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So you’re going to Disney World and you’re starting to think about souvenirs. Ready to shop? Well, there are a TON of things you can buy during your trip, including popcorn buckets, balloons, snacks (yes, we bring Disney snacks home when we can), and more. But what are those ESSENTIAL Disney World souvenirs you need to have? Well, we’ve put together a list to help you decide. Even better? These souvenirs are also available online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Minnie Ears are a MUST The ears! Ears are always a must for us when we visit Disney World, but we are SO digging the retro vibes of these ears because they remind us of one of our favorite animated shows of the 80s. These are adorable and we love the one ear that’s a magnifying glass — and the ear that has Gadget on the back! THROWBACK. View on shopDisney Is It Even a Disney Trip If You Didn’t Buy a Mug? Hocus Pocus color changing mug Get your morning caffeine mix in this Hocus Pocus mug that will have you running amuck, amuck, amuck. It even changes color when you pour a hot beverage in it, revealing a “Trouble is brewing” message. PLUS it comes with a spoon. View on shopDisney Yes, You ABSOLUTELY Need This Disney100 Starbucks Tumbler. Mickey Mouse Disney100 Starbucks Tumbler with Straw Mickey is the star of this gorgeous platinum tumbler that celebrates Disney’s 100th Anniversary. It’s got that raised geometric pattern that’s become so popular, too, and it’s perfect for your hot and cold beverages. View on shopDisney We Can’t Forget the Disney Loungefly Mini Backpacks! Castle Loungefly Celebrate all things Disney World with a backpack that has Cinderella Castle front and center on it. Of course, it also has Tinker Bell and fireworks because what’s more Magic Kingdom than that? It even has the lampposts from Main Street, U.S.A. on the side. View on shopDisney You Can’t Beat a Classic Disney Tee Striped Shirt You can’t go to Disney World without a classic Mickey Tee, and this one is one of our favorites. It has Mickey on the front, set against an orange-and-white pattern. View on shopDisney We’ll let you know if we spot more great merchandise online and in the parks, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Check out more Disney merchandise on our Amazon storefront!The post 5 Essential Disney World Souvenirs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know that you can get Disney 100th anniversary merchandise outside of the theme parks? We’re not just talking about shopDisney, either. Lots of other brands have collaborated with Disney to create their very own Disney100 collections! Disney100 merchandise We’ve seen 100th anniversary merchandise online at Amazon and Target, and brands like Aldo and Dooney & Bourke have joined in as well. There’s even a Disney100 CAR! But one of our favorite collections is much more affordable than some of those designer brands. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. H&M and Disney collaborated on this Disney100 clothing collection, and we just had to share some of our favorite items. They range from denim jackets to flat-billed caps, and we’re definitely more than a little tempted to hit “add to cart” on that oversized Mickey hoodie! Get the Disney100 Denim Jacket ©H&M This denim jacket is covered in light blue Disney logos, and it’d make the perfect fall accessory to add to your collection! View on H&M Get the Disney100 Jeans ©H&M There are some denim jeans to match that jacket, too! These have a loose fit and are covered in the same all-over logo pattern. View on H&M Get the Disney100 Pajamas Set ©H&M The Disney100 logo pajamas have Disney-themed graphics like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. The set comes with the top and shorts. View on H&M Get the Disney100 Knit Sweater ©H&M This black-and-white knit sweater has an all-over Disney logo pattern. It’s loose-fitting with a crewneck and dropped shoulders. View on H&M Get the Disney100 Logo Hat ©H&M This hat is black with a black-and-white Disney logo on the front. It was designed by artist and former professional snowboarder Trevor Andrew. View on H&M Get the Disney100 Oversized Hoodie ©H&M We love this oversized Mickey hoodie! It has embroidered designs all around, with a large Mickey on the frong. View on H&M There are more items available in the collection, so make sure you check them all out by clicking the link below. Click here to shop the entire collection. Disney has released several 100th anniversary collections, so we’ll be watching for even more to come out soon! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Visit our DFB Amazon storefront to check out more Disney merchandise.The post Our 6 Favorite Things from H&M's Disney100 Collection Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Two of the most loyal fanbases are those who love Disneyland, and those who love Mickey Beignets. Mickey-shaped Beignets from Mint Julep Bar Exciting things are happening over at Disney’s West Coast park, and they have something to do with one of our favorite Princesses. Yep, we’re talking about the upcoming opening of Tiana’s Palace Restaurant! The all-new Princess and the Frog-inspired eatery is set to open on September 7th, and Disney fans REJOICED on August 23rd when the menu was finally released. Except… There’s one problem. WHERE are the Mickey Beignets?! So, previously, French Market Restaurant stood where Tiana’s Palace will be opening. Attached to French Market was Mint Julep Bar, which was the spot to get the Mickey Beignets. Mint Julep closed when French Market did, so many fans panicked just a bit when Mickey Beignets didn’t pop up on the Tiana’s Palace Menu. Tiana’s Palace sign — July 2023 Currently, you can grab Mickey Beignets at Royal Street Veranda. However, there is more comforting beignet news. Mint Julep Bar will reopen with Tiana’s Palace! Yep, a lot of people tend to forget about this in all the excitement over the new restaurant, but rest assured that you’ll be able to get your Mickey Beignets in the same spot as usual. Mickey Beignet If you’re up for a twist on the classic dessert, though, you can try out the all-new House-filled Beignet that will be available at Tiana’s Palace. This is a classic beignet that’s been filled with lemon ice box filling and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. YUM. You might just have to pregame your beignets with more beignets. We won’t tell! Beignet We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more Disneyland news? 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 Will you be trying Tiana’s Palace when it opens? Let us know in the comments! The post Everybody's Freaking Out About This Tiana’s Palace “Problem”...But It’s All Gonna Be OK first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

HEADS UP Something important is changing at Disney World’s hotels soon! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort There are a lot of things you can order to be delivered to your Disney World hotel room — food from local spots, groceries, and even special gift baskets and balloons. But the way you order some of these things is about to CHANGE. Disney Floral & Gifts is a Disney-operated service that typically allows you to order gift baskets, floral arrangements, and more for your vacation (or even for others as a surprise). For years, many may have relied on this service to make their trips (or those of their friends and family members) a little more special. But soon, this service will NO longer exist…at least not in its current form. A basket from Disney Floral and Gifts Back in June, Disney announced that starting August 27th these floral and gift operations will be transitioned to a third-party service — Florida Fresh Floral. The Floral and Gifts website confirms this and notes that for now, online and phone orders are only accepted for delivery dates through August 26th, 2023. Those who had placed orders through Disney Floral & Gifts for delivery dates on August 27th and later were set to be refunded. Also, those who want to order a special gift basket to be delivered on or after August 27th are “encouraged to check back” on the website closer to their arrival for options with the new vendor. ©Disney There are still a few gift basket options available through Disney Floral and Gifts until that August 26th delivery date. You can opt for one that celebrates the 100th Anniversary… ©Disney Floral and Gifts …ones that are more themed to birthdays, or some other designs. The choices are VERY limited though, so keep that in mind. ©Disney Thus far, Disney hasn’t shared any other updates about the transition to Florida Fresh Floral but we’ll continue to be on the lookout for news. To see more about upcoming changes at Disney World’s hotels, click here to see why your Disney World hotel stay will be DIFFERENT in 2024. And check back with us for all the latest details.  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! Did you ever order anything from Disney Floral & Gifts? Tell us in the comments about your experience. The post Don't Forget! A Disney World Hotel Service CHANGES Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Curious to know what Disney princess are you? Take our quiz to find out! View the full article

