Disney4me

This is Halloween! Okay, just kidding, because this post is actually about the holidays (#sorrynotsorry). The holidays really are right around the corner, right? So here’s the thing: although we’re still months away from the holiday season, NOW is the best time to start buying all your holiday stuff, while everything is still available. We’ve seen holiday Loungeflys already on sale online PLUS we’ve seen other holiday merchandise that’s ready to be bought now, like Advent Calendars. Speaking of Advent Calendars, though, we’ve got one that is a MUST for Marvel fans. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Buy The LEGO Marvel Avengers 2023 Advent Calendar ©Target We told you this was a MUST for Marvel fans. This Advent Calendar has 24 gifts for Marvel fans, including figures of some of their favorite Marvel characters. Gifts include seven minifigures of Okoye, Doctor Strange, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wong, Iron Man, and Black Widow minifigures, plus mini builds and accessories. ©Target The mini-build models include a Quinjet, jetpack, ice hockey kit, the Hydra Train, and more from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This model is also compatible with other LEGO sets. ©Target So if you have a Marvel and LEGO fan in your house, you’ll want to grab this Advent Calendar NOW. View on Target We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more Disney holiday merchandise, so be sure to 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! Check out more Disney merchandise on our Amazon Storefront!The post The Newest Disney Advent Calendar at Target Is a MUST Buy first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So let’s talk about this HUGE EPCOT transformation that has been underway for several years now. EPCOT That transformation has involved a LOT — the front of EPCOT even looks different now, with a new fountain and lighting on Spaceship Earth. EPCOT even got a new attraction (Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind), with another (Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana) on the way. Well, the Disney Imagineer who oversaw a lot of that work just got a promotion with the company. Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley has been promoted to Global Creative Strategy Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, according to his Instagram bio and LinkedIn profile. ©Zach Riddley via LinkedIn In case his name seems familiar, we’ve mentioned him a LOT here on DFB, mostly in connection with updates on the EPCOT transformation. He has shared a LOT of updates about the construction projects at EPCOT and has kept us informed of new projects on the way. We don’t know if we’ll continue to get those updates from him, or if his new position will have him working with other things, but we would like to extend our congratulations all the same! ©Zach Riddley via Instagram We’ll be keeping an eye out for more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more! In the meantime, Have you checked out the latest Disney-themed t-shirts in our store? Click here – you’ll want to pick some up before your next Disney trip! Disney Shares FIRST LOOK at a NEW Addition Coming to EPCOT 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 news? Let us know in the comments! The post The Imagineer Behind EPCOT's Transformation Just Got Promoted first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration is still going strong! 100th anniversary carpet at Disneyland Hotel We’re still seeing new souvenirs being released, and we know that more changes connected to the 1ooth Anniversary are coming to the Disney parks starting in September. If you’ll be over in Disneyland soon and are looking for the ultimate 100th Anniversary treat, look no further than this new milkshake! We headed to the Black Tap Shake Window to grab the new Disney100 CrazyShake. It costs a whopping $25, but that’s because this thing is MASSIVE! Disney100 CrazyShake This isn’t just a blueberry milkshake. It also has a vanilla frosted rim with purple & silver sprinkles topped with a Disney 100 Mickey Mouse-shaped crispy treat, a purple & silver cake pop, purple & silver rock candy, whipped cream, purple & silver sprinkles, and a cherry. It’s so many treats in one! The blueberry flavor here was natural and refreshing with hints of vanilla from the whipped cream and frosted rim. The toppings didn’t add much to the flavor of the shake itself, but the cake pop had a sweet vanilla flavor and was very moist and the crispy treat was just like the other crispy treats you can grab in the parks. It fell apart rather quickly Overall, if you like sweets and are looking for a shareable treat, this is a great choice! But if you’re more of a fan of simpler treats, this may not be the best option. These can also get really messy in moments if it’s hot, so grab those napkins. There’s plenty to go around! Looking for more recent 100th Anniversary news? We’ve got you covered! More 100th Anniversary News REVIEW: Disney’s Extravagant 100th Anniversary Snack Will Cost You a Pretty Penny — Is It Worth It?!5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in SeptemberThis 100th Anniversary Souvenir Takes Things to a WHOLE. NEW. LEVEL.10 Huge Ways EPCOT Will Change on September 22ndIt’s HERE! The NEW Disney100 Popcorn Bucket Has Arrived, and It’s Going Fast! As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Here’s when Tiana’s Palace will OPEN in 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 What’s been your favorite part of the 100th Anniversary? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Disney's Extravagant 100th Anniversary Snack Will Cost You a Pretty Penny -- Is It Worth It?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The weekend is here and that means you have to dive right into these sales! Amazon Package The week has come and gone and with it some of the best deals in merch and other must-haves. Now, we’re back with the latest from Amazon that you have to see right now. Let’s go! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First, if you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you can start your free trial by clicking the link below and save some coin in the process! Now, let’s take a look at the deals, shall we? Grab this Funko Pop! Disney Advent Calendar for 52% Off ©Amazon It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas and why not add this advent calendar to your decorations? View on Amazon Shop this Neck Fan for 20% Off ©Amazon While we’re still experiencing these hot summer days, this portable neck fan can keep you cool while you’re out and about. View on Amazon Grab this Mickey Ear Organizer for 6% Off ©Amazon If you’re like us, you love Minnie ears and probably have a collection of them. How about picking up this organizer so you can display your ears properly. View on Amazon Grab this Disney Classics 2000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for 26% Off ©Disney This 2,000-piece puzzle is a great option for those summer game nights and it contains images from all your favorite Disney stories. View on Amazon Shop this Zak Designs Disney Princess Water Bottle for 21% Off ©Amazon You’ve got to stay hydrated, so why not do that with a bottle that has your favorite Disney princesses on it?! View on Amazon We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow along for more. Click here to view our Amazon Storefront Will you be checking out any of these deals? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Disney Deals You Can Get On Amazon RIGHT NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

To celebrate World Photography Day, National Geographic Photographers who work with travelers on Nat Geo Expeditions are sharing 10 tips for all skill levels, experiences and equipment types.View the full article

