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The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary Celebration is in full swing. Disney100 decorations at Magic Kingdom Although Disneyland started the festivities earlier this year, the celebration is coming to EPCOT in a big way SOON. In the meantime, though, we’ve enjoyed seeing all the Disney100 merchandise that’s come out, but we think we may have just found the MOST epic, and — of course — it’s from Loungefly and ONLY available on Amazon. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Yep, Loungefly has released a brand new black and white classic Disney collection that you can ONLY get on Amazon. Also, if you’re not an Amazon Prime member, be sure to check out the free Prime trial by clicking the banner below. Buy the Disney100 Black and White Vault Mini-Backpack ©Amazon Let’s start with the mini backpack in this collection. It’s all black and white with artwork of Mickey and his friends but done up in their classic styles straight from the Walt Disney vault. This one is a MUST for Disney history fans. You can pre-order this backpack now, and it will be released on September 29th, 2023. View on Amazon Buy the Disney100 Black and White Vault Wallet ©Amazon This collection also includes a matching wallet with the same classic Disney characters in black and white. Inside, you’ll find an ID slot, as well as additional slots for all your cards. You can pre-order the wallet now and it will be released on October 11th, 2023. View on Amazon Get the Disney100 Steamboat Willie Vault Pin ©Amazon Celebrate Mickey’s first appearance as Steamboat Willie with this Pop! pin. It even comes in a nice box perfect for keeping as a collectible. You can pre-order this pin now, and it will be released on September 29th, 2023. View on Amazon Buy the Mickey and Friends Pin Set ©Amazon Celebrate Mickey and ALL his friends with this 4-piece pin set that also includes classic versions of Goofy, Donald, and Pluto, all done in black and white. You can pre-order this pin set now, and it will be released on September 29th, 2023. View on Amazon We expect this collection to be very popular, so head on over to Amazon to pre-order it ASAP. We’ll also be keeping an eye out for more Disney100 souvenirs, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 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! Visit the DFB Amazon Storefront What do you think of this collection? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Disney 100th Anniversary Loungefly Bag Is on Amazon NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The time has come: we’re back to commend, critique, and categorize ALL the fast food restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Are you ready? Hollywood Studios Admittedly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not typically one of the four Disney World parks we go to if we’re looking for a good quick-service meal. Instead, you may find us at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or EPCOT if we’re in a food mood. But there are some days we need a quick bite to eat while in Hollywood Studios, so come with us to rank every fast food restaurant in the park from BEST to WORST. 1. Woody’s Lunch Box Was this even a question? Most Disney food fans know that Woody’s Lunch Box has some of the BEST fast food in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s got warm BBQ Brisket Melt, Totchos, and those famous Lunch Box Tarts! TOTCHOS! Our only complaint here is that the seating area is pretty small (and HOT), but we’re willing to endure the limited seating options for a bowl of those delicious Totchos. Click here to see our most recent review from Woody’s Lunch Box 2. Ronto Roasters The menu at Ronto Roasters is tiny but mighty. We ADORE the signature menu item here — the Ronto Wrap. Ronto Wrap If you’ve never tried a Ronto Wrap, do yourself a favor and go get one ASAP! It may seem a little out-of-this-world (to be fair, we are on another planet, though), but all those savory flavors work together perfectly. Again, the seating here is limited (and fully outdoors), but we can’t stay mad at Disney for this one. It’s just too good! Click here to see our most recent review from Ronto Roasters 3. ABC Commissary Finally! We’ve made it to an INDOOR dining option. ABC Commissary has a wide selection of foods, plenty of seating, and tons of fun television props to look at while you eat! ABC Commissary We especially enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich and the Pork Carnitas Tacos on the menu here! While this restaurant used to be rather disappointing, some of the newer menu items helped turn this place around BIG time. We love a comeback story! Click here to see our most recent review from ABC Commissary 4. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Back in Galaxy’s Edge, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is another quick-service spot that has consistently satisfied us! Full Spread at Docking Bay 7 Some of the menu items here are a little more adventurous (like the Peka Tuna Poke and the Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread), but keep an open mind and you might just end up finding a new favorite menu item! Click here to see our most recent review from Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo 5. Backlot Express Over at Backlot Express, you can find some of the classic theme park food many people expect to find in Disney World. There are TONS of tables, simple menu items, and cool air conditioning. Sometimes, that’s all you need after a busy day in the parks. Fries with plastic cheese at Backlot Express Hey, there’s nothing wrong with craving some good old chicken tenders and french fries! We’ve been known to order some cheese fries here a time or two — it’s a theme park classic. Click here to see our most recent review from Backlot Express 6. Dockside Diner Moving on to Dockside Diner, home of the hot dogs. There are some unique hot dogs here, but rest assured, you can still grab a classic All-Beef Quarter-Pound Hot Dog at this little snack spot. South African Hot Dog You need to like hot dogs to like this spot; the menu is pretty small and VERY hot dog-heavy. But when you have a craving for a simple, portable Disney World lunch, this could be the place to go! Click here to see our most recent review from Dockside Diner 7. Fairfax Fare While there’s nothing at Fairfax Fare that’s completely awful, this just isn’t our first choice if we’re eating at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Bubbles of the Sea You can often find new seasonal menu items at this spot, making it a fun place to check out every once in a while, but overall, we prefer those Totchos from Woody’s Lunch Box or a Ronto Wrap if we’re in need of a trusted theme park snack. Click here to see our most recent review from Fairfax Fare 8. Rosie’s All-American Cafe OK, we’re starting to get into loser territory. Rosie’s All-American Cafe is another one of those spots we don’t frequently visit since the menu items are, well, a little boring. Salad You can find hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and salads here, but nothing is super memorable or exciting. If you happen to find a seasonal menu item or limited-edition treat, this spot might be worth trying, though. Click here to see our most recent review from Rosie’s All-American Cafe 9. PizzeRizzo Serious Disney Food Blog fans know how we feel about “puffy pizza,” so it shouldn’t come as a huge shock that PizzeRizzo is at the bottom of our list. The infamous “puffy” pizza Mediocre pizza + subpar Italian food = a 9th place spot on our list. Sorry, Rizzo! But hey — if you want a $5 Cannoli or a Pizza Cookie, maybe this place isn’t a complete lost cause. Click here to see our most recent review from PizzeRizzo 10. Catalina Eddie’s Catalina Eddie’s has that same puffy pizza as PizzeRizzo, only without the charming Muppets details or indoor seating. Pepperoni Pizza The menu here is VERY small, and you can find much better food elsewhere in the park. Do yourself a favor and skip this place. Click here to see our most recent review from Catalina Eddie’s Phew! It wasn’t easy, but we did it. If you’re looking for a quick-service meal that won’t let you down, feel free to consult this list during your next trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you agree with this ranking? Let us know in the comments! The post A Definitive Ranking of Every Fast Food Restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What’s your go-to coffee order? ©Dunkin’ Donuts When we’re not drinking coffee, you might find us enjoying an alcoholic drink somewhere in Disney World! We’ll never turn down a margarita from La Cava del Tequila at EPCOT or a nice glass of wine from Wine Bar George in Disney Springs. But we’re also fans of the boozy version of Cold Brew Black Caf at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And boozy coffee IS a thing. In fact, it’s so much a thing that you’ll soon be able to find Dunkin’ Donuts SPIKED coffee where you live! Yep, Dunkin’ Donuts has announced that Dunkin’ Spiked Coffees and Iced Teas will soon be available in grocery and package stores across 12 U.S. states, meaning you can pick up a boozy version of your favorite coffee to enjoy at home whenever you want. ©Dunkin’ Donuts The spiked ice coffee has an ABV of 6%, while the spiked ice tea has an ABV of 5%. Coffee flavors will include the Dunkin’ Spiced Original Iced Coffee, the Dunkin’ Spiked Caramel Iced Coffee, Dunkin’ Spiked Mocha Iced Coffee, and Dunkin’ Spiked Vanilla Iced Coffee. YUM! ©Dunkin’ Donuts The spiked iced teas will include the following flavors: Dunkin’ Spiked Slightly Sweet Iced Tea (made with black tea and a twist of lemon), Dunkin’ Spiked Half & Half Iced Tea (half black tea and half lemonade), Dunkin’ Spiked Strawberry Dragonfruit Iced Tea Refresher (made with green tea and fruit flavor), and Dunkin’ Spiked Mango Pineapple Iced Tea Refresher (green tea with a tropical fruit flavor twist). ©Dunkin’ Donuts So when will you find these spiked coffees and teas in grocery and package stores? You should start looking for the teas in late August, while the spiked iced coffees will debut in early September. They’ll be available at retail locations in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. So be on the lookout for the Dunkin’ Donuts new spiked ice coffees and teas! We’ll also keep you updated on more interesting food and beverage news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Check Out The Official DFB Disney World Coffee Crawl Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be purchasing these new spiked teas and coffees? Let us know in the comments! The post Dunkin’ Donuts Revealed SPIKED Coffee Is Coming Soon🤯 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s one question we get ALL the time when it comes to Disney World. Parking at Disney World is going to be better soon No, it’s not where to eat (although we do get that because, hey, we are Disney FOOD Blog). It’s not even a question about how to visit Disney World on a budget (although we get asked that a lot, too). No, one of the biggest questions we’ve been asked recently about Disney World is: “When will parking trams return to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios?” Well, y’all, brace yourselves because WE FINALLY HAVE AN ANSWER. Okay, a little background information. After Disney World reopened in 2020 (after its historic closure), the trams in the parking lots were not in use. However, Disney did eventually bring trams back to the Ticket and Transportation Center (where you park when you visit Magic Kingdom) and Animal Kingdom. Transportation and Ticket Center Trams The beauty of using the trams is that they take you from your parking spot (well, at least from nearby your spot) to the front entrance of the park (or to where you catch the Monorail or ferryboat to Magic Kingdom at the Ticket and Transportation Center). If you have to park ALL the way in the back of the parking lot, it’s okay, because you’ve got that tram to take you to and from that spot without a lot of walking. Magic Kingdom Tram However, if you have recently visited EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, you still had to make the long trek from the back of the parking lot to the park entrance (and back again) because trams never returned to those parks. Like you, we’ve been asking “WHY?!” a lot. But we’ve got an update that we think you’re going to like. EPCOT Parking Lot Sign Disney has announced that parking trams will return to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios THIS September. Y’all, that’s SOON, and our tired feet just sighed in relief. All we can say is — it’s about time! Disney World is healing. So if you’re visiting Disney World after September and you’ll be driving, you don’t have to worry about the lack of parking trams in these two parks anymore. Trams will be available to save your poor feet at the beginning and end of your day. YAY! We’ll be keeping an eye out for those parking trams and will let you know as soon as they’re available, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The Disney World Hotel Parking Rule That Could Seriously RUIN Your Plans 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 happy to see the return of the parking trams to these parks? