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If you’re at Disney World or visiting Disney World within the next few days, you’ll want to pay close attention. If you’re at Disney World right now, stay weather-aware! As Hurricane Idalia moves closer to the Southeastern coast of Florida, Orlando and its surrounding counties have been instructed to stay weather-aware as Tropical Storm Warnings remain in place. While Disney World has not yet announced park closures, they have released statements on their website ahead of the storm. As of 9AM on August 29th, the Disney World website states, “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.” ©Disney As for the information provided at Disney World’s hotels, the only statement currently on the website states that guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground remove and stow all outside items by 6PM on Tuesday, August 29th. Fort Wilderness guests are also instructed to call (407) 939-2744 to discuss early departure or alternate vacation options. ©Disney As for other resort-only cancellation, Disney states that change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates from August 28th through September 4th, 2023. The website also states, “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.” Animal Kingdom We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney and weather updates as we learn more. Stay safe, and stay aware! Click here to view a full list of Disney World’s cancellation policies 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 Are you at Disney World right now? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Disney World Updates Cancelation Fees Ahead of Hurricane Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you need to keep a close eye on the weather reports. Don’t underestimate hurricane season! A storm named Idalia is headed toward Florida and we’ve been sharing regular updates about Disney’s statements on the matter, what you should do if you’re planning a visit, and more. But now we’ve got an important update. What once was Tropical Storm Idalia has officially become HURRICANE Idalia as of the latest updates on August 29th. According to the 4AM CT updates from the National Hurricane Center, there is a continued danger of “life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast.” Strong winds are also expected to spread inland across parts of northern Florida. ©NOAA Here’s a look at the earliest expected arrival time of tropical storm-force winds. It looks like it’ll mainly hit parts of Florida by the afternoon/evening on Tuesday into Wednesday morning. ©NOAA And here’s a look at the forecast cone for the center of the storm. It does look like it’s mainly expected to hit more northern parts of Florida. ©NOAA According to the Orlando Sentinel, Hurricane Idalia is predicted to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before it hits Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Sentinel reports that NHC senior hurricane specialist Eric Blake has said “Rapid intensification is likely through landfall, and Idalia is forecast to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday.” Hurricane season brings LOTS of rain How will this all impact Central Florida? Well, Central Florida isn’t expected to bear the brunt of the storm, but it can still be affected. According to the WESH 2 News weather alerts, a tropical storm WARNING has been issued for the 2 counties within which Disney World is located — Orange County and Osceola County. Previously, this was a tropical storm watch but it has been increased to a warning. A tropical storm watch indicates that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours, but a tropical storm warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. Don’t forget your rain gear! The tropical storm warning notes that Hurricane Idalia is expected to “cross the Florida Gulf coast on Wednesday as a major hurricane” and that preparations should be done this morning ahead of local tropical storm conditions that are expected by tonight into Wednesday. They note that “Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should reach central Florida later today, with conditions deteriorating further tonight and Wednesday.” They continue, “Based on the current forecast track, Idalia will make its closest pass to east-central Florida late tonight and early Wednesday morning.” Stormy winds from 2022 There is a threat of tornadoes that is forecasted to develop this afternoon as well. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The National Weather Service in Melbourne said parts of east Central Florida will see 2-3 inches of rain with some pockets hitting 4-5 inches, but also warning tornadoes could begin to form inland starting this afternoon with the threat continuing into Wednesday.” So strong winds and heavy rain are two things you should be be prepared for. More people in Animal Kingdom For more updates on Hurricane Idalia and tips on how to handle the situation, check out our posts below. 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 the latest news.  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Idalia Officially Strengthens to a Hurricane As It Approaches Florida first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning some travel soon? There’s a lot to prepare for! Southwest Airlines New nonstop flights have been announced for Orlando International Airport which can be very helpful if you’re flying to Disney World. But you’ll also want to be aware of the latest changes in air travel, like how Southwest’s boarding process is changing. If you’re planning a trip soon and don’t want to go alone, we’ve got some good news about a Southwest deal that you’ll want to take advantage of! Southwest has announced a limited-time offer where if you register for the deal and buy 2 one-way flights or 1 roundtrip ticket by August 30th, you’ll be able to bring a friend to fly with you for FREE during a future trip. ©Southwest Now, there are some important terms to keep in mind. First, you do need to register for the promotion and purchase 1 round-trip or two 1-way flights by 8/30 — that’s just 2 days away! (You need to book by 11:59 p.m. CDT on August 30th, 2023 so act fast.) Second, you must travel with Southwest before September 30th. THEN you’ll be able to have a companion fly with you for FREE (not including taxes and fees) between January 8th and March 8th, 2024. ©Southwest This could be a great deal for those who have been looking to book a getaway with a partner, best friend, or anyone else! While it does require a bit of planning on the front end, it’ll save you big when you actually travel, and that’s a win in our book. Learn more about this promotion here! If you want to do some Disney planning before your flight (or even on the plane!), check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. We’ve compiled all of our BEST tips and tricks from years of Disney World travel into one eBook that you can download to your tablet or smartphone and take with you! We’re offering our readers 25% off with code WDW2023. Grab the DFB Guide! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest travel news that can help you plan your Disney vacation! Here are 7 tips to help make getting your passport WAY less painful! 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 Who will you take as your free companion? Tell us in the comments! The post HURRY! This Southwest Airlines Deal Ends in 2 DAYS first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been seeing recent news of CHANGES for Disney+ and it doesn’t seem to be ending. ©Disney Some content has disappeared from the service. Plus, The Spiderwick Chronicles show won’t be moving forward and Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. has been canceled after 2 seasons. Now there is another show that won’t be making it to the streaming service. According to Deadline, Nautilus was supposed to be a 10-part UK live-action adventure series for Disney+ and it was commissioned 2 years ago. It was supposed to be based on the novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne and would have focused on the origin story of the famed Captain Nemo, but sadly, we will not be seeing this new series on Disney+. ©Disney 2022 obtained via Deadline Deadline reports that the show will NO longer be heading to Disney+. Like the Spiderwick Chronicles, Nautilus has already been filmed. Because of this, Disney reportedly is working to find a new place for the series. ©Disney Earlier in the year, Disney announced that they would be cutting spending by $5.5 BILLION. As part of that strategy, Disney has been taking a close look at its programming on its streaming platforms. We’ve seen since several shows leave Disney+ and Iger even mentioned pulling back on the development of certain series for the platform — like Marvel and Star Wars shows and movies. It seems Disney is working diligently to see its cost-cutting plan through, so more adjustments could hit the service in the future. Disney+ Day in Disney World Check back to DFB for more updates as they happen. Click here to read about more Disney announcements! 