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At Disney Cruise Line, we love a good milestone, and if you’ve been following along you know the sixth ship in the fleet, the Disney Treasure, recently had its grand reveal. More than 10,000 cast and crew found their spirit of adventure by land and sea as they were transported via treasure map into “Unlocking […]View the full article

AAAHH, the Disney Fantasy! Following a magical day of sunning, splashing, and dining aboard this beautiful Disney Cruise Line ship, the only thing left to do is settle into your stateroom to dream about the next day’s adventures! The Disney Fantasy Now, as far as I’m concerned, ANY stateroom on the Disney Fantasy is a great one… because it means you’re on the Disney Fantasy! That said, there are a LOT of stateroom options to choose from. And depending on the size of your group as well as your personal preferences, it’s best to know and understand all of the options and features of each room before you book your “home away from home” at sea. To that end, we’re taking a look at ALL of the staterooms onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. But first? A quick overview… Disney Fantasy Stateroom Overview The Disney Fantasy joined the Disney Cruise Line fleet as the fourth Disney Cruise ship, and it’s the sister ship to the Disney Dream (hence, it is known as a “Dream Class” ship). The Disney Fantasy’s maiden voyage set sail on March 31, 2012. The Disney Fantasy Did you know that Disney Cruise Line ships offer some of the largest staterooms in the cruise industry? From inside cabins to verandah views to luxurious concierge suites, you may be surprised at the sheer amount of booking options available to you for the Fantasy. Here’s a quick glance from a numbers perspective: The Disney Fantasy is 1,115 feet long, and 216 feet tall; The Disney Fantasy can carry 4,000 passengers; There are 1,250 Staterooms aboard the Fantasy, in the following percentages: 150 — or 12% — are inside staterooms; 1,100 — or a whopping 88% — are outside staterooms: 199 of the outside staterooms offer ocean view windows; 901 staterooms offer verandahs (including 21 suites) That said, even within those numbers, there are still more specific room categories. Let’s break it down, starting with the Concierge Level rooms. BTW, you’ll notice a small series of letters or a number (or a combination of both) after the name of each style of room. These are the Room Categories on the Disney Fantasy for booking purposes. Concierge Level Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah (Category OOR) Sleeps: 5 Size: 1,029 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah The Concierge Royal Suites with Verandah are the largest and most luxurious suites aboard the ship. There are two on the Fantasy: one named after Walt Disney and the other after his brother Roy Disney. ©Disney Cruise Line Concierge Royal Suites with Verandah have two bedrooms (one with a queen-size bed; and one with 2 twin beds and 2 pull-down upper berths). ©Disney Cruise Line Guests will find 2.5 bathrooms (including whirlpool tubs), a living room, a media library complete with a wall pull-down bed, a “dining salon,” (ooh, la la!), a pantry, and a wet bar. The Royal Suites even boast walk-in closets! (P.S. We recently took a look at the Royal Suites on the upcoming Disney Treasure cruise ship, which are themed to two beloved Disney felines. If you’d like, you can check them out here!) Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category OOT) Sleeps: 5 Size: 614 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites with Verandah offer guests one bedroom with a Queen bed in the bedroom, along with an additional double sofa bed and a Murphy bed in the living room. Each of the two bathrooms have a rain shower, while the Master Bath has a whirlpool bath. The 1-Bedroom Suites also feature a walk-in closet. ©Disney Cruise Line There are six Concierge One Bedroom Suites with Verandah on Deck 11, and thirteen on Deck 12 of the Disney Fantasy. Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category OOV) Sleeps: 5 Size: 304 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah feature a Queen-size bed, a double convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed, a full bath (complete with a vanity, sink, round tub and handheld shower), and a half bath (with a vanity, sink and toilet). ©Disney Cruise Line This option can comfortably accommodate a family of five. (And a bonus is that the kiddos will very likely LOVE the upper berth pull-down bed!) Additional room features include a couch, a TV, and a desk (with upgraded furnishings). Another appreciated feature is the heavy privacy curtain that separates the seating area from the sleeping area. All of these particular staterooms are located on Decks 11 and 12 (with 14 staterooms on Deck 12 and 6 on Deck 11). Guests sailing concierge in all room categories, of course, have access to exclusive services and dedicated areas on the ship, as well as a sun deck available only via a private entrance. We discuss much more about sailing Concierge in this post. Is Concierge Level Worth It on Disney Cruise Line? Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Oversized Verandah (Category 4E) Sleeps: 3-4 Size: 299 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah Offering a Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, and a split bath* with tub and shower, the Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Oversized Verandah boast larger balconies, and are only located on Deck 5. They are the same size and configuration as all of the Deluxe Oceanview Family Staterooms on the Disney Fantasy, BUT be aware that this particular room category only sleep 3 to 4 guests. ©Disney Cruise Line *Disney Cruise Line’s innovative “split bath” concept features a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and round tub, and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet. This offers travel groups the opportunity for two people to have their own space to get ready at one time. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 4A-D) Sleeps: 5 Size: 299 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah With a Queen-size bed (which can be converted into 2 twin beds, if preferred), a single convertible sofa, a wall pull-down bed, and an upper berth pull-down bed, Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah can sleep up to 5 people. Because they are so spacious, this is possibly one of the best options for a family that likes to spend some downtime in their room as well as exploring the ship. ©Disney Cruise Line This category also features the popular split bath (as discussed above), and the breakdown of Deck locations is as follows: Category 4A are located on Decks 9 and 10 Category 4B are located on Deck 8 Category 4C are located on Deck 7 Category 4D are located on Deck 6 Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Oversized Verandah (Category 5E) Sleeps: 5 Size: 246 sq. ft. View: Private verandah Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Oversized Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, a wall pull-down bed and upper berth pull-down bed, as well as the split bath feature with a tub and shower (where the shower and toilet area are conveniently separate). Up to 5 passengers can share this space, and this is another great choice for families that plan to enjoy some time in their room. ©Disney Cruise Line These staterooms, by the way, are identical to the other Category 5 staterooms, but they offer a larger balcony. (Be aware, however, that some of the balconies have a white wall, as opposed to clear plexiglass.) Staterooms in this category are located on Decks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 5A-D) Sleeps: 5 Size: 268 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, a wall pull-down bed and an upper berth pull-down bed. ©Disney Cruise Line The split bath with tub and shower is also a feature here, and these staterooms will also sleep up to 5 people. Note that these staterooms are identical to the Category 6 Staterooms, except they have a clear Perspex Verandah wall. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 6) Sleeps: 3 or 4 Size: 268 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and a split bath with tub and shower. ©Disney Cruise Line The only difference from the higher (and typically more expensive) Category 5 is that these staterooms have a white wall balcony, while the others have a clear Perspex balcony wall. So, the practical difference is that you cannot see the ocean when you are sitting down on a white wall verandah, but you can on a verandah with a clear wall. Now, does this make a difference? Well, from an enjoyment perspective, only you can make that call. But from a budget perspective, you may pay hundreds of dollars less for a white wall verandah as opposed to a clear one. Category 6A are located on Decks 8 and 9; Category 6B are located on Decks 5, 6 and 7. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Navigators Verandah (Category 7) Sleeps: 3 Size: 268 sq. ft. including verandah View: Private verandah ©Disney Cruise Line Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms With a Navigators Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, and a split bath with tub and shower. While there is little noticeable difference between Category 7 and Categories 5 and 6, it’s important to note the difference in the verandah. Though the verandah itself is the same size, it is enclosed with a very large, open air porthole to look through. These staterooms are located on Decks 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Ocean View Staterooms with Porthole Windows Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category 8A-D) Sleeps: 3 or 5 Size: 241 sq. ft. View: One large porthole window Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms offer a Queen-size bed (or two twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and the split bath with tub and shower. Here is a look at a stateroom with a large Porthole Window. ©Disney Cruise Line The Category 8 Staterooms are located either aft (in the back) or forward (at the front) of the ship. Locations are as follows: Category 8A are located on Decks 5 and 6; Category 8B are located on Deck 9; Category 8C are located on Deck 7 and 8; Category 8D are located on Deck 5 and 6 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (Category 9A-D) Sleeps: 4 or 5 Size: 204 sq. ft. View: One large porthole window OR 2 small porthole windows Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms offer a Queen-size bed (or two twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and the split bath feature with tub and shower. ©Disney Cruise Line The Category 8 and 9 rooms are considered deluxe outside staterooms (which means that they have a large porthole window.) However, the Category 9 staterooms that are located on Deck 1 have two smaller porthole windows. At 204 square feet, these staterooms sleep 3 passengers (with some sleeping 4). And it’s especially helpful to know that these are among the first categories to book on the ship! So, the Category 9 Staterooms all have a window, but there are differences to be aware of: Category 9A Staterooms have One Porthole Window and are located on Decks 5, 6, 7 and 8; Category 9B Staterooms have One Porthole Window and are located on Deck 2. These are noteworthy for their terrific location close to the inside amenities of the ship. (If you’d prefer to be closer to the pool decks, though, you’ll want to choose a higher deck.) Category 9C Staterooms have One Porthole Window with an Obstructed View and are located on 6, 7 and 8. The extent of the obstruction will vary, but be aware that you will have a view of at least part of a lifeboat out of your window. Inside Staterooms Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Category 10A) Sleeps: 3 or 4 Size: 204 sq. ft. View: No exterior view (but does feature a Virtual Porthole) Deluxe Inside Staterooms on the Disney Fantasy offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and split bath with tub and shower. ©Disney Cruise Line Though Inside Staterooms do not offer any exterior view, these cozy staterooms on both the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream have Virtual Portholes! Disney Cruise Line’s Virtual Portholes were a cruise industry first, offering real-time virtual views for the ship’s exterior reflecting your staterooms actual location on the ship! This unique (and frankly brilliant) feature serves a practical function in helping to alleviate potential claustrophobia. But wait… there’s more… ©Disney Cruise Line Virtual Portholes also enhanced as “Magical Portholes.” This means that, at any given moment, an “enchanting surprise” featuring a beloved Disney animated character or two may suddenly appear in the Porthole! (It’s SO! FUN!) And no worries about catching a little shut-eye with this feature, as this option can turned on or off with a switch. Deluxe Inside Staterooms are located on Decks 5, 6 ,7, 8, and 9. Generally speaking, the higher up in the ship that your stateroom is positioned, the higher the price. Standard Inside Stateroom (Category 11A-C) Sleeps: 3 or 4; Size: 169 sq. ft. View: No exterior view (but does feature a Virtual Porthole) Standard Inside Staterooms offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), and a single convertible sofa. Some offer an upper berth pull-down bed. These are the lowest priced staterooms on the ship… and are likewise the smallest. The other major difference between this category and the other available categories is that these staterooms do not have the split-bathroom design of the others. (Though each bathroom does have a tub). ©Disney Cruise Line The fabulous Virtual Portholes (I’m a little biased, because I LOVE THESE!) are included with Standard Inside Staterooms, as well. Category 11A are located on Decks 8, 9 and 10; Category 11B are located on Decks 5, 6 and 7; Category 11C are located on Deck 2 Before we sail away, it’s worth noting that Accessible Rooms are also available in the various categories. And while we’ve discussed the main room differences, ALL staterooms aboard the Disney Fantasy offer amenities including — but by no means limited to — an in-room safe, full-length mirrors, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, premium bedding, bath products, a flat-screen TV on swivel arm, and MUCH more. And with that, I’m sure ready to SAIL AWAY on the Disney Fantasy! How about you? Click HERE to Get Our Free Downloadable Cruise Packing List Learn more about Disney Cruise Line’s ENTIRE FLEET here! What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Explore Disney’s Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe The post A Complete Guide to Disney Fantasy Cruise Rooms first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In anticipation of the new restaurant on the Disney Treasure, we caught up with “Coco” star Anthony González to capture his reaction to the news. Check it out!View the full article

Ah, fall is in the air… and apparently in all of the latest Disney World treats too. Fall is in the air We didn’t possibly think it was going to get any more autumn-festive than the treats we tried on the first night of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party but with so many new pumpkin spice-flavored treats popping up in parks we decided to see what else may be out waiting for us in the most unexpected places! We braved all the ongoing construction around Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to try out a few new fall treats. Gasparilla Island Grill While browsing the menu we couldn’t decide which treat appealed to us the most so we did what any sensible person would do and snagged both! Coco Skeleton Bone Pastry and GF Pumpkin Cheesecake The first one we picked up was the Coco Skeleton Bone Pastry. This treat cost us $6.99 and is a bone-shaped pastry — like an eclair — filled with Dulce De Leche Bavarian cream coated with white and dark chocolate, and a Coco image. Coco Skeleton Bone Pastry We loved how creative this one is — making an eclair a bone! It was also really tasty… the Dulce de Leche Bavarian cream was thick and creamy with a rich, caramel flavor. We also loved the way the sweetness from that paired with the dark chocolate crumbs on the bottom as it really helped balance out the flavors and the crumbs added such a fun texture to the soft eclair. From the side We also thought the white chocolate on top was actually pretty good even if you don’t normally dig white chocolate. It was sweet without tasting artificial, but the Coco white chocolate circle is best left for decoration. So rich! However, we thought the pastry shell itself could have been just a little softer and a bit more puffier to really make this a homerun for us. Don’t get us wrong, this one was soft and we enjoyed it, but the texture didn’t blow us away quite like we would have liked it to. Then it was time to try the Pumpkin Cheesecake! GF Pumpkin Cheesecake This