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Parking Trams Are RETURNING to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You better adjust those Disney souvenir budgets — things could be getting MORE expensive soon! Main Street Cinema There are a few different reasons why your 2024 Disney World trip could be much more expensive than you might have previously thought. Sneaky ticket price increases, continued price increases at Disney World’s restaurants, and even the return of the Disney Dining Plan could totally mess up the budget you might have had planned in your head. And on top of all of that, Disney merchandise could be more EXPENSIVE in 2024 too — here’s why. Likely Price Increases First of all, souvenirs could be more expensive in 2024 simply because Disney could choose to increase the prices for that merchandise. We’ve seen plenty of merchandise-related price increases in the past few years and these could happen again in 2024 (or perhaps late 2023, impacting your 2024 trip). Oftentimes, these increases happen suddenly and without warning, so it’s a good idea to build some wiggle room into your budget to account for that. Spirit Jersey Here are some of the merchandise price increases we’ve seen in recent years (which could give you an idea of what might be coming in the future): October 2022 — Price increase at Savi’s Workshop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (build a lightsaber experience) — $219.99 to $249.99 October 2022 — Price increase at Droid Depot in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (build a droid experience) — $99 to $119.99 October 2022 — Price increase on Minnie Ears — $29.99 to $34.99 July 2021 — Price increase on Spirit Jerseys — $69.99 to $74.99 May 2021 — Price increase on MagicBands — $14.99 to $19.99 nuiMOs — Price increase from $17.99 to $19.99 and then $21.99 How cute! There’s no guarantee that these items will increase in price again or that increases will happen at these same times, but given the fact that we have seen some recurring price increases on park tickets and other things in the past, it is a possibility and something you’ll want to potentially be prepared for. Click here to see Disney World souvenirs you should buy BEFORE they raise prices Inflation For quite some time, inflation was a big topic of conversation and it continues to be an important issue for many. In an article shared in May of 2023, Fox Business noted that some of America’s top economists expect inflation could remain “persistently high through 2023 and 2024.” This was based on survey results from the National Association for Business Economics. At the time of the survey, a 59% majority of NABE forecasters did not believe that inflation would decline to the Federal Government’s target level until 2025 or later. The report does suggest, however, that inflation could slow in 2024 while job growth is expected to moderate and the unemployment rate is expected to rise. Merchandise Display According to Yahoo (in sharing an article by Fortune), asset management firm BlackRock has predicted that the economy will “flatline” for a year. They anticipate that as labor shortages start to “bind” in 2024, “inflation will go on a ‘roller-coaster ride’ and reemerge.” If inflation continues to be an issue into 2024, then we could still see some increasing prices on various merchandise items (or other things) in the parks as Disney passes on certain increased costs to the consumer. Need to Generate More Cash Disney may also increase the price of its merchandise items if it feels like that is a way to make up for some of the less-than-ideal financial results from Disney World lately. Specifically, in the third quarter earnings report for fiscal year 2023, Disney revealed that there was “lower operating income at our domestic parks and resorts…attributable to a decrease at Walt Disney World Resort.” The decrease at Disney World was due to higher costs (inflation and accelerated depreciation from the closure of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser), as well as lower volumes (decreases in hotel bookings and attendance). EPCOT Disney has also seen some decreases in certain merchandise licensing. In the same report mentioned above, they said that there was a “decrease at our merchandise licensing business…due to lower revenue from merchandise based on Star Wars, Toy Story and Avengers.” Additionally, Disney is still facing losses in its direct-to-consumer division (though those losses are reducing compared to some prior quarters). Considering all of these factors, Disney may feel some financial pressure to increase costs somewhere so as to make up for lost profits elsewhere. That could end up resulting in higher merchandise prices (or higher prices in other things!). We’ve Seen Price Increases in Other Merchandise Spots Disney wouldn’t be alone in increasing its costs. In May, The New York Times reported that despite decreasing costs for some raw materials, many big businesses are still increasing the cost of their items. They shared, “Some of the world’s biggest companies have said they do not plan to change course and will continue increasing prices or keep them at elevated levels for the foreseeable future.” Merchandise This strategy, they point out, has helped “cushion” profits for these corporations and that practice could “keep inflation robust, contributing to the very pressures used to justify surging prices.” As Long As People Keep Spending, There’s No Real Incentive to Drop Prices As long as guests continue to spend big bucks on Disney’s merchandise, then it seems like there might not be any incentive to lower costs. In August of 2023, The Hill reported that “Americans increased their purchases at retailers last month – for clothing, dining out, online goods and other areas – in a sign that solid consumer spending is still powering a resilient U.S. economy.” So, if the $75 Loungefly bags continue to fly off the shelves, there’s less of an incentive for Disney to reduce those prices. Instead, if interest is still strong in their items (especially the pricier ones), they may feel that they actually have the power to increase costs. Orange Halloween Loungefly What do you think? How do you think Disney World souvenir prices will change in the coming years? Tell us in the comments. We’ll continue to watch for updates on souvenir pricing (as well as food pricing, hotel pricing, and more) in Disney World and share the most important updates with you so stay tuned for more 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 The post Why Your Disney World Souvenirs Will Cost More in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know you can dine with CELEBRITIES in Disney World? Well…sort of! Let’s go to Chef Mickey’s! Cause let’s be honest here — Mickey and Minnie Mouse are definitely celebrities. They’re famous all over the world! And all around Disney World, there are plenty of character meals where you can meet the main mice along with all of their friends. Recently, I went to check out one of the most well-known options, and I have some spicy thoughts to share! Atmosphere Recently, I got a “lunchtime” (you’ll understand why I put that in quotes shortly) reservation to head to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a restaurant review. This is that iconic character meal that you can see as you ride through the hotel on the monorail! There’s a photo op as you enter the restaurant! It’s located on the 4th floor Grand Concourse of the resort, right between Contempo Cafe and Outer Rim. Reservations are definitely recommended, as this can be a pretty popular spot during peak mealtimes. The autograph card! The restaurant offers buffet-style dining (more on that in a minute), with a few signature dishes available. The buffet in the middle But the most important note? It’s a character meal! Here you can meet Mickey Mouse and friends. Mickey Mouse Mickey and his pals are dressed up in their chef’s best (they helped cook the food on the buffet!) and their outfits are simply adorable. We talked with Minnie… Isn’t she stunning?! …snapped photos with Donald… He’s #1! …said “hi” to Daisy… It’s Miss Daisy! …and waved at Pluto! His dog tag is a cast iron pan! Service here is pretty simple — I was seated at my table in the dining area and then my server came by to take my drink order. After that, I was free to get up and check out the buffet. The table Now we’ve got a look at the restaurant, let’s talk about the food! Menu There was a menu available with adult beverages at each table, including options like a mimosa, the Chef’s Bloody Mary, White Chocolate Cold Brew, or a Peach Bellini. Morning Cocktails Menu There are also some kid-friendly non-alcoholic drinks that you can get. There’s a Mickey Mouse Smoothie and a Minnie Mouse Smoothie along with the typical Disney mocktails. These are an additional charge on top of your meal, but regular beverages like juice, tea, coffee, and soda are included in the price. You can get non-alcoholic options too! Before we dive into the buffet, there’s one thing you should know. Chef Mickey’s doesn’t currently serve lunch! My reservation time was after 12PM, but they still serve breakfast here until 12:30PM. So it’s totally possible to make a reservation for “lunch” and not realize that it’s still the breakfast buffet menu. Buffet plates There are multiple sections to the buffet, so let’s start with the cold bar. Here, you can build your own yogurt creation with fruit and other toppings. Cold bar There are a variety of fruit choices, including pineapple and watermelon. Lots of fruits! There’s also a make-your-own charcuterie section with eggs, onions, guacamole, meat, and cheese. You can make your own charcuterie! They had ham, salami, and several other types of meat, along with cheese cubes and slices. Several meat and cheese choices Moving around to the hot side of the buffet, we started with grits and oatmeal. Grits and oatmeal Next to that you’ll find the biscuits, which are on the smaller side so you can try more things. Biscuits And what would be biscuits without gravy?! Also with the gravy is the famous cheesy potato casserole, which is an iconic item here at Chef Mickey’s. GRAVVVYYYYY Since it’s a breakfast buffet, they’ve of course got eggs and bacon. The classics There are also some sauces you can use to top your eats! On the day we visited they were blueberry and strawberry flavored. Two different sauces! For the little ones, there’s a small buffet section that’s at the perfect height. They have chicken sausage, eggs, and tater tots. Kids’ buffet If you want some lighter options, they have a Frittata along with a Tofu Scramble. Frittata and Tofu And we can’t forget about the pancakes! Pancakes! It wouldn’t be a Disney breakfast without Mickey waffles, and here you can also grab french toast sticks. They had tiny cups of syrup sitting over here as well. Mickey Waffles are an essential! And last but not least, we’ve got braised beef brisket and sliced ham. MEAAAAT On a separate buffet, you’ll find pastry and dessert options like turnovers… Pastries …danishes… Delicious! …croissants… Croissants …and mini muffins. Muffins! But the highlight is the Banana Bread Pudding. Just look at it! The iconic bread pudding! There’s a thick caramel sauce you can get on the side to top it with. Sauce!! That’s everything on the buffet, it’s time to EAT! Eats There’s a LOT of stuff to try here, and I made sure to load my plate up with plenty of tasty options! But before we talk about that, let’s discuss the Mickey Mouse Smoothie. This is $6.99 and made with frozen Minute Maid mango smoothie and strawberry smoothie topped with whipped cream and cookies ‘n’ cream crumbles. It was pretty sweet, but the mango flavor really shone through. It melts SUPER fast, so make sure to drink it quickly if you don’t want a mess from that whipped cream! Mickey Mouse Smoothie First up, let’s talk about the biscuits and gravy. The biscuit had a nice buttery flavor, but was definitely on the dry side. It was hard to pull apart and actually quite chewy, which isn’t exactly a trait I want from my biscuits. The gravy had a strange flavor to it that was oddly earthy and didn’t taste like traditional gravy. The gravy was also already cold when I got it. Overall, not my favorite rendition of biscuits and gravy I’ve tried. The full plate! On the other hand, the carved ham was DELICIOUS. It’s served with a spicy pineapple sauce as the accompaniment and it wasn’t too spicy, but added a nice fruity Hawaiian-like element. It’s a really thick and salty piece of ham, and it was so big of a serving that it took up half of my plate. It’s probably a smidge too salty, but not overwhelmingly so. I really enjoyed eating the ham alongside some fresh pineapple I put on my plate. The pineapple was sweet and juicy and they made a delightful pair. Pineapple and Ham Next up, we have to talk about what was (in my humble opinion) the STAR of the meal — the cheesy potato casserole. This is pretty similar to a hash brown casserole, and the potatoes were absolutely amazing and very creamy with a strong cheese flavor. There was a little bit of a crust on top, and it added a good