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 upset by all the shows leaving or no longer going to Disney+? Let us know in the comments! The post Another Show Just Got CANCELED on Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s one big thing you need to prepare for when visiting Disney World during the summer and early fall — hurricane season. Storms can hit Disney World often throughout late summer and early fall Already, Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for the counties within which Disney World is located, and Tropical Storm Idalia is projected to strengthen to become a hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. Many Disney World visitors might be wondering what this means for the parks. Well, Disney has officially shared a statement. As of 3PM on August 28th, Disney had the following listed on the Disney World weather updates website regarding Tropical Storm Idalia, “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.” ©Disney So, while no closure announcements have been made of any kind, we know that Disney is keeping a close watch on the storm. Rainy Day in DAK This statement does NOT indicate that the parks will or will not close in the days ahead as the storm gets closer. As it notes, for now, the parks are operating under normal conditions. We will continue to watch for updates to see what Disney states as the path of the storm becomes clearer. If you’re concerned about your vacation, you can take a look at Disney World’s cancelation policies here. Storm We’ll continue to keep you updated regarding the weather at Disney World, so make sure to follow along for more. Stay safe, and be prepared! What if a hurricane takes place during my vacation? Click here for helpful information.  STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Tropical Storm 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 Are you currently at Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Disney issues Statement Ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you love Disney and all things spooky, we’ve got good news and bad news. This is Halloween The good news? Disney just dropped a new collection full of adorable items you’ll probably LOVE. The bad news? Disney just dropped a new collection of items you probably won’t be able to resist. In other words, your wallet might get a little angry at you after you hit “checkout” — but it might be worth it. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite pieces and see what the damage will end up being! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Before we hop into the collection, we do want to quickly note that shopDisney is offering FREE SHIPPING today — August 28th! Be sure to use the code “FREESHIP” to get your items without any shipping fees. ©Disney Alright, now let’s tackle those new items! These are all from Cakeworthy, so if you’re a fan of that brand you’re REALLY in luck. Check Out the EPIC Haunted Mansion Cardigan ©Disney First up, we have this AMAZING Haunted Mansion cardigan! The cardigan is covered in a print inspired by the Haunted Mansion wallpaper. You’ll fit right in with all the ghosts at the mansion — there is room for 1,000 after all! And you’ll stay warm and stylish all fall. It’s a win-win. Get this cardigan on shopDisney! Make the Mickey Vampire Sweater YOURS ©Disney If it’s more cozy comfort you’re after, then pick up the Mickey Vampire Sweater! This is a fleece pullover sweatshirt that features the one and only Mickey dressed as a vampire. Use it on Halloween night to create a vampire costume of your own, wear it to your Halloween party, or just cozy up in it while watching spooky movies — this sweater has tons of potential. Shop this sweater online! This Is the Halloween Cardigan You NEED ©Disney Next up, there’s a cardigan that could become VERY popular. This Mickey Mouse Halloween Cardigan is covered in Mickey jack-o’-lanterns with different expressions from our favorite mouse. It’s simple, festive, and incredibly fun. Shop the Mickey cardigan online The Haunted Mansion Flannel Shirt Is Calling Your Name ©Disney If you love the Haunted Mansion and the cardigan above wasn’t quite enough for you, you can really nail the look with this GLOW-IN-THE-DARK Flannel Shirt. ©Disney That’s right folks, the letters on the back glow in the dark so you’ll REALLY get to showcase your love for this classic attraction! Get the flannel shirt on shopDisney Get the Nightmare Before Christmas Shirt ©Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas fans aren’t left out of the fun though. There’s a special 30th Anniversary shirt available with a very bold print featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and more. Make this shirt yours! Snatch Up the Halloween Dress ©Disney If the jack-o’-lantern design from earlier is a favorite for you, but you’d rather have it in something other than a cardigan, then pick up the Mickey Mouse Halloween Dress! It has that same fun jack-o’-lantern design and could be a great choice for your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party outfit. The Halloween dress can be all yours!” That’s a look at just some of the new items from Disney and Cakeworthy, but be sure to stop by shopDisney to shop ALL of the latest souvenirs. And stay tuned for more Disney news! Ready to grab some more amazing Disney items? Click here to see our Amazon storefront FULL of things you’ll love!The post We Have Good News and Bad News About Disney's Latest Merchandise first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning a Disney World vacation for 2024, you may have already put some thought into whether you’ll purchase the Disney Dining Plan. The thing is… you’ve actually got TWO decisions to make regarding this topic. Chef Mickey is ready to welcome you! You see, there are not one, but TWO versions of the Disney Dining Plan, each with their own specific price points and inclusions. Here, we’re delving first into whether you should or should not purchase a Disney Dining Plan. Then, we’ll present several factors to consider when it comes to each version of the Plan so you can decide which one is better for your traveling group. So let’s DIG IN and chat about the DISNEY DINING PLAN! What is the Disney Dining Plan? The Disney Dining Plan is an optional add-on to a Disney World Vacation package (which also includes a room at a Disney owned-and-operated hotel and theme park tickets) that allows guests to pre-pay for meals and snacks at Walt Disney World (Though Walt Disney World suspended the Disney Dining Plan program upon reopening in 2020 following the temporary closure of the Resort, the Disney Dining Plan is NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING for Disney World vacation stays starting JANUARY 9, 2024.) Plate Mickey on the Table at Garden Grill! The Disney Dining Plan is exclusive to guests staying in a Disney World Resort hotel. Disney Dining Plans are pre-purchased, so all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant that accepts the Disney Dining Plan, grab a fork, and chow down! Then to pay, you simply scan your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile pass so the appropriate number of “Credits” — the unit of currency of the Disney Dining Plan — are deducted from your allotment. The meal receipt will show how many credits you’ve used and how many are remaining in your account. (You can also check your Disney Dining Plan credits on the My Disney Experience app.) To Add the Plan or Not to Add, That is the (First) Question… You Might Enjoy Having a Disney Dining Plan IF… There are a few ways to know if a Disney Dining Plan is a good fit for you. For instance, a lot of guests appreciate the convenience of a pre-paid Plan and like the idea of an “all-inclusive” type of experience, and that may likely be a draw for you as well. You also know you’d like to partake in the vast array of dining options at Disney World. You can see the full