sweet treat cost us $6.49 and is made of pumpkin cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, chantilly cream, and pumpkin seed border. Looks so fancy This treat had EVERYTHING going right for it! The pumpkin cheesecake was rich and creamy with a fresh pumpkin flavor and not too sweet — like it was made with real pumpkins, not from a can. The chantilly was light and delicate, with the perfect sweetness to balance out the pumpkin. A spoonful The pumpkin seeds on top added a nice crunch and a nutty, yet mildly salty flavor which made the whole thing feel like autumn. We’re still dreaming about that graham cracker crust — it was cinnamony and soft — almost gooey from sitting under the pumpkin and gave it quite the competitive edge against the eclair bone. All the texture in this treat If we had to be super critical of this one the only critique we can come up with is if you like your crust a little crunchier, you might not love the texture of it in this. It was really soft and almost melted into the pumpkin. If you’re someone looking for a snack that really gives you the feels of autumn sweater weather in Florida, this is definitely the treat to try! It’s a really solid fall dessert that isn’t too sweet. On the flip side though, if you’re someone who isn’t keen on pumpkin or cinnamon flavors, or want a crisper crust you’ll likely feel more like you’re sitting out in the cold with this one versus a warm fall hug. Overall we really enjoyed these snacks and felt like did a great job evoking a sense of the autumn spirit in delicious treats. We’ll continue to try out more of these types of treats and more around Disney World so be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for our latest reviews! REVIEW: If You HATE Overly Sweet Disney World Drinks, Try THIS Instead 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! Do you normally stop for limited-time treats at Disney World? Tell us all about your plans in the comments below! The post REVIEW: In This Disney World Treat Battle, Everyone Wins first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You probably read the title of this post and thought, “A $5 meal? At Disney? No way.” EPCOT YES WAY! Not only is this cheap meal in EPCOT convenient and easy to eat while walking around the park, it’s also delicious. We truly can’t stop thinking about it, and many folks walk right past it without even knowing they’re missing out on one of the greatest EPCOT snacks. Let’s talk about it! Joy of Tea in EPCOT’s China pavilion is a cute little spot right in front of World Showcase Lagoon. It serves a small but delicious variety of Chinese sips, and ONE food option. EGG ROLLS! EGG ROLLS! These Egg Rolls are one of our favorite things to grab at EPCOT. They’re $5.25, crispy, crunchy, warm, and delicious. Unfortunately, there isn’t a vegetarian option available, they only come with pork and cabbage. If you’re cool with eating pork, you MUST try them. Egg Rolls One thing that we like most about them is that they really focus on the cabbage. Inside, you’ll find much more vegetables than pork, which we find ideal for a hot day in the park. The cabbage also adds a lot of that crunchy texture that many of us find so appealing. Cabbage While these egg rolls won’t necessarily work as your only meal of the day, they do come in handy for a light lunch if you’ve got reservations for dinner! They’re just filling enough. And they’re definitely satisfying, especially when combined with one of the drinks on the menu. Yum! What do you think? Will you be giving the egg rolls a try the next time you’re at EPCOT? We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney snack recommendations and reviews. Make sure to follow along for more! Looking for MORE EPCOT food we love? 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! Have you tried the Joy of Tea egg rolls? Let us know in the comments! The post The EPCOT Meal We Can’t Stop Thinking About first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Relaxing Cruise Views: Astern The Disney Wonder | Disney Cruise LineView the full article

It’s the sad but honest truth that not all Disney World restaurants are equal. Disney World There truly are some great places to eat at Disney World and some not-so-good ones if you’re unaware, but today we’re talking about what are the WORST restaurants in Disney World according to the reviews on Tripadvisor. Let’s check out the bottom four! Now, before we begin, just because these are the worst-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor, that might not be your group’s opinion. Remember that more people are willing to write about a bad experience than a good one, usually, so user reviews tend to skew negative. Still, a rating near the bottom of this list could at least mean the restaurant is inconsistent in its service or food quality. We also want to note here that even the BOTTOM of the list at Walt Disney World is pretty good — with ratings of 3.5 out of 5. Let’s take a look! Tony’s Town Square Restaurant 2,790 reviewers on Tripadvisor rated Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom at 3.5 out of 5. Tony’s Town Square Some particularly scathing reviews include one that said, “Food was standard and service was rushed. No atmosphere. Reservation times mean nothing. It felt more like a cafe. A very expensive experience for a sub-standard quality. Do not go here.” Another reviewer mentioned, “I was disappointed with this experience at Disney. It was before the fireworks show. I got chili. They did not have any spoons. So, I used a fork. They gave me fries I did not order. The fires were cold. I did use them to help eat my chili. Poor experience. No tables, too crowded. we should have gone over to Tomorrowland and gone to Starlight café.” Our thoughts So, would we come back to Tony’s? We’d love to come back just for the Tony’s Garlic Bread for the Table, which included toasted ciabatta with roasted garlic-butter and parmesan fonduta. This bread is heavy on the garlic (not a problem for us) and the sauce is like a creamy parmesan Alfredo sauce, which works perfectly with the garlic bread. Honestly, we’ve never looked at garlic bread the same again — that’s how incredible it was, but we’re not sure if we’d return for the other menu items. Tony’s Garlic Bread If you’re already a fan of Tony’s, by all means, keep going. It just doesn’t quite deliver “upscale” Italian for us, and there aren’t any other dishes on the menu that really stand out. We have found it pricey for the quality, and the atmosphere the past couple of times we have dined there has felt rushed. If you don’t care about that and you’re looking for an excellent Magic Kingdom location with great views, you might consider it worth a visit! Click here to read our latest review of Tony’s Town Square Restaurant! Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante 529 reviewers on Tripadvisor rated Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs at 3.5 out of 5. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante One reviewer noted, “We were very excited to eat here for the first time. But our excitement quickly turned to a desperate need to just leave. The menus are small and limited. Our waiter was very nice but very slow, and not really anywhere to be found. The worst part was the food. $150 for cafeteria Italian. Cold pasta, and burnt chicken drowned in watery tomato sauce. I guess we just expected more from Disney.” Another reviewer shared, “Food was subpar and overpriced. It tastes like the pasta you get from the frozen food section of the supermarket. Would never recommend nor return. Staff was courteous and attentive.” Our thoughts We’ve had good meals at this spot, but we’re still not feeling like it’s anything special. Nothing we ate was all that mind-blowing and the HIGH prices don’t help to make the meal feel worth it. Still, we had good food and amazing service, and it was very easy to get a table. We’re also not totally in love with the atmosphere. The space is HUGE and it feels a little underutilized. If you’re not at one of the tables by the windows, it feels a bit like gazing out into an event space. Torchio Alla Vedure As far as our food goes, everything was VERY fresh (which might contribute to the pricing) and we did enjoy all of our courses. Still, there are much better locations in Disney World and even nearby in Disney Springs. It’s just the price point feels a little high and the food feels…just fine. For the price, it feels like the spot could be better. Click here to read our latest