crispy element. I would eat a whole BOWL of these — and I totally would’ve actually tried to if I hadn’t been there at the end of the breakfast hours. That potato casserole, Y’ALL! Now it’s time for some eggs! The frittata was light and SO fresh with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. It was much fluffier than I expected and it made me wonder if it was whipped with ricotta. The tomatoes and greens added brightness to the frittata overall, and I wanted to eat the whole thing. The hard-boiled egg was exactly that — a hard-boiled egg. Pretty basic, cooked all the way through, a breakfast staple. I also grabbed a few cubes of cheese that tasted like cheddar and were pretty standard. The egg eats! Moving around to the other side, we’ve got to talk about the smoked salmon that I pulled from the charcuterie bar. It was quite yummy and lightly smoked so that the flavor wasn’t too “punch you in the teeth.” This would be excellent with other accouterments from the cold bar. Disney also serves up a breakfast hash here, which had peppers, potatoes, and meat. There are lots of good textural elements here with soft, chewy, and crunchy bits, but there wasn’t much flavor except for the brightness of the pepper. This was also one dish that was cold when I got it, so I think it would be better warm. Salmon and potatoes Next up, we’ve got the CARBS. (And what’s a breakfast without lots of those?!) I of course picked up some Mickey waffles, along with french toast sticks. The french toast sticks were definitely on the disappointing side. They were SO chewy that it was difficult to eat them, but they did have a nice cinnamon flavor. Breakfast of champions But the Mickey waffle? This was perfection! Like always, these were absolutely amazing — fluffy inside with a slight chew on the outside and a mild sweetness that brings it all together. Mickey waffle! Last but not least, we’ve got to talk about the banana bread pudding, which was really hyped up for me ahead of time. I love a good bread pudding, and I’ve had some truly delicious versions in Disney World. But this one fell flat. It was incredibly mushy in texture and looked like it might have been cooked a little too hot because it was crisp on the outside but underdone and doughy in the middle. The flavor was nice, but it reminded me of banana oatmeal. If you’re into that, this might be your cup of tea! Banana Bread Bread Pudding That’s everything that I ate! So what did I think of the meal and experience? Overall Let me start by saying something that you probably don’t expect — I do NOT recommend going to Chef Mickey’s for lunch…and it has nothing to do with the food! Since they don’t actually serve lunch here, you’re just getting the same food they serve for breakfast, but later in the day. And my reservation at 12:20PM seemed to be the last one before the restaurant shut down breakfast at 12:30PM. Dining room This was a problem for multiple reasons. First of all, it took me a while to get seated, so I wasn’t at my table until 12:45PM. Then, when I sat down, the characters were coming by immediately and making their last round for the breakfast shift. There’s no chance of seeing them twice if you eat this late, and if I had gotten up to go to the buffet right away, I would’ve missed them altogether. Speaking of the buffet — it was closed shortly after I got my food, so that I didn’t have the opportunity to get seconds. Full spread With the food I ate, there were some things I enjoyed (the cheesy potatoes, the ham, the frittata) and some I didn’t (the hash, the bread pudding, the french toast sticks), but there are plenty of options for a variety of palettes. For me, the problem with this meal was more about the timing. So if you want to go eat breakfast, make sure you plan to be there BEFORE noon. Preferably even earlier than that. One of the tables Chef Mickey’s can be a great experience, but you’ll want to time it properly! And with buffet eats, the quality of the food can vary wildly from day to day, so just keep that in mind. Nosh or Not? Pal around with Chef Mickey and friends for breakfast if… You make an early reservation. Don’t try to pass this off as lunch! If you come later, the meal will likely be stressful and rushed. Plan it for the morning and give yourself plenty of time! You have a variety of tastes in your party. The buffet had lots of crowd-pleaser options to choose from. I think a lot of palettes would enjoy this. You want to meet 5/6 of the sensational six in one spot. This meal has all the classic pals except Goofy, and because of that, it’s a great starter character meal. You can please a lot of Disney fans in one go! Have your food made by a chef that ISN’T a mouse if… You’re on a time constraint. This isn’t really a fast meal. You’ll have to wait around for characters to drop by, and then you’ll have to go up to the buffet and get all your food. It’s definitely a full experience that you don’t want to rush. You want to eat a true lunch. Sure, you can eat during lunchtime (which I don’t recommend), but they don’t serve lunch food here. Instead, make a reservation for breakfast or later on for dinner. You want some exotic eats. The menu here is pretty simple and very American-based cuisine-wise. Don’t go in here expecting anything over the top or fancy! Chef Mickey’s spread That’s a wrap on my visit to Chef Mickey’s! Stay tuned to DFB for more food reviews from the restaurants around Disney World, and all the updates you need to know for your next vacation. Click Here to See Our Ranking of Character Meals! 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 Chef Mickey’s? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: A WARNING About Going to Chef Mickey's for Lunch first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Meeting characters in Disney World is ALL part of the fun. We LOVE meeting characters in Disney World Who doesn’t want to get a photo with Mickey and Minnie, after all? Who wouldn’t want to get a little goofy WITH Goofy? Who hasn’t wanted to have a chat with a Disney princess at one time or another? Sometimes, though, some of our favorite characters leave the parks, and today, we found out that a fun character has disappeared. On August 20th, we went to ImageWorks inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT to meet a few favorite characters. However, one character was gone. Like COMPLETELY gone. There’s a curtain over the meet and greet area and everything. Vanellope is gone… So who is the missing character? Well, it’s none other than Vanellope (who IS technically a Disney princess now) from the Wreck-It Ralph movies. We’ll miss you, Vanellope! When we asked a Cast Member about Vanellope’s disappearance, we were told that she’s not coming back for the foreseeable future because she’s gone back to the Internet to be a full-time racer (okay, points to Disney for coming up with that explanation). So, for now, it seems Vanellope is gone. But we do know that a NEW character meet-and-greet will be coming to EPCOT soon, starring Figment. So is this where we’ll find Figment? Disney hasn’t confirmed a location for that meet-and-greet, so we don’t know for sure. Will Figment meet at this location? Just a heads up, though — Joy from Inside Out is still meeting at ImageWorks, so if you still want to say hello to her, you can! Joy is still there! We’ll continue to keep an eye out for additional updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. When are you headed to Disney World next? 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! Where to Find All the Disney Character Meet-and-Greets in Walt Disney World 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! Will you miss meeting Vanellope in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! The post Major CHANGE Hits EPCOT Character Meet-and-Greet Location in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you thought about what you need to pack for a Disney World trip? I mean, really thought about it? Welcome to Disney World! The list can get pretty long when you’re thinking about all the travel essentials you’ll need. And, as you know, there are plenty of opportunities to forget those most important things. That really got us thinking. So, we wanted to find out what your thoughts were about something you missed having at Disney World. We asked and boy did you deliver! We reached out to our followers on Facebook to ask “What’s one thing you wish you had packed for your last Disney World trip?” and the results were pretty varied. We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments. Let’s go over some of the top ones and see what they had to say! More money… Listen. We get it. Disney World can be a very expensive place to take a trip to. Around 17% of responders mentioned that they wished they could’ve had more money for their Disney World trip. It totally makes sense. ©Shutterstock Long gone are the days when the park first opened and a ticket was only $3.50. Now, if you’re trying to bring your family with you, you’re looking at figures into the hundreds if not thousands when considering the hotel, the food, and any souvenirs you may purchase. It’s all about the practical things… Next up, at approximately 16% of the feedback was the mention of missing practical items. You brought up wishing you had extra hats, cooling towels, portable fans, umbrellas, and the list goes on. Umbrellas and ponchos The items you mentioned make it clear that the Florida weather needs to be accounted for. There are plenty of showers during the rainy season and it’s most likely also going to be very hot, so you’ll have to plan accordingly. This Is the Water Bottle That Literally Everyone Takes to Disney World! Breathe in. Breathe out… Now, this one here gave us a bit of a chuckle most likely because it was so relatable. A number of you mentioned that you could have packed some more patience with you on your Disney World trip. LONG lines at the entrance We feel you on that. And we know that extra patience can come in clutch for either dealing with other guests or even your own family members. What we can recommend is to plan ahead as that can be a huge saver when it comes to time and in that much-needed patience. If only I had more space… As the joke goes, everything in Disney World leads to a gift shop, you’ll probably find that to be quite accurate. At least that’s what some of you were getting at when you talked about wishing you had more space in your luggage for things to bring back home with you. Merchandise And that’s the case, isn’t it? After you’ve played your version of packing Tetris, there just never seems to be enough space in the luggage for all the souvenirs you desire. One thing you could do is to see what could be sent back home to you instead of trying to fit it in your suitcase. Another option could be that it’s time to upgrade your carry-on. 6 Carry-On Backpacks That Hold SO MUCH STUFF You’ve gotta protect your feet… Last up on this list, a number of you talked about wishing you had packed some better shoes. We completely understand you on this one since we’re always on our feet and constantly thinking about what to wear. Need some backups? The proper footwear is super dependent on what you’re doing for the day. So, if you’re skipping all over EPCOT, you might not want to wear those flip-flops. Save those for the pool. We definitely recommend planning out your daily activities and bringing an extra pair just in case you get caught in one of those afternoon Florida rain showers. The Most Uncomfortable Shoes We Always See People Wear in Disney World So, armed with these insightful tidbits, you can now plan ahead, stay patient, and embrace the magical moments that Disney World has to offer. Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! The $12 Item That Will Make Your Disney Trip 10x Easier Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you wish you had packed for your last Disney World trip? Let us know below! The post The One Thing Disney World Experts Say You NEED To Pack first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney does a lot of fun collaborations with designers all over the world. Tommy Hilfiger Collection It seems like ALL the big fashion and accessory designers want to hop on the Disney train. We’ve seen collaborations with Vera Wang, collaborations with Harveys, and even collaborations with Gucci. Well, Disney recently collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger on a new collection, and you can now get EVERYTHING in that collection ON SALE. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We recently spotted a special sale at Disney World! You can get 30% off ALL Tommy Hilfiger items at Port of Entry in EPCOT. You might see this sale happening at other shops that carry the Tommy Hilfiger collection, too. 30% off If you’re on the West Coast — good news! We also recently spotted the same sale in Disneyland. Keep an eye out for the deal in shops there, too. This sign was in the Emporium in Disneyland Park. 30% off Tommy Hilfiger items in Disneyland Or even better, you can sit at home and save money on the Tommy Hilfiger collection — because it’s also marked down online! Say what? Get the Tommy Hilfiger Mickey Mouse Sweater Tommy Hilfiger Big Mickey Sweater Yep, you can grab that SWEET Mickey Mouse sweater on sale RIGHT NOW online. Mickey is giving a playful wink on this piece, and he looks adorable, right? View on shopDisney Buy the Mickey Mouse Sleeveless Shirt Dress by Tommy Hilfiger Striped Tommy Hilfiger Dress You can even get this dress on sale online — and it’s PERFECT for summer. It’s even made out of cotton, which means it’s a breathable fabric you can wear on those hot days (which we’ve had a lot of). View on shopDisney You can check out the full sale online here. We’ll keep an eye out for MORE Disney sales, both in the parks and online, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Planning to pick this up in Disney World soon? We’ve got the perfect t-shirt for you to wear into the parks! Click here to check out our whole merch line! 5 Disney Deals You Can Get On Amazon RIGHT NOW! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did you buy any of the Tommy Hilfiger Disney items when they came out? Will you be heading to Disney World or Disneyland to catch them on sale? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT! You Can Get the Disney x Tommy Hilfiger Collection on SALE Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, and that celebration is going strong! Disney100 merchandise is EVERYWHERE Not only will EPCOT soon get in on the celebration, but there have been all kinds of AMAZING merchandise collections (y’all, there’s even a Disney100 Vespa!). Well, we just found a beautiful NEW Disney100 collection that you’ll probably want to get your hands on ASAP. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Disney100 Celebration Ring ©Bradford Exchange This special edition ring is a platinum-plated sterling silver ring with an over-8-carat crystal with 100 facets and sparkling crystals shaped like Mickey. Disney100 is etched around the ring, while you’ll find the Disney100 logo inside the band. View on Bradford Exchange Buy the Disney100 Mickey Mouse Ring ©Bradford Exchange This special edition ring is also made with platinum-plated sterling silver and features a hand-sculpted and hand-enameled portrait of Mickey in the center, surrounded by 20 sparkling crystals. More 100-facet crystals surround Mickey, while you’ll find the Disney100 logo engraved inside the band. View on Bradford Exchange Get the Disney100 Celebration Glitter Globe ©Bradford Exchange If you collect snow globes or glitter globes, you’ll need this one in your collection. This limited-edition piece has silver accents. On top is a globe with Mickey, surrounded by colorful glitter and Mickey confetti. The top has Mickey ears, while the front has the Disney100 logo. It also has lights that change colors. If you’re interested, you might want to HURRY — this item is selling fast! View on Bradford Exchange Get the Disney100 Stamp Bangle Bracelet ©Bradford Exchange This special edition platinum-plated brass bangle bracelet has stamp artwork on it with classic Disney characters, as well as an engraved badge icon in the middle. View on Bradford Exchange Get the Disney100 Charm Bracelet ©Bradford Exchange Celebrate 17 of Disney’s most iconic characters with this special edition charm bracelet with platinum-plated brass character charms. Characters include Tinker Bell, Moana, Snow White, and more. View on Bradford Exchange Buy the Disney 100 Years Of Wonder Clock ©Bradford Exchange This limited-edition clock features a giant 100 with Mickey Mouse and has a faceted crystallized base. The “100” on the statue features the clockface itself, as well as a montage of classic Disney characters. View on Bradford Exchange But that’s just the TIP of the iceberg. You can find the full Bradford Exchange Disney100 collection here. We’ll let you know if we spot any other new Disney100 merchandise online, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Click here to view our Amazon Storefront Will you be checking out any of these new items? Let us know in the comments! The post This 100th Anniversary Disney Souvenir Is Selling FAST! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Genie+ has gone through a few different transformations since the skip-the-line service first rolled out in Disney World. You can find Lightning Lanes at many attractions within the parks! And, just when we thought we had the hang of things — Disney goes and changes it all over again. As of June 27th, Genie+ is now a per-park, per-day service, meaning that the price depends on which park you’re visiting and which date you visit. This “dynamic pricing” has ebbed and flowed since it was first introduced, but we’ve noticed something kind of peculiar lately. The price for Genie+ has not changed since August 8th — as of this writing, that makes ten days of unchanged pricing. Although we’ve seen the cost stay the same for a few days in a row, this is the longest streak since dynamic, park-specific pricing was first introduced. Tower of Terror Lightning Lane sign It’s not just the regular, standard Genie+ pricing that has gone unchanged either — each of the Individual Lightning Lane rides has kept the same price as well. Here’s a look at what Genie+ cost in each park between August 8th and now: Multi-Park: $25 Magic Kingdom: $25 EPCOT: $18 Hollywood Studios: $22 Animal Kingdom: $16 Disney Genie+ allows you to book the Lightning Lane for rides. And here’s the price of each Individual Lightning Lane ride between those same dates: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: $11 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: $15 Rise of the Resistance: $22 Flight of Passage: $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run: $20 Expedition Everest Lightning Lane Disney has previously shared that Genie+ pricing is set based on demand, so it’s possible that is the reason for the stall — the demand in the parks hasn’t wavered in 10 days either. We have seen pretty steady crowds and wait times in the parks lately too, especially with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party having officially kicked off, and we could see that trend continue. Ultimately, there’s no guarantee that these prices are here to stay. Depending on how busy the upcoming holiday season is this year, it’s possible we could see prices skyrocket across the board. The good news is that Disney has announced even more changes will be coming to Genie+ in 2024, where you’ll be able to plan your Lightning Lanes ahead of time (a la the old FastPass+ system.) We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but we’ll keep an eye out! Lightning Lane at EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After We know that planning a Disney World trip is A LOT. And this Genie+ thing can be so confusing – 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. We have a whole guide with answers to questions you might have about Genie+, and you can check it out at the link below. Stay tuned to DFB for more! See Our FULL FAQ With All the Recent Genie+ Changes Here All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection BIG Genie+ Changes Being Planned For Disney World FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World 3 Tips to OUTSMART Genie+ in Disney World Right Now Please Stop Skipping These Genie+ Hacks in Disney World (They Really Work!) Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Have you used Genie+ in the parks lately? Tell us in the comments. The post Something STRANGE Is Happening With Genie+ in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you can survive a week in Disney World without caffeine, you deserve a trophy, a medal, and a street named after you. Starbucks But seriously, making it through multiple days at The Most Magical Place on Earth without a little pick-me-up would be incredibly challenging, and that’s why there are PLENTY of coffee options around the parks. Each Disney World park has multiple restaurants serving coffee, and it feels like you can’t sneeze without hitting a Joffrey’s coffee kiosk. But today, we’re here to talk about the Starbucks spots…and the problem with them! Each Disney World park is home to a Starbucks location, where you can order all your favorite drinks from home, as well as some classic bakery and pastry items. The four Starbucks locations in the parks are Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom), Connections Cafe (EPCOT), Trolley Car Cafe (Hollywood Studios), and Creature Comforts (Animal Kingdom). They’re all located pretty centrally in the park, usually not too far from the entrance. It gets REAL busy in here in the mornings. And in the mornings, as you might expect, you’ll find these Starbucks spots get quite crowded! We’ve noticed some of the heaviest crowds after rope drop, usually around 10AM when people need a mid-morning boost after an early wake-up call. This also coincides with the time when the latecomers start to arrive at the parks. However, that’s not the only time they get crowded — there’s also usually an afternoon rush when visitors hit the midday slump. And if you need some coffee during that time, we might have some bad news. Trolley Car Cafe A problem that we’ve come across multiple times in the past at Starbucks locations is that they sometimes CLOSE part of the restaurant after the initial morning rush. What do we mean? Well, each Starbucks in the Disney World parks is designed with two separate queues — so you can either wait in line to order on the left side of the counter or the right side of the counter. There isn’t a difference in the offerings or the experience, really, but it’s just a way to get a higher volume of guests through the restaurant at once. Connections Cafe crowds We’ve often come into Starbucks in the afternoon to find that they have closed one side of the line as demand decreases later in the day. This isn’t usually a problem if the restaurant isn’t crowded, but more than once we’ve seen the lines get REALLY long later in the day because Starbucks is operating at “half capacity.” Note that this doesn’t happen ALL the time. We’ve also seen plenty of afternoons when both sides of the Starbucks locations remain open. It really depends on the day, so you might be taking a gamble by visiting Starbucks. Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom So just be warned — if you want to grab coffee for an afternoon boost, you may run into this problem and actually end up waiting LONGER than if you’d grabbed your coffee in the morning. It doesn’t happen in every Starbucks every day, but it’s a fairly common occurrence. Entering Connections Cafe If you run into this problem, you can always choose to visit a Joffrey’s kiosk instead (which usually have shorter lines)! We’ll keep you in the loop with any more coffee tips and tricks from Disney World, as well as all the advice you need to navigate the parks successfully! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates. The One Coffee Mistake Everyone Keeps Making in Disney World — 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 Do you get Starbucks or Joffrey’s in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post The Potential Problem With Starbucks in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is full of great eats, amazing drinks, awesome merchandise, fun activities, and awesome entertainment. But wait…there’s one more ingredient you need to add to the mix — STRESS. EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival That’s right — despite all of the fun you can have at the Festival, a trip to this popular experience can also include a huge (read: overwhelming) amount of stress. What dishes are worth your money? How much do you need to budget? What is the best of the best to try? Where do you even start?! There’s a lot to consider — but take a deep breath. We can help! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Today we’re going through our top 15 tips to reduce the stress of your Food & Wine Festival experience. And we’ll start with a bonus — click the image below to download our EXCLUSIVE Festival map and checklist so you don’t have to guess where the food booths are located or what items are at each. Okay, now let’s get to the rest of the tips! 1 — Wear the Right Clothes! You might be so focused on the food and drinks that you totally forget about what you’ll be wearing as you eat your way through the park. But this is an incredibly important thing to consider. Especially if you plan to grab a whole bunch of dishes, your outfit can make a HUGE difference on your level of comfort. Our advice is to pack something light and stretchy (yes, THIS is the time to bring out those stretchy pants or a loose-fitting dress that won’t make you feel like you just ate 500 snacks even though you definitely did). Food and Wine Festival is here! Here are a few other Festival packing tips: Check the weather — Remember the Festival runs all the way through November 19th and the weather can vary a LOT between now and then. If you’ll be going during a really hot season, pack light. Going when things might cool down a bit? Remember that light sweater! And don’t forget to plan ahead for rain!! Wear comfy shoes — You’ll be doing a LOT of walking! Grab a DFB-exclusive Food & Wine Festival Shirt from our merch store to really take your outfit to the next level (and make your outfit planning easier) DFB Exclusive Food & Wine Merch! 