Disney World is pitching their returning Dining Plan as a major perk for you to add on to your Disney Vacation Package…but is it really as efficient as Disney claims it to be? Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe If you’re not using it skillfully, there are a lot of hidden downsides to the Disney Dining Plan. So, we’re here to make sure you know all the secrets to success! Check out our video below: We Have Some Bad News About the Disney Dining Plan  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! If you’re looking for more info about the Disney Dining Plan, click the link below to get the COMPLETE list of Disney Dining Plan restaurants! 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 Are you a fan of the Disney Dining Plan? Let us know in the comments. The post DFB Video: We Have Some Bad News About the Disney Dining Plan first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you find yourself obsessing over all the sauce options at Chicken Guy!, completely customizing your popcorn at Magic Kingdom, or indulging in a little DFB snack hack, you might want to listen up. Why eat the plain, boring version of a Disney World snack when you can ENHANCE it, right? We LOVE a snack hack! For those of you who want a little extra flavor, need a sweet treat, or are looking for something new to try in Disney World, come with us as we review an updated version of a classic Disney drink. Off to EPCOT! Before we dive in, let us acquaint you with a little place called Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company. Some Disney fans actually prefer Joffrey’s over Starbucks — it’s that popular! So, Joffrey’s makes a Frozen Lemonade that is great for a hot day in the parks, but now we found a way to give this drink an UPGRADE! We tried the Signature Frozen Lemon with Strawberry Syrup for $6.39 in EPCOT. Joffrey’s Signature Frozen Lemonade is a classic menu item (it’s even made with Minute Maid Lemonade!), and now you can add strawberry, blue raspberry, or sour green apple syrup. If you’re in the mood, you can even add Grey Goose Vodka! Signature Frozen Lemon with Strawberry Syrup This drink was bright, fresh, and light! Even with the sweet addition of the strawberry syrup, our drink was quite tart with the perfect amount of sweetness. This is a fun, flavorful drink we were happy to have on a (VERY) hot summer day in Disney World. Yum! Keep in mind that the amount of syrup they add to your drink may vary from time to time, and it’s a little tricky to get that frozen ice to mix with the syrup. If you don’t want to drink a blast of syrup all at once, you may need to give it a couple extra stirs in your cup. This is a pretty self-explanatory drink, so if you like cold, fruity drinks, give it a try! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. The ONE Thing You Must Try from EVERY SINGLE Disney World Table Service Restaurant 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 Joffrey’s drink? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: Will This Menu CHANGE Make You Run to Joffrey’s in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A brand new restaurant is opening soon in Disneyland! ©Disney Tiana’s Palace, a new Princess and the Frog-themed dining location is set to debut on September 7th, 2023 — taking over the old French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square. We recently got a look at what will be on the menu, but now we have a complete list with prices — come take a look! First up, this new quick-service spot has a Seasonal Offering — the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set for $34.99. You’ll also notice the desserts are listed first! You’ll be able to get House-filled Beignets for $4.49. ©Disney The Entrees range from $14.99 for a Muffuletta Sandwich to $19.49 for the Cajun Spiced Half Chicken. ©Disney There are also some Southern Specialties, like the Buttermilk Cornbread for $3.99 and the Joffrey’s Coffee Chicory Cold Brew for $5.99. If you’re looking for something plant-based, the 7 Greens Gumbo is $14.49. ©Disney Lastly, the Kids’ Meals cost $8.49, and you can choose between the Roasted Chicken Drumstick or the Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich. ©Disney We were lucky enough to get a first look at some of these new items, so make sure to check out our full review! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Click here to learn more about Tiana’s Palace Restaurant! 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 checking out this spot once it opens? Let us know in the comments below! The post PRICING ANNOUNCED for Disney's NEW Restaurant -- Tiana's Palace first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re reading this, chances are you might be looking for some Disney World tips. Planning your trip can be overwhelming in and of itself, and there is a lot of information out there on how to make your visit the most “magical.” Welcome to Disney World! From rides to restaurants to hotels and more, you’re gonna need to be prepared. And while you might hear a ton of Disney World “hacks” ahead of your visit, we’re sharing seven genius tips you actually need. We’re sure Janet from your spin class has some great advice, but these are seven genius Disney World tips you actually need. Order kids meals at quick-service restaurants Looking to save a few bucks in the parks? Or maybe you’re just not that hungry at the moment. No problem — adults can actually order kids meals at quick-service (A.K.A. fast food) restaurants throughout Disney World. Oftentimes, this can come in handy when you’re just looking for something small and quick that hits the spot. Our favorite way to do this is via Mobile Order, so we can just place our order in the My Disney Experience app and go pick it up. Cheeseburger Pod Kid’s Meal from Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom We especially love the kids meals over at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom — where you can get your fair share of corn dog nugs and fries, or at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora. We love us some cheeseburger pods! Shop on your way out of the parks You might find yourself a souvenir or two on your trip that you just can’t stop thinking about — trust us, there are plenty of them to choose from. And some of them happen to be a bit more substantial than others, too. What happens if you buy something and then have to lug it around with you for the rest of the day? Sure, you could rent a locker to store it in, but that only adds to your costs. Halloween in Magic Kingdom Instead, we recommend shopping at night when you’re on your way out of the parks. The shops stay open as late as the parks do (sometimes even later!) which means the stores will likely be far less crowded, too. You do run the risk of potentially losing out on some more popular souvenirs this way, but if know that something will be around later in the day — consider waiting until you’re leaving to make the purchase! Don’t leave right after the fireworks at night A lot of Disney World first-timers are under the misconception that once fireworks end, so does everything else in the parks. But that’s simply not the case! Some parks stay open after fireworks shows and Disney gives folks time to casually saunter their way out. Not only that, but because people tend to think the parks close after the show — they clear out. With fewer people, you might have time to actually stop and take it all in. Happily Ever After Along the same lines, book later dining reservations. A lot of Disney World restaurants will stay open after the park officially closes and you could get the chance to walk out of a particular spot into a mostly empty park. This also gives you the opportunity to take some seriously incredible photos — one of our favorite things to do is book late reservations at Oga’s Cantina in Hollywood Studios and take photos of an empty Galaxy’s Edge. Cast Members won’t let you go further into the park after closing, but they’ll usually let you take your time heading out. Familiarize yourself with My Disney Experience before your trip Let’s face it — doing Disney World without your phone is pretty much impossible these days. Sure, it can be done, but it’s a lot easier when you’ve got everything you need in your pocket. The My Disney Experience app is Disney World’s one-to-shop for wait times, dining reservations, mobile