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Boys and girls of every age. Wouldn’t you like to see something strange? Well, well, well, what have we here? If you love Nightmare Before Christmas, you’re already singing along — we know you are! Well, now that spooky season has officially started pretty much EVERYWHERE, we’re seeing a ton of new Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise. And just wait until you see the new Loungefly collection we just discovered on Amazon (hint: get your wallet ready now). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Want to score that Amazon Prime free shipping? You can try it out below FOR free: Like we said, there’s a new Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly collection on Amazon that’s been released to celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary. Get the Oogie Boogie Glow in the Dark Loungefly Backpack ©Amazon Well, well, well, what have we here? We have Oogie Boogie front and center, with Jack Skellington on one side and Sally on the other. In the center of the bag is Oogie Boogie’s wheel — which REALLY spins. You can pre-order this bag now, and it will be released on October 11th, 2023. View on Amazon Get the Oogie Boogie Loungefly Wallet ©Amazon Plus, you can get a matching wallet with the same design as the backpack. Let Oogie Boogie, Jack, and Sally watch over all your cash and cards. This wallet even has a fun coordinating lining. You can pre-order this wallet now, and it will be released on October 11th, 2023. View on Amazon Get the Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary Pin Set ©Amazon This pin set is sure to be a hit because it has all your favorite Nightmare Before Christmas characters, including Oogie Boogie, Jack, Sally, and Lock, Shock, and Barrel. You can pre-order this set now, and it will be released on October 11th, 2023. View on Amazon So head on over to Amazon ASAP because we bet this special collection will go FAST! Also, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! Click Here To Check Out Our Amazon Storefront Full of Disney GoodiesThe post A NEW ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ EXCLUSIVE Loungefly Collection Is on AMAZON Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Many fans rejoiced when it was announced that the Disney Dining Plan would return in 2024. Specifically, the Disney Dining Plan will return to Disney World on January 9th, 2024. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for next year, this may be IMPORTANT news to consider. Crystal Palace Keep in mind that when it returns, the Quick Service and Standard Disney Dining Plans will be the only two options to return (for now). Disney has previously stated that the Dining Plan must be booked as part of a hotel package. But now, an important change has just been announced regarding the Disney Dining Plan. First, let’s go over a bit of background. The Disney Dining Plan is a pre-purchased service that is added onto a Disney Vacation Package (meaning you must be staying on a Vacation Package at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel). Then, once you get to Disney World, all your meals are already paid for, so you simply head to a restaurant on the approved list, enjoy your meal, and scan your card. Recently, though, the rules seem to have changed. Now, ticketless packages with Dining Plans are available to book for stays at Disney World beginning January 9th, 2024. Disney shared that this change will accommodate guests who have booked back-to-back reservations at different Disney Resort Hotels by allowing them to book a room and Dining Plan without having to add tickets to the package, according to information shared with travel agents. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort These special packages will need to be booked over the phone directly with Disney Central. Port Orleans French Quarter We will continue to share updates on this major change, so be sure to follow along as we cover the return of the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re considering purchasing the Dining Plan on your next vacation, then you may want to check our DFB Guide. Our guide has full chapters on whether the Dining Plan is worth the cost, how to get the most out of the Dining Plan, and recommendations for those using the Dining Plan. It will really help you get the most bang for your buck! Grab the DFB Guide! We’ve got a comprehensive FAQ about the Disney Dining Plan, and you can check it out here! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Click here to learn more about the Disney Dining Plan Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will this change help you plan your 2024 vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Ticketless Packages With Dining Plan Announced for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s not uncommon for Disney items to be in high demand. Hello Figment Popcorn Bucket! Occasionally, there will be an item that is in such high demand that it sells out FAST! Then, sometimes, it ends up on eBay and sells for WAY higher than its original price (like the Figment Popcorn Bucket, for example). Well, it’s happened again, but not with a popcorn bucket this time. At the 2022 D23 Expo, we saw a lot of really cool things, like new tech and new attractions. We also saw the new Disney card game Disney Lorcana for the first time. ©Ebay Lorcana is a NEW trading card game that debuted at the D23 Expo last fall. This card trading game was created by the collaboration of Ravensburger and Disney. At the D23 Expo, guests could purchase an exclusive collector set with the first six cards and get the Mickey promo card for free. These cards were in really HIGH demand, and the booth sold out very quickly! Then, shortly after the expo, you could find the cards being sold on eBay (with quite the markup)! ©eBay They were selling for VERY high prices, with the highest set being sold for a whopping $35,000! ©eBay Now, after the game has clearly garnered much anticipation, it has finally been released to the public. And the public was very excited. The Lorcana Starter Set! The World of Disney store in Disney Springs opened early at 9:30AM, and by 10AM, they had SOLD OUT of all sets except the starter sets! The store had lots of starter sets still available. They still had lots of starter sets available! A shop worker said they are hoping to have more of the others back in stock by next week. The cards feature Disney characters like Mickey–Brave Little Tailor. ©eBay This has to be one of the most popular Disney games we’ve seen! Don’t forget that the game will be available on shopDisney starting September 1st. If the launch is anything like what we’ve so far, it will likely sell out QUICKLY. We’ll keep you updated on this and other Disney items here at DFB! As we wait for more Lorcana sets to come out, check out these other Disney games! 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 get a Lorcana set? Let us know in the comments! The post The Disney Item That Unexpectedly Sold Out FAST! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has some absolutely incredible hotels — we’re not denying that — but the hotels at the Most Magical Place on Earth also have a FATAL FLAW. Grand Floridian Lobby No, it’s not the over-the-top Disney theming at some spots (which might not appeal to older adults) or the lack of Disney theming at other places (which might not appeal to kiddos). And it’s not even the current lack of room service at most of the hotels (though that is something to consider before booking). Nope, Disney World’s hotels have a different fatal flaw and it’s something you’ll need to know about before booking. The fatal flaw of Disney World’s hotels is their…PRICING. That may come as no surprise to those who have stayed at Disney World’s hotels recently or have started pricing out their trips. But if you’ve only just begun your vacation planning or haven’t been to Disney in years, you might be SHOCKED to see just how much a Disney World hotel will set you back in terms of price. Pool at Polynesian Let’s take a look at some sample booking dates to demonstrate just how incredibly expensive Disney World’s hotels can be. Let’s say you want to book a relatively quick getaway to Disney World where you’d check in on February 1st and check out on February 4th. We’ll look for a room just for 2 adults. Disney World’s hotels range in price for those dates from an average of $127.33 per night (at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort) to a whopping $821 at the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (just in terms of basic starting price). Copper Creek Villas Let’s take a look at the cheapest options on Disney property: An average of $127.33 per night will get you a tent or pop-up campsite at Fort Wilderness $171.33 per night will get you a preferred room