Change is happening all around us at Disney World! Hole in the ground We’re nearing the end of construction for Journey of Water inspired by Moana, and the Communicore Hall in EPCOT, and recently had the chance to see the updated rooms at one of the hotels which makes us even more excited to stay in a few NEW Disney World hotel rooms once they open! Disney World hotels are no strangers to construction! In fact, we feel like construction has grown synonymous with Disney World hotels over the past few years. With so many exciting projects announced like The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort… Cake Bake Shop Construction … the recent room renovations going on at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort theming them to The Little Mermaid… Caribbean Beach … and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s recent multi-building room renovations to add more Disney Vacation Club villa rooms, it seems like the construction may be here to stay for quite a while longer. Even with all the extra noise and seemingly never-ending construction, there are two NEW hotel projects we’re especially excited about! New Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds This exciting project was announced back in April 2023, as part of another expansion to Disney Vacation Club. The 350 refurbished cabins will be brought in to replace the existing onsite cabins already at the resort and campground. Current Wilderness Cabin The concept art that Disney has shared depicts a modern cabin “inspired by the resort’s idyllic setting, while also paying homage to the resort’s unique culture and heritage through the magic of Disney storytelling,” according to Disney statements. The cabins will be capable of sleeping up to six adults and feature a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio. Disney also noted further that a select number of cabins will be dog-friendly. ©Disney Since we mentioned these will be part of a Disney Vacation Club expansion, it’s worth noting that these will be available to reservations for all guests and you will not have to be a DVC member in order to book and stay in these cabins. They’re set to open in 2024, so we’re hoping we won’t have to wait much longer! New DVC Building at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Back in March 2023, news broke that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would be getting MORE DVC rooms in the form of a tower building. This was HUGE news because up to this point, DVC rooms were regular resort rooms that were taken over and refurbished into villas at only three stories high… and then of course there was the first expansion with the over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalos which are all one story tall. In our last update, we noticed more focus being put into the squares of the whole building that will one day be hotel rooms for people but what are these even supposed to look like? Crew at Work Well, Disney has envisioned a throwback to the early concepts of the main resort’s Polynesian theme with rooms that will overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon and offer more options for dining and recreational opportunities. These rooms are set to be completed by late 2024, and from the looks of the pace they’ve been keeping on this tower, we’re hopeful they’ll be able to stay on track! ©Disney We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest happenings, so be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for more! You’re Going to Want to Rethink Staying at a Disney World Hotel When You See This! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which new Disney World hotel is your favorite to stay in? Tell us in the comments! The post 2 NEW Hotel Rooms We Can't Wait To Stay in at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve got lots of fun character meet-and-greet updates this week, including a NEW Star Wars character coming to the parks, a BRAND NEW restaurant opened in EPCOT super early, soon we will get a FIRST LOOK at Disney’s newest cruise ship and lots more. EPCOT All the Disney Parks news from this week is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Latest Disney News: Character Meet & Greets, New Restaurants & MORE!  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more Disney news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What piece of news are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments. The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Character Meet & Greets, New Restaurants & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival is in full swing! Food and Wine Festival is here! We ate everything at this year’s festival so we could give you a full review, but the food isn’t the only exciting part of this event. You can also experience the Eat to The Beat Concert Series, which provides live music from many different bands every night of the festival. You can grab dining packages for these concerts, but here’s why we don’t necessarily recommend them. You’ll Miss Out on The Booths One of the biggest reasons is that if you decide to eat at one of the participating restaurants for your dining package, you won’t be able to save room for more festival booths! 2023 Belgium Booth The EPCOT restaurants are going to be around on any given park day, but the festival booths and their offerings won’t be. So save that stomach space and grab some items from the booths instead to create your own dinner. We ate everything at the booths to bring you our recommendations for the very best of this fest! You can watch our video right here. The Normal Seats Aren’t Necessarily The Best There’s a lot of seating in the America Gardens Theater, and a dining package means you’re guaranteed a seat inside the theatre. However, those are the best seats in the house. America Gardens Theater Many of those on our team have said that they love sitting at the picnic tables outside Regal Eagle Smokehouse or standing around the America Pavilion and watching the show from there! It still gives you a great view of the stage, it’s not as loud, and to some, the picnic tables may be a little more comfortable than the wooden benches of the theater. The Shows Rarely Sell Out It’s also pretty rare for shows to sell out, even for more popular artists, so finding a seat in or around the theater without a dining reservation (and therefore guaranteed ticket) is easy most nights. Eat to the Beat Standby If you’re concerned about finding a seat, you can line up for the show around half an hour in advance to make sure you grab one, but it’s largely unnecessary most of the time. Or you can sit down with a meal at one of those picnic tables we mentioned before the show to eat, and then stay to watch the performance. Eat to the Beat Sign Dining packages CAN be a great way to go if you’re dining with a larger group, especially if that group has some kids or picky eaters, or you’d rather have a solid plan for dinner and the show instead of being more go-with-the-flow. You make the decision that’s right for you and your group! Eat to the Beat Same Day Dining Package sign As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Get our insider tips for the Food and Wine Festival here! 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’s your favorite band you’ve seen perform at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series? Tell us below! The post Why You Should Skip EPCOT's Eat to the Beat Dining Packages first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney CONSTANTLY likes to change things up with menus at restaurants. Disney’s Contemporary Resort If you’re trying to keep up with all the menu updates, good luck! We see new snacks, new drinks, and even complete menu overhauls at the parks and resorts pretty frequently, and that means we’re eating a LOT of new food in Disney World. Recently, I stopped by Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort because the popular quick service spot got several new menu additions…and I have some STRONG opinions to share. Atmosphere Contempo Cafe is located on the 4th floor of the Contemporary Resort, right next to Chef Mickey’s. It’s a quick service spot where you can either Mobile Order, pick up foods from the grab-and-go section, or place a hot food order at the cash registers. Contempo Cafe entrance There is ample indoor seating in the form of tables and booths. While you dine, you can have a great view of the monorail coming through the resort! Seating in Contempo Cafe So what’s new on the menu? Menu I stopped by Contempo Cafe for dinner, in order to get some of the more exclusive eats that were available. When you first walk in, you’ll encounter some menu boards with information about the hot foods you can order. There are a number of sandwiches available for lunch and dinner, as well as a selection of soups. Menu You can also try out a selection of flatbreads. If you’re visiting after 4PM, you can check out the new Signature Rice Bowl as well, which comes with your choice of meat, as well as an assortment of southwestern-style ingredients. And of course, there are multiple meals available for the little ones! The other menu Not listed on the menu are the bakery case and refrigerated options. You can pick those up yourself and take them to the register to check out. Eats Are you hungry? I hope so because I got a smorgasbord of new eats! To start, let’s talk about the entrees. First up I ordered the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, which is $11.79, and topped with pepper jack cheese, chipotle remoulade, arugula, seasoned tomato, and dill pickle chips, all on a brioche bun. Oh, and it comes with a side of delicious Disney fries! Spicy Chicken Sandwich Before taking