon Best Budget Backpack for Disney World On a budget? We’ve got the bag for you! You won’t have to give up functionality with the Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack. Not only is there plenty of space, it’s made of water-resistant fabric to protect your belongings even if you happen to get spit on by the camel in Magic Kingdom. Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack The mesh pockets on both sides are the perfect spots for holding water bottles, making them easy to access at any time. You can pick from a wide rainbow of colors, and you can easily personalize it with pins and patches! View on Amazon Best Disney-Themed Backpack for Disney World When it comes to Disney-themed bags, Loungefly is the brand you want to shop for. They have a plethora of designs based on your favorite characters, movies, parks, rides, and almost anything Disney you can think of! This Loungefly Disney Beauty and the Beast Ballroom Scene Mini-Backpack is from Amazon. It has a large zippered main compartment and a smaller zippered pocket on the front. There is also a slip pocket on either side for easy access to small items like your cell phone or lip balm. ©Amazon Their mini backpacks are also a great size if you prefer smaller bags and if you’re a fan of the Beast and Belle, you can’t go wrong with this one! View on Amazon Best Kids Backpack for Disney World As your child gets older they may want their own special bag to bring with them to the parks. The Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack is the perfect size for them, and they’re sure to love the classic Mickey Mouse print! Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack Parents will be happy to know this backpack is made of easy-to-clean polyester. The straps are padded for comfort and adjustable so it can grow with them. View on Amazon Best Sling Backpack for Disney World Sling backpacks are a favorite amongst our staff due to their size and convenience. They can be worn across your chest comfortably which gives you more control and makes it easier to access your bag’s contents without having to stop, take it off, and rifle through. Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack The Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack is a great choice not only for its size and shape but also its amount of pockets. Even small bags can be tricky to organize, but these are made with enough compartments so you won’t lose anything. View on Amazon Best Diaper Bag Backpack for Disney World Parents of young children: you deserve a nice diaper bag. When it comes to Disney, Petunia Pickle Bottom is by far our favorite brand! Their designs, like this Axis Backpack, are made to look like a fancy bag while providing you with the functionality that you need. Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Backpack The top compartment can actually separate from the insulated bottom section, and this bag comes with snazzy features like a top grab handle, a D-ring to attach to strollers, 7 different pockets, AND a removable changing pad. What CAN’T this bag do? View on Amazon Best Designer Backpack for Disney World Looking for something that will pair well with the outfits you have picked? Kate Spade has partnered with Disney to create bags in the past, and this leather Minnie Dome Backpack is probably the most stylish way to carry sunscreen ever. Kate Spade Minnie Dome Backpack We love the unique shape of this bag, which has both a top zipper as well as a lower one that opens to a bottom compartment. The gold hardware pairs perfectly with Minnie’s classic red, white, and black color scheme! View on Amazon Best Backpack with Charging Port for Disney World This bag blends modern tech with vintage charm. Between taking pictures, using the My Disney Experience App, and Genie+, you’re sure to run through your phone battery quickly. Charge your phone on the go with the MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port! MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port Add your portable charger to the inside and plug it in, then you can plug your phone into the port on its exterior. Either carry your phone while it charges or let it sit in the side slip pocket; either way, you won’t have to choose between carrying your charger in your hands or leaving your phone in your bag. View on Amazon When it comes to picking a backpack, just make sure you do your research and prioritize what you will need most when you’re walking around the parks. For more helpful tips, stay tuned to our site! Looking for more Disney World essentials? Check out our Amazon storefront here! When you’re packing your park bag, what must-haves are you bringing with you? Let us know in the comment section below! The post The Best Backpacks For Disney World In 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Time is running out! Have you submitted your entry yet? ©Celebrity Cruises We love sharing giveaways especially when they’re for expensive prizes like cruises! It might not be a Disney cruise, but this giveaway could snag you a prize package worth over $5,700 and we’re coming into the final stretch