ordering, tickets, payment, and even your hotel room key. There are so many things this app can do, and you don’t want to be overwhelmed when it comes to crunch time. My Disney Experience It may sound silly, but we suggest sitting down and getting to know MDE before you head to Disney World. See where wait times are, how to enter a virtual queue, where to access your Lightning Lane information, and more. We have plenty of guides on how to maximize it, too — just click here to check them out. Bring souvenirs from home We know that Disney World is expensive — and those souvenirs certainly add up. If you’ve got little ones who you know will be asking you for that perfect item, consider coming prepared and bringing them from home! Amazon, Target, and Walmart all carry Disney souvenirs at much lower prices than what you’ll find in the parks. Pick some up before heading out on your trip and you might just save a bit of dough. The Little Mermaid Bubble Wands If your kids are young enough, they probably won’t know the difference and you’ve already got something to whip out when they ask for that special souvenir. We especially love this hack for bubble wands, fans, glowsticks, and ears! Book dining during the hottest parts of the day Disney World is HOT, people. Even for the most seasoned of Florida Natives and Disney World Pros, the summer heat can be unrelenting and that sun is no joke. Cooling towels can be great, and sunscreen is a must, but sometimes there is truly no replacement for getting out of the sun and taking a break. This is why we recommend booking table service meals during the hottest part of the day, which is usually lunch. Jungle Skipper Canteen Not only is it usually smack dab in the middle of your park day (A.K.A. the perfect mid-day break time) but it also allows you to get in the shade and air conditioning while also grabbing some grub! Dehydration and heatstroke can creep up on you when you least expect it, and taking a break for a meal can kill two birds with one stone. Time is precious in Disney World, so this can be a great tip! Buy the DFB Guide We know that planning a Disney World trip is A LOT — which is why we bring you posts like this so often. But we’ve also put together a complete guide in ebook format that gives you all of the info you need, all in one place! Use code WDW2023 for 25% off our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. This is definitely a great way to make yourself a Disney World genius before, during, and after your trip! Grab the DFB Guide! Disney World is changing all the time, so be sure you stay tuned to DFB to get the latest details, news, and updates before your next trip. 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 When are you heading to Disney World next? Tell us in the comments. The post People Call Everything a Disney World “Hack,” But Here Are 7 Genius Tips You Actually Need first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We've just announced the names and details of the “Tangled,” “Frozen” and “Peter Pan” attractions coming to Tokyo Disney Resort!View the full article

Tokyo Disneyland is getting its biggest expansion EVER with Fantasy Springs — a new land that’s opening next year. Fantasy Springs Concept Art ©Disney We’ve already seen a first look at the expansion, which includes themed areas for Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Now, Disney has finally announced more details about the rides, attractions, and restaurants that will be inside! Disney announced the names of four new rides that will be opening with 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) Fantasy Springs will be the eighth themed Port in Tokyo DisneySea Park and is set to open in the spring of 2024. It will have new rides, restaurants, a gift shop, and a hotel. Tokyo DisneySea Expansion ©Disney With the announcement about the ride names, Disney released even more information about each of the themed areas in Fantasy Springs. Frozen Kingdom is “set after the events of the Disney Animation film Frozen,” in a time when “Elsa has embraced her powers to create ice and snow.” In the Frozen Journey ride, “guests board a boat and enjoy an epic and heartwarming tale of two sisters that discover only true love can thaw a frozen heart.” The ride follows the story of the movie and features music from the film. Here’s a detailed look at the features coming to Frozen Kingdom: Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey — a water ride that lasts about 6.5 minutes. (Disney’s description: “Guests can experience the world of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Frozen aboard a boat while enjoying an epic and heartwarming story of two sisters that discover only true love can thaw a frozen heart. The attraction also features the film’s well-known songs.”) Royal Banquet of Arendelle — a counter service restaurant. (Disney’s description: This counter-service restaurant is located inside Arendelle Castle. Guests can enjoy a meal in the three indoor dining areas reminiscent of scenes from the film or dine in a covered outdoor dining area with views of the fjord cliffs and mountains in the distance.”) Oaken’s OK Foods — a small snack shop. (Disney’s description: This delightful counter-service restaurant, run by Oaken, the owner of the trading post and sauna featured in the film, serves delicious food to hungry visitors to the Kingdom of Arendelle.”) ©Disney Rapunzel’s Forest has the princess’s tower along with an attraction and a Snuggly Duckling restaurant! Here are more details about the area: Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival — a water ride lasting about 5 minutes. (Disney’s description: “Guests can take a romantic boat trip to the annual Lantern Festival and visit various locations featured in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled while experiencing Rapunzel’s “best day ever” as she falls in love with Flynn Rider.”) The Snuggly Duckling — a counter-service restaurant. (Disney’s description: “This counter-service restaurant is themed to the tavern where the local rough-and-tumble crowd gather in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Tangled. Guests can enjoy a meal in a variety of atmospheric dining areas.”) ©Disney Peter Pan’s Never Land has two rides and another counter-service restaurant. Here are the details: Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure — a ride lasting about 6 minutes. (Disney’s description: “Guests join the Lost Kids, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell on an epic adventure through Never Land to rescue John from Captain Hook and his pirates. By boarding a boat and wearing goggles, guests will be able to enjoy this attraction in 3D. There is a minimum height requirement of 102cm.) Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies — a ride lasting about 2 minutes. (Disney’s description: “Guests help Tinker Bell as she starts her new delivery service in Pixie Hollow, while visiting four seasonal locations to deliver various packages and parcels to the fairies.”) Lookout Cookout — a counter-service restaurant. (Disney’s description: “Created by the Lost Kids, this counter-service restaurant also serves as their hideout where they have incorporated parts of shipwrecks and other items that have washed ashore in Never Land into the decor.”) ©Disney The new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel will have Fantasy Springs Gifts, which is a merchandise shop accessible only from within the park. The hotel is made up of two buildings: the Fantasy Chateau and the Grand Chateau. The Fantasy Chateau has deluxe rooms that are decorated with “the flora and fauna of Fantasy Springs,” and the Grand Chateau has luxury rooms that provide “the finest accommodation experience at Tokyo Disney Resort.” The hotel has three restaurants: Fantasy Springs Restaurant, Grand Paradis Lounge, and La Libelluele. ©Disney Fantasy Springs Restaurant is a buffet-style dining area decorated with “paintings inspired by the Disney Animation films Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tangled, and Sleeping Beauty.” Grand Paradis Lounge is a lobby lounge that has large windows. La Libellule is a French cuisine restaurant that’s exclusive to guests staying in the Grand Chateau and offers views of Fantasy Springs. Overall, the Fantasy Springs Hotel has nine floors and 475 guest rooms — 419 of those rooms are part of the Fantasy Chateau, and 56 are part of the Grand Chateau. Shoutout to Scott Gustin for sharing the press release on this news! We’ll be on the lookout for more details from Disney, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest news! Click here to learn more about Fantasy Springs. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to visit Tokyo DisneySea soon? Let us know in the comments! The post NAMES ANNOUNCED for NEW Rides, Restaurants, and More Coming to Tokyo DisneySea first appeared on the disney food blog. 