review of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! Planet Hollywood 5,208 reviewers on Tripadvisor rated Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs at 3.5 out of 5. Disney Springs One reviewer said, “Booked for a family dinner. The atmosphere is lively and fun. Sadly, the food is mediocre for the price and the service is not great, with some staff just plain rude: – I was physically prevented from visiting the restroom by an overzealous member of staff who said there was a large party entering the restaurant. What horrors did he think would ensue if I had preceded to the restroom???” Another noted, “I ordered steak and asked for medium to well done. The meat was red raw freezing cold and had more fat than actual meat. I asked the waiter to take it back as I couldn’t eat it. He said he would get it changed. I was waiting over 30 minutes still no sign of it coming and everyone else was finished. I ended up canceling it and having no dinner as everyone was fed up waiting and wanted to leave. Never again would I visit this restaurant!!!” Our thoughts Like most of our previous experiences here, we haven’t really had bad meals, but they weren’t great meals either. It’s saying something if, after multiple reviews, our favorite food we tried was still just the fries. We are pop culture junkies, though, so we love the atmosphere with the props and costumes. But the food is still just okay and we feel it’s a little too expensive for what you get. Bacon Mac-n-Cheese Burger That said, if you just want an easy meal where you don’t have to worry about finding something you’ll like on the menu, this might be up your alley. It’s in line with other restaurants in Disney Springs, like T-Rex or Rainforest Cafe, that offer a little bit of this and that but don’t have a particular theme or direction nailed down for their menus. This can be great for kids or pickier eaters though, so look at your crew and see if this is a fit. Click here to read our latest review of Planet Hollywood! The Diamond Horseshoe Last on our list, 349 reviewers on Tripadvisor rated The Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom at 3.5 out of 5. Diamond Horseshoe One person thought the experience wasn’t worth it by saying, “When the food came it was barely enough to feed one person. They are supposed to bring you all you can eat but the waiter did not return for another 35 minutes. There was myself, my husband, and two teenagers .. we got between us all a tablespoon of mashed taters, 3 slices of Turkey, 2 slices of pork, and a tablespoon of pot roast. Even the desert they advertised they only brought two and we had to share between 4 of us. This is NOT all you can eat. It’s more like daylight robbery. After paying a bill for $190 we had to go across the way and fill up on pretzels and popcorn. Don’t waste your money” Another felt the same way, “Quality of food was like a cheap buffet. The food arrived cold, and so did the coffee. The service was good. The table was too small to handle all the food so some had to be taken away to make room. Mashed potatoes without gravy, frozen corn on the cob without salt and pepper or butter. Butter was brought after asking. The manager and I discussed food quality. No discount was given. Years ago this restaurant was a fun little place that served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and simple food with a little show. They should have kept that. Paid 88.00 with passholder discount and tip for two adults. Food was worth 10.00.” Our thoughts So, here’s the thing: The Diamond Horseshoe’s food is the SAME as Liberty Tree Tavern, and Liberty Tree Tavern has 4 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor. The different ratings could be because Diamond Horseshoe used to have its own menu. Overall, it’s not a bad place. The environment here is a bit more quaint with the piano and a smaller dining room, but it’s not anything unique or new. If you’ve never been inside this spot, this is a cool chance to check it out. It’s classic Disney at its best. We’d come back again, though it’s not our first choice. We enjoyed our recent dining experiences at Diamond Horseshoe and nothing we ate was bad. The mac & cheese and Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake were the real standouts, and if you want to simply stuff yourself like you would on Thanksgiving — this is a great choice for that! Just remember to drink lots of water because those meat options were SALTY. Click here to see our latest review of The Diamond Horseshoe! Whew, those are some pretty scathing reviews! You can check out our thoughts on these spots at the links above. As always, keep an eye on DFB for all the latest reviews from Disney World. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! DFB Guide to Disney World Dining 2023 Now, these restaurants may be the PERFECT fit for you and your family, but now you know what others didn’t like about them, to help you decide. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney food news, tips, and tricks! We’ve Eaten at Every Restaurant in EPCOT. These Are the Worst. 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! Do you agree with this list? What would you add or change? Tell us in the comments! The post The 4 Worst Disney World Restaurants According to Tripadvisor first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2023 is a BIG year for EPCOT! EPCOT The park just brought back the Figment character meet, but there’s more on the horizon! Later this year, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana and World Celebration will fully open. On top of that, the park will be hosting the Disney100 celebrations at Disney World. There’s a lot of excitement! But now, we’ve got one more announcement to add to that list. Disney has revealed a new EPCOT Reimagined merchandise collection that will be coming soon to Creations Shop and other select merchandise locations around the park. ©Disney We got a preview of several new items in the collection, starting with the spirit jersey. It has Spaceship Earth on the front with a pattern of EPCOT icons! There’s also a matching hoodie with Mickey Mouse and the EPCOT logo on the back. ©Disney There are multiple t-shirts in the collection, but this colorful design shows off characters and icons from all the pavilions around the park. What a great way to pay homage to more than 40 years of EPCOT history! ©Disney There’s also a men’s button-up shirt with a similar blue pattern. We spot Remy, Mickey Mouse, Nemo, Olaf, Groot, and more! ©Disney The EPCOT Reimagined Fashion Top is very similar in style, with shorter sleeves and a tie at the waist. If you hope to snag one of these, make sure to get the Minnie ears to match! ©Disney And of course, Disney can’t resist a new Dooney & Bourke collab! They shared a sneak peek at the EPCOT Reimagined Dooney & Bourke Crossbody bag. ©Disney For collectors, you may want to check out this Spaceship Earth Light-Up Figurine, which mimics the stunning nighttime lights on the geodesic sphere. ©Disney And last but not least, it wouldn’t be a new collection without some collectible pins! This set has various EPCOT characters with logos of the different pavilions around the park. ©Disney That’s all for the sneak peek, but we’ll make sure to let you know as soon as the full collection drops in the park! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news and updates. Everything You Need to Eat and Drink at the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival — 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these items are you interested in buying? Tell us in the comments! The post SNEAK PEEK at New Merchandise Collection Coming to EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Listen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has announced some big changes recently! Animal Kingdom Disney recently announced that extended park hours will be coming for select hotel guests for a limited time, and at Destination D23 we learned a TON about the upcoming changes to lands and attractions around the entire park. Amid all this bigger news though, Disney’s Animal Kingdom just dropped a new margarita we just had to try out! It’s a bit hot out today and we were looking for something to sit down and relax with for a few minutes. Then we happened across the Dawa Bar in Africa and decided to check out what might be new to their menu — and spotted a new drink for Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month! Dawa Bar That’s when we spotted the Prickly Pear Margarita for $14.50. It’s made of Corazon Tequila, Bols Triple Sec 30 proof liqueur, sour, and desert pear flavor, so we knew we had to try it! It’s also part of the new line of drinks and snacks available from the “Together We Are MAGIA” collection celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Latin American culture. Prickly Pear Margarita After a few sips of this new drink, we found it to be very refreshing but not overly fruity. We also thought it was quite a large serving for the price and while the tequila in this wasn’t overpowering, you can definitely taste that it’s there. However, when it came to the rest of the flavors, we were a bit bummed to not have a stronger desert pear flavor. So refreshing If you’re a margarita lover or anyone looking for a fruity drink that’s not overly sweet we think you’d really enjoy this one. However, if you’re a super sweet fan or someone who prefers to drink something other than a tequila spirit, you’ll probably do better to just admire from afar. Quite hefty for the price We try out all the latest eats, treats, and drinks around Disney World so you can decide for yourself what’s the best to have when you’re on vacation! Check out a few of our other reviews below and as always, stay tuned for all the latest Disney news at Disney Food Blog! REVIEW: One of Our Favorite EPCOT Snacks Just Got a Pumpkin Spice UPGRADE 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’s your favorite margarita flavor? Give us your best choice in the comments below! The post REVIEW: If You HATE Overly Sweet Disney World Drinks, Try THIS Instead first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s just something about that Disney World smell, isn’t there?! ©Shutterstock If you’re like us, you probably want to bottle up those scents and bring them home with you, and that’s where we come into the picture. We’re bringing you some of the best candles from Bath & Body Works that’ll have your home smelling just like Disney World! Let’s check them out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Now, let’s take a look at those Bath & Body Works candles, shall we? Grab this White Barn Lakeside Morning 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. If you’re a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, you’ll want to check this candle out. We think that’s what it reminds us of. Here are the fragrance notes: crisp autumn air, white driftwood, and a hint of green apple. View on Bath & Body Works Grab this White Barn Marshmallow Fireside 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. If you’re a fan of Spaceship Earth, you’ll want to check this candle out. We think it reminds us of that burning scene. Here are the fragrance notes: toasted marshmallow, smoldering woods, fire-roasted vanilla, and crystalized amber. View on Bath & Body Works Grab this White Pumpkin 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. Do you love going into the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe? Then you’ll want to check this candle out. That’s what it reminds us of. Here are the fragrance notes: gingered white pumpkin, caramel glaze, and warm blended spices. View on Bath & Body Works Shop this Warm Apple Pie 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. If you’re a fan of Mickey’s PhilharMagic, you’ll be thinking about that apple pie scene with this candle! Here are the fragrance notes: baked granny smith apple, melted brown sugar, and flaky homemade crust. View on Bath & Body Works Shop this White Barn Champagne Toast 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. Here’s a different one for fans of Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Remember the Beauty and the Beast champagne scene? This will transport you there. Here are the fragrance notes: bubbly champagne, sparkling berries, and juicy tangerine. View on Bath & Body Works Shop this Fireside 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. If you’re looking for the Animal Kingdom Lodge vibe, you’ll want to check this candle out. It reminds us of those outdoor and indoor fire pits there. Here are the fragrance notes: smoked cedar, fresh clove bud, and warm embers. View on Bath & Body Works Shop this Pumpkin Cupcake 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. This one will have you thinking about Karamell-Küche’s pumpkin caramel cupcake. Here are the fragrance notes: whipped buttercream, Madagascar vanilla, pumpkin spice, and freshly baked cupcake. View on Bath & Body Works Shop this Pumpkin Spice Latte Mason Single Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. If you’re in need of that PSL smell, you’ll want to check this candle out. Here are the fragrance notes: pumpkin spice, fresh espresso, and whipped cream. View on Bath & Body Works Shop this Autumn Chai 3-Wick Candle ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. Or if an Autumn Chai smell is more your speed, this is the candle for you. Here are the fragrance notes: cinnamon chai, french vanilla froth, and smooth caramel. View on Bath & Body Works Grab this Frozen Lake Wallflowers Fragrance Refill ©Bath & Body Works Direct, Inc. While this one isn’t a candle, we think it smells like Pandora: The World of Avatar (we’ve seen them offer a candle version during the holidays, so keep an eye out for it). Here are the fragrance notes: lavender leaves, cool eucalyptus, and juniper berries. View on Bath & Body Works We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. Looking for more Disney merch? Click here to view our Amazon Storefront Will you be checking out any of these candles? Let us know in the comments! The post 9 Bath and Body Works Candles To Make Your House Smell Like Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

See the new EPCOT Reimagined collection featuring icons, attractions, and characters that represent the endless possibilities and spirit of optimism alive across EPCOT. View the full article

Who doesn’t like a tasty cheeseburger? Cheeseburgers are delicious! National Cheeseburger Day is just around the corner and one fast-food restaurant sure knows how to celebrate. McDonald’s is rolling out the Cheeseburger Day deals, and you can find yourself indulging in a greasy, cheesy burger for cheap — here’s how! McDonald’s is the go-to fast-food spot for many people — and for good reason. It’s been around a long time and rarely lets you down. Now, they’re offering up a big deal for National Cheeseburger Day, September 18th! ©McDonald’s In celebration of the big day, they’re offering 50 CENT double cheeseburgers! That’s right — for half a dollar, you can sink your teeth into one of these popular go-to cheeseburgers. Double the meat, double the cheese — that’s what we’re talking about! Double Cheeseburger ©McDonald’s There are some limitations though. You must order your double cheeseburger through the McDonald’s app. So if you don’t already have an account on the app, you’ll need to create one. Then you can start earning points for your orders! McDonald’s Also, it is limited to one double cheeseburger per customer. But still, it’s not every day you get a 50-cent cheeseburger! Grab yourself one of these mouthwatering burgers on National Cheese Burger Day, September 18th. Be sure to check back to Disney Food Blog for more food updates! WARNING: A Major Change Is Coming To ALL McDonald’s in the United States 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to grab yourself a 50 cent cheeseburger? Let us know in the comments! The post HURRY! McDonald's Is Offering 50-Cent Cheeseburgers for One Day Only! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

150,000th Make-A-Wish GRANTED! Mikayla’s Journey to Performing at DisneyView the full article