at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort $172.33 per night will get you a preferred room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort $175.33 per night will get you a preferred room at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort $201 per night will get you a standard room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort $220 per night will get you a standard room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort $273.33 per night will get you a standard view room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter Prices only go up from there as rooms at Disney’s moderate and deluxe resorts get into the $280+-$500 range Looking for a family suite at Disney’s Art of Animation? That’ll set you back $467.33 per night French Quarter Room For the most part, the prices above reflect prices for standard rooms (not suites). If you’ve never even looked at staying off-property, then these prices might seem totally typical to you. But you may also be surprised to see how much MORE space you can get for the same price (or less) if you stay at a non-Disney hotel. For example, for these same dates, you can book a 1 king 1-bedroom suite with a sofa bed (which has a separate king bedroom and living room) at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando in the Disney Springs Area for $237 (or even less if you have the Honors Discount). ©Hilton Opt for a place like the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista (another Disney Springs hotel) and you could book a room with 2 double beds for $127.22 per night (though keep in mind there is a resort fee to add onto that). ©Wyndham If you look at other websites, you can see other hotels and what those might cost. For example, the TownePlace Suites offers rooms for an average of $231 per night — lower than many of the Disney hotels — and breakfast is included (something that you will NOT find at any of the Disney World hotels unless you stay in the Club Level-service rooms, which are even more expensive). ©Booking.com Now, we’re NOT saying that staying in a Disney World hotel is never a good idea. It can ABSOLUTELY be the best choice for you and your family to stay in a Disney World hotel for many reasons including the free transportation they offer to the parks (some of these other hotels offer free transportation to the parks but they could be very sporadic and inconvenient), the free parking they offer for hotel guests, the Disney theming, the convenience of simply being on property, the Disney level of service offered, and more. Plus, Disney World hotels can give you certain perks — like extra time in the parks or earlier access to making Individual Lightning Lanes — that certain other hotels can’t give you. (Note that certain non-Disney hotels do qualify for some of these benefits so you need to examine that carefully.) Art of Animation The point is that oftentimes if you do a direct comparison of the Disney World hotel prices versus the prices of other hotels nearby (including just the ones in the Disney Springs area), you’ll typically find that the Disney World hotels are more expensive and you might not be getting quite as many perks as you’d think. While other hotels might offer free breakfast or free snacks (and sometimes even multiple free MEALS), those aren’t things you’ll find at Disney World’s hotels for the most part. You may also be able to get a substantially bigger room (like a suite-style space) at a nearby hotel for less or about the same as you’d pay for a smaller room at Disney. Pop Century The important thing is to evaluate what your family wants and needs, what your budget is, and what perks are most important to you. That can help you determine whether a Disney World hotel (at its typically more expensive price) is worth the cost. Is it more valuable to have free (more frequently offered and consistent) transportation to the parks or free breakfast? Would you rather have heavy Disney theming in a smaller room or a more spacious room with no theming at all? Is it more important to have free hotel parking or does it work out if you pay a cheaper price but then have to pay for parking/a hotel fee at a third-party hotel? Room layout at the Drury Plaza (Disney Springs) When evaluating whether a Disney World hotel is right for you, keep in mind that some perks are no longer available in Disney World’s hotels that you might have been used to in the past. Package delivery to the hotels hasn’t returned, the Magical Express has been discontinued, Extended Evening Hours are only available for those at Deluxe hotels (or deluxe villas or select other hotels), and room service is generally not available. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort On the flip side, the dining at Disney World’s hotels (particularly in spots like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) can blow other nearby hotels WAY out of the water. And sometimes the Disney theming CANNOT be underestimated in terms of its value. You also need to consider the additional fees third-party hotels often charge (compared to Disney World hotels where things like overnight hotel parking are free). That might even out some of the costs. It all depends on what you need and want. If a Disney World hotel is best for you but you don’t want to overspend, there are some tricks you should know about. First, ALWAYS look for available discounts. These are available several times a year and could help you save some serious cash. Disney’s Riviera Resort And know that you do NOT have to go through the stress of trying to plan a Disney World visit on your own. Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations to get their help! They’re constantly searching for offers that could help you save money so you’ll know that you’re getting the best deal out there. 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 What do you think? Is it worth the cash to stay at a Disney World hotel or are you a fan of staying off property? Tell us in the comments. And stay tuned for more tips and tricks for your upcoming Disney trips.  Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels A Full List of Changes Announced for Disney World’s Hotels The BEST Disney World Hotels for 2023 The WORST Disney World Hotels for 2023 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What Items from Amazon Can You Have Delivered to Your Resort Hotel? We’ve Got the Details Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think is the biggest flaw of Disney World’s hotels? Tell us in the comments! The post The Fatal Flaw of Disney World's Hotels first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, who’s excited about all the new stuff coming to Disney World? Disney Springs We’ll soon have a new attraction in EPCOT, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana. We’ve got TWO new dining spots coming to Disney’s BoardWalk area, The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (bring on the Pickle Corn Dog, y’all!). There’s also a new restaurant coming to Disney Springs and we’ve got a HUGE update about that! We’re anxiously awaiting an opening date from Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs, but a recent job posting suggests that the opening might be sooner than we think! The restaurant posted on its Instagram that it’s now looking for employees for the Disney Springs location. How exciting! ©Summer House on the Lake via Instagram Now, we only have a vague timeline for the restaurant’s grand opening, and that’s sometime in late 2023. But 2023 is whizzing right by us, so we’re hoping to get a more specific date soon. We’ve been keeping an eye on construction, too, and it’s coming right along. Recent construction on Summer House on the Lake The restaurant, which has locations in Chicago and Bethesda, MD, will feature a menu inspired by California flavors made with “simple, sustainable ingredients.” You’ll be able to order things like pizzas, salads, pasta, sandwiches, wood-grilled dishes, and more. ©Disney The location will also feature a dessert bar, The Cookie Jar, a dessert-focused market that serves “freshly baked cookies and house-made pastries.” To say we’re excited about that is an understatement! We are ALL about some cookies! Who knows? Maybe it will even give Gideon’s Bakehouse a run for its money. ©Disney As always, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates about Summer House on the Lake, and we’ll share them with you as soon as we can. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. If You Can Only Eat at One Disney Springs Restaurant, Let It Be This One 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 excited about Summer House on the Lake? Let us know why (or why not) in the comments! The post A NEW Disney World Restaurant Is One Step Closer to Opening first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re hoping to take the new Brightline Train to the Orlando International Airport, we’ve got an important update! ©Brightline Originally, Brightline announced that tickets for service from September 1st through September 6th would be available in early August. However, instead of posting ticket sales, Brightline communicated that the launch of the service to Orlando from South Florida would be delayed and that the train would not be en route to Orlando for those dates. Now, we’ve got MORE news regarding the train’s opening. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Brightline’s starting date for rail service between South Florida and Orlando has been delayed a SECOND time. Passengers who’d booked tickets for the service between September 7th to September 21st will be issued refunds, upgrades to premium fares, and lower Avis rental car rates. Brightline train at Orlando Airport The second delay follows a delay in train testing and crew certification, as well as effects from Hurricane Idalia. The Sentinel reports that Brightline stated in communication with passengers, “We are close to identifying a start date, but we’ve added a few more days to our work schedule to complete the final stages of certification and testing.” ©Brightline Whew! Well, we hope that the Brightline train will be safely up and running sooner rather than later. We’ll continue to keep you all updated with more Disney and Orlando news. Make sure to follow along so that you don’t miss a thing! Looking for more information on the Brightline Train to Orlando? 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 What do you think of yet another Brightline delay? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Brightline DELAYS Start of Train Service to the Orlando Airport for the 2nd Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Any makeup and skincare-loving Disney fan will tell you just how tricky it can be to make sure you still look flawless when you’re also sweating out the entire water contents of your body. Magic Kingdom But, a flawless look often starts with a good skincare routine — and so we turned to the experts. Our reporters are in the parks every single day and know what products keep their skin looking fresh and ready to wear the most melty of makeup products. We’re sharing the skincare our reporters use when we ask them to run to a Disney park. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We headed over to Amazon to check out some of our reporters’ favorite skincare items to keep them looking and feeling fresh in the parks. This Shiseido Sunscreen Stick will keep you looking fresh ©Amazon We love that we can just toss this into our park bag without having to worry about it potentially opening up and leaking all over the place. It’s 50+ SPF, and it’s super easy to apply (even over makeup!) which is essential in Disney World. View on Amazon Grab the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen ©Amazon This one is silicone-based and it feels like a makeup primer when going on — which also makes it great for wearing underneath makeup. It’s also mattifying which can be clutch for people with oilier skin — especially on a hot day! View on Amazon Get your glow on with the E.L.F. Whoa Glow sunscreen ©Amazon We love a good drug store product, and E.L.F.’s Whoa Glow sunscreen is no exception. It’s SPF 30 and gives the skin a nice glowy finish. View on Amazon Get the OG Supergoop! Glow Screen ©Amazon This is another glowy sunscreen that definitely packs a punch. It’s tinted and definitely very glowy — it’s almost metallic. But we do love the way the glow looks under our makeup! View on Amazon Grab this Aquaphor Lip Repair two-pack ©Amazon Your lips are part of your face, too, people!!! Having chapped lips can be rough and it’s easy to forget to reapply lip balm when you’re busy running around the parks. Pop one of these in your bag and you won’t have to worry about stinging your lips on salty corn dog nugs. View on Amazon Hydrate with The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum ©Amazon We love the added hydration from this niacinamide serum that helps to control oil production. It keeps us looking and feeling fresh after a long day at the park! View on Amazon Grab the Origins Ginzing Eye Cream ©Amazon Our reporters work long hours covering everything there is to see in Disney World and for some of them, having dark undereye circles just won’t do. This eye cream brightens and firms and helps prevent dark circles! View on Amazon The next time you’re walking around Disney World you’ll be looking extra glowing — and this time it won’t be because you’re sweating (okay, we can’t guarantee that, but at least it won’t only be because you’re sweating!). For the latest Disney shopping news and more, stay tuned to DFB. Click Here To Check Out Our Amazon Storefront Full of Disney EssentialsThe post The Skincare Our Reporters Use When We Ask Them To RUN to a Disney Park first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Oh, Mickey Waffles, how we love you. Mickey Waffle Whether we are grabbing them at our hotel before we head to the parks, or using them to create the ultimate food hack, Mickey Waffles are a staple on a Disney World trip. So, when I heard about the perfect twist on this Disney food classic, I had to check it out. Come with me to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to review breakfast at Rix Sports Bar and Grill! Atmosphere You’ll find this restaurant in Coronado Springs Resort, right across from the El Mercado de Coronado food court. Rix Sports Bar & Grill Here, guests can enjoy fun bar food and more for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while they catch up on a game or two. With 31 televisions, this location has a sports bar feel but is a bit more upscale. Menu On the breakfast menu, you’ll find classics like the All American Breakfast, Rix Omelette, Country Beef Skillet, and Big Stack Pancakes. There are also Chicken Stuffed Waffles — and they are Mickey-shaped! Menu Rix has a large selection of drinks, both non-alcoholic and cocktails. We spotted a variety of juices, basic coffees, seasonal coffee indulgences, mimosas, and breakfast cocktails. Drink list Let’s dig in! Eats Of course, I had to try the Chicken Stuffed Waffles. I also ordered the Churro Iced Latte for a little pick-me-up. Full spread The Churro Iced Latte was $7 and was topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon and garnished with a Mini Churro. Churro Iced Latte This was nice and smooth and had a fun cinnamon twist. I loved that it had a touch of sweetness but it wasn’t cloyingly so. Churro Iced Latte There was almost a spicy kick of cinnamon in the latte itself. The churro wasn’t fried fresh, but it was still pretty impressive compared to some of the stale churros you might find in the park. Mini churro The Chicken Stuffed Waffles cost $18 and come with four Mickey Waffles, are stuffed with Chicken Tenders, and served with a side of Maple Syrup and Herb Butter House Potatoes. Chicken Stuffed Waffles First things first — these are ADORABLE. The waffles were typical, tasty Mickey waffles — light, fluffy, and delicious with a hint of vanilla. The batter-to-chicken ratio was perfect in my opinion. MICKEY WAFFLES Inside, the chicken was tender and paired well with the waffles, but nothing that would blow you away. If you’re looking for an elevated chicken and waffle dish, the Buttermilk-fried Chicken and Waffle at The Grand Floridian Cafe is a much better choice. But, these were still very enjoyable though. And SO fun to eat — they are served on a stick so you can dip them right in the syrup and take a bite! Chicken Stuffed Mickey Waffle The potatoes were actually super flavorful. The peppers and onions made them pop, and they were well-seasoned. Potatoes I would have liked for them to be a little crispier, but they were still really delicious. Overall Overall, this meal was super filling and a really fun way to start the day! If you’re staying at Coronado Springs Resort, this is a great option for breakfast. Mickey Waffle While the Chicken-Stuffed Waffles weren’t the best chicken and waffles I’ve ever had, they were still worth a trip for me. So, depending on your schedule, it might even be worth the trip for you even if you’re not staying at the resort. Nosh or Not Head on down to Coronado Springs’ Rix Sports Bar & Grill for breakfast if… You LOVE Mickey waffles. If you love this iconic Disney breakfast, this is a fun twist on the classic that might be worth checking out. You are staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This is a convenient spot if you’re already at the resort! You want a filling start to your day. This restaurant has some substantial breakfast meals, so it will be sure to fill you up before you head to the parks! Have breakfast elsewhere if… You’re limited on time. If you are in a hurry to get to the parks in the morning, there are other quick-service