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Disney California Adventure is going through a pretty big change right now. Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria Pacific Wharf has been turned into San Fransokyo from the animated film Big Hero 6, and we’ve loved trying all the new snacks that have been introduced, and watching as this new area of the park develops. While parts of it are still under construction, we are SO excited about this new addition that’s just been announced! Y’all, Baymax Bread is coming to Disneyland! This new treat will be available at the Boudin Bread Cart in San Fransokyo Square starting on August 31st. Disney is already anticipating these to be popular, so there’s a current limit of 2 per person, per transaction while supplies last. We seriously can’t get over how cute he is, so you know we’ll be in line to buy one on the first day it’s available! ©Instagram These could cause another situation like the Figment Popcorn Buckets did in Disney World a few years back, so if you want one, we suggest arriving at the park early and booking it over to the cart to get in line. We’re not sure how long this treat will be available (we hope it’ll stick around a while) so we suggest playing on the safe side and trying to grab one sooner rather than later. Baymax Macaron Looking for more Disneyland news? We’ve got you covered! More Disneyland News! FORGET IT. We’re Canceling All Our Plans to Get This Ridiculously Incredible Disney BREAD MagicBands In Disneyland – A Complete GuideNEWS: Two More Disneyland Restaurants Will See Changes After Tiana’s Palace OpensFIRST LOOK Inside Disney’s NEW Restaurant — Tiana’s PalaceNEW Disney Cast Member Costumes Revealed for Tiana’s Palace Restaurant As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney parks news. Here’s when 2024 Disneyland Vacation Packages will go on sale! 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 are you most excited about in this new area of the park? Tell us in the comments! The post FORGET IT. We’re Canceling All Our Plans to Get This Ridiculously Incredible Disney BREAD 😱 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Halloween is quickly on the way, and Disney is already celebrating! Magic Kingdom in the fall You can check out Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom (to which you can wear a costume!), or look at all the merchandise that’s been released so far. If you’re still thinking of what you want to go as this year, might we suggest you think twice before getting these Disney costumes, because WHO APPROVED THESE? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve seen some…interesting Disney costumes over the years, but these really take the cake. We’re not here to yuck anyone else’s yum, but let’s just say these are next level. A Goofy Movie Powerline Costume Kit ©Hot Topic Yes, the A Goofy Movie Powerline Costume Kit comes with a Powerline shirt, white gloves, GIANT gold bracelets and collar, and…whatever hat that is. Oh! Don’t forget the nose. (We. Are. Cackling.) View on Hot Topic The Goofy Movie Mask Costume Kit ©Hot Topic Oh, it gets better. If you’re looking for something more simple, grab The Goofy Movie Mask Costume Kit. It is, quite literally, just a Goofy (???) hat and a black styrofoam nose. View on Hot Topic The Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie Mask ©Hot Topic Do you want to do the absolute bare minimum for your costume but still look like the scariest thing a child could ever lay eyes on? Or maybe you want to *LITERALLY* do the equivalent of putting a paper bag over your face? If that’s the case, snatch up The Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie Mask for nearly $70 and feel super great about your costume. View on Hot Topic Look, we don’t like being negative or picking on things, because everyone has their own taste, but…well, we couldn’t resist here. We hope these models got paid really well because they sort of look like they’re wishing they were anywhere else. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney Halloween news, and check the link below for more Disney essentials! Shop More Disney Essentials on Our Amazon StorefrontThe post We Just Have One Question for Whoever Designed These Disney Costumes...WHY? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re just a few days away from bringing more than 50 Disney Princess wishes to life alongside our friends at Make-A-Wish during an enchanting wish-granting event being held in honor of World Princess Week. With nearly 300 honored guests set to join us for the full-day affair, Once Upon A Wish Party is shaping up to be the biggest wish-granting event we’ve ever planned here at Walt Disney World. View the full article

You wear them on your wrist, they come in SO MANY patterns and colors, and they can make your life a thousand times easier while visiting the Disney Parks. MagicBand! Yep, we’re talking about MagicBands! While many Disney fans treat these bad boys like the holy grail of their Disney vacation, many people who purchase the bands feel that they don’t use them enough to get their money’s worth. However, those scenarios are typically caused by the person simply not knowing all the various ways that MagicBands come in handy. This post is going to serve as your complete guide to MagicBands, from a basic overview of how they work to all the ways you can use them. However, this post goes out to the Disneyland fans and the Disneyland fans only! Overview So, what ARE MagicBands? Well, there are two versions. The original MagicBand and then the MagicBand+. You’ll connect your band to the Disney app as well as your park ticket or Annual Pass. The prices of these bands start at $34.99, but special edition designs and colors, especially for MagicBand+, might cost up to $55-$60. There are so many to choose from! With these bands, you’ll be able to access Lightning Lane redemption and even grab PhotoPass memories at the end of rides or from PhotoPass Cast Members. While the Disney World MagicBands allow you to unlock your hotel room or charge items in the parks to your resort room, Disneyland’s MagicBands don’t have this feature. MagicBands at Disneyland MagicBand+ is a bit fancier! Which is great, because it’s actually the only version that’s supported at Disneyland. So, only the MagicBand+ will connect to the My Disneyland App, your Magic Key Pass, or your Disneyland park ticket. To link your MagicBand+ to the Disneyland app, simply go to the three lines in the bottom right corner of your screen to pull up the app menu. Then, click on the MagicBand+ icon in the top right corner. ©Disney From there, you’ll see an icon to add a MagicBand+. Click this! ©Disney From there, you can either scan the MagicBand+ with your phone, scan the barcode with your camera, or type in the ID that you can find on the back of your MagicBand+. ©Disney MagicBand+ has color-changing lights, haptic vibrations that interact with select rides and attractions, and they feature gesture recognition. Up MagicBand+ With these features, you can interact with Disney100 statues and medallions, participate in Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters, and even interact with the nighttime shows: Wondrous Journeys and World of Color. Do I Need One? Purchasing a MagicBand+ for your trip to Disneyland is not at all necessary, but it would definitely make your life slightly easier. It allows you to quickly scan in to the parks, rides, and interact with several attractions throughout the parks without having to dig through your bag to find your park ticket or your phone. MagicBand+ in Disneyland If you have an Apple Watch or a similar smart watch, you can do the basic things with your Watch by linking your key and app to your digital wallet. You just won’t get the interactive features that a MagicBand offers by doing this. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney advice, news, and reviews, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing! Looking for how to use a MagicBand at Disney World? 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 Do you have a MagicBand? Let us know in the comments! The post MagicBands In Disneyland - A Complete Guide first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, it’s been quite a ride, hasn’t it? New Orleans Square We got ALL kinds of updates about Tiana’s Palace Restaurant in Disneyland, including a first look INSIDE the restaurant, the restaurant’s menu, Cast Member outfits, and more. But here’s the thing, two MORE restaurants in the area will also be getting some updates! Say what? While we were learning all about Tiana’s Palace Restaurant, Disney also mentioned that some changes would be coming to two OTHER Disneyland restaurants: Harbour Galley… The Harbour Galley …and Royal Street Veranda. Royal Street Veranda Disney told us that we should think about the whole area where all these restaurants are as one neighborhood and that there are “lots in the vault” for menu changes. Royal Street Veranda is in New Orleans Square near Tiana’s Palace, while Harbour Galley is located in Critter Country, which is also where Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is located. Current construction on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take place in the bayous of Louisiana, so it makes sense to tie the area together. We’ll be on the lookout for more information about Disney’s future plans for these restaurants, so stay tuned to DFB for more. In the meantime, have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out! Check Out Our FULL REVIEW of Disney’s NEW Tiana’s Palace Restaurant 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 this news? 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 Disneyland to attend their media preview of Tiana’s Palace Restaurant. 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 NEWS: Two More Disneyland Restaurants Will See Changes After Tiana's Palace Opens first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