2 — Get a Tray We cannot over-emphasize how incredibly helpful it is to have a tray with you when at an EPCOT Festival! Trust us when we say getting a tray will CHANGE your Festival experience. The next time you order all the food and drinks from a booth, you won’t have to try to balance things, almost spill half of your items, and stressfully walk to the closest trash can (or require the help of 5 of your friends). Get a Tray! There are a variety of trays available, but one option is this plastic food tray from Amazon. ©Amazon It’s relatively cheap, simple, and can help get the job done! Click here to grab the tray from Amazon! 3 — Review the Menus BEFORE You Go Planning is your friend when it comes to the Food & Wine Festival. One thing that can remove a ton of stress is to review ALL of the menus for the food booths before you go. Click here to see our page with ALL of the menus for the Food & Wine Festival! By reviewing the menus, you’ll be able to identify the dishes that you’re most interested in trying and create a list of what to buy BEFORE you get there. That can help you feel less overwhelmed by all the options. Plus, if you review all of the menus, then you’ll know what’s available at each of the booths. If you don’t review them ahead of time, you might buy 10 items within the first 5 booths and fill up quickly, only to then realize that 2-3 items you’d REALLY want to try are at later booths and now you’re too stuffed to try them! Brew-Wing Full Spread Pro tip: Don’t just look at the menus. Be sure to also read our FULL reviews of every single booth so you can see our pros and cons about the menu items you’re thinking of buying. By reading our reviews, you might discover that an item you were interested it was actually TERRIBLE or find out that an item you didn’t have on your radar is totally worth trying. See ALL of our booth reviews here! And here’s another pro tip — we’ve tried essentially EVERYTHING at the Festival for you and developed a list of our favorites. These are the items we think you absolutely should eat or drink while there. So be sure to check out our list and watch our video below to learn all about that. That can also help you develop your list of items to try!  4 — Get the DFB Food & Wine Festival Guide Ever wish you could have the ultimate guide to the Festival in one place? Well, you CAN! We have developed the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival and it can help you tackle the Festival like a PRO. DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Inside of the digital guide we’ve got the BEST tips, tricks, info, and advice for you to help you enjoy every minute of your time there. There are over 250 pages of info. We’ve broken down each booth to help you devise your plan of attack. Sample Page We offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied, and it’s a digital guide which means you’ll get it INSTANTLY and can easily carry it around the park on your mobile device! Get the Food & Wine Festival Guide HERE! 5 — Set up a Budget You’ve already got your list of must-get items, now it’s time to figure out how much that’ll all cost you. We’ve got the pricing for every single item listed on our full menus page so you don’t have to do too much work. Simply note the prices next to your must-get items list and add it all up together. That’ll help you see how much you’d ideally spend if you got every item on that list. Then, it’s time to decide whether that number is too high for your level of comfort. Full Spread 2023 Hawaii Booth If it is, then it’s time to lower your budget and see what items from your list you should remove to make that budget work. Establishing this budget ahead of time will help you be WAY less stressed about that credit card bill that’ll hit you after you spend a full day eating around the World. (Just remember to include some extra space in your budget for tax in your calculations!) Click here for a realistic budget for the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 6 — Get a Gift Card One of the most useful souvenirs you can get at the Food & Wine Festival is a collectible gift card with a bracelet. The gift card is small and attached to a bracelet you can easily wear on your wrist so you can have it accessible when it’s time to buy your items from the booths (no need to dig through your bag for cash or a credit card). 2023 Gift Card The other great thing about the gift card (aside from it making your purchasing so much easier) is that it can help you stick to your budget. Only load the gift card with the amount you’ve established as your budget. Then, once it’s all used up, you may be less tempted to keep buying items that’ll put you over that budget. 7 — Stay Hydrated! This sounds simple enough but truly, staying hydrated is KEY to making your Food & Wine Festival experience a good one and not one that lands you in the first aid center. Florida can be extremely hot. If you don’t stay hydrated, you could run the risk of becoming cranky, dehydrated, and potentially even placing your health in danger. Water Bottle You can typically find your standard plastic water bottles available to purchase at a variety of spots throughout EPCOT and the Festival, but those won’t come cheap. Our advice is to bring your own refillable water bottle that you can replenish at the water bottle refill stations or water fountains throughout the park. And don’t forget that you can pop into most Quick Service restaurants to get a FREE cup of ice and water that you can also refill your water bottle with. ‘Elemental’ water bottle If you’ll be drinking alcoholic beverages as you enjoy the Festival, be mindful of how many you have had and try to balance that with water to ensure the right level of hydration. And consider purchasing something like the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier, which are packets of powder with electrolytes that you add to your water to give you that much more hydration. Click here to check out the water bottle that LITERALLY everyone takes to Disney World! 8 — Know the Rules There are a number of rules you’ll want to know before you visit Disney World, but one particular one becomes especially important during EPCOT festivals. Cast Members are generally trained to limit guests to no more than 2 alcoholic beverages per transaction at Quick Service locations and this often includes EPCOT festival booths. Sake Passion Cocktail So if you really want to try a variety of drinks while at the Festival, just know that this limit is in place and will generally restrict how many alcoholic options you can get at a single booth. That’s something to keep in mind when making your must-get list. Click here to see the one spot mimosa fans HAVE to visit at the Food & Wine Festival 9 — Map Your Route! You have your list of eats, you have your budget, and you’re ready to go — no more planning needed right? WRONG! You might have your list of eats and drinks ready, but where are the booths that contain those eats/drinks located in the park? If you don’t take a look at a map ahead of time you might not realize that some of the booths are quite separated from each other. Festival Map! And if you over-estimate how much you’ll be able to eat in one day, you might end up filling up on certain things at the booths closest to your unplanned path through the park and then becoming too full before reaching a few items you reeeeeeeaaaaalllllly wanted to try. We have a DFB-EXCLUSIVE Food & Wine Festival map that can help! Click here and you’ll be able to check it out and plan your trip! Don’t Miss Out! You might also want to think about a little bit of an eating strategy when planning your route. One of our team members shared that they like to do a lap from Canada to Mexico for savory items, and then walk back the other way for dessert, ending up at the bridge by the time the fireworks start. Don’t forget that there are some booths a little further away from the “main” World Showcase countries that you may want to visit (like The Fry Basket, which is close to Test Track). And remember that you can utilize the Friendship Boats to help you get around EPCOT without having to do all the walking. Click here for a look at the best items under $5 at the Festival 10 — Can You Share Some Items? If you’re traveling in a group, we highly recommend talking about your Food & Wine Festival eating plans with your group BEFORE you arrive. Compare must-eat/drink lists with each other to see if there are some overlapping items. If there are, discuss whether or not you might be able to share those items. Full Spread 2023 Flavors from Fire Sharing dishes can help you save money and stomach space! That could enable you to have a little bit more cash to use on other items you want to try. On the flip side, if you’re envisioning sharing everything but one member of your group wants their own portion of a specific item, clearing that up in advance can help you avoid any complications during your time in the park. Click here to take a look at Spaceship Earth’s limited-time look for the Festival 11 — Eat to the Beat Concert Dining Packages During the Food & Wine Festival, the signature entertainment offered is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This series brings in local talent from Tuesday to Thursday, and more internationally recognized talent from Friday to Monday. Some of the more popular performers include Boyz II Men, Sugar Ray, 98°, and Hanson. The concerts are offered nightly at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8PM. Eat to the Beat 2023 You can watch these concerts for FREE (with your EPCOT admission), but the seating can fill up fast for certain popular performers. That means you might need to get in the standby line pretty early if you want to secure a good spot for those. Standby Entrance If you’d rather not have to wait in the standby entrance and want to make sure you get a great seat for a popular performer you’re hoping to see, an Eat to the Beat Dining Package might be the way to go! With these dining packages, you pay a certain amount (depending on the restaurant you choose) to dine at a participating EPCOT restaurant and also get reserved seating for one Eat to the Beat concert showing that night. If you have your heart set on seeing a particular performer and are worried their shows could get really busy, this could be something to opt for. Eat to the Beat Same Day Dining Package sign Our advice is to figure out whether you want/need an Eat to the Beat Dining Package WELL ahead of your trip. Reservations are available now and can be made 60 days in advance. Take a look at who is performing during the days you’ll be there, and then think about whether you really want to see them, whether you’re willing to wait in the standby line for them, and whether a dining package will be “worth it” for you. Then, discuss the situation with your group to make sure everyone is on board. And keep in mind that if you’re looking for a cheap option, you may be able to score a day-of dining package at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, but only a limited number of dining packages are available there. Click here to learn more about the dining packages and what they include. Click here to see the concerts you’ll DEFINITELY want a dining package for 12 — Get a Festival Passport One of the best souvenirs at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival is actually FREE! It’s the Festival Passport! You’ll typically find these at the front of the park as well as at various spots throughout the park. 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Passport What’s great about these passports (aside from the fact that they’re totally free) is that they contain pages detailing the food items available at each booth, some of the merchandise you can find, and other helpful details about the Festival. It’s a nice, tangible, and helpful item you can keep in your hand as you stroll through the park. You can cross out items you try on there or otherwise make notes if you need to. Inside the Passport Plus, the Passport is where you’ll get stamps if you’re working on the Festival’s Cheese Challenge — Emile’s Fromage Montage. Emile’s Frontage Montage Once you get at least 5 stamps, you can take your Passport to the appropriate booth to collect your prize! Get a look at the Festival passport here! 13 — Download the My Disney Experience App Another tool you’ll want to bring with you to the Festival is the My Disney Experience app. It’s an app you can download on your mobile device. While the app is incredibly helpful for all kinds of things in Disney World (use of Genie+, making mobile orders, etc.) it can also be good for Festivals! Within the app, you can find a section about the Food & Wine Festival. ©Disney Once you select that, you’ll be able to see more about the music, food, and other offerings available. ©Disney If you like to keep things mobile, this is a good way to take a look at the food booth menus digitally. ©Disney Plus, you’ll be able to see allergy-friendly menus which might be particularly helpful for those with specific dietary restrictions. ©Disney Overall, it’s a helpful tool you’ll want for your Disney World trip as a whole, but don’t forget to use it during the Festival too! 14 — Scope Out the Festival Merchandise in Advance As we talked about with the Festival food and making a list of must-buy items in advance, it can be helpful to do the same for Festival merchandise. 