list of participating restaurants on the 2024 Disney Dining Plan here so you can check out the huge amount of options! Zanzibari Vegetable Curry at Sanaa If you are one who loves the vacation planning process and don’t mind (and might even enjoy) making Advance Dining Reservations 60 days in advance if you plan to dine at Table Service restaurants, knowing what you have to look forward to is part of the fun! Do you and other of-age guests in your traveling crew enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or perhaps a beer with lunch? Then you should know that BOTH versions of the Disney Dining Plan include a beer, wine, or cocktail with each meal for guests over 21 — and, yes, that includes Quick Service restaurants that serve alcohol (which, BTW, is most of them, though you will only find alcohol at Table Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom). Those 10-and-older who are yet not of legal drinking age or opt not to imbibe can enjoy specialty beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, and various “mocktails.” Hawkes’ Grog Ale from Satu’li Canteen While we’re on that topic, what about your morning coffee or other other drinks like soda (or “pop,” depending on where you’re from )? Well, each guest receives a Refillable Resort Mug on the Disney Dining Plan. 100th anniversary Refillable Resort Mug These are refillable with drinks such as soda (Coke products), coffee, and iced and hot tea at self-service beverage stations at Resort hotels all over Disney World — not just the one you’re staying at — throughout your trip! If you’ve got soda fans in your crew, this benefit (which costs $21.99 out of pocket for those not on a Dining Plan) can be quite a boon! If you find that you can maximize the Disney Dining Plan and use it to its full value, then it can definitely be a great fit for your group! That said, there are other factors to bear in mind… A Disney Dining Plan Might Not Be a Fit for You IF… One of the major factors to consider is that you must be staying in a Disney World Resort hotel to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. So, if you plan to stay at a hotel outside of Disney World… well, that’s one less choice you’ll have to make, since the Dining Plan is not an option for guests staying outside of Disney World. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Additionally, guests who don’t plan to leave Disney World property to dine in other places around Orlando will obviously find more value in having a Dining Plan. Perhaps you’re staying on Disney World property, but are opting for a Disney Vacation Club Villa or Studio. In that case, you’ll have access to a kitchenette at the very least, or a full kitchen depending on the size of your villa, studio, or suite. In that instance, you may prefer making some of your own food. Full kitchen at Grand Floridian 2-Bedroom Villa Or, even though Disney World has won rewards for allergy-friendly dining (they truly are great at it), maybe you have a few guests in your party who have dietary restrictions, and you’d prefer to be more in control of the food you prepare or order to be delivered to your hotel. And maybe… juuust maybe… food isn’t your vacation priority. You’re focused on ALL THE RIDES ALL THE TIME. Space Mountain… as seen through the TRON queue in Magic Kingdom And that’s okay… just remember: you DO have to eat , since none of us can live by TRON Lightcycle / Run alone! And — even though we are the Disney FOOD Blog — we can still help you out with plenty of vacation suggestions, too, so stick with us! Finally, here is a simple truth about the Disney Dining Plan: it’s more convenience-based than savings-based. For many, as we mentioned above, the pre-paid aspect alone is enough of a bonus to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. Plus, it IS vacation, after all… a lovely reason to splurge! Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger But the truth is you CAN dine cheaper… and still dine well in Disney World! Even paying completely out of pocket, depending on where you dine and what you order, you may very well be able to dine on delicious foods in fun and lovely settings and be completely satisfied for less cost per day. Click HERE for the ins-and-outs the Disney Dining Plan! Which Disney Dining Plan is Right For You? If you’ve decided that a Dining Plan is the right move for you and your family, next you’ll decide WHICH version of the Plan best fits your dining desires, needs, and expectations. So let’s look at each version of the Disney Dining Plan individually: the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan (also referred to as the “Standard Disney Dining Plan”). Disney Quick Service Dining Plan As stated on the Disney World website, inclusions for the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan are as follows: Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night, a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay – along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay. Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails. Fish and Chips at EPCOT’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop The cost for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package. You Might Prefer the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan IF… You love the idea of that “all-inclusive” feel and the convenience of your meals and snacks being pre-paid at a lower price point than the Standard Disney Dining Plan. SNACK TIME on the Dining Plan: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake from Aloha Isle You prefer flexibility during your park days. Maybe you don’t want to look at the clock and worry about getting to an Advance Dining Reservation while also considering any Lighting Lanes you’ve reserved through Disney Genie+ or other potential conflicts, yet you you still plan to enjoy some quick meals in between attractions. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad You are happy with the variety of restaurants that accept the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan! You can find the entire list of all of the 2024 Disney Dining Plan restaurants here, and you’ll see that Quick Service restaurants are designated accordingly. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again… Dining in Disney World is MUCH MORE than burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken tenders. THIS is a Quick Service meal! New England Shrimp Boil at Columbia Harbour House And, with options like Satu’li Canteen, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, Columbia Harbour House, Capt. Cook’s (DON’T MISS THE PULLED PORK NACHOS!), and more, that’s true of Quick Service restaurants as well as Table Service! That said, you certainly can have your fill of burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken tenders at Quick Service restaurants if you wish. We’d say that if your group doesn’t have a lot of super big foodies, the Quick Service Dining Plan may provide just enough variety for you. You have kids around the age of 10. As noted above — and this is the case with Disney World theme park tickets, as well — anyone age 10 or older is considered an Adult on the Disney Dining Plan. The thing is… BBQ Brisket Melt at Woody’s Lunch Box What if your 10-year-old (Or your 11- or 12-year old) doesn’t have an adult-sized appetite just yet? A full Table Service meal may be more than what they can eat. Or perhaps your “mini me” still prefers Chicken Nuggets, mac and cheese, and other items that are typically available on Kids Menus, but are not on the regular entrée list at a Table Service restaurant. They will likely find something that appeals to them at just about any Quick Service restaurant. And when it comes to the younger kiddos (ages 3 to 9), it’s worth noting that Disney shares the following on the Disney World website: “You can save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package;” and “Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.” Find our list of Practically Perfect Quick Service restaurants HERE! Standard Disney Dining Plan As stated on the Disney World website, inclusions for the Standard Disney Dining Plan are as follows: Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night and a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay. Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails. The cost for the Standard Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $94.28 per adult, per night (ages 10 and up), and $29.69 per child, per night (ages 3 to 9). This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package. You Might Prefer the Standard Disney Dining Plan IF… You want to have some relaxation planned into your park day. If you’re go, go, going in the parks, a reserved time at a Table Service restaurant will allow for a longer time of relaxation in an air-conditioned space for your family. “We invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair…” Speaking of planning, this also means that you don’t mind planning your meals and making Advance Dining Reservations ahead of your trip. (The booking window opens at 60 days out for Disney World Table Service restaurants and other select experiences.) You’re considering one or more special dining experiences such as Character Meals (many of which only require 1 Table Service credit), a night at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, or All-You-Care-to-Enjoy meals such as ‘Ohana, Biergarten, or the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Witch Minnie at Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Several Signature Restaurants are also included on the Disney Dining Plan (albeit, these experiences and select others require two Table Service credits). You enjoy a wider variety of cuisine. As we said above, Disney World offers a terrific variety even among Quick Service restaurants. Potjie Inspired Meal at Sanaa However, you’ll have access to a much wider variety on the Standard Disney Dining Plan. THESE are the 14 Best Restaurants in Disney World for 2024 Overall Disney Dining Plans provide a lot of flexibility, and can work great for families and groups visiting Disney World. But, as we’ve hopefully demonstrated, they’re not always one-size-fits-all. If you need more information — including some number crunching — be sure to check out our DFB Guide to Maximizing the Disney Dining Plan to learn all of the tricks of the trade to see if the Disney Dining Plan is right for your family, and which one you should choose. Find our Disney Dining Plan FAQs HERE! Are you considering the Disney Dining Plan for your Disney World vacation? Please let us know with a comment!The post Which Disney Dining Plan is Right for You? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In honor of the new Disney animation-inspired mural coming to The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, we’re sharing a new digital wallpaper and an interview with the artist.View the full article

Things have been…complicated…with the Walt Disney Company lately. ©Disney Though some financial results have been positive, others have exposed serious challenges the Company is facing. Bob Iger has extended his time as CEO, major changes could be in store for big pieces of the Company, and things like the strikes in Hollywood have impacted the business in a big way. So what’s happening now? Well, things aren’t looking great for the stockholders and one analyst has shared his thoughts on how things might need to change. On August 28th, Disney stock was trading at low levels — around $83.94. According to Forbes, the stock has been “hovering” at some of its lowest levels since October 2014 (9 YEARS ago). Forbes reports that Disney is the 78th-worst performing stock over the last 10 years out of “the 468 S&P companies who have been publicly traded during the period.” ©Google Stock So what do some analysts have to say? CNBC spoke with Barton Crockett, a senior analyst at Rosenblatt recently about the situation and asked whether the stock is expected to go lower or turn around. Crockett said one thing or the other is going to happen and that Disney would either have to “find some kind of solid footing” to support the stock or the pressure is going to build to restructure and break up. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters Crockett said that he doesn’t think the management team likely wants a huge amount of restructuring and divisions in the Company, and that they likely believe they can turn the business around before it gets to that point. But, he warned that Disney has had activists in the Company before (which we saw with the Nelson Peltz situation) and he noted that activists could return if things don’t “shape up.” ©MasterClass Iger has already commented on the fact that some businesses — specifically the linear networks Disney is involved in (like ABC, National Geographic, and FX) — may not be core to Disney. When previously asked whether the businesses could potentially be sold off and separated from Disney, Iger said he’d let the interviewer speculate. Iger did say, however, that he is “very objective about their future” with the company. Iger has also discussed searching for a partner to work with Disney on ESPN-related matters, and Disney is reportedly in talks with Amazon about a new streaming service involving ESPN. ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios During the CNBC interview, Crockett was asked what Disney needs to do first in terms of changes at the company — spin-off linear networks, deal with the upcoming Hulu buy-out (which will cost Disney some big money), work on the ESPN partnership, or something else. Crockett said that in his mind, the right structure for Disney IS a breakup. Slinky Dog Dash He proposed that the theme parks be treated as one thing, while TV networks are moved off into another structure. And then Disney’s content library could also be separated from the other businesses. He noted how Disney’s content library is exceptionally valuable and could be of great use to a number of tech platforms. He also suggested that popular content and libraries will likely gravitate to these tech-focused platforms in the future, which is what makes Disney’s talks with Amazon so interesting. ©Disney The interviewer asked whether Crockett’s proposed structure would separate Disney’s theme parks from Disney’s own content and what that would look like. Crockett said that he does think that a structure that separates the parks from the content is best, but he noted that this would NOT mean you’d lose Mickey Mouse in the parks. Instead, he insisted that it would not be complicated to set up licensing deals that would last in perpetuity as part of a theoretical separation. Mickey Mouse He said the first focus, however, should be separating those TV networks that Iger has already said are not core to Disney. The second step would be looking at what happens with Disney’s content library. He acknowledged that Disney likely does NOT want to lose their content library, but cautioned that he thinks they’ll lose the right to keep that if the business doesn’t turn around and they don’t take the necessary steps. Jasmine and Genie In his view, there will be pressure for content with the quality level of Disney to be married to tech platforms. Will that mean a full separation of Disney’s parks from the content they are often based on? Potentially. When asked about whether there has been any political impact on Disney’s situation (given Disney’s battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis), Crockett noted that he wouldn’t say definitively that there’s been no political impact, though Iger has claimed that politics really hasn’t impacted things like park attendance. Disney vs. DeSantis Crockett did note that other companies aren’t in this political debate, but Disney has somehow ended up in it and hasn’t really been able to navigate around it. Still, he noted that this is the world we’re in so they have to work around it. What will become of the Disney Company in the future? Will it fully spin off its linear networks? Will it separate its content from the parks? We’ll certainly be watching for updates and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for all the latest. Click here to see what Iger said when asked about selling Disney to Apple Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Analyst Issues Big Warning About the Future of Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Say “bonjour” to Adelene Biassou, a Disney’s Riviera Resort cast member dedicated to elevating the timeless enchantment that Walt fell in love with all those years ago. Once told by a Disney recruiter that her smile and heart were destined for the hospitality industry, Adelene found her happily ever after within Disney’s Resort Concierge department. […]View the full article