McDonald’s and Disney are two of our favorite things. McDonald’s This is why we love bringing you the latest updates from the Most Magical Place on Earth and that beacon of shining Golden Arches. Between exclusive Disney meals, new Happy Meal toys, and new menu items — we’ve got a lot to keep track of. And if you’re in select locations, you’ll have new McDonald’s eats to try soon. Can’t choose between bacon and sausage in the morning? We know the feeling. McDonald’s Canada is making it so you don’t have to with their new Mighty McMuffin! This new sandwich is made with a freshly cracked Canada grade A egg, cheddar cheese, sausage, and double bacon on a toasted English Muffin. We may have Disney World, but Canada now has the Mighty McMuffin and for that, we are jealous. ©McDonald’s Canada Don’t worry — you’ll also be able to get it in McGriddle form too. The Mighty McMuffin and McGriddle are available now at select locations in Canada for a limited time, so if you are also susceptible to the power of suggestion and can’t resist making a trip — we’d suggest doing it sooner rather than later! ©McDonald’s Canada While you’re there, you can get 2x the MyMcDonald’s Rewards points when using the app before 11AM. From August 22nd to October 2nd, you can order any item including the Mighty McMuffin with the McDonald’s app from 4AM to 11AM to earn double the points on every order. Big Mac Meal Congratulations to all our Canadian friends who get the chance to enjoy the new eats. If you need us, we’ll be silently stewing with jealousy in the corner — and bringing you all the latest McDonald’s and Disney news. Stay tuned to DFB! A NEW Type of McDonald’s Restaurant Is Coming Soon 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 McDonald’s meal? Tell us in the comments. The post McDonald's Announces NEW Menu Items -- But Not Everyone Can Get Them! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re a Disney Visa Cardmember, listen up! Disney Visa There are MANY reasons to grab a Disney Visa card, including the fun card designs, access to exclusive deals, and more. But there are 2 specific perks that you might not have realized you can get in Disney World ONLY if you are a Disney Visa Cardmember! Did you know that there are Disney Visa Cardmember-exclusive character meet-and-greets in Disney World?! That’s right! You might be able to skip that long character line because there’s a quicker way to meet some popular Disney friends…if you have a Disney Visa card, that is! Let’s take a look at what these involve. EPCOT Over at EPCOT, you’ll find a Disney Visa-exclusive character meet-and-greet spot near the Journey into Imagination pavilion. What you’ll want to do is walk to the left-hand side of the pavilion (if you’re facing it) — past the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. ©Disney That’s where you’ll find a sign for the Disney Visa Photo Spot! There It Is! Head inside and you’ll get access to a private meet-and-greet location. You’ll get the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters here. In the past, we’ve spotted Minnie, Pluto… Best. Hug. Ever. at the Disney Visa Photo Spot in EPCOT …Goofy and Mickey here, but availability can change! Goofy and Mickey in their 50th Anniversary Costumes You will need to present a valid Disney Visa card to enter, so just be sure to bring that with you. And keep in mind that the hours here can be quite limited. For example, as of the time of the writing of this post, the spot is generally only open from 1PM to 6:30PM daily, so be sure to factor that into your plans. ©Disney Still, it’s a great way to say “hello” to some pals without too much of a wait! And the best part? You’ll get FREE downloads of your photos. To be clear, these aren’t new perks — they’ve been around for a while. But they are just two MORE reasons you might want to consider signing up for a Disney Visa Card, particularly if you absolutely LOVE meeting characters in the parks! To see more about the deals ONLY Disney Visa cardmembers can take advantage of, click here. And see why people love the Disney Visa card here. Stay tuned for more Disney news. Click here to get answers to ALL of your Disney credit card questions 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 a Disney Visa Cardmember? Do you like it? Tell us in the comments. The post 2 Things ONLY Disney Visa Cardmembers Can Do in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What’s one thing that can unexpectedly mess up your Disney World trip? Closures! Beach Club Resort Whether it’s rides going down for weather and technical difficulties or scheduled refurbishments of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and pools, a closure that you weren’t prepared for can really upset your schedule. That’s why we’re here to warn you about a BIG closure coming in the future! The Disney World website was recently updated to note that from January 2025 to May 2025, the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be CLOSED at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club. Stormalong Bay This closure is due to routine maintenance and guests staying at those resorts may hear construction noises during the daytime. During the closure, guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools. Stormalong Bay This is a particularly notable closure because Stormalong Bay is often regarded as the “best” pool in Disney World since it’s largest and has a sand bottom. This closure will likely affect where families with children choose to stay during those early 2025 months. Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club We’ll keep you updated with any additional closures that are announced in the coming months, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest news. We want to make sure you know about all of the closures that could affect your trip! Click Here to Check Out the FULL List of Refurbishments 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 been to Stormalong Bay? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney World’s BEST Pool is CLOSING for Refurbishment first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You can’t go wrong with the classics! Hi, Snow! One of our favorite classic Princesses Whether it be cartoon icons like Mickey and Minnie, the Disney Princesses from animated films, or even beloved characters from the first live-action Disney movies, the classics will always have our hearts. If you’re like us in that sense, then this post is for you! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. At Target, you can typically find all SORTS of great Disney merchandise. After all, they do have their very own Disney Stores located right inside! There’s a new bag available at Target that we love — and it features the lovely Snow White. Let’s check it out! Snow White Backpack ©Target This backpack could make for a GREAT park bag! It features an all-over print of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as some florals and leaves. View on Target It features adjustable straps… ©Target … and an inner lining that’s covered in florals! ©Target What do you think? Will you be snagging this bag online? We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and merchandise, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more Disney items we love that you can shop online? Click here!The post Loungefly Who? This Target-Exclusive Disney Bag Is Everything first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) held a board of supervisors meeting on August 23rd. During the meeting, members of the district met to express their comments and concerns regarding a long-held Reedy Creek District employee benefit that is set to be taken away under the new board. Reedy Creek Improvement District For context, Reedy Creek employees previously received free access to the Disney World parks as an added benefit for working in the district. The collective cost of these passes and peks was worth about $2.5 million, per the Central Florida Torusim Oversign District. In an effort to cut costs and create a 2024 budget for the district, the CFTOD met to discuss its reasoning for eliminating this benefit. Here’s what they had to say. One of the main arguments hurled by the Board is that some perks Disney gave to previous Reedy Creek District employees are “unethical.” In a press release sent ahead of the board meeting, the CFTOD called these perks a “scheme” that “raises significant questions regarding self-dealing.” In fact, officials in the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District made a referral to the inspector general and asked them to look into certain perks that Disney provided for Reedy Creek District employees. This benefit was extended to Reedy Creek District firefighters and other Walt Disney World first responders. Reedy Creek Building While the CFTOD claims that these perks are unethical, Richard Foglesong (a Rollins College professor emeritus) stated that “the arrangement appears to be more like an employee benefit rather than a taxpayer scam, similar to the way professors at a university may get free passes to athletic events or free tuition for a family member.”(Fortune) ©Spectrum News 13 The CFTOD’s press release further stated, “The former Disney-run RCID used taxpayer funds to provide season passes and amusement experiences to its employees and their family members, cover the cost of discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and beverages, and give its own board members VIP Main Entrance passes. In 2022 alone, it cost taxpayers over $2.5 million.” ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board The CFTOD laid out its plans to stop these perks, stating, “Immediately upon discovering the scheme, the CFTOD set in motion plans to eliminate it.” Board Chairperson Martin Garcia stated that the board found three main reasons for eliminating the perk: The policy favored one taxpayer The policy had the potential to endorse unlawful policy The policy was inequitable ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream Garcia further defended the change, stating that employees with larger families received a greater benefit relative to single employees using the Annual Passes — a difference of “three thousand dollars for a family versus one thousand dollars for a single person.” (Note that those costs are hypothetical) Garcia claimed that private companies cannot give gifts to government workers and hinted that the perk was both unethical and unlawful. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream To compensate employees in light of the change, the board proposed the idea of grossing up wages by $1,425 to be “fair.” Garcia noted that the $1,425 increase may change, explaining, “We are trying to equitably replace the policy we eliminated.” Importantly, Garcia added, “One group we haven’t formulated a policy for is retirees,” given that Reedy Creek employees who worked for the District for over 15 years received lifetime passes to Disney World. Under these changes, Garcia explained, “Some will make out better, some won’t do as well,” but “whatever that contract obligates us to do, I promise you we will do it.” Reedy Creek Fire Department In response to this news, several Reedy Creek District firefighters and other employees attended the meeting to voice their concerns with this change. One member of the Reedy Creek Fire Department explained that he and his coworkers take their jobs seriously and have enjoyed the benefit of free park admission for decades. He added that the removal of this benefit takes away, for some entire, a major reason for applying in the District. ©WFTV 9 Another Reedy Creek employee noted that when the District changed hands, employees were told that their jobs and benefits were safe. Employees pointed out that most fire depts are local, but the Reedy Creek Fire Department employs people from all over the state — in part due to the Annual Pass benefit and other perks. In discussing the proposed changes, a retired Reedy Creek firefighter stated, “To think it’s in jeopardy is disturbing,” while a fellow District resident voiced that “Taking away park access is a low blow.” ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream Later in the meeting, the CFTOD cited some expenses that were cut from the 2024 budget. In the District’s press release, the board cited a bill sent to the District for $492,382.96 to cover “Q1 FY22 Tickets.” Other expenses included “Food & Beverage Discount Usage” ($4,969.52), “Water Parks Discount Usage” ($3,764.48), “Merchandise Discount Usage” ($16,837.39), and “employee handouts for hotel usage at the Disney Yacht Club Resort, Disney Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney Coronado Springs Resort.” ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream Note that the 2024 budget is still in process, and members of the board encouraged taxpayers to voice any questions or concerns ahead of the September budget meeting. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Poll Shows What People REALLY Think About Disney-DeSantis Feud Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post “A Low Blow” – Reedy Creek Board Criticized for Removal of Disney Annual Pass Benefits first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2023 has been the year of ups, downs, and lots of changes for Disney, and even Orlando. Reedy Creek Improvement District Earlier this year, the Reedy Creek Improvement District underwent a lengthy battle with Florida Governor Ron Desantis, which resulted in the District being restructured to become the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The new District consisted of a Board of Supervisors hand-appointed by Governor Desantis himself. On August 23rd, 2023, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) conducted a board meeting in which the Board heard public comments from speakers and discussed recent changes, updates, and the future of the District. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream There are a few interesting changes being made that impact more than just employees. The Board said that public safety is “paramount to district operation” and that they would be upgrading and expanding the use of security cameras across the property. There was also heavy talk of installing and repairing guardrails that could potentially change how parts of the roads look around the district. The Board also introduced Donald J Koshen, a professor who has been hired to advise them on “governance structure.” Koshen will examine the “highly irregular” structure of the Board. Walt Disney World Recently, the CTFTOD implemented the removal of a benefit in which Reedy Creek employees were able to enjoy free park admission to the Disney World theme parks. Employees within the District were reportedly told that their jobs and benefits would be safe when the district changed hands, which ended up not being the case. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream The first speaker at the meeting was Pete Simon, a Reedy Creek firefighter. Simon stated that the removal of this benefit takes away the entire reason for applying to work within the District for many employees. Simon stated that all the District employees have witnessed and heard about are cuts. Many believe that the removal of employee benefits is the “first brick pulled in the dismantling of the district.” Reedy Creek Fire Department The next speaker, a Central Florida local, reiterated that a “pattern of lies and deceit” has been prevalent among the new District — that the promises made in the switch no longer stood. Board Member Martin Garcia responded that these ethics violations wouldn’t be an issue for this board. He also said that there would eventually be tax cuts for taxpayers, which, in this case, includes Disney. Debbie McDonald, a citizen of Osceola County, agreed that it was in spiteful nature to cut benefits. Walt Disney World Aaron Clark spoke next — another citizen who works for the Fire Department. He shared that his father worked as a firefighter for 26 years within the District and earned a lifetime pass to the Disney Parks. As a father of three small children, Clark shared that his goal was to be a Reedy Creek firefighter to be able to get free access to the parks to make memories for his children, just like his dad did. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream Board Chair Martin Garcia stated that the old Reedy Creek Board was in negotiation for five years, and that the current board was only intact for six months before they came to a favorable conclusion — and that they’ve contacted legal counsel to understand the deal with employee benefits. As far as the recent benefit policy changes, Martin shared that the reasons the changes were necessary were because the policy discriminated against a business, it was inequitable with respect to employees, and it had the potential to endorse unlawful policy. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight District The old policy had the board paying $2.5 million to Disney for employee park passes, which meant that it was a policy that was created in favor of one taxpayer in the district — exclusive to one business. Martin shared his opinion that this wasn’t fair, and stated that some employees with larger families got a larger benefit (like $3,000 spent on passes for a family as opposed to $1,000 spent on a single employee) and in some years, the Board was paying for passes that weren’t even being used. Annual Pass Instead of issuing park passes, Martin shared that the Board has upped gross wages by $1,425, to be “fair.” He continued by stating that if this number needs to be higher, then the Board will go higher. He reiterated that counsel has been sought to reevaluate this number. The Board later shared that $4.5 million was spent in litigation efforts. Reedy Creek “We are trying to equitably replace the policy we eliminated,” Martin stated. “Private companies cannot give gifts to government workers. These passes were free and that is unlawful.” The Board shared that they also eliminated more previously-authorized expenses such as annual passes, deep discounts on Disney merchandise and cruises, private golf, and soccer outings. Reedy Creek Well, it seems like there might be a lot more changes coming soon, both within the workforce and as far as urban planning goes. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more news and updates as we hear it, so make sure to follow along for more! Click here for more recent news regarding the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of the recent and future changes within the District? Let us know in the comments! The post Important CHANGES Hinted at for Disney World’s Reedy Creek District first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are lots of things in Disney World that can take up a lot of time. Magic Kingdom in the fall Waiting in line is one of the biggest, but eating at a table-service location can also take up a lot of your park day. However, there are some things that take up far too much time, and they’re a TOTAL waste of time — don’t fall for these tricks in Disney World! Getting in Line For An Outdoor Ride…When A Storm is On The Way Outdoor rides in Disney World will close when there’s inclement weather in the area — specifically lightning within a certain number of miles. The rides won’t reopen again until the weather has passed. This means that if you get in line for an outdoor ride when a storm is about to start…well, you can imagine how that ends. Storms can hit Disney World often You could end up spending over half an hour in line for a ride that you have to wait even longer to ride thanks to rain (plus, if it’s an outdoor queue, you might get soaked). So be sure to download a weather app on your phone (like AccuWeather or WeatherBug) and check the radar before you get in line for an outdoor ride. Your Child is Too Short Y’all, PLEASE don’t make this mistake. There are very few things worse than waiting in line forever for a ride your kid is so excited for only to reach the front and the Cast Member measures them and says they’re too short. Tomorrowland Speedway Ride Measurement There are signs outside of the ride to show how tall kids have to be, and we strongly recommend you measure your kids at home before you take your Disney vacation so you don’t run into this issue! We also recommend having them measured at the front of the queue so you know for sure. Not Arriving At After-Hours Parties As Early As Possible If you’re attending an after-hours party in Disney World, it’s in your best interest to get there as early as you’re allowed to. Why? Because you’ll want to get your money’s worth! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Crowds Those after-hours tickets aren’t cheap, and while you may think you have plenty of time during the event, it flies fast! So get into the park as soon as you’re allowed and start checking off that mental to-do list of what you want to do in the park that night. Trust us, you very well may regret it otherwise — especially if you don’t have a park ticket for the day and are only using the after-hours ticket. Waiting in Line To Buy A Bottled Water Listen, water is VERY important in Disney World, but NEVER buy bottled water in Disney World. Especially if you’ve got to wait in line for it. Bottled Water First, because it’s expensive as heck, but also, there are free cups of water at quick service locations all around the parks. We suggest bringing a refillable water bottle in your bag from home and filling it up with those cups of water throughout the day! It saves you money and time waiting in line. Slinky Dog Dash So don’t waste your time on these things in Disney World! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news and tips — we want you to have the best vacation ever! 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 would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below! The post Please Don’t Fall For This Total Waste of Time in Disney World. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s ready for some more Tiana news? We are! ©Disney We’re keeping our eyes peeled for all the latest Tiana’s Bayou Adventure construction news out of Disney World and Disneyland. But there’s another special Tiana-themed addition coming to Disneyland soon — Tiana’s Palace Restaurant, which will open on September 7th! We previously got some initial menu details for this spot, and we’ve been watching as it actively gets constructed in the park but now we’ve got SO many more details to share! Here are some of the easter eggs, details, behind-the-scenes info, and MORE that you need to know about this upcoming spot. “Disneyland Will Never Be Completed” Let’s start with some details we heard from Walt Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine (Irvine is the Director of Concept Design at Imagineering). She shared that they are constantly looking at Disneyland to see how to create new adventures and attractions. She pointed out how Walt Disney himself said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Irvine discussed how Walt wanted New Orleans Square added to Disneyland Park and so he and his art directors (who were also animators) went on a tour of new orleans and took thousands of photographs of all kinds of details. New Orleans Square Did you know that the design of Tiana’s Palace in The Princess and the Frog movie was actually inspired by the French Market Restaurant? That’s the restaurant formerly in New Orleans Square that this new Tiana’s Palace restaurant is actually replacing — so it’s sort of a full-circle moment! The main differences are that in the film the animators gave Tiana’s animated restaurant a wheelhouse and 2 smokestacks. That’s why you’ll see some of those changes have now been made to the real-life restaurant. Looking good! Irvine shared that in bringing Tiana’s Palace to life, the Imagineers researched EVERYTHING just like the original Imagineers did when creating New Orleans Square. She noted that whenever something changes at Disneyland, they try to repaint the exterior to really mark that change — which is why they went from a pink scheme to yellow and green (Tiana’s colors!). Irvine also noted that changing things in the parks is hard but they try to be respectful. Irvine said that her mantra is “If we are going to change something it’s going to come back even better.” Now, let’s talk about some of the little details you’ll find in the restaurant. Details to Look For! According to some Disney Imagineers, the interior of Tiana’s Palace restaurant is full of ALL the details you can imagine. You’ll want to look at everything from the skylight… Guests will find a blue skylight inside Tiana’s Palace ©Disney …to the light fixtures and alllllll the props. Guests will find lily pad light fixtures inside Tiana’s Palace ©Disney One important easter egg actually throws things way back! Back in the day, some of the original Disney animators created a jazz group called The Firehouse Five Plus Two. There is an easter egg in the restaurant that references this with a special firefly band plus Lou, so be on the lookout for that! Guests will find Firefly Five Plus Lou instruments inside Tiana’s Palace ©Disney There are also lots of paintings… Guests will find a mural