options that you could try to cut down on time. You’re not staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. If you’re not staying at this resort, it can be a bit of a haul getting over there! You aren’t a big breakfast eater. This is a table-service restaurant with substantial breakfast entrees. If you’re not one for a big breakfast, you might be better off skipping and grabbing something simpler on your way to the parks. We’ll keep bringing you restaurant reviews, so stay tuned to DFB for more! The 14 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2024 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 these Chicken Stuffed Waffles? Let us know in the comments below! The post REVIEW: Mickey Waffles Just Got WAY BETTER in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We did something you might not expect: We just left Disney World for Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando Well, we mean, we didn’t LEAVE Disney World for good, but we did decide to put behind our favorite Disney World hotels to try out a hotel at Universal. But we didn’t stay at just any old hotel: we stayed at the most expensive hotel on Universal property — Loews Portofino Bay. So come with us to see what staying in such a swanky hotel is like! Atmosphere So the hotel’s atmosphere is built around Italian theming, but unlike theming at Disney World hotels, it felt like some of the theming elements were painted on: for example, the brick walls were just painted to look like bricks. But after spending some time there, it does feel like you’re walking around Italy, especially with all the winding pathways (which can be hard to navigate at times, but totally worth it). The feel is very Italian If we had to compare it to a Disney World hotel, though, we don’t think we’d consider it as grand as a deluxe Disney World hotel, but it did feel a little more grand than some of the Disney Vacation Club resorts (like Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort or Disney’s Old Key West Resort). However, what blew us away was the live opera on the Piazza, which is the beautiful centerpiece of the hotel — and a place that gets very lively at night. The Pros and Cons of Staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort Perks, Amenities, and Dining The best part of staying at Portofino Bay, though, is that you get Unlimited Express for Universal FREE. This pass usually costs at LEAST $120, and it allows you to skip the line at Universal attractions. We love you, Disney World, but you couldn’t even — imagine getting free Genie+ with deluxe hotel stays? That would be a game-changer. The hotel also has a lot of amenities, including three themed pools, all with a different vibe. Minion Blast at Universal The hotel has nine dining spots, including a Gelateria and Starbucks (like you gotta’ have a Starbucks, right?). The food was, obviously Italian, and everything we tried was good. There’s also a VERY extensive room service menu. Finally, transportation to and from the parks is provided with both bus and boat options. How Far is Universal Orlando From Disney World? Rooms Okay, so let’s get to the important stuff: what are the rooms like? Well, this is considered a luxury hotel. We didn’t think the room was exciting, but the rooms were spacious, so we had plenty of room to move around. Our room had two queen beds. The room The beds were comfy, and we had more than enough pillows. Pillows There was also a nice table with chairs where we could do our work, if we needed to. The artwork in the room is, of course, Italian. Table and chairs There’s a TV and dresser opposite the bed. As you can see, though, there isn’t a TON of theming in the room and it does seem a little plain. Another view of the room There’s also a table between the beds with a phone, mirror, and places to plug in our devices (VERY important!). Between the beds There was a very comfy chair and footstool beside the doors that lead out to the balcony (yep, we had a balcony). We liked this chair Speaking of the balcony, it has a table and three chairs. We had a view of the water, which was nice. Not a bad view The room also had a Keurig coffee maker with a variety of coffees and teas, as well as sweetener, sugar, and coffee supplies. Coffee There’s a mini fridge, too, if you need it. Mini fridge The closet space was ample — AND there were robes. Gotta’ love a fluffy hotel robe, right? Robes You’ll also find an ironing board and in-room safe in the closet. Ironing board and in-room safe Let’s talk about our FAVORITE part of the room: the bathroom. It’s MASSIVE. There’s an area for the toilet… HUGE bathroom …an area with a huge mirror and two sinks… Huge mirror …and a tub with a shower. Tub and shower The amenities here are Julien Farel branded. Amenities But let’s talk about the important thing here: price. Full Room Tour: Go Inside the ‘Incredible’ Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Pricing So this IS the most expensive hotel at Universal, and rooms run around $400 per night. Now we thought the amenities put the hotel on equal footing with a Disney World deluxe hotel like Disney’s Contemporary Resort. However, the price is actually closer to what you might pay at a cheaper Disney World deluxe hotel or even a moderate hotel. That view, though So you’re basically getting the equivalent of a Disney World deluxe hotel for far less than what you might pay for that hotel in Disney World. The 2 Hotels We Keep Coming Back To in Disney World So we would say it was worth it to leave Disney World for a few nights and stay at Portofino Bay. We know a lot of Disney World guests go to Universal, too, so this could be a great option for your family if you want to stay there! Stay tuned to DFB for more. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever stayed at Portofino Bay? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Universal for a stay at Portofino Bay Resort. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post What It’s Really Like Staying at Universal’s Most Expensive Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you drink around the World, where do you begin? Mexico Yes, we know we just started a SERIOUS debate from the start on the left side vs. start on the right side crowd at EPCOT’s World Showcase. We’ll admit we generally go left to Mexico because we think that pavilion has some of the BEST drinks. Mostly, we also just love La Cava del Tequila, and now we have even MORE of a reason to head there first. Believe it or not, La Cava del Tequila is celebrating its 14th anniversary at the Mexico Pavilion in World Showcase, and in honor of that, you’ll be able to try a VERY exclusive limited-edition tequila. Only 400 bottles of Tequila Codigo 1530 were ever made, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. This is one of the oldest and most rare bottles of tequila, so if you manage to get a sip of it, you’re in for a treat. ©Disney That’s not all, though. You’ll also be able to grab a special margarita to help La Cava del Tequila celebrate its big 14th anniversary. The Chica de Humo is made with Montelobos pechuga, guava puree, citrus juice, LeJay blackcurrant liquor, activated charcoal, and rose petal-hibiscus salt rim. Doesn’t that sound delightful? ©Disney So, if you’re a fan of La Cava like we are, be sure to pop in and wish them a Happy Anniversary while you pull up a chair and grab a drink! We’ll keep an eye out for more new food and drinks in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. We’re all about Disney FOOD here at DFB. We even wrote the book on it! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining in an ebook format you can easily download to your tablet or smartphone. Use code WDW2023 to save 25% on the cover price! Here’s where you can find out where a certain celebrity sits at 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite La Cava drink? Tell us all about it in the comments! The post This Is the Most EXCLUSIVE Drink in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s officially hurricane season and Florida is experiencing its first major storm of the year. Storm in Magic Kingdom Hurricane Idalia strengthened to a dangerous Category 4 storm as it passed through the Gulf of Mexico, and then made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Big Bend area of Florida. Some of Disney World’s experiences have closed due to the extreme weather — like Typhoon Lagoon and some of its miniature golf courses — but its four main parks have remained open. So, what is it like being in Disney World during this type of storm? Come find out. Hurricane Idalia is a major storm and is causing a lot of serious damage throughout the state, but the Orlando area has thankfully been spared from the worst of it. While it is important to take this type of weather seriously, Disney World has a lot of systems in place to make sure its guests stay safe. The parks have seemed rather quiet today, starting with a fairly empty parking lot in EPCOT and pretty low wait times. Empty parking lot Some rides have temporarily closed due to the weather, and Disney also canceled one showing of its stage show — Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire — at the time of writing. ©Disney We’ll keep updating you throughout the day, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The Perfect Disney World Rain Gear Doesn’t Exist STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Hurricane Idalia A Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Cancelation Policies and Refunds in Disney World How to Handle the Worst-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season at Disney World The BEST Hurricane-Ready Hotels in Disney World 6 Items You Need For a Hurricane in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Has a hurricane ever impacted your trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. The post What Disney World Looks Like During Hurricane Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