before a winner is selected… Here’s how it works! Marriott Bonvoy and Celebrity Cruises have teamed up to host the Cruise with Points Sweepstakes that results in one lucky winner receiving a grand prize package including a cruise for two and 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Together, the total of the combined prizes are valued at $5,750! ©Celebrity Cruises The grand prize winner will also get the opportunity to choose any Celebrity Cruise offered. That means you could find yourself on a FREE 7-night Alaskan cruise, a 7-night Bahamian cruise, or several other destinations! ©Celebrity Cruises In addition to the grand prize winner, two first-place prize winners will be named and rewarded with 50,000 Marriott Points with a value of over $600. All of the winners will be drawn 30 days after the sweepstakes ends and will be notified via email no more than 5 days after the drawing. But you’ll want to hurry and get your entry in now — the sweepstakes is open until 11:59 PM ET on December 31st, 2023. ©Marriott To get your entry in on time, visit the sweepstakes website, enter your email and other information, then click submit! No purchase or reservations are necessary to be a winner. We love telling you about giveaways and freebies as often as we can so be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest offers! This Is the BEST Thing On Disney Cruise Ships, and We Won’t Be Taking Questions at this Time 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 already submitted an entry for this Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes? Tell us in the comments! The post REMINDER: You Could Win A Cruise Worth Over ,900 -- But You’ll Need To HURRY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Prepare yourself. The following post may cause you to have major FOMO. Disney Parks Icons Collection ©Disney Two new merchandise collections have been announced for the Disney Parks and looking at all the new items is seriously making me want to tab over to Disney World’s website to book a trip for 2024. But fret not, even if you aren’t planning at trip to Disney World or Disneyland in 2024, you’ll still be able to get your hands on these new items thanks to shopDisney! Disney has announced not one but TWO new collections. The first is the Disney Parks Icons Collection which celebrates “the breathtaking sights and landmarks that represent our beloved Parks on both coasts.” The Disney World pieces in the Disney Parks Icons Collection show off Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the Tree of Life. Hoodie ©Disney The Disneyland Resort items feature Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pixar Pal-A-Round. Carthay Circle Restaurant, and the Matterhorn! Icons Collection Spirit Jersey ©Disney New baseball jerseys are part of this collection as well. Baseball Jersey ©Disney A brand new pair of ears is also part of the Icons Collection. These ears feature a blue bow and they light up! Light Up Ears ©Disney Now, the moment we know you have all been waiting for — Loungeflys! Both Disneyland Resort and Disney World will have new icon Loungeflys as part of this collection. Disney World Loungefly ©Disney We love the vibrant colors against the black background on these! Disneyland Lougefly ©Disney And rounding our what has been announced for this collection is a new mug. Disney World Mug ©Disney Along with an adorable set of PJs! PJs ©Disney The second collection is the Disney Castles Collection! The color gold really seems to be the star of this collection. There is a stunning pair of black and gold ears in this collection! Here is a look at the Disneyland Resort version. New Ears ©Disney And here’s a look at the Disney World pair! Disney World ears ©Disney There is also this grey tie-dye spirit jersey. Spirit Jersey ©Disney The collection also includes a water bottle… Disney Parks Castle Collection Water Bottle ©Disney …snow globe… Snow Globe ©Disney …photo album… Disney Castle Collection Photo Album ©Disney …and license plate cover! License plate cover ©Disney These are all expected to release in Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and online at shopDisney in January! We will be on the lookout for all of the items and will let you know when and where you can shop. Looking for more 2024 Disney World merchandise? See another new collection that recently released here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to Disney World in 2024? Share your trip plans with us in the comments below! The post Two New Disney Parks Icon Loungeflys, Ears, and MORE Announced! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning a trip to Disney World soon? Well, there are some BIG changes you need to be prepared for! Cinderella Castle In the past few months and years, we’ve seen lots of operational changes due to the pandemic, but we’ve also seen new rides, restaurants, and hotel updates. And for those heading to Disney World in 2024…there are several ways the resort is getting BETTER! New Rides and Attractions Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Let’s start with the BIG new ride addition! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently under construction in Magic Kingdom, replacing what was formerly Splash Mountain. More flowers have started to be added around the side This ride will feature new music, animatronics, and a new storyline, and construction is set to be complete in 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney It should be opening at the park in late 2024, and we can’t wait to check it out! We’ve already seen concept art and models, but we’re eager to step inside. We’ll keep you updated once we get an official opening date! Click Here for All the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Details! CommuniCore Hall and Plaza In December 2023, EPCOT finally reopened most of World Celebration, including new gardens and a statue of Walt Disney at Dreamers Point. Is this soon to be another required picture spot in EPCOT? However, there’s still a part of the EPCOT transformation that’s yet to be completed — CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall. CommuniCore Plaza ©Disney CommuniCore Hall is going to be an indoor space with areas for interactive exhibits, festival spaces, character meet and greets, demonstrations, and more. CommuniCore Plaza will be the outdoor space next to it, complete with a stage, areas for festival booths, and room for outdoor entertainment. Both of these additions should be finished in 2024, finally completing the EPCOT transformation! Get All the EPCOT Transformation Details Here! Star Tours Updates Also coming in 2024 are some changes at Star Tours in Hollywood Studios! The ride will be getting new scenes, inspired by the Disney+ series Ahsoka. Star Tours Ahsoka premiered on Disney+ in 2023, and features several characters from other animated Star Wars series. You can expect the new scenes to be added sometime in the spring. Click Here to Learn More About the Star Tours Changes! New Restaurants The Cake Bake Shop If you’re a foodie, then we’ve got good news — several new restaurants are arriving at Disney World in 2024! First up, we’ve got The Cake Bake Shop, which is coming soon to Disney’s BoardWalk. ©The Cake Bake Shop This new restaurant will open in early 2024, and will be comprised of two parts — a bakery with sweet treats and a table service restaurant. What the Menu and Pricing Could Look Like for The Cake Bake Shop! Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Also coming to Disney’s BoardWalk is Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, a chain that has a stand in Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort! It’s replacing BoardWalk To-Go. Here’s where Blue Ribbon corn dogs is going It was originally supposed to open in 2023, but the date has been pushed back. We can’t wait to eat all the hand-dipped corn dogs! Click Here to Learn More About Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs! Operational Changes All-Day Park Hopping Moving on to operational changes, there are some big updates that might improve your trip in 2024! Up first, we’ve got all-day Park Hopping coming back on January 9th 2024. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ever since Park Hopping returned after the pandemic, visitors have been forced to wait until 2PM to scan into their second park of the day. But no longer! Once all-day Park Hopping returns, you can come and go as you please. Get All the Park Hopping Details Here! No More Park Passes for Select Guests And speaking of changes coming on January 9th, Disney Park Passes will no longer be required for all date-based ticket types! This means that anyone who buys a regular date-based ticket from Disney (either on its own or as part of a vacation package) won’t have to reserve their park visit in advance. Disney World Theme Park Ticket Cards Reservations will still be required for Annual Passholders, Cast Members, and select group tickets. Annual Passholders will have some “Good to Go” dates listed on the calendar where they can enter the parks without making a reservation. Learn About the Park Pass Changes Here! Dining Plan Returning Also on January 9th, the Dining Plan is returning to Disney World! It’s currently available to book for 2024 packages, and there will be two types available — the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan. Full spread at Geyser Point Adding the Dining Plan to your vacation package is essentially a way to pay for your meals in advance. Then, during your visit, you can use your meal and snack credits to get your food. For more pricing and details, check out our in-depth Dining Plan information page. Get ALL the Dining Plan Information Here! Genie+ Updates Another change that Disney has said will be coming to the parks in 2024 is updates for Genie+. The paid skip-the-line service was introduced in 2021 as a successor to FastPass+ and has been fairly controversial due to its pricing, rules, and interface. Genie+ Disney shared a while back that they hope to introduce changes for Genie+ in 2024 that would allow guests to plan in advance. Currently, you must purchase Genie+ on the day of your visit and you can’t make any Lightning Lane reservations until 7AM that day. Disney hasn’t shared too many details about what could change, but we’ll be on the lookout for updates! Check Out Our Full Genie+ Guide Here! Hotel Updates Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Staying at a Disney World Resort in 2024? There are some major construction projects going on that will be improving those spaces! At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the rooms have been under refurbishment for a while, but Disney has also promised future updates to the lobby and common areas. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Along with the new restaurants coming soon, this is going to be a hot place to stay in 2024! Learn More About the BoardWalk Changes! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort At the Grand Floridian Resort, we’ve been watching construction progress on the room refurbishment, but there’s a major lobby update coming soon as well. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort If you’re staying at this hotel soon, be prepared to encounter some construction. Disney hasn’t shared updates about when the lobby overhaul will happen, but we’ll keep you updated! See a Grand Floridian Room Tour Here! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort One of the largest hotel updates in 2024 is coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where a new Disney Vacation Club tower is being built. The structure is currently under construction, set to be completed in 2024. ©Disney The building will be home to new dining spaces and recreation areas. Currently, the construction has blocked the pathway between the Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian, so we’ll be excited to have that walkway open again in 2024. Get All the Details on the New Building Here! Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground And of course, we’ve got to mention the changes coming to Fort Wilderness! The beloved cabins at the campground are getting a major overhaul, with more than 350 new refurbished cabins to be added. These new cabins will be Disney Vacation Club properties. ©Disney They’ll sleep up to six adults and are set to open sometime in 2024. We’ll be eager to get an official opening date! Click Here to Check Out the Cabin Changes! That’s everything we’ve got for you so far — lots of ways that Disney World is changing and improving in 2024! We’ll keep you in the loop with any more news you need to know ahead of your trip. Click Here to See Big Changes in Disney World in 2024! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you heading to Disney World in 2024? Tell us in the comments! The post How Disney World Is Getting BETTER in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re closing out 2023 in the best way we know how…by spending it at Disney World! Cinderella Castle If you’re celebrating the new year at The Most Magical Place on Earth, you’ll find special treats, some new merchandise collections, and of course, CROWDS. Lots of people want to ring in 2024 at the parks, and we’re here to show you just how busy things are! Before we even made it to Magic Kingdom, we spotted the first hint of the crowds when we were arriving at the Transportation and Ticket Center — but, honestly, this really wasn’t too bad! We’ve definitely seen more crowds over this past week and even yesterday. Perhaps folks are sleeping in this morning to save their energy for staying up late tonight! What’s this?! Walking right up to the monorail? As we walked up to the Magic Kingdom entrance, we noticed much of the same. There weren’t too many crowds gathered just yet — at least not compared to what we’ve been seeing lately! Everyone must be sleeping in! We made our way further into the park, and started to see a bit more of the crowds we were expecting. A few more people in here! There were certainly people milling about, but we weren’t shoulder to shoulder with other folks like we typically see on holidays like today. We’re thinking people will likely start to trickle in as the day continues, but even at mid-day, we weren’t seeing the crowds we’re used to seeing. Overall, not too bad. As far as wait times go, right around noon, the highest wait was for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at 145 minutes and we confirmed all parks were still accepting guests — meaning they haven’t reached capacity. You can call (407) 560-5000 for up-to-the-minute park hopping availability if you’re trying to park hop in Disney World today — just to make sure the park you’re hopping to hasn’t reached capacity yet. ©Disney We’ll also be bringing you full coverage of EPCOT’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show, so keep checking back as we bring you more ways to ring in 2024! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from the parks and all the Disney excitement in 2024! Click Here to Learn More About Visiting for the New 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 Are you going to Disney World in the next few days? Let us know in the comments! The post You Won't BELIEVE the New Year's Eve CROWDS in Disney World! 😱 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article