a bite of the whole sandwich, I nibbled off some of the chicken by itself, and it was legitimately SPICY. Like, my tongue was burning up! Once I ate the chicken with a bite of all the other ingredients, it was a bit more mild because the remoulade, tomato, and arugula help cool it down and balance the flavor. Look at that thiccc boi. This sandwich was overall really fresh and delicious, and the chicken was crispy, although I wish the patty were a little bit thicker. It surprised me a lot and I would order it again! Inside the sandwich The other entree on the list was the Signature Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken (now listed as the Grilled Chicken Bowl online!) for $12.99. Mine came with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, street corn, avocado, pico de Gallo, carrot, and pickled red onion. Signature Rice Bowl And y’all, I am NOT exaggerating when I say that this was one of the BEST quick service entrees I’ve had in a while. The ingredients were all very fresh and well-seasoned, and the chicken was plentiful and grilled thoroughly while still remaining juicy. The street corn was a particular favorite of mine because it was creamy and had a hint of cotija cheese flavor. The avocado added a really nice brightness to each bite of this bowl. This might be my new go-to at Contempo Cafe…although now I really want to try the other meats (braised beef or grilled shrimp!). SO GOOD Now, it’s time for dessert, and we have a BUNCH to talk about. Let’s start out with the Kitchen Sink Cookie for $4.29. It has chocolate chunks, toffee, peanut butter chips, salted caramel, and flaky salt. And the chocolate chunks are shaped like tiny Mickey heads! Kitchen Sink Cookie I really enjoyed the mix of flavors I got in this cookie. When you first bite into it, you get a wave of saltiness from the caramel and flaky salt, but then the smooth richness of the chocolate comes through. After that, it ends with the flavor of those peanut butter chips. The only thing I wish that this cookie had was a varying textural element — maybe something with a crunch like pecans? It was pretty soft despite all the ingredients, and it was hard to hold because the caramel made it really sticky. Crack open that cookie! After that, I tried the Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums Cupcake for $6.49. It’s a chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate chip cookie dough mousse and a dome that seemed to be made of gelatin. It’s a cutie! The cupcake here is a pretty basic chocolate cupcake, not too sweet, but the mousse is what really stands out. It seriously tasted like cookie dough and had a couple of chocolate chip chunks inside! The dome is really sweet, but since the cupcake is only lightly sweetened, the sugar level balances out here. I think this would be a popular treat with kids and it’s a good alternative to those cupcakes that are piled high with frosting. It completely fell over when I cut it in half Sadly, our beloved peanut butter pie is gone from Contempo Cafe, and it has now been replaced with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar for $5.99. It has a chocolate crust, peanut butter cream filling, and plant-based strawberry cream. The whole treat is plant-based. The choco-peanut butter treat in town! The chocolate part of this treat is really thick and rich, and the peanut butter filling is nice and creamy. The one complaint I have is that the strawberry cream is TOO strong. It’s such a sharp, overwhelming flavor that it completely masks the chocolate and peanut butter when you bite through all three layers. I think it would be good to have a treat with 2/3 of these flavors, but put all three together, and the chocolate and peanut butter take a backseat. Look at that cross-section! Finally, let’s talk about the Monorail S’mores Brownie for $5.79. For me, this one is the loser of the pack. It’s a fudge brownie with a graham cracker crust, topped with marshmallow cream and a white chocolate monorail. She’s a cutie! It sounds delicious, but the brownie was fairly dry, yet somehow also sticky. The brownie isn’t very sweet, but that’s counterbalanced by the overly sweet marshmallow topping and white chocolate. It’s pretty hard to eat because the monorail is difficult to bite through and the marshmallow pulls right off the top. It’s super cute for photographs, but it definitely needs a little moisture and maybe some more sophisticated flavors. Oh, and P.S. — all the graham cracker crust fell off when I tried to take it out of its container so that made a HUGE mess! The disassembled brownie WOW! That was a lot to eat. So how do I feel about Contempo Cafe as a dining option? Overall In the end, the entrees were what really won over this meal for me. I’ve had entrees in the past that were NOT impressive at Contempo Cafe, but the ones I had on this visit were superb by quick service standards. If I wanted a sweet treat during a follow-up visit, I would probably get that Kitchen Sink Cookie or the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (and just scrape off the strawberry topping to eat it separately). New eats at Contempo Cafe! Contempo Cafe could be a great option if you’re looking for a break from Magic Kingdom or you’re staying at the hotel, but I wouldn’t go too out of my way to visit. It’s a solid quick and easy spot, though. Nosh or Not? Enjoy a laid-back meal at Contempo Cafe if… You want to eat with a view. I can’t deny that there’s something magical about sitting on the fourth floor of the Contemporary and watching the monorail go by while you eat! You can also hear the music and sounds of Chef Mickey’s next to you, which is added fun. You’re staying at this hotel. It’s a great quick service spot if you’re staying here, or maybe even at one of the other monorail resorts. I really enjoyed the entree options that were available. You want to pay a visit to the Contemporary. Sometimes it’s just fun to check out the monorail resorts, especially an OG hotel like the Contemporary. You could have a relatively cheap meal here, check out the gift shops, walk around the grounds, and ride on the monorail. Keep in mind though that you won’t be able to park here if you’re not staying here or don’t have a dining reservation, so you’ll need to park at Magic Kingdom’s parking lot or take transportation from another park. Pass up on the rice bowls and sweet treats if… You want a truly unique dining experience. Even though the atmosphere is fun because of where it’s located, there isn’t much that’s super special about this restaurant. It’s still a pretty standard quick service dining location with pretty standard food. You like quiet places to eat. Since the monorail is rolling through constantly and Chef Mickey’s is next door, this restaurant is NOT quiet. It’s very loud and echoey in here, so beware when you’re planning your meal. You have extra money in your food budget. If you have some wiggle room with your dining budget, this wouldn’t be my first, second, or even THIRD choice at the Contemporary. California Grill, Steakhouse 71, and Chef Mickey’s are all a bit more exciting and have better food, in my opinion. Welcome to Contempo Cafe! That’s a wrap on my visit to this classic Disney World hotel spot! Stay tuned to DFB for more food reviews and updates from around Disney World, as well as recommendations for the best snacks and restaurants! The Best (And Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants — Click Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever eaten here? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Are NEW Menu Items at Disney's Contemporary Resort Worth Leaving Magic Kingdom For? We Found Out! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes, unexpected ride closures can throw a wrench into your Disney World plans. Magic Kingdom It’s fairly often when we see rides close due to weather. Sometimes rides just have technical issues. Other times, rides get closed for refurbishment, and although we usually have plenty of advance notice when a ride is getting a refurbishment, sometimes we just learn about the week before — which is exactly what is happening now. One Magic Kingdom attraction is closing next week. That attraction is the Liberty Square Riverboat, which is showing as closed on August 21st through August 29th. So if you were planning on heading to the dock near Haunted Mansion to catch a ride next week, you won’t be able to. ©Disney Just in case you forget, we’re sure you’ll see signs near its docking area reminding you about the closure. But if riding the riverboat is a priority for you, you’ll need to make other plans. Magic Kingdom is FULL of other attractions, though, and if you want a fun boat ride, there’s always “it’s a small world” (okay, we say it’s fun, but we know some other folks might disagree) and Pirates of the Caribbean (just a note that it’s been down a lot recently, though). Pirates of the Carribean Of course, there’s always the Jungle Cruise, too, which comes with a lot of punny humor (if you love Dad jokes, you MUST ride this attraction). Whatever you decide, though, we’re sure you’ll still have a fun day in Magic Kingdom. And, hey, if you REALLY love those jokes, be sure to stop in at Skipper Canteen for more. We’ll keep an eye out to see if any other rides close in Disney World, 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! Best Rides for Adults at Magic Kingdom 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 this closure affect your Disney World plans next week? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: A Magic Kingdom Attraction Will Be CLOSED Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Fantasmic! is a truly unforgettable production at the Hollywood Hills amphitheater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. ©Disney Combining water effects, fireworks, and appearances by literally dozens of Disney characters — all set to Disney songs in an original story starring none other than Mickey Mouse — it’s a show you won’t want to miss! An overhauled version of Fantasmic! debuted in November 2022. We’re getting to see some new characters in the updated show — including a new scene with Elsa that features the song “Show Yourself” from Frozen 2. Fantasmic! is considered a must-do for many Disney World visitors — and that means you need to plan ahead to fit it into your day. So, you may be wondering how long this nightly show is. While Fantasmic! used to have a run time of about 25 minutes, the new scenes have added to it, and now Fantasmic! is 29 minutes long. Tower of Terror and the Fantasmic! billboard It’s important to keep on eye on the start time for Fantasmic! in the My Disney Experience app — because it does change frequently. You also might want to book a Fantasmic! Dining Package — it’s a great way to guarantee you’ll have a reserved seat for the show! We’ve got lots more details about the dining packages here! Watch our ultimate guide to Hollywood Studios right here! And keep following Disney Food Blog for more vacation planning tips! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post How Long is Fantasmic!? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World snacks can be just as iconic as rides and attractions. A top-tier snack One of our favorite things EVER is when our favorite Disney World snacks don’t even require us to get a park ticket. Yep, many of our favorite snacks can be found at Disney Springs — Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district! Yep, today’s iconic snack of choice takes us to a spooky corner of Disney Springs. Let’s go! Gideon’s Bakehouse is a spooky sweets shop that features a dark academia theme and some amazingly delicious snacks. From giant, gooey cookies to just as gigantic slices of cake and cups of cold brew, Gideon’s has the supplies to kick any sweet tooth. The thing about Gideon’s? EVERYONE seems to want to join the party. And by the party, we mean the LINE. Gideon’s Bakehouse Yep, the Gideon’s line is often so long that the shop utilizes a virtual queue system, much like the rides in the parks. Sometimes, this line can be super long. Like, HOURS long. Yes, you could be waiting in a virtual queue for up to four hours. This is honestly better than the alternative option of waiting in a physical line for cookies, which is hot and doesn’t allow you to do other things in the meantime. Gideon’s Bakehouse Line On the weekends, the virtual queue tends to be longer, and once the virtual queue wait time is over, there’s still a long line before you reach the doors of the shop. THAT’S how much people love these cookies. We love Gideon’s Cookies! There are some days, though, when the virtual queue is unavailable. Then, you have to wait in the regular line, which is then even longer than usual, which, like we said, is hot and not much fun. However, it just depends on how badly you want that Gideon’s cookie! Gideon’s Bakehouse We just wanted to provide a reminder that if you’re planning on visiting Gideon’s soon, you might want to prepare yourself for a wait. We do this again and again, and we always find it worth it, but to each their own! Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie We’ll continue to keep you updated with Disney news, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more cookies in Disney World? Click here! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Would you wait in a 4-hour virtual queue for Gideon’s Bakehouse? Let us know in the comments! The post Why We Still Wait 4 Hours for This Snack in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so we’ve done the whole Halloween thing in Disney World. Holidays in Disney World 2022 We’ve seen the Halloween decorations. We’ve been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. We’ve had Halloween-themed snacks. So moving on…TO THE HOLIDAYS. Yes, it’s August, but it’s never too early to start making plans for the holidays in Disney World. But did you know you can have breakfast with a bonafide CELEBRITY in Disney World? No, we’re not talking about Mickey Mouse (although that’s possible, too) — we’re talking about Santa! That’s right, you can have breakfast with the one and only SANTA in Disney Springs. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante is bringing Santa back for breakfast again this year — and you can be there! Breakfast with SANTA! If you’re interested, though, you’ll need to book those reservations asap — they’re available right now. The special ticketed event starts on November 24th and runs on select dates through December 24th. Pricing starts at $45 for kids and $69 for adults (plus tax and gratuity) and varies based on the seating category selected. Click here to get your tickets! Entertainment You can reserve those tickets here. The experience includes the following: Family-style breakfast Visit with Santa and elves Family photo with Santa Takeaway treats Holiday activities Prosecco mimosa (21+) Goodie bag We had breakfast with Santa last year at Maria & Enzo’s, so if you’re curious as to what it’s all about, be sure to read our full review. We’ll also be on the lookout for more details about the holidays in Disney World, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. 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! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2023 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What's New!! chapter for the 2023 Holiday Season The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the 2023 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays We’ll Take This Little Golden Disney Book in Our Stocking, Santa! Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events What We Wish We’d Known Before Going to Disney World During the Holidays Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be booking a breakfast with Santa? Let us know in the comments! The post Bookings NOW OPEN for Breakfast with Santa in Disney Springs! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Getting a U.S. passport might be a necessary step for several of your upcoming trips (or dream trips!) but it can also be a stressful process. Will You Be Traveling Soon? In the past, the U.S. has done certain things to make the passport application process easier (like holding special passport fairs), but what can you do to make getting a passport a little less painful? We’ve got some tips! 1 — Use the Passport Wizard First, consider using the Passport Wizard. This is a feature on the U.S. Department of State website that takes you through a series of questions that’ll help you know what you need to acquire to apply for your passport. ©U.S. State Department It’ll direct you to the right passport application form, assist you in the estimation of your costs, and show you a brief overview of what documents you’ll need to present. ©U.S. State Department While it might not give you every single little detail you need, it’s a great place to start your application journey! 2 — Make a List and Check It Twice One of the best things you can do when applying for a passport is to stay organized, and making a list of everything you need is a great way to do that. By creating a complete list of all the things you need — from your application to your photo, copies of documents, and even a method to pay the fees — you can ensure that you get everything prepared BEFORE you go to your appointment. Be Prepared! The State Department website has a listing of some things you’ll need to do to get your passport, like filling out your form, calculating the cost, submitting a photo, and more. Be sure to go through each of those and create your list of things to bring so you can be prepared. ©U.S. State Department One thing you especially want to be careful of is the U.S. Citizenship Documentation. If you’re applying for a U.S. Passport using a Form DS-11 you will need to submit “primary evidence of U.S. citizenship” (or you’ll have to submit secondary evidence if you can’t provide primary evidence). ©U.S. State Department Knowing what qualifies within each of these categories and what exactly you need to submit (the original AND a photocopy, for example) is of critical importance so you acquire the right things ahead of your submission. 