OK, you’re about to lose your mind over Disney’s latest announcements. This is BIG, and we are seriously considering a trip abroad thanks to this news. ©Disney We’ve shared the amazing popcorn buckets from Tokyo Disney Resort. You’ve seen the incredible attractions you can ride at Tokyo Disney. Who among us hasn’t dreamed about trying all those adorable Tokyo Disney snacks? Well, Disney’s latest announcement just might give you a few new reasons to book a trip to Tokyo. Fantasy Springs is opening in Tokyo Disneyland next year. We’ve shared a first look at the expansion before, and we know that this expansion will bring new lands inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. In fact, Disney just announced the names of four new attractions opening in Fantasy Springs: Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (in Frozen Kingdom) Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival (in Rapunzel’s Forest) Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure (in Peter Pan’s Never Land) Fairy Tinkerbell’s Busy Buggy (in Peter Pan’s Never Land) ©Disney More specifically, Fantasy Springs will join the other seven ports at the Tokyo DisneySea Park. Look out for brand-new rides, restaurants, a gift shop, and even a hotel! It is currently set to open in the spring of 2024 (and we can’t WAIT!). ©Disney OK, back to that new hotel we mentioned. The Fantasy Springs Hotel will have nine floors and 475 guest rooms in total. 419 of those rooms are part of the Fantasy Chateau, and 56 are part of the Grand Chateau. What’s the difference? Well, the Fantasy Chateau features deluxe rooms decorated with “the flora and fauna of Fantasy Springs,” while the Grand Chateau has luxury rooms that provide “the finest accommodation experience at Tokyo Disney Resort.” How fancy! ©Disney The hotel will have three restaurants: Grand Paradis Lounge, Fantasy Springs Restaurant, and La Libelluele. Tokyo Disneyland shared that Fantasy Springs Restaurant will be a buffet-style restaurant featuring “paintings inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tangled, and Sleeping Beauty.” The Grand Paradis Lounge will be a new lobby lounge for guests to enjoy after a day in the park. And finally, La Libellule is set to be a French cuisine restaurant that offers unique views of Fantasy Springs. But that’s not all! The new La Libellule restaurant will be exclusive to guests staying in the Grand Chateau at the Fantasy Springs Hotel. With only 56 Grand Chateau guest rooms, that’s about as exclusive as it gets! Just looking at this stunning concept art, it certainly seems like this will be a luxurious, opulent hotel. ©Disney Well, is anyone else ready to start packing for Tokyo? We can’t wait to learn more about the La Libellule menu (and all the other new restaurants and snack spots). In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Click here to learn more about Fantasy Springs Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Do you plan to visit this new area of Tokyo Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney's NEW Restaurant Might Be Its Most Exclusive EVER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has done some seriously ridiculous things in its day — but some stand out as being just a little bit more chaotic than others. Welcome to Disney World! How chaotic, you ask? Let’s just say one such event involves a lot — and we mean a lot — of toilet paper (IYKYK). Just when we think we’ve seen it all, Disney does something that proves it truly never stops innovating, even if it means the innovation is a little… absurd. We’re sharing ridiculous things Disney should never do again and one it absolutely should. Apparently, the actual Donald animatronic needed some repairs, so Disney removed it to make that happen. But, instead of totally blocking this scene off or just the area where Donald is normally found — Disney replaced him with a plant. Yes, a plant. Oh, and the plant was wearing a sombrero. No, we’re not kidding and yes, we kind of miss him. Let the Line for a Popcorn Bucket Wrap All the Way Around EPCOT The Figment Popcorn Bucket caused quite a stir when it debuted at the 2022 Festival of the Arts, quickly garnering hours-long lines and eventually selling out but then reappearing via Mobile Order. When we say hours-long lines, we mean it. Disney clearly didn’t expect the sheer mayhem that unfolded when good ol’ Figgy made his appearance. The Figment fans were out in FULL force with HOURS long waits for the bucket. At one point, a Cast Member had estimated the wait was six hours long. Crowds for the Figment popcorn bucket in 2022 Folks who wanted their own were forced to stand in line, and since Disney hadn’t prepared for such demand, the line was kind of all over the place. Eventually, the demand faded, and since then Disney has introduced a Virtual Queue system for Figment’s reunion tour. Put a Terrifying Ride in Magic Kingdom When you think of Magic Kingdom, you probably think of an utterly spine-chilling Alien-abduction scenario, right? Just us? Hm. In any case, back in 1995, ExtraTERRORestrail Alien Encounter opened its doors and began its reign of terror. The original plan would have guests encounter xenomorphs, from the 1979 movie Alien. But Disney decided that was too scary, so they developed an original storyline that was “less scary.” via AllEars.net Spoiler alert: It was not less scary. Disney enlisted the help of George Lucas who developed a story in which guests become the helpless prey to an alien monster. The attraction was in an immersive theater and involved guests being strapped down into a seat while the theater around them started crawling with aliens — in pitch darkness. Tomorrowland Harnessed into the seat, folks watched as the teleportation device malfunctioned, causing a bloodthirsty alien to be teleported into the room. From there, the special effects made it so that you could hear, smell, and even feel the alien roaming the room around you. No thanks. Things Disney Should ABSOLUTELY Do Again Gather round, dear DFB readers, and let us regale you with a fairy tale. You see, there was a time when Disney let people bring their dogs into Magic Kingdom. Yes, you read that correctly. Okay, okay, it wasn’t like just anyone could waltz through the gates with Rover and have a magical day — there was a catch. Folks could enter a contest and win a trip to Disney World with their dog. No, we’re not okay either. Bring it in, Pluto! The 2014 Disney Side Dog’s Day at Magic Kingdom contest brought 101 dogs to the park before it opened for the day. Disney even rolled out a green carpet down Main Street! Oh, and the dogs were in costumes. It was dubbed as the “First Ever” Disney Side Dog’s Day — but it should have been named the “Only Ever” Day instead because it never happened again. Out of all the ridiculous things Disney has done — this is the one they should absolutely bring back and we will be impatiently waiting until they do. On an unrelated note, does anyone have Bob Iger’s phone number? BOOP Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! 50 AMAZING Things You Never Knew Were 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you remember any of these ridiculous things? Tell us in the comments. The post Four Ridiculous Things Disney Should NEVER Do Again and One It Absolutely Should first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