If you have a trip to Disney World planned this week, you may have noticed that a tropical storm has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to hit Florida in the coming days. Storm in Hollywood Studios While it’s important to be prepared in situations like this, don’t panic! Disney World has many systems in place to make sure guests stay safe during all kinds of severe weather. However, there are still things that you can do to make sure you are prepared for whatever situation you might encounter — let’s talk about it. As of Monday, August 28th, Idalia is a tropical storm that is projected to turn into a hurricane as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. The 10AM CT advisory noted that there is a danger of “life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast.” ©NOAA The storm’s current path shows it hitting Florida around Tuesday afternoon/Wednesday, after which it across parts of the state. ©NOAA Tropical Storm Watches are currently in effect for Disney World counties. You can click here to see the latest updates. STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Tropical Storm 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 While it is early and predictions can still change, here’s how to prepare for the potential of a storm impacting Disney World and your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Pack Smart Whether you prefer a rain jacket, umbrella, or poncho — make sure you have something to stay dry! Ponchos in the park are pricey, not to mention the fact that you don’t want to have to find a store if you get caught in a sudden downpour. Rain gear at EPCOT You probably will also want to bring some Ziploc bags — this is a great way to make sure your things stay dry if you’re caught off guard. You can keep things like important documents, your wallet, and electronics safe this way if you get caught in heavy rain. Ziploc Speaking of heavy rain, you’ll want to bring some water-friendly shoes and/or a backup pair of socks and shoes — nobody wants to walk around the parks with wet socks all day! You can store them in a backpack or one of the park’s lockers, and you’ll be thankful to have them if it rains. Click here to see 6 items you need for a hurricane in Disney World Stock Your Hotel Room Disney World has shut down the parks in the past due to severe weather. While that is rare, there’s always the possibility that could happen. Some restaurants and stores in Disney hotels typically will remain open for guests during this time, but it’s still a good idea to have some essentials stocked in the event that the parks do close and you have to ride out the storm in your hotel room. Art of Animation You might want to stock up on some groceries before the weather turns so you don’t want to have to rely on Disney food while you’re stuck in the hotel. Grab your favorite snacks and drinks to have on hand for the storm — and don’t forget you can have them delivered! Groceries You can use Instacart or another grocery delivery service to make this painless, assuming you do this before any closures and service stops take place. Click here to learn more about grocery delivery in Disney World Prepare for Closures As mentioned, Disney World has closed in the past due to severe weather, so make sure you are prepared for this possibility. On top of having desired food and drinks ready in your hotel room, you might want to mentally prepare for the fact that your trip could look different than you anticipated. This might mean having ways to stay entertained if you are stuck in your room, like books and card games. You might be stuck hanging out in your room! Even if entire parks don’t close for the storm, some attractions may have to close temporarily due to inclement weather in the area. That’s something you can discuss with your group so everyone is aware of this possibility. Hollywood Studios If you have your heart set on a specific attraction that relies on clear skies, you might want to prioritize those so that you’re not stuck missing out if they are shut down for the better half of the day. Watch the News Storm predictions can change frequently — so keep your eye on the news! The storm can decrease in severity or strengthen as it gets closer, so you’ll want to monitor the situation to stay ready. It’s probably going to rain Depending on the severity of the storm, you might want to consider avoiding the parks or rescheduling your trip altogether. Click here to see our post that’ll be continually updated with storm news Prepare for Flight Delays and Cancelations Another aspect of your trip to be mindful of is air travel. While conditions can be perfectly fine where you’re taking off from, severe weather in Florida can have serious impacts on your flight. Southwest You might have long delays or even cancelations to deal with depending on when your flight is scheduled. Be mindful of your air carrier’s cancelation policies during this time, and keep in mind that your preferred transportation carrier and more will have cancelation policies of their own for you to consider. You may want to look into travel insurance and whether that cost would be worth it for you in this instance. Orlando International Airport Terminal C Occasionally, the entire Orlando International Airport will close for severe weather, so keep an eye on this as well! When to Cancel Lastly, be aware of Disney World’s cancellation policy. Here’s what Disney says: If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates. If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences. Disney World rain Currently, there is only a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for the Disney World area. But, this could change at any time, so keep an eye on the forecast to know if canceling is something your family should consider. Click here for a Step-by-Step Guide to Hurricane Cancelation Policies and Refunds in Disney World We’ll be on the lookout for any updates so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest.  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever been to Disney World during a tropical storm or hurricane? Let us know in the comments below! The post What to Do If You’re Going To Disney World Ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Loungefly bags have become a staple Disney souvenir. Well, time to buy more Loungeflys. They’re great because you can get them online or inside the parks, and there are tons of exclusive designs. Recently, we spotted a new Star Wars Loungefly in Disneyland and this is one you HAVE to see. If you’re a Star Wars fan and you also love McDonald’s Happy Meals, we have a feeling you’ll really enjoy this new Loungefly bag we found in Disneyland. It’s a Bantha Burgers Loungefly design that’s TOTALLY giving us McDonald’s Happy Meal Vibes! Bantha Burgers Bag This new bag is not the typical mini backpack we usually see, but instead is more of a purse with handles and a strap. Bag On one side, you’ll find a bantha face with its very own set of bantha horns! What Do You Think? This Loungefly is sure to make a statement and is a NEED if you love big, furry banthas! It even features a Tatooine Farms bantha milk carton. Coin Purse! We found the Bantha Burger bag at The Star Trader in Disneyland Park for $95, so you can check it out there during your next trip! Check out other Star Wars merchandise you’ll want to treat yourself to here! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any other new souvenirs inside and out of the parks. 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! New DFB Merch! Stay tuned for more 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 Would you use this bag? Let us know in the comments! The post The New Disney Loungefly Bag That’ll Have EVERYONE Looking at YOU first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Currently, Disney World is riddled with construction projects. Animal Kingdom With a large transformation wrapping up at EPCOT, a new building being constructed at the Polynesian Village Resort, and plenty of other small side projects, there’s a lot to keep track of. One spot that has been under construction for a little while is Island Mercantile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom — but now, the construction is complete! When we stopped by Island Mercantile on a recent visit, we discovered that the curtains blocking part of the store had been taken down and that the full space was once again open. The construction is complete! A new checkout counter has been built in the space, along with a queue for when the line gets long. Everything has been constructed in the same colors and style of the rest of the store. The new checkout counter The checkout counter that used to be in the front of Island Mercantile has been removed as well. That space is now open. The counter that was here is now gone. Along the walls, there are merchandise displays as usual. This is one of the largest stores in Animal Kingdom (along with Discovery Trading Co. directly across from this on Discovery Island), so there’s a large selection of merchandise. Plenty of merchandise! With this section of the store back open again, shopping should be a little bit easier and less cramped in this store. We’ll keep you updated if they make any more changes! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news from the Disney World parks — we’ve got you covered with the latest! The Best Disney World Souvenirs for Every Budget — 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’s your favorite place to shop in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments! The post Changes Impact a Major Disney World Store first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This fall, the culinary teams at Disneyland Resort have whipped up some truly delicious bites you simply must try – and they’re all plant-based! View the full article