Planning a trip to Disney World is not easy, but many people continue to do it, especially around this time of year! Magic Kingdom Crowds typically start to ramp up in October ahead of the ultra-busy holiday season, but we can’t blame them — it’s an exciting time to be at Disney World! Disney recently announced a ton of news including the arrival of the Figment meet and greet, a change coming to Haunted Mansion, and an opening date for a big attraction. But what is going on in October at Disney World? You’ve come to the right place to find out! If you’re heading to Disney World soon, be sure to check out our list of the 15 ESSENTIALS you’ll forget to pack. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing! So what can you look forward to in October? Check it out! Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Opens! The BIGGEST thing happening in all of Disney World in October is the grand opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana! This attraction has been in the works for a long time in EPCOT, but it will officially open on October 16th. STUNNING This attraction is an interactive walkthrough that teaches you about the importance of the water cycle. So pretty Previews for Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and DVC Members have been happening and we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before the big opening day. Everyone Will Forget This HACK for the Moana Attraction in EPCOT Moana Debuts NEW Meet and Greet Location Speaking of Moana, the Journey of Water attraction is not the only exciting announcement for the water-loving princess. Moana will have her own meet-and-greet area in EPCOT! ©Disney Right now, you can meet Moana over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and see her in the Adventure Friends Cavalcade in Magic Kingdom, but this meet and greet will be right by Journey of Water. Makes perfect sense! MORE Details on the New Moana Character Meet-and-Greet in EPCOT Parks Closing EARLY Not every day in October is the BEST day to visit Disney World. We recommend avoiding October 17th if you can because two parks are set to close early. Cinderella Castle Magic Kingdom is set to close early, at 6PM, but this is expected since Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party happens that night and it is a separately ticketed event. However, Hollywood Studios is also closing early for an unknown reason. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing at 5PM on October 17th. Disney’s Hollywood Studios If you have a park hopper, it may make sense to hit these parks in the morning. We’ve noticed wait times are lower from people avoiding the park but if you don’t mind hopping, it could work in your favor. You Might Want To AVOID Disney World on October 17th Catch a Special Performance at Disney Springs If you want to get in the Halloween mood, you can check out special entertainment in Disney Springs! Go to the Waterside Stage, which will include performances by Squad Ghoul Friday through Sunday from September 29th to October 29th. Disney Springs stage Also, over in Town Center, Zombie Drummers and Skeleton Stiltwalkers will roam every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. How cool! Be sure to grab a picture. We’re BEGGING You To Read This Before Your Next Trip to Disney Springs Dining Reservations Open for Important Dates Dining reservations are an important part of planning a Disney World trip, and that’s why we talk about them all the time here on DFB! So we have to warn you that dining reservations open up for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in October. Christmas in Disney World (2022) As a reminder, Advance Dining Reservations open up 60 days before your trip. That means Christmas Eve reservations open on October 25th, while Christmas Day reservations are available on October 26th. Hollywood Studios Holiday Decorations (2022) Set your alarms now, because reservations can fill up very quickly! The Best Restaurants for Christmas Time in Disney World Want to book a trip to Disney World? We’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it! 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 Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in October! Disney World will continue to change and update and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop! 5 Proven Disney World Tips That Just Don’t Work Anymore 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you visiting Disney World in October? What are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments! The post 5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in October first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Go behind-the-scenes with Make-A-Wish Kid Mikayla and watch as her wish to perform at Disney came true during Once Upon A Wish Party at Walt Disney World.View the full article

A new character has arrived at the Magic Kingdom and we’re telling you all about it! Cinderella Castle Since Disney first announced that the highly anticipated Mirabel meet and greet would be arriving in Magic Kingdom, we’ve been so excited to meet her. Now, Mirabel has officially arrived and we’re here to check out this new meet and greet! You can find Mirabel’s meet and greet at Fairytale Gardens where the Merida used to meet. After waiting for about an hour, we finally got to meet Mirabel. It was so great to welcome her into the park officially for her very first day of meeting and greeting guests in this new space. Mirabel! She’s just the quirkiest and we had so much fun talking with her about her new meet-and-greet space! She’s just great! If you’re looking to meet Mirabel during your vacation, check your My Disney Experience App for the times she’s available, and be sure to factor in a decent amount of time for the line. On opening day, Mirabel was meeting guests at 9:00, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, 12:00, 12:45, 2:00, 2:45, 3:15, and 3:45 — so you’ll likely have plenty of chances to see her! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! 7 Strange Facts About Disney World Character Meet and Greets 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning on meeting Mirabel soon? Tell us in the comments below. The post NEWS: Come With Us To Meet Mirabel from 'Encanto' in Magic Kingdom! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s no secret that California Grill is one of our FAVORITE fine dining restaurants at Disney World. Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant has a 3-course meal that makes us hungry just thinking about it. California Grill Thanks to D23, now YOU can make a little piece of that menu at home! D23 recently published a recipe for the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, one of the California Grill’s Market Inspiration items. This beloved item is back! The recipe is meant to serve four to six people. Here’s what you’ll need to make this gourmet ravioli: Ingredients For the goat cheese ravioli: 1 pound soft mild goat cheese, crumbled 5 1⁄2 ounces aged goat cheese, crumbled 1⁄2 cup seasoned bread crumbs 2 tablespoons store-bought basil pesto 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons roasted garlic purée (recipe follows) 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste 16 egg roll wrappers 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash clear tomato broth (optional) For the clear tomato broth (makes 4 cups): 15 whole vine-ripened tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt For the roasted garlic purée (makes 2 tablespoons): 1 whole head garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil California Grill’s Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli ©Disney Here’s how to make it: Directions We’ll start with the (optional) clear tomato broth: Place the tomatoes in a blender or food processor. In bunches with the salt, blend them until they appear coarsely chopped, then place the chopped tomatoes in a large sieve lined with a double-layer of damp cheesecloth. Set the sieve over a bowl and let the mixture drain in the refrigerator for 24 hours to collect the liquid. Discard the tomato pulp and save the liquid. ***Cook’s Notes: You can substitute the tomato broth with chopped and seeded ripe tomatoes or a tomato juice cocktail.*** Next, let’s make the roasted garlic purée: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut off the stem and top third of 1 whole garlic head. Place the cut garlic on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Once placed, drizzle olive oil and then wrap the garlic up with the foil. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed and proceed to roast for 1 hour. Once done, remove the wrapped garlic from the oven and open it carefully. Let the garlic sit to cool slightly, and then scrape or squeeze the pulp from the cloves. Finally, cook the goat cheese ravioli: Stir together the fresh goat cheese, aged goat cheese, bread crumbs, pesto, olive oil, roasted garlic purée, salt, and pepper into a large bowl until well combined. On a separate workstation, brush 8 egg roll wrappers with the egg wash. With a knife and without cutting all the way through, clip each wrapper into 4 squares. Place 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture in the center of each square. Cover them with the 8 remaining egg roll wrappers and press the edges together. Now that the ravioli is double-wrapped, use a knife to cut each wrapper with filling into 4 squares, creating 32 squares of filled ravioli. Press the edges of the ravioli squares together. ***Skip this step if you plan to use the ravioli immediately*** Sprinkle the ravioli lightly with cornmeal and refrigerate between layers of waxed paper. Cook the ravioli in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain completely and serve with the clear tomato broth or chopped seeded ripe tomatoes. California Grill And there you have it! Now you can bring a little bit of California Grill to your home kitchen! Be sure to keep up with DFB for future recipes and all things Disney! Click here for more Disney recipes! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did you make this recipe? Let us know! The post RECIPE: Make California Grill's Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at Home! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ever since Bob Iger returned to The Walt Disney Company as CEO, we’ve been seeing some changes made to get the company back on track financially. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters There has been talk of Disney possibly selling ABC in the future to help reach those financial goals, but we haven’t seen any major steps taken in that direction yet. However, now, there’s an offer on the table. According to Bloomberg, Byron Allen has made a bid to purchase ABC for $10 billion. This purchase would also include local stations, as well as the FX and National Geographic cable channels. ©Disney Allen based the offer on the assumption that the properties generated $1.25 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization over the past year. Allen would work with banks to finance the purchase and may sell the TV stations that he currently owns that aren’t affiliated with ABC. ©ABC Allen was a standup comic previously but has branched into producing TV shows, and has spent more than $1.3 billion in recent years to acquire assets like the Weather Channel and a variety of local stations. Disney released a statement recently noting that no decisions about a sale have been made, but that the company is considering strategic options. ©Bloomberg We’ll continue to follow this news and update you if there are any changes, so stay tuned! We’ve got the latest Disney updates and information to share. Click Here to Learn More About the Possible Sale of ABC! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you watch any ABC shows? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Receives BILLION Offer To Buy ABC first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re reading this, then we’re going to assume that a gentle summer breeze, a day spent lounging by the pool, and a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean are calling your name! Castaway Cay Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, is set to debut on the high seas on December 21st, 2024 with a seven-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship’s inaugural season will consist of more seven-night voyages to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Are you itching for a cruise on this NEW ship? Yes? Alright, let’s talk about when you can BOOK your cruise! Planning a Disney Cruise? We’re here to help! From packing tips to insider secrets, we know ALL the secrets to help you have a successful vacation. Now, let’s dive into the news! You can start booking your cruise aboard the Disney Treasure on September 20th, 2023. YES, you can begin booking that soon! That’s in just a few short days, so set your alarm, grab your credit card, and be prepared — because these cruise slots will go FAST. Look out for some adventurous friends onboard! The Disney Cruise Line website currently shows 23 different itineraries, including the Maiden Voyage on December 21st. However we know that it can be a bit stressful to do all that planning by yourself… ©DisneyCruiseLine If you don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney Cruise Line trip alone, reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Line 2023 DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you excited to go on the NEW Disney Treasure cruise ship? Let us know in the comments! The post REMINDER: Booking For Disney's NEWEST Cruise Ship Opens SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you a Disney World Annual Passholder? Annual Pass Being a passholder certainly comes with its share of perks. You get access to exclusive food. There are exclusive lounges in Disney World just for you. You get previews of upcoming attractions. But you also get free stuff! So we’ve got a first look at the next free souvenir you’ll be able to pick up if you happen to be an Annual Passholder. Disney World previously teased the new Annual Passholder Magnet that would be available soon. At the time, a photo of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was also teased, meaning that were were 99.9% sure that the next magnet would feature Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a classic Disney character that predates even Mickey Mouse. ©Disney Well, Disney just revealed the next Annual Passholder Magnet, and we were right! It DOES feature Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in honor of the company’s 100th Anniversary. ©Disney If you’re not familiar with Oswald, he was a character created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for Universal Pictures. He was the star of several animated shorts from 1927 through 1928. But there was a problem: control of Oswald was taken over by Universal, so Walt went on to create a similar character you “might” be familiar with: Mickey Mouse! The best part? Mickey was all his: the future of what would become the Walt Disney Company started with a mouse. Do you love Oswald? The good news is that Oswald has since become Disney’s again, so he’s finally getting his own merchandise (plus you can occasionally see him in Disneyland)! So if you want to pick up your EXCLUSIVE Annual Passholder Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Magnet, you can get it from Creations Shop in EPCOT from September 20th through 23rd — but it’s only while supplies last, so be sure to mark your calendar! Clarabelle and Oswald! To enter EPCOT, you will need to have valid admission to the park on that day. You’ll also need to have a park pass reservation for EPCOT, unless you’re entering the park after 2PM. Passholders can only pick up one magnet each. We’ll keep an eye out for more Annual Passholder perks, so stay tuned to DFB for more. EVERY SINGLE Disney World Annual Passholder Perk…And How To Use Them To Your ADVANTAGE 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you an Annual Passholder? Will you be picking up the Oswald Magnet? Let us know in the comments! The post Find Out If YOU Can Get This Exclusive NEW (And FREE!) Disney100 Souvenir first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are some really great desserts out there in Disney World, and most of them won’t make you wince as you pay the bill. Grapefruit Cake from Hollywood Brown Derby There are some fancy desserts in table service restaurants that come with high price tags, though! Don’t get us wrong, some of them are worth it, but more often than not, you can find something just as good, if not BETTER, for much cheaper around the parks. Here are some of the fancy desserts we DO NOT recommend, and what to get instead! Do NOT Get Tony’s Spumoni Tart from Tony’s Town Square Restaurant This is a flourless chocolate cake made with pistachio cream and dark cherry mousse for $9. The cherry is VERY tart, and while we didn’t hate that, it did take us by surprise. Tony’s Spumoni Tart The pistachio cream was somewhat savory, but the whole treat was just okay. Not worth $9 in our opinion. Instead, Get The Tiramisù Cannoli from Tony’s Town Square Restaurant Good news, there’s a better option in the same location! We suggest grabbing the Tiramisù Cannoli instead. Tony’s Town Square The cannoli has a house-made filling with hints of espresso, chocolate, and mascarpone cheese. Is it more simple than the other desserts? Yes, but it’s trustworthy and delicious! Do NOT Get Any Dessert at Rainforest Café in Animal Kingdom Listen, Rainforest Café may be an okay option if you’ve got a super picky eater and they won’t eat any of the slightly more adventurous food in Animal Kingdom (although the Cheeseburger Pods from Satuli’i Canteen are usually a win for many picky eaters), but please, get dessert inside the