These Disney World restaurants are SERIOUSLY stressing me out, y’all. Cosmic Ray’s What will the fate of our favorite (or even not-so-favorite) places to eat around the Most Magic Place On Earth actually be?? Let’s discuss the deets TODAY, here on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Restaurants We’re Worried About in Disney World 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! 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 place to eat in Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post DFB Video: Restaurants We're Worried About in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re about to enter the busy season at Disney World. Though, who are we kidding — we haven’t seen a “busy season” in the parks for a while. Disney’s Animal Kingdom And that’s not to say Disney World isn’t busy either, in fact — it’s the opposite. Crowds can be unpredictable, and just when we thought we had it all figured out we get surprised by lower wait times than normal. We do our best to keep track of when you might expect more crowds so you can plan, and if you’re thinking about visiting Animal Kingdom soon — here are some dates you might want to avoid. Disney World crowds are… unpredictable right now. Revenge travel has died down, but we’re still seeing high wait times when we’re not expecting it. On the flip side, though, sometimes when we’ve expected heavy crowds to flock to the parks — we’ve been proven wrong. Despite the uncertainty, we can usually predict when Disney World will be a bit on the busier side by looking at data from past years along with popular holidays. Animal Kingdom There are quite a few dates coming up that you may want to AVOID Animal Kingdom on — most of which happen to be holidays or holiday weekends. Fall and winter breaks are coming up, along with Labor Day, Veterans Day, and of course Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. In addition to holidays, the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place from November 2nd through 5th — and one of the races actually goes through Animal Kingdom on November 5th. Take a look at the list below so you know when to expect some potentially longer waits and crowds! Expedition Everest Sept. 2 — Labor Day Weekend Sept. 3 — Labor Day Weekend Sept. 4 — Labor Day Oct. 7 — Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day Weekend (Fall break time for many school districts) Oct. 8 — Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day Weekend (Fall break time for many school districts) Oct. 9 — Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day (Fall break time for many school districts) Nov. 5 — Wine and Dine Half-Marathon and Post-race party Nov. 10 — Veterans Day is on a Saturday, which means many people will have Friday off work Nov. 11 — Veterans Day Nov. 12 — Veterans Day Weekend Nov. 22 – Thanksgiving Weekend Nov. 23 — Thanksgiving Dec. 23 — Jan. 1 — Christmas/New Year’s Pandora Keep in mind, though, that there are still ways to have a great Disney World trip even if the parks are busy. Consider buying Genie+ to skip some of the longer lines or purchasing Individual Lightning Lanes. Mobile Order and Checkout will be your friends for dining and shopping, too! No matter when you’re visiting Animal Kingdom, you can still have a great time — even if it’s a bit crowded. Luckily, we’ll be keeping you updated with the latest crowd info and wait times you need to know about. So, as always, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! DinoLand Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. These Are the BEST Snacks in Animal Kingdom for 2023 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 heading to Animal Kingdom soon? Tell us in the comments! The post 13 Upcoming Dates To AVOID Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning a trip to Disney World soon? Orlando International Airport If you haven’t already made travel arrangements, listen up. Getting to the area is about to get a bit easier. There’s a new nonstop route coming to the Orlando International Airport, and it can save you some major cash! According to the Orlando Business Journal, Frontier Airlines will soon be offering nonstop flights between Orlando and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. ©Frontier Airlines This new route will begin service on November 16th, 2023, and travelers can currently book these flights through mid-February. The best part? Rates start at just $49! Orlando International Airport If you are headed to the Orlando International Airport soon, keep in mind that it has seen some record-breaking crowds lately. Give yourself plenty of time to make it through security and find your gate! Orlando International Airport Check-in We’ll continue to bring you all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. NEWS: Southwest Airlines Is CHANGING Its Boarding Process 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 The post An Ultra-Low Fare Airline Just Added NEW Nonstop Flights to Orlando Airport first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hurricane Idalia is headed toward Florida and it could impact your travel plans. Rain in Disney World Thus far, we’ve shared updated weather notices about the storm and its projected path, the Orange County Mayor has warned of the weather impact in the area due to the hurricane, and Disney has made specific requests for those staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground when it comes to storm precautions. But now we’ve got another update. Though Disney World is currently “operating under normal conditions,” certain parts of the Resort will be CLOSING on August 30th due to inclement weather. Specifically, Disney has announced that due to “inclement weather” Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be CLOSED on August 30th. Typhoon Lagoon Additionally, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also be closed on August 30th. Winter Summerland miniature golf Thus far, Disney has NOT announced the closure of any of its theme parks due to the weather. However, they have made some requests for those staying at Fort Wilderness (as noted above) and also updated some cancelation fee policies. They’ve also delayed the grand reveal of their new cruise ship due to the storm. Disney is continuing to monitor the path of the storm so things are subject to change. Keep in mind that a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Orange and Osceola Counties (the two counties within which Disney is located). Key messages from the latest Hurricane Idalia forecast. We are continuing to monitor Idalia and will be on the lookout for the latest updates to share with you. You can see some of our posts below to get more information about the storm and how to prepare. STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Hurricane Idalia A Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Cancelation Policies and Refunds in Disney World How to Handle the Worst-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season at Disney World The BEST Hurricane-Ready Hotels in Disney World 6 Items You Need For a Hurricane in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Stay tuned for more updates. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you heading to Disney World this week? Tell us in the comments. The post CLOSURE Announced for 3 Disney World Experiences Ahead of Hurricane Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hurricane Idalia is approaching Florida, and the Orlando theme parks are making preparations in advance of the storm’s landfall. Tropical storm winds forecast Universal Orlando Resort has announced an operations CHANGE in order to ensure guest safety as the hurricane approaches. According to the Universal Orlando website, the theme parks in Orlando — including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay — will be open as normal starting at 9AM on Wednesday, August 30th. However, the parks will NOT offer Early Park Admission for qualifying guests. This includes some hotel guests, Annual Passholders, and other select travel trade clients. Universal Orlando Universal’s site notes that, “in the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed.” Universal Studios Florida Note that this policy may not apply if you booked your trip through third-party suppliers. In that case, you would need to ask about the policy for the specific travel agency. If you want more information, you can contact the Universal Orlando guest services by calling 800-711-0080. Universal Orlando Currently, Disney World is planning to be open under normal conditions. The statement on Disney’s website reads, “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.” Note that Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on August 30th. Surf’s Up Typhoon Lagoon! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Click here for the latest news and updates about Hurricane Idalia. STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Hurricane Idalia A Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Cancelation Policies and Refunds in Disney World How to Handle the Worst-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season at Disney World The BEST Hurricane-Ready Hotels in Disney World 6 Items You Need For a Hurricane in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe The post NEWS: Universal Orlando Will NOT Offer Early Entry Due to Hurricane Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is always adding new things to their parks, which is why we all keep going back. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris This includes Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and the international parks. One international park is getting a few new things in the next several months. Let’s take a look at the line-up of all the new things happening! Disneyland Paris has quite the line-up of events, attractions, and hotels opening or re-opening! We’ll give you the insight on each of these things here! ©Disney The first thing coming to Disneyland Paris is the Halloween Festival. This is returning from previous years and is happening this year from October 1st to November 5th. This year you’ll get to experience the fun with three different teams who will be competing to make your Halloween “Spook-tacular.” The teams this year are “The Mischief Makers,” “The Disney Villains,” and “The Mysterious Hosts.” Be ready to meet some scary characters! Halloween Festival Disneyland Paris ©Disney Next in the line-up is the Disney 100 One-Day Celebration. This is just ONE day! There is going to be exciting entertainment to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Disney Company. Disney has stated that “October 16th, 2023 is going to be a day to remember!” So be sure you’re in Disneyland Paris for this one special day! ©Disney Of course, at the end of this year, there will be a marvelous Christmas celebration, Disney-style. From November 22nd, 2023, to January 7th, 2024, you can delight in all the Holiday festivities. You can see the beautiful 24-meter (79-foot) tall Christmas tree with its twinkling lights, enjoy seasonal specialty foods, be in awe over Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade, and so much more. It’s a celebration you don’t want to miss! And don’t forget about the Disney VoluntEARS who will be spreading Christmas joy to many hospitals across France to hospitalized children again this year. ©Disney Also coming to Disneyland Paris this December is the Grand Opening of Rosalie in Disney Village! Rosalie is an all-new French brasserie. This restaurant is said to bring a “refined atmosphere” and amazing views of Lake Disney. ©Disney Starting on January 8th, 2024, there will be a line-up of COLORFUL events as the Disney Symphony of Colors: A Burst of Highly Colorful New Experiences begins in the park. Disney wants to add some color and beauty to the cloudy winter days by bringing new amazing experiences such as new shows and dance parties. Two new shows are set to arrive between January and February bringing many experiences, characters, and colors together to get you out of those winter blues! You’ll see characters like Mickey, Minnie, Timon, Joy, and Mirabel together to celebrate! Disney Symphony of Colors ©Disney We will also finally see the Grand Reopening of the Disneyland Hotel! We don’t have an official date yet, but it’s set to re-open sometime in the first quarter of 2024. The Disneyland Hotel has been reimagined to give you a truly royal experience. You’ll feel like a king and queen as soon as you step in the door! ©Disney Last, but certainly not least, an Alice in Wonderland experience is joining the parks! A Musical Extravaganza Inspired by the Whimsical World of Alice in Wonderland will be debuting in the spring of 2024. If you can imagine the world of Alice in Wonderland in real life, you know this show won’t disappoint in theatrics and visuals. This will be a “modern and flamboyant twist” on the original Alice in Wonderland and we can’t wait to see it! ©Disney So there you have it, everything scheduled to make its way to Disneyland Paris in the upcoming months! It looks like an amazing and eye-pleasing line-up. For more updates on what’s to come, stay tuned to DFB! What else is new in the Disney Parks? 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 Will you go to Disneyland Paris to check out some of these new events? Let us know in the comments! The post Now I NEED To Go to Disneyland Paris -- Here's WHY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So, if you love all things Disney, we’re already friends. Magic Kingdom We might be just a little biased, but Disney people really are the best! People who are always down for some nostalgia, pure joy, throwing their hands up on a roller coaster, and of course — a delicious snack to act as the cherry on top of our already great day. If this sounds like you, then we have the perfect merch for you! The following items can all be found online at the DFB Store. Alright, Disney people! Let’s go shopping. Disney People Are My Kinda People Tee T-Shirt If you’re searching for a new cozy park tee, this could be the one for you! It’s a soft and cozy shirt with a classic fit. View on the DFB Store Disney People Are My Kinda People — Park Specific Park-specific shirts are available, too! If your heart lies with one park in particular, you can grab park-specific versions of the first tee! View on the DFB Store Disney People Are My Kinda People Mug Mug If you’re hoping to add just a little bit of extra magic to your mornings, this mug could be the one for you! Just look how colorful it is! You can get it in 11 or 15 ounces! View on the DFB Store Disney People Are My Kinda People Tank Tank and V-Neck If you’d rather wear a tank, we’ve got you covered there, too! You can get the same design as above in a tank top option. View on the DFB Store And there you have it! If you’d like to shop the whole collection, including youth sizes, just click the link below! Shop the whole collection! View on the DFB Store We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news, reviews, and even fun merchandise like this. Make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more fun merchandise you can grab online? Click here!The post If You Love Disney, You’ll LOVE These Shirts. It’s Science. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hurricane Idalia is nearing Florida, and residents are preparing now in advance of the storm’s landfall. Storm in Hollywood Studios The storm is expected to hit eastern Florida on Wednesday morning (August 30th), and it will pass through the state later that day. The Orange County mayor, Mayor Demings, held a press conference today (August 29th) to give an update on the county’s preparations and expectations for Hurricane Idalia. Orange and Osceola counties (the counties where Disney World is located) have both been added to Gov. DeSantis’s order declaring a state of emergency as Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel. During the recent press conference, Mayor Demings stated that the theme parks in the area (such as Disney World and Universal Orlando) are likely going to remain open “for the majority of the time.” Ponchos Everywhere He said that they’ll have to make the call based on circumstances, which can change rapidly during a storm like this, but the parks are expecting to remain open as of now. Mayor Demings said he suspects there may be periods of time when the theme parks close, but the county is expecting to hear more from the theme parks about their plans later today. Magic Kingdom Entrance Note that there are four shelters open in Orange County — all of them are pet friendly, and two can accommodate special needs. Mayor Demings urged residents to stay inside: “Better safe than sorry.” Orange County is expected to get “sustained winds of 40 miles per hour with gusts of 55 miles per hour.” The county could get about five inches of rain, but the wind is expected to be the most problematic element of the storm, at least in the Orlando area. Tropical storm winds forecast We’ll be watching for more news, and we’ll be sure to let you know ASAP if Disney announces any closures for its theme parks in Orlando. Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates. Click here for the latest news and updates about Hurricane Idalia. STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Hurricane Idalia A Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Cancelation Policies and Refunds in Disney World How to Handle the Worst-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season at Disney World The BEST Hurricane-Ready Hotels in Disney World 6 Items You Need For a Hurricane in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Have you ever been in Disney World during a hurricane? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Orange County Mayor Comments on Potential Closures for Orlando Theme Parks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s officially hurricane season in Florida and the state is experiencing its first major storm of the season. Rainy Day in Magic Kingdom We’ve been watching Hurricane Idalia as it approaches Florida and continues to grow stronger and stronger. Disney World has released statements and warnings for certain hotel guests and is offering a 50% hotel discount for evacuees and first responders. Orange County, where Disney World is located, is currently under Tropical Storm warning and now we’ve got an update on what the weather could look like as Idalia approaches Florida. Orange County Major Jerry Demings held a news conference on August 29th, 2023 to discuss Hurricane Idalia. He mentioned that earlier in the day Florida Governor Ron DeSantis included Orange County in the state of emergency. Demings also noted that he signed a local state of emergency prior to this conference. Rain in Disney World If you are visiting Disney World this week, Orange County is expected to get some bad weather from the storm. Demings noted that “we will likely experience tropical storm force winds for 12 hours or so.” This is expected to begin at midnight of August 29th and through noon of August 30th. Damage is expected from these winds — likely one of the reasons Disney asked guests of Fort Wilderness to “remove and stow all outside items, including tents and decor by 6PM on August 29th. Fort Wilderness Additionally, Orange County is expected to get 5 inches of rain, however, the wind is noted as the most problematic part of the storm. The National Weather Service says to expect sustained winds of 40mph with gusts of 55mph. Things can change with the forecast so keep checking for weather updates as the storm gets closer and closer. Projections for Hurricane Idalia For now, Orlando International Airport plans to remain open, however, your flight may be delayed or canceled. If you are heading into or out of the airport, keep a close eye on the status of your flight. Plane Demings also commented on theme parks saying “our theme parks are likely going to remain open for the majority of the time.” Demings continued, “They’re going to have to make a call based on the circumstances at the time” and suspects there could be periods of time when the parks close. Disney has not indicated that the theme parks will close, but they may adjust as the storm gets closer. Magic Kingdom Entrance Demings mentioned that if you need non-emergency assistance, please call 311 instead of 911. Four shelters have opened in Orange County that are all pet friendly and two of those can accommodate those with special needs. We’ll continue to keep you updated on the storm as it makes its way to Disney World. The Latest NEWS and Updates on Hurricane Idalia Heading Toward Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Florida Orange County Mayor Warns of Weather Impact Due to Hurricane Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is changing SEVERAL hotels currently, and it’s hard to keep up with everything going on! Disneyland Hotel construction At Disney World, there are updates coming to the BoardWalk Inn, as well as a brand-new building at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. But for today’s news, we’re heading out to the west coast! Disneyland Hotel is adding some Disney Vacation Club Villas to the property, and along with that change, we’ll be getting a very special addition. On September 28th, the 12-story tower that’s home to the Villas at Disneyland Hotel will open its doors. And when you step inside, you’ll be able to check out a stunning new piece of artwork. The Villas at Disneyland Resort construction Lorelay Bové was an executive production designer on Encanto, and now has created a new mural for the upcoming hotel. This mural represents several different Disney animated films, including classics like Fantasia, fan-favorites like Frozen, and even new works like the upcoming movie Wish. In addition to the characters and nods to those films, you can find quite a few hidden Mickeys throughout the work. ©Disney We can’t wait to check out this mural in person when the Villas officially open to the public. Bookings are already available for those new rooms, so go check out the availability if you’re interested in staying! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news and updates from Disneyland Resort as well as Walt Disney World. We’ll keep you in the loop! Click Here for a Sneak Peek at the Villa Hotel Rooms! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Which movie represented in this mural is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post A NEW Addition Is Coming to the Villas at Disneyland Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you been dreaming of sailing the seas with Disney Cruise Line? Disney Wish Are you considering a voyage aboard a Disney ship? The enchantment of the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is made possible by a fleet of five world-class ships: the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, and the newest ship: the Disney Wish. (The Disney Treasure will join the fleet soon!) Right now, you can save BIG on select Disney cruises for 2023 and early 2024. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Disney Cruise Line offers some seriously cheap rates from time to time, but these rates come with a bit of a catch. These low rates are for restricted dates, meaning that you can only grab those rates for the extremely limited dates listed. Our friends over at Small World Vacations shared with us a few dates during which you can score some money off your stateroom, and now we’re here to share those with you! Check it out! First up, you can save up to 25% on a 4-night Halloween on the High Seas cruise. You’ll leave New York heading to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream. You’ll set sail on October 31st and can join Mickey and Minnie for a spooky vacation. ©Disney Next, you can save 20% on a 7-night cruise on the Disney Fantasy. You’ll leave Port Canaveral on November 4th to spend 7 nights in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for dates in 2024, there are several sailing with this discount in early 2024. You’ll also be able to enjoy a Pixar Day at Sea with these sailings in 2024. ©Disney You can also save 25% off if you leave out of Galveston on the Disney Magic on January 12th. You’ll spend 5 nights in the Western Caribbean on this cruise. If you want to sail out of Fort Lauderdale, you can save 20% on 5-night sailings in January and February 2024. These cruises will head to the western Caribbean on the Disney Dream with a Marvel Day at Sea. Disney Magic Stateroom Our friends at Small World Vacations can help make your cruising dreams come true. Their services are completely FREE to use, so why not sit back, relax, and let them do all the planning? They will be able to help you book these last-minute Disney deals and can have you cruising in no time. Small World Vacations For more Disney deals and tips, be sure you’re following us at DFB. 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 http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Have you been on a Disney cruise before? Let us know in the comments. The post Pack Your Bags! You Could SAVE 25% on Select Disney Cruises first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It seems that all sorts of changes are taking place on the West Coast! Disneyland Resort Over at Disneyland, we’re SO CLOSE to welcoming the addition of Tiana’s Palace Restaurant, which opens to the public on September 6th. Plus, the Mint Julep Bar will return once Tiana’s Palace opens! As if there wasn’t already enough excitement taking place over at New Orleans Square, Disney just shared some exciting news. Disney shared that NEW UPDATES would soon take place near New Orleans Square! Not only will the grounds of Haunted Mansion be expanded to house an all-new merchandise shop and garden themed to Madame Leota, but the plaza area next to Tiana’s Palace will also be enhanced as well. Tiana’s Palace “This area is one that holds a lot of memories and history,” Disney said. “A new, elegant, park-like setting will be a place to relax and enjoy the ambiance and live entertainment under the shade of new and historic trees.” ©Disney Wow! Based on the artist’s concept, we can already tell that the area will make for a beautiful new addition. Construction on both the Haunted Mansion expansion and the plaza enhancements next to Tiana’s Palace will begin in January 2024 — which is pretty soon! Tiana’s Palace We’ll continue to keep you updated with more news regarding the updates so that you’re always in the loop. As soon as construction starts, we’ll be there to check that out, too! Make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing. Looking for more information on even MORE Disneyland additions? Click 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 What do you think of Disney’s announcement regarding the expansion and updates? Let us know in the comments! The post UPDATE Planned for Plaza Near Tiana's Palace Restaurant in Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article