3 — Get an “Official” Passport Photo There are some very specific requirements when it comes to the photo you have to submit for your passport. For example, it has to be a color photo taken in the last 6 months, it must have a clear image of your face, no selfies are allowed, you have to take off your eyeglasses, etc. ©U.S. State Department Taking a photo at home that meets all of these requirements might not be easy. If you take the photo at home and aren’t quite sure if it meets all the rules, that can add a layer of stress to your application process. It would not be fun to submit your paperwork only to be told that everything is right EXCEPT for your photo. To avoid that potential issue, you can stop by a number of places to get a passport photo taken for you for a fee. Stores like CVS, Walgreens, the UPS store, and others typically offer this service (just check to see if it’s available in your area). ©U.S. State Department You may also be able to make a passport application appointment that includes photo services so be on the lookout for that! 4 — See if a Special Passport Acceptance Fair is Available During certain periods of time, passport acceptance fairs might be offered in the U.S. to make your application process easier! These fairs are held at facilities like post offices, libraries, and local government offices. This Post Office in Toontown Can’t Help You Though! What’s nice about these fairs is that instead of having to book an appointment at your “traditional” acceptance facility (which might only have appointments on very limited days further into the future), you might be able to score an appointment or walk-up availability sooner. There are dates scheduled for these fairs in August, September, and October of 2023 (so far), and new events are being added weekly. Some spots may require appointments while others do not, so just keep that in mind. Click here to see more about the passport acceptance fairs. 5 — Make Your Appointment Early If you don’t use a special fair and instead will just be submitting the application in person regularly, you’ll generally need an appointment and you’ll want to book that appointment well in advance. Booking the reservation early will help ensure that you have more than enough time to find a place near you that has a time and date that works for your schedule. There may only be a limited number of appointment dates available and you may need to take a day off of work to get it done, so knowing that in advance will take some of the stress away from the process. ©U.S.P.S. You may also want to book an appointment for as early in the day as you can. Generally, the sooner your appointment is, the less potential there is for the application location to be running late from other appointments that were ahead of you. You can also check to see if there are any walk-in hours for passport services. Select spots may have this and that might help you submit your documentation on a date that’s convenient for you! 6 — Opt for an Expedited Service There are different levels of processing services you can select when applying for a passport — emergency, urgent travel, expedited, or routine. But you do need to meet some requirements to be eligible for certain ones. For example, Expedited Service is available if you are traveling less than 13 weeks from the date of your application’s submission. ©U.S. State Department If you need to get your passport quickly, look at these options carefully to see what you might qualify for. If you don’t qualify, just understand that typically processing time for a routine passport application is 10-13 weeks, and mailing times aren’t included in that processing time. The State Department warns “It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after we print it. Consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when you are booking travel.” Southwest plane So when you’re deciding on a service method, be sure to consider upcoming plans and these processing times. 7 — Plan in Advance Finally, get started on your passport application (or even passport renewal) WAY in advance of future trips if at all possible. Before you book that next vacation, see what the passport requirements will be and how much time you’ll need to get everything in order. Don’t just assume that a passport application appointment will be available next week — it may be several weeks before one is open near you, and that could seriously impact your plans. Alaska Airlines If you already have a passport, be sure to look carefully at when it’ll expire. Try not to wait to renew or make a change at the last minute. Set reminders in your calendars or phones in advance to warn you that it’s time for renewal! Again, routine processing can take around 10-13 weeks, but you can get started on your passport renewal well before that. Some suggest starting the renewal process around 6 months (or even 9 months) BEFORE your passport expires so that you have plenty of time. LaGuardia Airport Keep in mind that some countries may require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months BEYOND the dates of your trip. So you’ll need to look closely at that before booking a trip with a passport that’ll expire soon. And those are some tips to help your next passport application (or potentially renewal) be a little less stressful. For more tips about vacationing, click here to see the mind-blowing Amazon bag that might change the way you travel. And stay tuned for more news. These Are the Most Annoying Airplane Passengers – Are You One of Them? 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 What are your tips for getting a passport? Tell us in the comments. The post 7 Tips To Make Getting a Passport Less Painful first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Alright, folks! The Disney Parks are officially decorated for Halloween, so it’s time to give your homes some spooky pizazz, too. It’s time to decorate! Halloween decorations are available in the park shops, online on Target, and even online on shopDisney, so you don’t need to worry about a lack of options. In case you are, we’re here to add to the spooky commotion and show you some beautifully elaborate Disney Halloween decorations we just found. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Bradford Exchange is home to all sorts of Disney-inspired artwork, jewelry, and collectibles, and right now, there are Halloween decor pieces thrown into the mix! While there are plenty of home decor items to choose from, we’re highlighting five of our favorites. Nightmare Before Christmas Cuckoo Clock ©Bradford Exchange This clock features elaborate detailing and figures from The Nightmare Before Christmas. This could be a great piece to hang for Halloween! Every hour on the hour, “This is Halloween” plays while Zero pops out of the little doors at the top. Grab it here! Villains Wall Clock ©Bradford Exchange If you can’t resist a good villain moment, this clock is for you! Each hour, the clock will light up and play villainous music. How perfectly dreadful is this? Grab it here! Nightmare Before Christmas Illuminated Mayor’s Car ©Bradford Exchange This sculpture could make for some great shelf decor throughout the Halloween season. Plus, the headlights illuminate with the help of a AAA battery. Grab it here! Villains Flameless Candle Collection ©Bradford Exchange Nothing says spooky like some villainous candles. These are sold separately, featuring Maleficent, Cruella, and Ursula. Grab it here! Nightmare Before Christmas Perpetual Calendar ©Bradford Exchange Who says it can’t be Halloween or Christmas all year long? This perpetual calendar allows you to swap out the month with spooky figures from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Grab it here! And there you have it! We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news, reviews, and merchandise. Make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing. Looking for more Disney merchandise? Click here! The post No Excuses. This Disney Halloween Decor DESERVES To Be In Your Cart. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is full of fun entertainment for Pixar fans. Slinky Dog Dash Dig into family-style barbecue in Andy’s backyard at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Fly through Andy’s Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Play Kit on Slinky Dog Dash. Or, meet your favorite characters in real life! You’ll have a chance to meet Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Edna Mode, and more — but one character recently got a new home. Come check it out! In May 2023, the reimagined Pixar Place reopened across from One Man’s Dream, right before you get to Toy Story Land. With the newly remodeled area, Disney opened the Edna Mode Experience where we could meet our favorite fashion icon — it was also a new meet-and-greet location for The Incredibles’ Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Sulley Meet and Greet at Pixar Place At the time, Frozone was meeting guests in the area as well, but he didn’t get such a dedicated spot. We would see him interacting with guests and occasionally playing with his food (!!) — but now he has an official home. We think he looks right at home in his new spot, which is decked out in classic Pixar colors. Frozone! You’ll find him and his appearance times in the My Disney Experience app, so make sure to check it out so you don’t miss him on your next visit. ©Disney As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. The Harsh Reality of Eating in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Who is your favorite character to meet in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post A Character Meet-And-Greet Has CHANGED in Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As I write this, it’s Back-to-School season where I live….and I don’t know about you, but that puts me in the mood for a field trip! But not just any field trip… Why don’t we go on a DISNEY FIELD TRIP?! “To all who come to this happy place… WELCOME.” I’ll give you a few hints as to where we’re going: Mickey Mouse himself lives there (along with some of his best pals), it’s in Disneyland park, and it was recently reimagined. Did you guess (or did you see it in the title )? That’s right! We’re going to Mickey’s Toontown! “OH, BOY!” So pack a bag lunch (actually, scratch that, because we’ll be munching on some Toontown specialties, while we’re at it), and join us for The Ultimate Guide to Mickey’s Toontown! Mickey’s Toontown Overview Mickey’s Toontown originally opened in Disneyland park in 1993. However, it reopened on March 19, 2023 after a year-long refurbishment. ToonTown sign in 2021 But the land received more than your standard TLC… it was reimagined in a whole new way! WELCOME to Mickey’s Toontown! March 2023 Disney describes this colorful, fun-filled land as “perfectly playful,” as it delivers guests into “animated worlds.” Mickey’s Toontown Model The recent reimagineering brings these animated worlds to greater life with interactive play areas for kids and more landscaped green spaces for the whole family to enjoy. Toontown picnic area It also delivered a brand new attraction to the land: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disneyland Additional — and important — improvements and adjustments have made the land more accessible (including flattened curbs, additional wheelchair ramps, and experiences for guests with limited mobility). Overall, there are more play activities in Toontown than ever before! These include experiences for active play, tactile play, and more, giving kids the chance to “play, slide, spin, splash, touch and listen.” Let’s explore! Mickey’s Toontown Attractions CenTOONial Park Entering Toontown, your eyes are first greeted with CenTOONial Park! At the center, there is a fountain designed for play which also serves as an icon for Mickey’s Toontown. CenTOONial Park Fountain Mickey and Minnie are the stars of the fountain (of course!), and water tables set at the base invite guests to have some fun splashing around (yep, it’s not only tempting… splashing is totally ALLOWED here in Toontown)! Nearby you’ll spy the “Dreaming Tree” which, in addition to offering scultped roots for kids to play on, is also a tribute to Walt Disney’s beloved Cottonwood tree in Marceline, Missouri, where as a child he used to sit and daydream. The Dreaming Tree! You can even enjoy a “Perfect Picnic” of your own in the artificial grass picnic area directly in front of Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. Mickey’s Toontown But hold on, pals… because there’s lots more to explore these days beyond CenTOONial Park… Mickey’s & Minnie’s Runaway Railway We mentioned it above, but let’s chat a little more about the Crown Jewel of the new Toontown: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway! Mickey’s and Minnie’s Runaway Railway The ride — which is the first ride-through attraction starring Mickey Mouse himself — features an original storyline and an original song. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway utilizes what Disney calls 2½D (as opposed to 2D or 3D) technology that brings the ride’s two-dimensional cartoons to life in a brand new way in a trackless dark ride. It has no height restrictions, and the humor, twists, and turns on this technological marvel are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Inside Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Though Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is brand new to Mickey’s Toontown, the ride itself made its debut in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World in March 2020. But here in Disneyland, it’s got a twist all its own at its home in in El CapiTOON Theater… The Queue … and that’s it’s entirely unique — and utterly amazing — queue! It is, in fact, a special exhibit “created by the Toontown Hysterical Society” showcasing life in the Toon world before guests take off on their Runaway Railway adventure! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Queue in Disneyland’s Toontown Seriously, this things is positively packed with terrific Easter Eggs, including — but not limited to — popcorn pieces made to resemble our favorite Disney pals and a detail that only Disney EXPERTS will recognize! Look closely! There is SO much more to see, so we created a full Photo Tour so you can check it out! Click HERE for a PHOTO TOUR of MORE Easter Eggs that you have to see to believe in Disneyland’s Runaway Railway! P.S. You can ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway by entering the Standby Line, or by making a pay-per-ride purchase as an Individual Attraction Lightning Lane Selection option. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is based on the 1994 film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” The attraction received an updated storyline in 2021. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin These days, Jessica Rabbit herself has started her own private investigative service, and Roger Rabbit and Benny the Cab have teamed up with her to stop those Toon Patrol Weasels. YOU have the ability to spin your taxi a full 360 degrees as you join in the chase in this dark ride! P.S. There are NO height requirements for this attraction, and you can enter the Standby Line to ride. A Lightning Lane for Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is also available as an option for guests who purchase Disney Genie+. Find out EVERYTHING You Need to Know about Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes HERE! Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster is a “fun-sized” (kid-friendly) coaster in Mickey’s Toontown. And it just so happens that it was created by Toontown’s very own “tinkerer,” Gadget Hackwrench, for Toontown’s tiniest residents AND visitors! (Fans of the Disney animated series Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers will enjoy the ride and its nods to the clever Gadget.) Mickey’s Toontown Rethemed to Chip’ n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster (previously, it was Gadeget’s Go Coaster), the ride itself is mostly unchanged, but the addition of interactive Chip and Dale statues along the coaster’s track is cute and a hit with kids. P.S. Guests must be 35 inches or taller to ride, and you can enter the coaster’s Standby Line to ride. Disneyland Railroad Did you know you can make a stop at — or hop on board — the Disneyland Railroad Station here? Disneyland Railroad That’s right! Mickey’s Toontown boasts its very own Disneyland Railroad stop! How else are all the Toontown pals going to visit other areas of Disneyland? From Toontown, you can ride the rails for the full 18-minute tour, or get off at any of the other stations: Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, or Tomorrowland. More Areas in Mickey’s Toontown Mickey’s House & Minnie’s House Even Mickey’s House — where you can MEET MICKEY himself! — received a makeover (and even a few repairs to malfunctioning interactive elements) during the refurbishment. Mickey hangs out on various sound stages in his barn, with costumes to match! ©Disney via @ScottGustin But Mickey wouldn’t want to live in Toontown if someone special didn’t live nearby, and that’s his best gal! Guests can look forward to visiting Minnie’s House, too! Minnie Mouse in Toontown Enjoy a walk-through of Minnie’s house, and you might even find Minnie herself having a tea party under a gazebo in her charming backyard. Donald’s Duck Pond What was previously Donald’s Boat also received a bit of a glow up. Welcome to Donald’s Duck Pond! While the boat’s water features were removed, Donald’s Duck Pond delivers even more interactive elements to Toontown, like spinning water lilies and balance beams, rocking toys, and a splash area. Donald’s digs in Toontown (Just a note that you can no longer go inside Donald’s boat, but the porthole windows showcase interactive scenes featuring Donald’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and their friend Webby.) Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard A refurbishment of Goofy’s Playhouse transformed the location from a “bounce house”-style attraction to a more accessible play area with rainbow-hued slides, a rope bridge, a sound garden, colorful decor, and soft play floors. It’s now known as Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard! Goofy’s How-To Play Yard You can even become a junior candy maker in the fun interactive candy kitchen! Though no actual candy is involved, we say that plenty of GOOFY fun is sure in store! “GAWRSH!” Characters in Mickey’s Toontown Indeed, you’ve seen a few photos above of our Toontown pals like Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. And, with a quick look at the Disneyland App, you can confirm the times that Mickey and Minnie are greeting guests in their Toontown homes. Having a picnic with Daisy in Toontown But we want to note that otherwise, the characters in Toontown are free roaming, so keep your eyes peeled for PALS like Daisy, Donald, and perhaps even PETE around the land! Check out Pete’s FIRST appearance in a Disney park HERE! Mickey’s Toontown Dining You’re bound to work up an appetite with all the playtime you’re having in Mickey’s Toontown. Fortunately, there are two locations you can visit to fill your belly and quench your thirst. Cafe Daisy Cafe Daisy is a sidewalk table eatery serving up diner classics in Quick Service fashion. Guests who have previously visited Toontown may recall Daisy’s Diner (which served pizza), Pluto’s Dog House (offering hot dogs, of course!), and Clarabelle’s (a cold treats and frozen yogurt spot). Cafe Daisy Cafe Daisy has brought back hot dogs, pizza, and sweet treats… with some NEW twists! Items include — but aren’t limited to — Pizza Flop-Overs, Daisy’s Dressed-up Dog, Daisy’s Goody-Goody Donuts, and more! Cafe Daisy EATS! Daisy isn’t jokin’ around, y’all! There are some SERIOUS EATS here. Find our FULL REVIEW of the dishes at Daisy’s Diner here! P.S. Don’t forget that you can use Mobile Order through the Disneyland App to avoid waiting in line at Daisy’s Diner! Good Boy! Grocers Good Boy! Grocers is a farmers market roadside stand with grab and go items like pickles, Mini Babybel snack cheese, Coca-Cola drinks, waters, Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, gluten-allergy-friendly cookies, fruit bars, and whole fruit. An assortment of cold and flavorful Frozen Slushies is also on the menu. Good Boy! Grocers But one of the coolest options here is that you can also pick your favorite items to make customized Snack Bundles OR fill up a souvenir “Perfect Picnic Basket!” (You can even grab a matching Picnic Blanket to go along with it!) Perfect Picnic Basket and Picnic Blanket We love how Good Boy! Grocers has taken to simplest of grab-and-go concepts and turned it into a fun and even memorable dining experience in Disneyland! Find out more about the Perfect Picnic Basket HERE! Mickey’s Toontown Shopping Don’t forget that you can pop into EngineEar Souvenirs to grab all of your Toontown souven-EARS!! EngineEAR Souvenirs While you’re here, you can pick up a lil’ somethin’ to remember your first ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, like Minnie ears, t-shirts, or plushes. Engine Ear Souvenirs merch Check out the merch at EngineEar Souvenirs HERE More fun finds in Mickey’s Toontown include candies… but not just any candies. We’re talkin’ about POWER LIMES, people! All the candy at Good Boy! Grocers Well, friends… we hope you’ve enjoyed our field trip to Mickey’s Toontown today! As our pal Mickey says, “See You REAL SOON…” from MICKEY’S TOONTOWN! Check out ALL the lands in Disneyland Park HERE! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you taking a Toontown Trip of your own sometime soon? Please let us know with a comment! The post The ULTIMATE Guide To Disneyland's Toontown first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The stores in Disney Springs are changing all the time! Disney Springs We’ve seen several stores close down in the last couple of years, and more have sprung up to replace them. Now, one very popular store has CHANGED. Come with us to check it out! Marketplace Co-Op is a “store” in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs (makes sense, right?). We call it a “store” because it’s actually a large area that hosts several smaller kiosk-type stores! Marketplace Co-Op Inside, you’ll find D-Tech on Demand (which has phone cases and other tech accessories), Disney Tails (with toys and clothes for your furry friend), and more. Now, one of those kiosks inside has changed. The Super Hero Showcase location is now gone — it’s been replaced with Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post! Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post If you’re a Frozen fan, that name probably sounds familiar. It’s the store that Anna stumbles into when she’s hiking up the mountain, looking for Elsa, and needs some warm winter clothes. (Unfortunately, there’s no sauna in the Disney Springs version, though.) The new kiosk Although the area is themed to look like the store from Frozen, you’ll mostly find normal Disney merchandise inside. Disney merchandise But there are still some cool details to look for when you shop here, including a few wooden reindeer, which we’re sure Sven would appreciate. Details You can stop in and check out the new area the next time you visit. While we were there, there was a “Buy One Get One 50% off” sale going on! Discount! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news! Disney Springs Stores Keep Closing Down…Should We Be Worried? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite store in Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: A Store Has CHANGED in Disney Springs! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is bringing even more of the Bayou to California and now we know WHEN! ©Disney Tiana’s Palace is the long-awaited Quick Service New Orleans-inspired eatery coming to Disneyland that will replace the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square. The spot is set to feature some of the pizzazz and flair of the restaurant from the film, along with authentic New Orleans flavors. We’ve been watching as construction on this spot takes shape, but now Disney has announced the restaurant’s official opening date! Tiana’s Palace Restaurant is set to open on September 7th, 2023! Looking good! According to Disney, there will be a number of “elegant yet subtle details throughout the restaurant that offer fun hints at Tiana’s rich past in New Orleans.” For example, below the Tiana’s Palace marquee you’ll find an “emerald green wrought iron railing and awnings dyed in yellow and green, reminiscent of Tiana’s beautiful formal ball gown.” Sign There will also be colors inspired by Mardi Gras all around you like yellow tabletops, vanilla-colored chairs, green seats, and yellow and green umbrellas. Coming right along The Imagineers also looked to the movie for inspiration when it comes to the interior of the restaurant. There, you’ll find a big mural of the bayou. Plus, there will be references to more of Tiana’s story, including “lilies represented on numerous signs, plaques and light fixtures, frog porcelains, cookbooks Tiana has collected on little shelves, and her father’s favorite gumbo spoon proudly on display.” And you’ll want to look closely for letters from Tiana’s father and her neighbors that’ll be on display, along with a childhood photo of Tiana. Tiana’s Palace sign — July 2023 The restaurant will serve up NEW menu items representative of Tiana’s story and the flavors of New Orleans and Disney is making an effort to “source some ingredients directly from the state of Louisiana when possible.” Plus, Mobile Order will be available