2023 Food and Wine Festival Merchandise If you take a look at the merchandise in advance, you can pick out which items you might really want to buy, develop a budget for your merch haul, and then not be as surprised when you arrive and end up spending a decent sum of money on that Loungefly bag you just had to buy. Click here for a full view of ALL the merchandise at the Food & Wine Festival 15 — Avoid Certain Days And finally, if you really want to take some stress out of your Festival visit, try (if you can) to avoid visiting the Festival on Fridays and the weekends. These are the times/days when Orlando locals are more likely to make their way over to the park to enjoy the Festival, making EPCOT even MORE crowded than it might already be. EPCOT Food and Wine Crowds (2023) If you can visit during the weekdays, that can help you potentially get some shorter lines at the food booths. Arriving early can also help you knock out some booths before bigger crowds arrive. Just keep in mind that the Festival booths generally do not open until around 11AM each day. Check out the opening weekend crowds from the Festival here And those are our tips to suck the stress OUT of your Food & Wine Festival trip! We’ll continue to provide you with tips and tricks that can help your Festival trips and Disney World trips in general so stay tuned for more on that! IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! Save 20% on the 2023 DFB Guide to EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival with code CHEFS. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What is your best tip for the Food & Wine Festival? Tell us in the comments. The post 15 Ways to Make Your EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Visit Less Stressful first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Though hurricanes and tropical storms are often things we think about as impacting Disney World in Florida, this week has brought some storm concerns to the west coast. Disneyland Resort Hurricane Hilary is a storm in the Pacific that the National Hurricane Center has been tracking. We previously shared how the storm could bring severe weather to Disneyland, and gave a peek into how Disneyland was preparing for unprecedented weather because of the storm, but now we have an important update. In a message posted on their website, Disneyland has announced that they will be closing EARLY tomorrow — August 20th, 2023 — due to the storm. Their message notes that “Disneyland Resort theme parks will close early tomorrow, Sunday Aug. 20, with Disney California Adventure Park closing at 9 p.m. and Disneyland Park closing at 10 p.m.” Disneyland Additionally, Downtown Disney will close at 11PM. The Disneyland resort hotels will remain open for those staying on property. You can see the full message below. ©Disney As of the 3PM MDT update from the National Hurricane Center, there is a potential for a historic amount of rainfall in the southwestern U.S. and that is expected to “cause flash, urban, and arroyo flooding.” They note that tropical storm conditions are expected to start Sunday in portions of the southwestern U.S. within the tropical storm warning area. ©NOAA Zooming in on one of NOAA’s maps, you can see where Anaheim falls in terms of where the storm might go. The potential track area is marked in light blue, while the darker blue line along the coast indicates a tropical storm warning. ©NOAA Here’s a more zoomed-out view of its forecast cone. ©NOAA According to The Weather Channel, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for Anaheim (as well as other areas). Anaheim is where Disneyland is located. ©The Weather Channel California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California, including Orange County (the county within which Disneyland is located). If you are planning to visit Disneyland tomorrow or in the upcoming days, stay safe and be cautious. Also, be sure to check the schedule for updates as hours and other offerings are subject to change. Rain Jacket We’ll continue to watch for updates about the situation and let you know what we find. 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 BREAKING: Early CLOSURE Announced for Disneyland Due to Hurricane Hilary first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Several attractions and restaurants are closed in Disney World, but for most of them, we know approximately when they’ll reopen. For example, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain) will be open in late 2024. However, there are three attractions that are closed right now with NO opening date or even approximate timeframe announced! Magic Kingdom Train Station Aside from those closures, there are a few more that do have opening dates, but not in the near future. Let’s take a look at what will be closed from August 20th through the 26th so that you’re prepared for your next trip. Disney World Closures with NO Reopening Dates Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom Over on Tom Sawyer Island, the Barrel Bridge is currently missing. Closed A Cast Member told us that it has been removed for maintenance, and they didn’t know when it might return. The rest of the island is still open to explore, though. Disney announced the opening DATE for Mirabel’s meet-and-greet! Voyage of the Little Mermaid in Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen. Discover the harsh reality of eating at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Blizzard Beach Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park has officially reopened, but now the other water park, Blizzard Beach, has closed for refurbishment. Blizzard Beach Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updates! The BEST Rides at Blizzard Beach, Ranked 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare is a table service restaurant where you could meet characters like Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland at their Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella and her Prince Charming during the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. 1900 Park Fare They also had a special event for younger children called the Wonderland Tea Party. It’s sad to see a spot closed that had so much character interaction! Disney hasn’t announced a permanent closure, so there is hope for 1900 Park Fare. With 1900 Park Fare closed…you’ll need this SECRET spot to get afternoon tea in Disney World! Restaurant Marrakesh in EPCOT Almost all of the restaurants that were closed in EPCOT during the 2020 park closure have reopened — all but one, that is! Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion is still closed with no word on when it will reopen. Restaurant Marrakesh Since closing, the empty restaurant has been used as a relaxation station, a lounge…pretty much everything but dining! Click here to check out the BEST restaurants in EPCOT. We didn’t count permanent closures on this list — just closures that are likely temporary. Other Current Closures in Disney World Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom The Liberty Square Riverboat is going to be temporarily closed on August 21st through August 29th. Liberty Square Riverboat It’s showing opening hours again on the 30th, so we expect it to reopen on that day. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme. Model of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the 2022 D23 Expo The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. We’ll be watching for more updates on the reopening timeline. The tree at the top of this ride has been removed as Disney continues construction, and several new rock structures have been built at the bottom of the drop. There’s a new water tower as well, which says “Tiana’s Foods” on the front and “Never, ever lose sight of what’s really important” on the back. It’s topped with Tiana’s crown, which has two stars on it to represent Ray and Evangeline. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — June 2023 If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt… DFB Exclusive! …and a Tiana tee as well! Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch! You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store. Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store. Traveler’s Cafe in EPCOT Traveler’s Cafe is the old Starbucks location, which closed when Connections Cafe opened in World Celebration. Lately, we’ve spotted some changes to this spot (including a new paint job), so we’re wondering if that could mean it will reopen soon! Traveler’s Cafe According to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival map, it looks like this spot will be the location for Swirled Showcase when it opens as a new festival marketplace booth on September 22nd. Check out our FULL REVIEW of the NEW restaurant in EPCOT. Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 Closed Disney World Attractions with No Reopening Date in Sight first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to food (and everything else), something is ALWAYS changing in Disney World. Japan Pavilion in EPCOT We’re always seeing favorite foods go away. But we’re also seeing new foods turning up on menus. We also get some great seasonal snacks. What we’re trying to say is that menu changes are going to happen. Sometimes those changes mean price increases, though, and one EPCOT restaurant saw plenty of that this week. So we’re headed BACK to the Japan Pavilion to tell you all about it. So, we were previously visiting Japan’s NEWEST restaurant Shiki-Sai Izakaya and Sushi, but this time, we’re headed to Teppan Edo, where we’ve seen some menu changes, including price increases. Teppan Edo Here are all the price increases we found at Teppan Edo for appetizers. Edamame changed from $6 to $8 Miso Soup changed from $4 to $6 Volcano Roll changed from $20 to $22 Spicy Roll changed from $14 to $15 California Roll changed from $14 to $15 Sushi Sampler changed from $15 to $16 Also, Assorted Tempura is no longer available, but some new menu items have been added: ADDED: Soy Butter Calamari — grilled ika steak tossed with butter shoyu sauce for $16 ADDED: Takoyaki — 6 pc. octopus fritters topped with tonkatsu sauce, bonito flakes, and nori for $10 Volcano Roll We also saw some price increases for entrees and combinations: Filet Mignon changed from $46 to $49 NY Cut Steak changed from $40 to $42 Julienne Steak changed from $42 to $44 Ebi changed from $33 to $35 Tori changed from $32 to $34 Asakusa changed from $44 to $46 Nihonbashi changed from $43 to $45 Some of the add-ons also changed: Japanese Wagyu Strip changed from $100 to $120 Lobster Tail changed from $14 to $15 Ebi, aka shrimp Even the kid’s menu saw one price increase: Salmon changed from $20 to $22. However, some new kid’s menu items were added: Julienned Steak — 4 oz. sliced beef strips served with garden salad, seasonal vegetables, udon noodles, and steamed white rice for $26 Yasai — seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu served with garden salad, seasonal vegetables, udon noodles, and steamed white rice for $16 Julienne Steak Want a non-alcoholic drink? Two will now cost more: Yuzu Lemonade changed from $6.50 to $8 Ramune changed from $6 to $8 Even beer is more expensive now: Kirin Draft 20oz changed from $12 to $14 Sapporo Premium 20oz changed from $12 to $14 Kirin Light 12-oz changed from $8 to $12 Beer Shandy 12oz changed from $12 to $14 A beers was also removed: Asahi Draft 20oz. Also, the Premium Beer Tasting is no longer available. Teppan Edo The following cocktails also now cost more: Tokyo Sunset changed from $15 to $16 Momo Whiskey Sour changed from $14 to $15 Violet Sake changed from $14 to $16 Iced Blood Orange changed from $14 to $15 Nigori Mimosa changed from $14 to $15 Japanese Breeze changed from $14 to $15 Mojito changed from $14 to $15 Piña Colada changed from $14 to $15 Shochu Squeeze changed from $14 to $16 Violet Sake Martini from Teppan Edo However, we did see some prices actually go down. Two Japanese whiskeys are now actually a little cheaper: Kaiyo – Single changed from $25 to $18 Toki – Single changed from $16 to $15 However, the price of a Toki – Double went up from $24 to $28. We’ll continue to keep track of Disney World restaurant menu updates and changes, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Use our discount code for DFB readers – WDW2023 – for 25% off! Read a recent review of Teppan Edo 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 Teppan Edo? What did you think about it? Let us know in the comments! The post ALERT! An EPCOT Restaurant Just Got More Expensive first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the biggest travel decisions you’ll have to make when planning your next vacation is how you’re going to get to your destination. Will you drive? Fly? Take a Doom Buggy? (We wish that last option were more practical.) Let’s fly to Disney World If you do choose to fly, that opens up an entirely new question — which airline will you choose? To help with that dilemma, we’ve found a ranking of the BEST and WORST airlines in the United