parks! Rainforest Cafe outside of Animal Kingdom Rainforest Café is a chain that can be found all across the United States. The food inside the park is much more interesting, and that includes the desserts! Instead, Get A Dessert from Tamu Tamu Refreshments We suggest stopping by Tamu Tamu Refreshments instead and getting one of their delicious Dole Whip desserts like the Simba Sunset or the Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Roll to share with your family. Simba Sunset This is the only spot you can grab Dole Whip in Animal Kingdom, so if that’s a favorite of yours, you know where to head! Do NOT Get A Lunch Box Tart from Woody’s Lunch bBox This one is a little controversial, but we wouldn’t recommend getting a Lunch Box Tart. These are “fancy poptarts” essentially, but they’re not always worth the higher price tag. 4th of July Lunch Box Tart Some of these are seasonal treats while others are around full time. However, they are majorly hit or miss! We’ve had some great ones, and then try the same flavor on a different day and it’s not great. So beware of these! Instead, Get A Carrot Cake Cookie from Trolley Car Cafe Instead, we recommend grabbing one of our favorites — the Carrot Cake Cookie! Carrot Cake Cookie This is a MASSIVE treat for such a low price. It’s two slabs of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in the middle, and yes, it’s just as delicious as it sounds. It’s also totally shareable! Do NOT Get Warm Pecan-Brown Butter Tart from Le Cellier The Warm Pecan-Brown Butter Tart is delicious, don’t get us wrong, but Le Cellier is NOT a cheap restaurant. Warm Pecan-Brown Butter Tart No really, we need you to know that this treat IS delicious, and if you’ve got the money to spare, grab away. But otherwise, we have another suggestion that will save you big. Instead, Get the Butter Bar from Karamell-Kuche If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative that’s also delicious, head into Karamell-Kuche and grab yourself a Butter Bar! Butter Bar This is one of the cheapest snacks on property that we recommend over and over again because it really is that good. There are also tons of other delicious treats inside Karamell-Kuche that you could grab (like the popcorn) — it’s hard to walk out of there without something in your hands. Do NOT Get The Decadent Chocolate Cake from Hollywood Brown Derby Are you going to dislike the Decadent Chocolate Cake from this fancy restaurant? Not necessarily, no, but it will hurt your wallet. Hollywood Brown Derby This is one of those desserts where you’ll sit there and go “Okay, that was good, but was it worth the price tag?” To avoid that altogether, we have a solution. Instead, Grab The Jack-Jack Num Num Cookie from Neighborhood Bakery This year, the iconic Jack-Jack Num Num Cookie finally made its return to Hollywood Studios! Num Num Cookies It had been gone for quite some time, and while you may look at this and think it’s “just a cookie,” you’re missing two words — it’s a GIANT, DELICIOUS cookie! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2023 As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest and greatest Disney snack news and tips! These are the BEST desserts in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What else would you add to this list? Tell us your thoughts below! The post Fancy Desserts in Disney World Are A Ridiculous Waste of Money. Buy These Cheap Ones Instead! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The fiesta has officially begun at Walt Disney World Resort! Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month starts today with so much to enjoy, including special Photopass Magic Shots, merchandise and more.View the full article

Attention, Disney fans! We have some BIG news about a long-awaited experience starting in Magic Kingdom. We may not talk about Bruno, but we CAN talk about another familiar character. Dapper Dans Between the new Figment character meet-and-greet happening in EPCOT and this major Magic Kingdom attraction change, Disney fans have tons of new reasons to hit the parks. Alright, enough with the suspense. Let’s go to Fantasyland! Starting today, September 15th, Mirabel is meeting guests in Fantasyland! You can find her at the Fairytale Garden (where Merida used to meet) near Cinderella Castle. For reference, this is what the area used to look like before Mirabel moved in! Old Merida meet-and-greet Mirabel will meet guests daily from 9AM to 12:45PM, and 2PM-4:45PM. Note that those times are subject to change, so check the My Disney Experience app for more information. Look at all the gorgeous flowers in the area! Oh, and if you’re wondering where Merida is meeting guests now, you can find her at the Liberty Square Enchanted Glade Gazebo. (The gazebo near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe) Hey, Merida! We have a feeling this new character meet-and-greet is going to be POPULAR, so if you plan to meet Mirabel, prepare for some long lines! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Disney Just Hit Us With 20 (!!!) MASSIVE News Bombs! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to meet Mirabel? Let us know in the comments! The post Don’t Forget! A Huge Magic Kingdom Change Starts Today! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Start saving up some cash — we see a shopping spree in your future! Avengers Campus Disney has already announced that a NEW store is coming to Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park (at Disneyland Resort) in mid-September. The store will be called Avengers Vault and will feature “Infinity Saga Relics…apparel and other fan-favorite merchandise.” But now, NEW details have been released! According to Scott Gustin, Disney has announced that Avengers Vault will open on September 18th! That’s SOON! ©Disney We can’t wait to see just what this new store will look like and feature. Keep in mind that this isn’t the only new thing coming to Avengers Campus. Disney previously announced that further into the future, Avengers Campus is set to be expanded to include the multiverse, and that expansion will include a BRAND NEW RIDE! Disney shared more details about this ride at the recent Destination D23 event. ©Disney In the new ride, guests will battle alongside the Avengers, and we will meet the new King Thanos Villain in the attraction. ©Disney The opening timeline for this expansion and new attraction has not yet been shared, but we’re on the lookout for updates. Be sure to follow us on all of our social media platforms to get the latest information from Disney: Facebook Instagram Twitter/X And click here for more big Disney news! 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 What do you think about this Avengers Campus news? Tell us in the comments! The post OPENING DATE Announced for NEW Disney Store first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney finally announced the REOPENING date of a fan-favorite Disneyland attraction! Disneyland Resort Space Mountain will be closing temporarily soon, but now we know when the ride will be ready to welcome guests back after its refurbishment. Disney previously announced that Space Mountain in Tomorrowland would close on September 18th (which is coming up soon). At first, we just knew that it’d reopen in mid-fall 2023, but now we have the official reopening date! This beloved ride will reopen on October 26th, 2023. Space Mountain in Disneyland Space Mountain in Disneyland is a fan-favorite ride. While Space Mountain in Disney World did open first, it was placed in Disneyland in 1977 after it became wildly popular. But Disneyland might ultimately win this battle because Disneyland’s Space Mountain rockets guests through space at 32 mph, while Disney World only does so at 30 mph — so it is usually a stop for all Disneyland visitors looking for a thrill Space Mountain Disneyland If you have a trip scheduled to Disneyland this fall, you’ll want to make note of this closure. Don’t forget that there have been several other changes at Disney and recently, including the opening of the new Big Hero 6-themed San Fransokyo Square and the NEW restaurant, Tiana’s Palace, opening in New Orleans Square! Tiana’s Palace Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Disneyland just added alcohol to three more restaurants — check out our honest review 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 Space Mountain? Let us know in the comments. The post Reopening DATE Announced for Space Mountain in Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article