Something big has changed at the Moana attraction coming to EPCOT! Moana Attraction Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana is a walk-through attraction that’s set to open in the fall of 2023. We’ve already shared some news about Cast Member previews at this attraction and other updates that signal it’s getting closer and closer to its opening date. But now we’ve got a BIG update! Now, keep in mind that some construction walls remain up nearby… Some Are Still Up …but others are now down and have been replaced with hedges. WOW! Over the hedges, you can get a little peek at the attraction! A Bit of the Attraction The attraction is meant to be a “lush exploration trail” that allows guests to “play with magical, living water” through an immersive, self-guided walk-through experience. Disney has shared that guests will also “learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.” You can see a sign in one part of the attraction that specifically is for “The Water Cycle.” Water Cycle Here’s a look at some of the decor inside… Moana Attraction …and a look at one of the awnings covering part of the walkways. Can you see the Moana details on it?! Moana Attraction We also got an updated look at one of the main decor pieces in the attraction. Here it is in real life… A Look at the Entrance …compared to the concept art Disney had shared a long time ago. Journey of Water Concept Art © Disney We can’t wait to see what the attraction will look like once it is fully finished and we can look inside. While walking around, you’ll want to look for familiar characters and shapes that are carved into the rocks and waterways (including Moana!), a giant Te Fiti figure, and much more. We Can’t Wait We’ll be sure to share more updates with you soon so stay tuned for that! Click here for our FULL PAGE on the Moana attraction! Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation? NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT Learn All About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana Has the Mary Poppins Project at Disney World Been Canceled? What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation? SNEAK PEEK at the NEW Fireworks Show Coming to EPCOT Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest EPCOT transformation news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this new attraction? Tell us in the comments! The post BREAKING: Construction Walls Are DOWN at the New Moana Attraction in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a plethora of extras that you can add to your Disney World vacation. EPCOT From After Hours events and holiday parties to special tours behind the scenes at the theme parks, there are quite a few ways to enhance your trip. And if you’re celebrating something like a birthday, graduation, or anniversary, you can even add on a special delivery! Earlier this year, Disney World announced that they would be discontinuing Disney Floral & Gifts, and that the services would pass on to a third-party retailer. Now, we’ve got all the details about this new partnership and how it works! The new business name is Magical Floral & Gifts, in partnership with Florida Fresh Florals, LLC. If you’re staying at “any open Walt Disney World® Resort, as well as open Good Neighbor resorts and hotels located on Walt Disney World® Resort property,” you can purchase one of their available gift deliveries. ©Magical Floral & Gifts They deliver all packages and floral items to the Walt Disney World Resort Front Desks. According to their terms, “The resort team will notify guest in the room that there is a package for them. Delivery of the package is coordinated between the front desk team and the guest.” ©Magical Floral & Gifts They also specify, “You must be present for your gift to be delivered to your room or you can pick it up at your resort front desk.” ©Magical Floral & Gifts Currently, there are a variety of gift baskets, balloon bouquets, and floral arrangements to choose from. ©Magical Floral & Gifts Pricing for these offerings varies depending on what you order, but floral arrangements generally start at $60, balloons start at $45, and gift baskets start at $74.99. The gift options available will vary depending on when you order and are subject to change at any time. In terms of delivery dates/times, the website notes “Any order placed by 12 PM EST will be delivered that day. For orders placed after 12 PM EST, delivery will be made the following day. Delivery fee is only $10 per order.” ©Magical Floral & Gifts If you need to cancel an order, note that most orders can be canceled with 48 hours notice, but “orders that include personalized items may not be canceled.” If you want to place an order, visit the Magical Floral and Gifts website. You can also call 888-814-8718 or email Support@magicalfloralandgifts.com for assistance. We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any more details on this new partnership, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest news and information. We’ll keep you in the loop! 11 of the Best Disney World Restaurants for Your Birthday Dinner — 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 Have you ever ordered a gift basket in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post A Disney World Hotel Service Has CHANGED -- Here’s What It’s Like Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Most Disney fans know that the only constant in the parks is change — and that has been especially true as of late. Disneyland Disney World is going through a massive transformation in the parks, hotels, and more, and Disneyland is getting quite the sprucing up as well. As part of the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary, a new show debuted at Disneyland — and if you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, you might want to hurry! Disney previously shared that “Wondrous Journeys,” the current fireworks show that takes place at Disneyland, will end on August 31st, 2023. That means this week is your last chance to catch this show for the rest of the year! Wondrous Journeys After that, the “Halloween Screams” show will begin, and then once the spooky season ends in Disneyland, we expect that some sort of holiday-themed show or spectacular will be arriving! We haven’t heard any official announcements about a holiday show just yet, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for updates on that. Wondrous Journeys It’s possible that once the holidays are over, “Wondrous Journeys” might return, but we could also see a different fireworks show make its way to the park since this one was new for the 100th Anniversary Celebration. “Wondrous Journeys” celebrates 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios with lively music, projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, and fireworks on select nights. Make sure you check this show out before it disappears for the Halloween season. So magical! We can’t wait for Halloween to kick off in Disneyland with character meet-and-greets, parades, treats, and Oogie Boogie Bash is returning too! Stay tuned to DFB as we cover it all so you know what to prepare for on your next trip! Learn More About the Halloween Season at Disneyland 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 The post ALERT! A Disney100 Fireworks Show ENDS This Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Inside Look at Once Upon A Wish Ball | #WorldPrincessWeek | Walt Disney WorldView the full article