States, ranked by the number of customer complaints each one receives. The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (part of the DOT) recently released an updated Air Travel Consumer Report with details about how the industry as a whole is doing. This report contains data for many different aspects of airlines’ relationships with consumers, including how often luggage is mishandled, how many flights arrive on time, and how many incidents were reported by each company. American Airlines Plane This report looked at statistics from February 2023. Although more reports have come out since then, this one gave more detailed statistics, including one report that we were looking for in particular: customer complaints. One of the most interesting stats displayed was the number of customer complaints that U.S. airlines received as a whole. In February 2022, the total number of complaints was 1,889. In February 2023, however, the total was much higher: 4,405. That means that that the number of customer complaints more than DOUBLED over the last year. ©The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection Most of these complaints had to do with flight cancelations and delays, and some were about luggage problems and refunds. ©The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection Let’s break down that statistic by which airlines received the MOST complaints and which received the LEAST. This might help you decide which airline to choose for your next vacation. Traveling soon? Southwest Airlines had the most complaints, with 843 total. Coming in second was Frontier Airlines, and American Airlines was third. Filling out the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots were United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, respectively. Here’s the complete list: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES — 843 FRONTIER AIRLINES — 724 AMERICAN AIRLINES — 672 UNITED AIRLINES — 604 SPIRIT AIRLINES — 426 DELTA AIR LINES — 314 JETBLUE AIRWAYS — 279 ALASKA AIRLINES — 98 ALLEGIANT AIR — 84 SKYWEST AIRLINES — 57 HAWAIIAN AIRLINES — 45 ENVOY AIR — 43 ENDEAVOR AIR — 32 PSA AIRLINES — 25 BREEZE AIRWAYS — 23 REPUBLIC AIRWAYS — 23 SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES — 21 SILVER AIRWAYS — 20 PIEDMONT AIRLINES — 17 AVELO AIRLINES — 16 OTHER U.S. AIRLINES — 15 MESA AIRLINES — 10 CONTOUR AIRLINES — 9 MOKULELE AIRLINES — 5 Most airlines saw an increase in customer complaints between February 2022 and February 2023, but Southwest Airlines experienced one of the most significant increase, from 94 in 2022 to 843 in 2023. Southwest Airplane Frontier Airlines also had a significant uptick in complaints, from 170 in 2022 to 724 in 2023. ©The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection However, you may have noticed that some of these airlines are a LOT more popular than others. Southwest Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the country — with more flights and customers, it makes sense that it also gets more complaints. Inside a plane So let’s now take a look at the rankings for Complaints Per 100,000 Enplanements. An “enplanement” means a passenger that boarded a plane (1 enplanement = 1 passenger). This statistic accounts for the differences in customer numbers so that the data is not skewed by how many flights an airline has. ©The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection From this data, it looks like some of the worst airlines for complaints include Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue Airways. Southwest is still in the top five, with 7.31 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. Spirit Airlines Safety Documents The airlines with the fewest number of complaints were Skywest Airlines, Republic Airways, and Delta Air Lines, all of which had fewer than 3 complaints per 100,000 enplanements. Keep in mind that there may be other factors that impact your decision on which airline to choose. For example, Southwest Airlines may have more complaints per 100,000 enplanements, but they also allow every passenger to bring 2 checked bags for free, and they have a more flexible cancelation policy. Southwest Airlines Frontier and Spirit were some of the worst for complaints, but they also generally have very cheap tickets. Depending on what your priorities are, your choice may be more complex than just going with the least-complained-about airline. ©Frontier Airlines If you’re planning to fly to Disney World soon, check out these posts: CONFIRMED: The Safest Seats To Choose on an Airplane How To Handle the Record-Breaking Crowds a the Orlando Airport These Are the Most Annoying Airplane Passengers — Are You One of Them? The Random Thing You Can’t Bring on an Airplane Stay tuned to DFB for more news that may impact your upcoming Disney vacation! Southwest Airlines recently announced two BIG changes. See them here! Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Which airline do you usually choose to fly with? Let us know in the comments. The post The BEST and WORST U.S. Airlines, Ranked by Customer Complaints first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What is it about Loungefly bags that makes them so special? We want ALL the Loungeflys Okay, so we are OBSESSED with Loungefly bags, so we think we’re a little qualified to answer that question. First, Loungefly bags come in all kinds of styles and let us represent our favorite rides, characters, and movies. But they also just look SO GOOD, and a new one we just found in Disney World literally tapped into our imaginations to come to life. Get it? Our imagination? As in Journey Into Imagination with…Figment? Yes, a NEW Figment Loungefly just dropped in Disney World, and yep, we’re ready to throw our money at it. So the front of the bag is all about Figment himself, front and center. There’s a zipper compartment right under his adorable little chin, and his horns stick out from the top of the bag. There he is! The color of the bag is purple, but it’s got an iridescent sheen to it, which makes Figment look even more like the magical creature he is. Love this iridescent shine But check out the back, y’all. LOOK AT THIS. It has Figment’s wings attached to it! This is exactly why we love Loungefly bags — the little details are what make these bags stand out. Figment’s little wings! There’s also artwork of Figment on the bottom as that spark of inspiration starts to hit him. “One little spark…of inspiration…” C’mon — you know you want to sing along. One little spark.. We found this bag at Creations Shop in EPCOT for $88. Knowing how popular Figment is, we don’t expect it to last long, so if you want to get your hands on it, we suggest you go to Disney World as soon as you can. We’ll also keep an eye out in case this bag turns up online, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Planning to pick this up in Disney World soon? We’ve got the perfect t-shirt for you to wear to the parks! Figment’s Favorite Tee Click here to check out our whole merch line! The TWO Amazon Products We’ve Put Into a Million Posts, Because You REALLY Need Them in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this new Loungefly? Let us know in the comments! The post PLEASE Stop Me Before I Spend Almost on Disney's New Figment Loungefly first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

With the world we live in, it can be easy to get stuck in the negativity. BUT, there are things worth celebrating! EPCOT When it comes to the realm of Disney, we’ve gotten some good news recently including the opening of Shiki Sai in EPCOT and a new look at the Moana attraction logo. Now, we’re back with more good news from Disney World and it will impact just about everyone that is visiting the parks soon! Take a look below at all of the average wait times from each attraction in Disney World. At many rides around Disney World, the wait times have seen a HUGE drop meaning you will wait less in line if you’re visiting soon. Although some wait times are high, many are significantly lower than before — check out the averages below and tell us what you think! Magic Kingdom Starting in Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had the longest average wait time of 66 minutes. Last week the average wait time was 82 minutes so the average saw a dramatic drop. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Next, Peter Pan’s Flight averaged 59 minutes, Space Mountain averaged 46 minutes, and Jungle Cruise averaged 39 minutes. Average wait times held Haunted Mansion at 39 minutes, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 31 minutes, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at 30 minutes followed by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at 29 minutes, Pirates of the Caribbean at 26 minutes, Astro Orbiter at 25 minutes, and Enchanted Tales with Belle at 24 minutes. Peter Pan’s Flight After that, “it’s a small world” and Tomorrowland Speedway averaged 18 minutes, closely followed by Hall of Presidents at 15 minutes and Mickey’s PhilharMagic at 14 minutes. Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini and Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid averaged 13 minutes, Enchanted Tiki Room averaged 12 minutes, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover averaged 10 minutes, Magic Carpets of Aladdin averaged 9 minutes, Dumbo the Flying Elephant averaged 8 minutes, and Mad Tea Party faired at 7 minutes. Dumbo Prince Charming Regal Carousel also averaged 7 minutes while Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, Carousel of Progress, and Liberty Square Riverboat all tied at 5-minute average wait times. Carousel of Progress The Country Bear Jamboree and Tom Sawyer Island were walk-ons this week. WARNING: A Magic Kingdom Attraction Will Be CLOSED Next Week EPCOT Heading over to EPCOT, Test Track continues to have the highest average wait time in the park with 67 minutes. This is a slight decrease from the 69-minute average last week. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure had an average wait time of 61 minutes — this is a slight decrease compared to last week’s average of 63 minutes. Frozen Ever After’s wait time also decreased slightly to 61 minutes. Test Track Next up is Soarin’ at 29 minutes, Mission: SPACE at 16 minutes, Turtle Talk with Crush at 15 minutes, and Spaceship Earth at 12 minutes. Mission: SPACE Then, Journey into Imagination averaged 11 minutes, followed by Gran Fiesta Tour and Living with the Land at 8 minutes and The Seas with Nemo and Friends at 7 minutes. Figment Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. Do You Need To Rope Drop Same-Day Dining Packages in EPCOT? Hollywood Studios This week, Slinky Dog Dash increased and held its spot as the most popular ride clocking an average wait time of 102 minutes making it the highest in all of Disney World. This is the only major ride to see an increase in average wait times this week — YIKES. Rise of the Resistance averaged 68 minutes which is a huge drop from 85 minutes last week. Slinky Dog Dash Other wait times in the park include Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at 56 minutes, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at 55 minutes, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at 52 minutes, Toy Story Mania at 50 minutes, and Tower of Terror at 44 minutes. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge After that, Alien Swirling Saucers averaged 26 minutes, Walt Disney Presents averaged 17 minutes, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy averaged 12 minutes, Star Tours — The Adventure Continues averaged 11 minutes, and Muppet*Vision 3D averaged only 10 minutes. A Character Meet-And-Greet Has CHANGED in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom Now, let’s head over to Animal Kingdom! Avatar Flight of Passage still had the longest average wait time for this park this week with 77 minutes. The wait time dropped 10 minutes on average this week from 87 minutes last week. Flight of Passage (Yep, it’s in there) Following that, Na’vi River Journey at 60 minutes, Kali River Rapids at 32 minutes, Expedition Everest at 25 minutes, Kilimanjaro Safaris at 19 minutes, and DINOSAUR at 17 minutes. Dinosaur It’s Tough to Be a Bug averaged 10 minutes and Triceratop Spin averaged 5 minutes. Both The Boneyard and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail were walk-ons. Everyone Can Go Home. This NEW Animal Kingdom Addition Just Won the Whole Week. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! 