of the bayou inside of Tiana’s Palace ©Disney …and props inside to search for, including pans that are used to steam oysters, mixing tools Tiana would have used to make beignets, and more taken from observations of their visits back to New Orleans (including influences from black and white tiled checkered floors). Guests will find porcelain frogs and other references to Tiana’s life inside Tiana’s Palace ©Disney One thing Irvine also pointed out is how special the nighttime look will be here, so you might want to make a special visit toward the evening! Because there are strings of lights everywhere AND Tiana’s sign twinkles at night, it could be an especially beautiful sight once the sun starts to go down. So stop by for that magical transformation! So pretty One Disney team member noted that the music from The Princess and the Frog is part of what drew them to that film as part of the retheme of this space. The musicians at Imagineering actually put together a unique musical score for inside the restaurant that you’ll want to listen closely for. ©Disney It is set to be made of jazz pieces that fit the time period of Tiana’s story and should feel authentic to the space while also adding an exciting energy to it. Seating In terms of seating, that has been expanded here so grab a table for the whole fam! Seating Entertainment The Imagineers also discussed how there will be live entertainment back in this space with musicians and more. Mobile Order Another important thing to note is that Mobile Order WILL be available here when the restaurant opens. You’ll find the Mobile Order window and an expanded waiting area for Mobile Order guests as well under the banyan tree (which has not been removed, thank goodness). Tiana’s Palace The FOOD! Now, let’s talk FOOD. We’ll have more details on the food in other posts but we did want to share some info with you here. According to some Imagineers, this spot is meant to essentially serve up Table Service quality eats at a Quick Service location, so come hungry! One of the unique things is that dessert is emphasized as being first, which fully plays into Tiana’s love of beignets! Michele Gendreau, director of Food & Beverage experience integration at Disneyland Resort, noted how eating dessert first is a critical piece and adds to the excitement! ©Disney The Disney team also mentioned how they wanted to really capture Tiana’s role as a young entrepreneur and how she’d want to acknowledge her family and the history of New Orleans with this restaurant, while also speaking to the new generation. That’s what Disney strived to do here by bringing in ingredients and items from or inspired by New Orleans while also trying to be conscious of the guest and who they are today. Chef John State (culinary director of food and beverage at Disneyland Resort) and Lindell Skinner (a senior manager at Disneyland) also talked about developing the menu here. Skinner was actually born and raised in New Orleans. ©Disney In terms of the beignets, one we got to try was modeled after a lemon icebox pie, but the team noted that this is just one version and there may be “other opportunities to showcase other flavors” in the future. If you absolutely love beignets then you will NOT want to miss the action station. This is a spot at the restaurant that’ll let you see just how the beignets are being filled and glazed. We have a feeling you won’t be able to resist ordering a few after seeing that! Beignet Plus, there will be a condiment station with hot sauce options at the restaurant so come ready for some spice! In terms of other menu items, there will be a Chicory Coffee Cold Brew option that was developed in partnership with Joffrey’s Coffee. Chicory coffee is one of the things you’ll find sold in New Orleans. Chicory was designed to extend coffee when coffee was scarce and it was reportedly made popular by the famous Cafe du Monde, so this serves as an homage to that. But this version is a bit unique as it has a sweet topping made with cane syrup (which is sourced from Louisana!). Joffrey’s Coffee Chicory Cold Brew You’ll also find 2 versions of gumbo on the menu here, one of which is the 7 Greens gumbo. Chef Leah Chase of New Orleans has a famous greens-filled gumbo recipe that inspired this one. Chef Chase’s version is typically served the Thursday before Easter, making it extra special. Another unique thing about this gumbo is that the rice Disney has used for it can be traced back to West Africa. 7 Greens Gumbo Disney really worked diligently to add those historical touches to the food with things like rolls for the Po Boy sandwiches being sourced from Louisana, a house gumbo that uses house-made stock, and items like cane syrup, sausage, rice, and bread being sourced from Louisana. Beef Po-Boy Overall, the Disney team noted how Disneyland has become more ambitious with its menus while also sticking to the theme and story of the area, and it seems like that’s just what they’ve tried to do here. Cajun Spice Half Chicken Note that there will NOT be alcoholic beverages at Tiana’s Palace restaurant. Menu Changes Disney has announced that there WILL be some changes made to the menus of some spots nearby within the coming months, including specifically Royal Street Veranda and Harbour Galley. They shared that they’ll continue to look at all of their menus to continue to tell a story. Royal Street Veranda 2023 Menu They explained that guests should look at the entire area of New Orleans Square as a neighborhood, and mentioned that there are lots of menu items “in the vault” when it comes to potential new dishes. The other important thing to note is that Mickey beignets are NOT going away. Pumpkin-Spiced MICKEY Beignets! While Tiana’s Palace will have special beignets of its own, the Mickey-shaped beignets fans know and love from the Mint Julep Bar will still be there once that spot reopens. Souvenirs And finally, be sure to look for some special souvenirs while at Tiana’s Palace Restaurant! Glow cube! That includes a Ray Firefly Glow Cube that can come with the purchase of a beverage, as well as a Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set (how unique!) which could be a great purchase with those beignets! New souvenir And that’s a wrap on the unique details you’ll find at Tiana’s Palace restaurant…for now! The restaurant is set to open on September 7th and we can’t wait to check it all out. Stay tuned for a full review, more information, and all the latest Disney news. Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe What are you most excited to experience at this new restaurant? Tell us in the comments below! 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. In August, we were invited by Disneyland to attend their media preview of Tiana’s Palace restaurant. 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 FIRST LOOK Inside Disney’s NEW Restaurant — Tiana’s Palace first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you heard of the NEW restaurant opening in Disneyland soon? Tiana’s Palace Tiana’s Palace is opening in New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park on September 7th, 2023. It’s replacing the old French Market Restaurant and will bring an all-new menu and updated decor to the space. Another change is that Cast Members who work here will have completely new costumes! Take a look at those costumes here. The new Cast Member costumes for this restaurant are reminiscent of the fashions from the 1920s (the time period in which Disney’s The Princess and the Frog was set). New Costumes The women’s outfit is a floral top that reminds us of Tiana’s work uniform from the movie! There’s a purple skirt to match. New outfits The men are wearing short-sleeved collared shirts with purple ties. Cast Member Costumes Both uniforms have an apron that’s embroidered with a lily. Pretty! When Tiana’s Palace opens on September 7th, there will be an all-new menu that’s inspired by the flavors of New Orleans. Disney Imagineers worked hard to research the city’s culture and cuisine in order to make the experience as authentic as possible. WOW! It’s a quick-service restaurant, so you don’t need reservations to dine there. ©Disney The Mint Julep Bar (which was located in the old French Market Restaurant) will be part of Tiana’s Palace and will reopen in September as well! Mickey-shaped Beignets from Mint Julep Bar We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Click here to learn more about Tiana’s Palace Restaurant! 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 the new Cast Member costumes? 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 Disney World to attend their media preview of Tiana’s Palace Restaurant. 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 NEW Disney Cast Member Costumes Revealed for Tiana's Palace Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article