Traveling to Disney World during hurricane season comes with a whole different set of circumstances you need to be prepared for. Disney World rain A tropical storm watch has been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties, with Tropical Storm Idalia expected to strengthen into a hurricane before it makes landfall in Florida. With the uncertainty of the storm looming, we’re bringing you the latest news and updates you need to know about Tropical Storm Idalia. It’s time to batten down the hatches — Tropical Storm Idalia is heading for Florida, and Disney World could be impacted. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties (where Disney World is located) and a state of emergency has been declared for much of Florida. Whether you’ll be in Disney World during the storm or not, we’ll be bringing you the latest updates on the storm as it progresses. Rain in Magic Kingdom Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen into a hurricane late Monday and analysts are predicting Disney World may be impacted. Per WESH news, “Showers, squalls, and thunderstorms associated with outer rain bands from Idalia may reach central Florida by late this afternoon, with conditions further deteriorating Tuesday afternoon and evening as Idalia accelerates north-northeastward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.” Rain in EPCOT Based on the current forecast, Idalia will pass to east-central Florida late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, continuing northeastward throughout the day on Wednesday. Two to four inches of rain are also expected for Orange and Osceola Counties where Disney World is located. ©NOAA Orlando International Airport has also issued a statement warning of potential delays and cancelations due to the wind speeds and rainfall expected for the area. If you have any upcoming flights planned, it may be a good idea to keep checking your flight status and the latest updates from your airline so you know how to prepare. We’ve been at Disney World during multiple hurricanes, and we’ve got lots of tips on how to prepare for hurricane season at the resort. The most important thing to remember if you’re visiting during a storm like this is to listen to the Cast Members. They’re trained in situations like this to best keep guests safe and Disney will usually have a plan in place. We’ll continue to monitor the storm as it approaches Florida, so stay tuned to DFB for more. How To Handle the WORST-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season in Disney World STORM UPDATES The Latest News on Tropical Storm 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 The Latest NEWS and Updates on Tropical Storm Idalia Heading Toward Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ready for insider tricks for Disney’s Animal Kingdom that’ll make your upcoming visit MIND-BLOWINGLY easier, cheaper, and just downright BETTER? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Then you’ve come to the right video! Check out our video below: 50 Easy Tricks That Make Disney’s Animal Kingdom So Much Better  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more Disney news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your best tips for visiting Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments. The post DFB Video: 50 Easy Tricks That Make Disney's Animal Kingdom So Much Better first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

World Princess Week was a celebration of royal proportions at our destinations around the world as we celebrated the timeless magic and beloved storytelling of Disney princesses. It was an extra special week for us here at Walt Disney World as we welcomed more than 50 incredible wish kids and their families for our largest wish-granting event ever: Once Upon A Wish Party.View the full article

When it comes to tiki drinks and fun snacks, there’s one fan-favorite place to visit at Disney World. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney World Yep, it’s Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto! This fun little tiki bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to a menu filled with fun cocktails and small bites. There’s only one problem. Seemingly EVERYONE loves this drink spot — and it’s usually crowded. Like, the kind of crowded that you have to join a long wait list to have a chance at getting in. Well, we have a tip for you if you’d like to enjoy an empty and serene Trader Sam’s. There are a few nights a year that you can find Trader Sam’s relatively empty. Those nights are all the nights before runDisney races! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Yep, most of the Disney World visitors/runners on these nights are snug as a bug in their hotel rooms. They’re resting up for that early wake-up call and long distance run that’ll take place the next morning. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto While the races begin at 5AM, runners start to arrive as early as 3:30AM. For many runners, especially those wearing costumes and makeup, this means that it’s necessary to wake up as early as 1:30-2AM in most cases! Princess Half Marathon While celebrating at Trader Sam’s might be an awesome way to celebrate the many miles run, most runners probably aren’t going to pregame a distance race with an alcoholic tiki treat. If they do, we want to know their secret. A delicious treat most of the time, but a recipe for disaster before a race. This also goes for other popular bars and lounges around Disney World. In some cases, you’ll even find the parks a bit emptier! If you’re hoping to experience an empty park during race weekends, we recommend visiting right in the morning when the runners are still resting up or cleaning themselves up after the race. What a runDisney race morning could look like. Keep in mind that getting to the parks might be difficult due to road closures, though, so a rule of thumb is to stay within walking distance to the park you’d like to visit, or a hotel that has Monorail or Skyliner access. EPCOT We’ll continue to keep you updated with tips and tricks pertaining to the Disney Parks, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more information on runDisney weekends? 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 Have you ever visited Disney World during a race weekend? Let us know in the comments! The post The Disney World Trader Sam's Secret We Have To Ruin first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As if a new Tiana restaurant, Tiana ride re-theme, and all of the other work weren’t enough, Disney is also working to retheme an area of Disney California Adventure Park and it’ll be opening SOON! San Fransokyo Bridge Update August 31st, 2023, marks the grand opening of San Fransokyo Square — the rethemed Pacific Warf area in Disney California Adventure Park, which has received a Big Hero 6 makeover. The new area will feature a Baymax meet-and-greet, a new store, and new eats (some of which are already available!). And now we’ve got an update about one restaurant coming to this area. One of the spots getting updated as part of this retheme is Pacific Wharf Cafe, which appears like it will be essentially replaced by Aunt Cass Cafe! This new spot is meant to be “the second bakery café operated by Hiro’s loving aunt,” and it “will serve dishes, soups in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls and more inspired by Japanese cuisine.” ©Disney Disney already revealed the main menu items that would come to this spot (including new eats) and we got a peek at some of them previously. But now the FULL menu with pricing has been revealed. Curry Beef in a Bread Bowl Let’s check it out! In terms of seasonal offerings, it looks like the Vampire Mickey-shaped Sourdough bread will be available here starting September 1st. ©Disney Cafe specialties will include Curry Beef ($12.49), Creamy Mac & Cheese ($12.49), a Shrimp Katsu Sandwich ($14.99), and more. ©Disney If you’re a plant-based eater, there is a Soba Noodle Salad ($13.99) available here, and various Sourdough bread creations. It looks like the Sourdough Mickey will be available here ($10.99) and the EPIC Baymax Bread will be available here starting August 31st ($11.99). ©Disney There will be kids’ meals as well, along with sides… ©Disney …some desserts (including a Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake for $6.99)… ©Disney …alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic options too (including the Baymax Sipper!). ©Disney If you have allergies, be sure to look at their allergy-friendly menus too. Japanese Style Fluffy Cheesecake San Fransokyo Square is set to open on August 31st, so we expect Aunt Cass Cafe will open with it (especially because some of the menu items for this restaurant do note that they’ll be available starting August 31st). But, of course, things are always subject to change so be sure to check and see what the situation is like when you visit! Soba Noodle Salad To see more about what you’ll find at San Fransokyo Square, click here to see our review of some of the NEW eats that have arrived. And see our full page ALL about the land here. Stay tuned for more 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 Will you be stopping by this restaurant to check it out? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL Menu and PRICES Announced for Updated Disney Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Visiting Disney World during hurricane season can mean preparing for an entirely different sort of trip and with a tropical storm on the way you need to stay updated. Rain in Magic Kingdom We’ve been keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Idalia which has already caused Florida officials to declare a State of Emergency in 33 counties. And now, Disney World is under a Tropical Storm Watch. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Orange and Osceola Counties per WESH news — the two in which Disney World is located. Animal Kingdom As of 9AM ET on August 28th, the center of Tropical Storm Idalia is around 125 miles south of the tip of western Cuba and moving north at around 7 mph. It’s expected to approach the Gulf Coast on Tuesday night and into Wednesday as a major hurricane. This essentially means that Disney World is located in an area with a high chance of tropical storm conditions occurring. That can include showers, squalls, and thunderstorms during the outer rain bands with increasing wind speeds as the storm makes landfall. Tropical storm force winds are expected to potentially reach inner portions of Central Florida on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Experts have shared that two to four inches of rain may impact Osceola and Orange Counties as well. EPCOT If you’ll be in Disney World during the storm, make sure you stay updated on the latest news from experts and keep an eye out for any additional information from Disney. In the past, we’ve seen the parks close for safety — but select hotels remain open for those who are already on property. Hollywood Studios We’ve been at Disney World during multiple hurricanes, and we’ve got lots of tips on how to prepare for hurricane season at the resort. The most important thing to remember if you’re visiting during a storm like this is to listen to the Cast Members. They’re trained in situations like this to best keep guests safe and Disney will usually have a plan in place. We’ll continue to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia as it moves toward Florida, so stay tuned to DFB for updates. How To Handle the WORST-Case Scenario During Hurricane Season in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Tropical Storm Watch Announced for Disney World Counties first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Wait times can get pretty lengthy sometimes in the Disney Parks. If you are planning your next Disney World vacation, you’re in luck! We are breaking down the DO’s and DONT’s of the Genie+ system so you can get more bang for your buck! Genie+ Walt Disney World is full of rides and attractions for all ages. We like to help everyone in your party enjoy their favorite rides without sacrificing magical moments on Main Street, U.S.A. in the process. So, let’s save the help of Genie+ for the longest lines in the parks, and we will go over which rides are better suited for the standby line. Magic Kingdom The Barnstormer Located within Storybook Circus, Goofy’s Barnstormer is definitely a ride you can catch with little to no wait for the majority of the day. Storybook Circus is a part of the Magic Kingdom that can easily be overlooked, but there is so much fun to be had there! The Barnstormer Storybook Circus is near the very back of the park, and we’ve noticed that sometimes guests can miss it. Between the character appearances, tasty treats, and rides tailored to the younger members of your party, you’re sure to have some fun! Mad Tea Party The Mad Tea Party is a classic! Although, it’s not quite as popular as some of the other Fantasyland attractions. You can usually catch this ride with a 15-20 minute wait. That’s just enough time to enjoy a Mickey-Shaped Ice Cream Bar. Mad Tea Party This attraction is fun and all, but there’s no need for the Lightning Lane with this ride. Save those Genie+ reservations for some of the more popular rides in Magic Kingdom, like Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, or Big Thunder Mountain! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Dinosaur Dinosaur typically has some pretty low wait times. This is a cult-favorite ride in DAK, but it’s not quite as popular as Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora. DINOSAUR Because of the long waits in Pandora and the more intense Expedition Everest rollercoaster in Animal Kingdom, Genie+ is not really necessary for this ride. The best time to get in the Dinosaur queue is usually around lunchtime while everyone is trying to “get some grub” with the Lion King gang! It’s Tough To Be A Bug This attraction is actually a show! A few minutes before the show begins, Cast Members will open the doors to the theater and you are welcome to find your seat. An expedited line is not needed for this attraction because everyone is let in to find their seat at the same time. It’s Tough To Be A Bug There are no bad seats in the house! Save that Genie+ reservation for a different ride, like Expedition Everest. You will get an immersive experience from wherever you are seated! Epcot Journey Into Imagination with Figment Because of the continuously moving loading dock for this ride, it is very rare that you wait a long period of time to step onto this attraction. This is a great choice for children or to just have a break from the hot Florida sun. Journey Into Imagination with Figment Journey Into Imagination with Figment opened in the ’80s, but nowadays, some may feel it seems a little dated (even after the changes in the early 2000s). Nevertheless, it is a fun and quirky ride with lots of colors– and smells! Living With The Land Living with the Land is a slow-moving boat ride that takes guests on a beautiful tour of the EPCOT greenhouses. It is located in The Land Pavilion, near Soarin’, and it is also one of the oldest rides in the park! Living With The Land Because of the slow movement and calm nature, thrill seekers are not as likely to step into the queue for this ride, so the line normally isn’t very long. If you enjoy informative and educational attractions, this one is for you; just don’t waste a Genie+ reservation on this attraction! Instead, we recommend booking a Lightning Lane for something like Frozen Ever After, Soarin’, or Test Track. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Muppet Vision 3D Much like It’s Tough To Be A Bug, Muppet Vision 3D is in a theater setting. 3D glasses are given to you upon arrival in the queue, and this show is great to relax and cool off in big, comfy chairs. Muppet Vision 3D The runtime of the show is about 17 minutes, so that’s about as long as you’ll ever wait. The theater can hold over 550 guests at once! Star Tours Within the last few years, Galaxy’s Edge has pretty much overtaken the Star Wars hype in Hollywood Studios. In Star Tours, you follow C-3P0 on an unexpected journey across space! Star Tours Loading Area This ride debuted in the ’80s and was quite advanced at the time! Now with attractions like the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance, this ride rarely faces a strenuous wait time. Well, there you have it! We give you our permission to SKIP Genie+ with these attractions. Save those precious Lightning Lane reservations for the big-ticket attractions to make the most of your Genie+ purchase! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Genie+ Just Got EASIER To Use in Disney World! Click Here To Find Out How! 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 ride are you DEFINITELY using Genie+ for? Tell us in the comments below! The post 8 Rides You Definitely DON’T Need Genie+ for in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article