2 NEW Hotel Rooms We Can’t Wait To Stay in at Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the wait times? Are you heading to Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments below! The post We Bring You❗GOOD NEWS ❗About the Wait Times in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A super rare weather event is headed towards the Southern California area, including Disneyland. Disneyland Resort Hurricane Hilary is currently a category 3 hurricane and is headed straight for Mexico and the California Baja Peninsula, meaning its path will take it to Southern California, where Disneyland is located. Now, Disney World is no stranger to hurricanes (we’ve seen a few over the past few years), but this is the first time Disneyland has been in the path of such a storm. So what is Disneyland Resort doing to prepare for Hurricane Hilary? UPDATE: As of Saturday afternoon, Hurricane Hilary has weakened to a Category 2 storm according to CNN. According to CNN’s Natasha Chen, Disneyland is already taking precautions to prepare for a lot of wind and rain before the storm arrives in the area. This means that Cast Members are gathering up necessary supplies and making sure that storm drains are clean and clear. We’ll also keep an eye on the situation and post updates as we have them. How Hurricane Hilary Could Bring Severe Weather to Disneyland Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you in Disneyland or traveling to Disneyland this weekend? Has this potential weather affected your plans? Let us know in the comments. The post How Disneyland Is Preparing for Unprecedented Weather Due to Hurricane Hilary first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a LOT of places to eat in Disney World. Magic Kingdom The issue is, not all Disney World restaurants are created equal, so it’s possible you may not have a great meal when there could have been a new meal a few minutes away. That’s why we’re here — to help you decide where to eat (among many other things). However, there’s one restaurant in each of the Disney parks that can usually please everyone. Magic Kingdom Over in the first Disney World park, Columbia Harbour House is a great choice to please your whole family. Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square Many people may think of this spot as just a seafood restaurant, but they’ve got other options as well — plant-based options, chicken, sandwiches, and more. Not to mention that there’s plenty of seating, so you’re usually able to sit down with little to no issues. Upstairs at Columbia Harbour House The prices at this quick-service spot are pretty reasonable as well, and the food is pretty great quality! So it makes it easier to justify spending her money here for your Magic Kingdom day. EPCOT Over in EPCOT, Connections Cafe and Eatery is a good bet to feed the whole family without breaking the bank, and find something everyone will enjoy. Connections Cafe & Eatery in EPCOT We will say though that this restaurant has some pretty mundane choices, compared to the rest of EPCOT, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to feed your family — especially if you’ve got some picky eaters. Connections Cafe crowds This area also has plenty of indoor seating, so finding a seat in the AC should be fairly easy. Not to mention that this is also the Starbucks location of the park, so you can eat, and get your coffee fix! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Over at Animal Kingdom, where lots of the dining is also very adventurous, we suggest Satu’li Canteen over in Pandora. Satu’li Canteen While this restaurant is a little bit more expensive, it’s thanks to the high-quality items, such as build-your-own bowls (kinda like a Pandora-style Chipotle). However, if you’ve got picky eaters, they’ll love the cheeseburger pods. Satu’li Canteen options The pods may look strange, but they’re just like a McDonald’s cheeseburger in bao bun form, which many kids may actually like better than regular bread. While this restaurant does have a decent amount of indoor seating, it’s more likely you may have to find a seat outside if you’re dining at a peak time, so keep that in mind during your trip. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Now…here’s the thing with Hollywood Studios. There are lots of good options for quick-service dining, but none that are great and really cover all the bases. Here’s why: Woody’s Lunch Box — great food, terrible seating options (it’s all outside) Ronto Roasters — once again, great food, but limited options for picky eaters or those who don’t eat meat ABC Commissary — only a few great options Backlot Express — best for picky eaters, because the options are pretty basic. Plenty of indoor seating though! Backlot Express So as you can see, there are some pretty good reasons why you may choose to eat, or not to eat at these locations. We recommend taking their pros and cons into account and deciding where is best for you and your group to eat. Do you have picky eaters? Head to Backlot Express. Willing to choose between just a few options? Head over to ABC Commissary. And so on and so forth. Woody’s Lunch Box With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! Get the DFB Guide! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney dining news and tips! Here’s our official ranking of the best restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Where is your favorite spot to eat in each park? Tell us in the comments! The post The One Disney World Quick Service Restaurant That’s Practically Perfect to Just About Everyone first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A LOT goes into planning a Disney World trip. Cinderella Castle Not only do you have to figure out all the travel arrangements and where you’re going to stay, but you also need to figure out where to eat and what you’re going to do when you get there. So let’s say you’re headed to Magic Kingdom in the morning and you want to check out a shop in Fantasyland while you’re there waiting for your Lightning Lane time for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but that store isn’t open yet. Well, that could happen! In fact, that’s happening right now. Bonjour Village Gifts is a shop in Fantasyland that focuses on Disney-themed arts and collectibles, including beautiful prints and figurines. It’s also a shop where we’ve found LOADS of Beauty and the Beast merchandise before (hence the name). However, if you’re wandering around Fantasyland in the morning, you may discover something surprising: Bonjour Village Gifts is not open. A closed Bonjour Village Gifts So what gives? Well, that happened to us this morning and we asked a Cast Member who thought it might have something to do with a staff shortage (and we have seen issues like that in the past in Disney World). However, we also noticed that when we checked the official times for the store, it shows as opening at noon. ©Disney We spoke with another Cast Member who confirmed that the shop previously opened at 10AM, but that the noon opening time will remain for the foreseeable future. So if you were hoping to pop in to shop for some of the unique collectibles this shop carries, you’ll want to make sure you do so after noon. You can always double-check those store times on the My Disney Experience app just to be sure. Bonjour Village Gifts We’ll be sure to keep an eye on the shop and its times and keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more. When are you headed to Disney World next? 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! WARNING: A Magic Kingdom Attraction Will Be CLOSED Next Week 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 shopped in Bonjour Village Gifts? Let us know in the comments! The post Don't Let This Magic Kingdom Store CHANGE Catch You Off Guard first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT is home to a WIDE variety of snacks, shops, and attractions. EPCOT With 11 countries represented in World Showcase, rotating festivals every few months, and seemingly endless restaurants and booths, it can be hard to keep up with the changes. Well, thhat’s what we’re here for! Three BIG changes happened at EPCOT this week, and it would be a disgrace if we let them fly under your radar. If you’re heading to EPCOT soon, be sure to check out these new additions. Oh, and they’re all delicious changes, BTW. 1. Noodle Exchange and the Hawai’i Booth Opened The 2023 Food and Wine Festival is currently underway! This week, two booths joined the lineup: The Noodle Exchange and the Hawai’i Booth. Both of these booths are ones we’ve loved in the past, and we love them still! Noodles Exchange If you’ll be at EPCOT soon, make sure to give these booths a try if you love Asian and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. 2. The Cronut RETURNS! It’s a croissant. It’s a donut. It’s a cronut. IT’S DELICIOUS. And it’s back at EPCOT! These bad boys used to be a pretty big deal until their mysterious disappearance. Cronut! Now, though, you can find them once again at Connections Cafe under the name “Croissant Donut.” That’s not nearly as fun, but it’s just as tasty, and you can get it for $5.79. 3. Shiki Sai: Sushi Izakaya Opened Shiki Sai, EPCOT’s newest restaurant, opened this week for walk-ins! The restaurant officially opens on August 28th. We tried so much food here, including a $300 Sushi Boat. Food at Shiki-Sai in EPCOT We really loved what we tried here, and really recommend giving it a try if you love Japanese food and sushi! While there was LOT that went down in EPCOT this week, tons of things happened across the other three parks as well! You can check out all the updates at the links below. WHAT'S NEW AT DISNEY? Check out our daily updates on all the happenings around Disney World and Disneyland! Magic Kingdom EPCOT Hollywood Studios Animal Kingdom Disney Hotels Disney Springs Disneyland We’ll continue to keep you updated with more news as we have it, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more fun things happening at Disney World? Click here! Which of these EPCOT updates are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! The post 3 HUGE Changes Hit EPCOT This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are always looking out for the best deals for DFB readers. Southwest Airlines You need to know about Disney World deals? We keep track of them right here. You want to know about sales on merchandise? We’ll tell you about that, too. You want to know about flight deals? Well, we’re on it. Speaking of which…we now have another flight deal you need to be aware of. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Southwest Airlines (and we know a lot of y’all love that airline) are having a HUGE sale with flights starting as low as $49 each way, depending on where you fly from. If you pick the right flight, that means you could fly to Disney World for less than $100! Say what? Southwest Airplane However, if you want to book these cheap flights, you have to do so before August 24th and you’ll need to book that flight at least 30 days before it leaves. The sale covers travel from September 19th, 2023 through February 14th, 2024. You know what that means? You can book a holiday trip to Disney World, right (although note that travel is blacked out for the U.S. from November 21st-22nd, 2023). Southwest Airlines If you’re interested, just head on over to the Southwest Airlines website and start searching for fares. We’ll also keep an eye out for even more flight deals, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Sign up for Southwest Rapid Rewards here! If you want to do some 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. How Flying to Disney World is About To Get EASIER Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg If you manage to nab a good deal on a flight with Southwest, let us know in the comments! The post HURRY! Southwest Airlines Is Having a Huge Sale RIGHT NOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Y’all, it’s time to get excited about new food coming to Disney World. Something NEW is coming to Disney Springs No, we’re not talking about all the new princess treats or even the new Halloween treats. We’re excited about new restaurants, especially one in particular that’s coming to Disney Springs. Not only will this restaurant bring a new table service spot to Disney Springs, but it will also bring something we CANNOT WAIT FOR: a dessert bar! The restaurant we’re talking about is Summer House on the Lake, which is currently under construction at Disney Springs. This restaurant currently has locations in Chicago and North Bethesda, Maryland. We don’t have the Disney Springs menu yet, but we got a sneak peek at some of the food coming to it. We also know that its other locations offer pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more. And there will be a weekend brunch available at the Disney Springs location! Summer House on the Lake construction — July 2023 Now, don’t get us wrong. Brunch IS something to be excited about. But more importantly, Summer House on the Lake will be bringing The Cookie Jar, “a dessert-focused market” that serves “freshly baked cookies and house-made pastries.” We are HERE for it! ©Disney Summer House on the Lake and The Cookie Jar are expected to open in late 2023, so it won’t be long before we’ll have a SECOND cookie spot to visit in Disney Springs. Do we think this spot will be able to compete with Gideon’s Bakehouse? Well, we don’t care because we’re of the opinion that you can NEVER have too many cookies in Disney World. ©Summer House Concept Art So we’re keeping an eye out for an official opening date for Summer House on the Lake and The Cookie Jar. We’ll be sure to let you know more details when we have them, so stay tuned to DFB for more. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited about The Cookie Jar? Let us know in the comments! The post Have You Heard About the NEW Dessert Bar Coming to Disney World?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article