here once the spot opens. © Disney Interestingly, the fact that Tiana’s Palace is taking over the French Market Restaurant takes this space sort of full circle. According to Disney, the design of Tiana’s Palace from the Princess and the Frog movie was inspired by the French Market Restaurant. The Disneyland website now has a dedicated page for the restaurant, which details how you’ll be able to enjoy Creole and Cajun fares. ©Disney In terms of discounts, there will be Magic Key Holder discounts available here, which you can see below. ©Disney The website also notes that there may be Disney Vacation Club member discounts and Disney Visa Cardmember discounts available here too. The Disney Visa page notes that there used to be a discount available at the French Market Restaurant, so we’ll have to see if it’ll apply here too. Neither the French Market Restaurant nor Tiana’s Palace are listed on the DVC page but we’ll look for updates. ©Disney And if you’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of the Mint Julep Bar here, don’t stress! That spot will be reopening soon too. Disney has shared that they are looking forward to welcoming guests to this “exciting transformation” as well as marking the return of the Mint Julep Bar. Seating at Tiana’s Palace The addition of Tiana’s Palace will precede Disneyland’s addition of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a retheme of Splash Mountain that’ll be centered around The Princess and the Frog. That ride is set to open in 2024. Disney Imagineers showing off the concept art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! If you’re looking for more Tiana fun in Disneyland Park, you can already stop by Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Sauces, a gift shop themed to The Princess and the Frog. Eudora’s Make sure to follow along for more news and updates about the Disney parks! Click here for more on Tiana’s Palace Restaurant! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Will you be checking out Tiana’s Palace? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: OPENING DATE Announced for Tiana’s Palace Restaurant at Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Tiana’s Palace restaurant will open in Disneyland Park on Sept. 7, 2023! We are so excited to expand upon Princess Tiana’s story and welcome you to see this exciting transformation!View the full article

If you were also obsessed with the Percy Jackson series in middle school or high school (or heck, even throughout adulthood), then this post is for you. ©Disney At the 2022 D23 expo, we learned that an all-new Percy Jackson series would arrive on Disney+ in 2023, and since then, we’ve been at the edge of our seats waiting for more details. Disney granted us with a single teaser trailer, and since then, we’ve been watching it over and over. This series is something that author Rick Riordan has been working on since 2020, so it’s great to see it finally coming to fruition. Now, Disney has announced even MORE details regarding the upcoming series. The upcoming series Percy Jackson and the Olympians will air on Disney+ on December 20th, 2023 with the first two episodes. Disney shared that the first season will be based on Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. ©Disney Disney also shared a new trailer, which you can check out below! The first season will highlight the first adventures of 12-year-old demigod Percy, who is coming to terms with his powers in the modern age. On top of this, the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his lightning bolt. Percy and his friends Grover and Annabeth must go on a quest to help Olympus. ©DisneyWe can’t wait to check out the new series this December. We’ll continue to share more details as we have them, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more things coming soon to Disney+? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be tuning in to watch this series? Let us know in the comments! The post PREMIERE DATE Announced for the All-New Percy Jackson Series on Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is host to some of the best restaurants in the world! Disney Springs We’re not just saying that because we love these restaurants — Disney World really does have several world-renowned celebrity chef-owned restaurants. From Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ to Master Sommelier George Milotes’ Wine Bar George, you can experience some truly world-class dining at Disney World. Well, one of these celebrity chef-owned restaurant in Disney World is now offering an exclusive dining event. Jaleo by José Andrés is hosting a VERY special event and the restaurant is inviting YOU to attend. This will be an exclusive intimate dinner with Jaleo Disney Springs’ Chef Kristoffer Anderson and Jaleo Chicago’s Chef José Dávilla. You’ll be able to enjoy a prix-fixe menu, “featuring classical and modern adaptations of signature tapas, paired with sommelier-selected wines.” Jaleo in Disney Springs During the meal, the chefs will celebrate their return from Spain, where they toured the country with Chef José Andrés, the restaurant’s owner. On that tour, they learned about new ingredients, cooking techniques, and dishes that they’ll use as inspiration for Jaleo’s menus. You’ll learn about some of their favorite memories on that trip, as well as indulge in dishes they experienced during their travels. ©Jaleo This special Chef’s Dinner is limited, with tickets priced at $255 per person. That includes all food, wine, tax, and gratuity for the evening. Note that you must be 21 or older to attend. The event takes place on September 5th at 6PM. If you’re interested, you can grab tickets here. Click here to get tickets to this event. Jaleo in Disney Springs It’s a unique chance to learn more about the food you’re eating, as well as try some new foods in the process, so if you’re interested, get those tickets before they’re gone. We’ll keep an eye out for more unique dining experiences in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 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. Grab the DFB Guide! 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! Why You Should SKIP the Most Exciting Dining Experience in EPCOT 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! Would you be interested in this Chef’s Dinner? Let us know in the comments! The post An EXCLUSIVE Dining Experience Is Coming to Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You might think it’s too early to start celebrating the holiday season — but Disney doesn’t! Hollywood Studios Holiday Decorations Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has kicked off, and before we know it, the Christmas parties will begin! But you don’t have to wait until then to start preparing for the holidays. We’ve already started seeing some holiday merchandise in the parks and online. Today, we found a particularly special item that will let you celebrate the holidays and the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. Come take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Disney 100: Advent Calendar ©Amazon This 100th Anniversary Advent Calendar: a Storybook Library that we found on Amazon features twenty-four 24-page small paperback books, each individually wrapped in a paper sleeve! ©Amazon Every story leading up to Christmas will be a surprise. The books include holiday-themed and everyday stories featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters. ©Amazon This item will be released on September 5th, 2023, so pre-order it for the holiday season now! Pre-order on Amazon now! Don’t have Amazon Prime? Good news! You can get a free trial — just click the link below. Find even more Disney advent calendars on our Amazon storefront!The post Everyone's Going To Want this Disney100 Advent Calendar from Amazon -- Get It Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The battle between Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) continues, and this latest development adds one more layer to the mix. Reedy Creek Improvement District Disney is already facing off with the District in two different lawsuits — one filed by Disney against members of the District Board of Supervisors and Governor Ron DeSantis in Federal Court, and another filed against Disney by the District Board in State Court. And now the State Court case has seen an important update. For context, this state court case (2023-CA-011818-O: CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURISM OVERSIGHT DISTRICT vs. WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS US INC) was brought by the District against Disney. It claims that certain agreements Disney entered into with the old Board are null and void. Disney vs. DeSantis The Board has asked the state court to declare those agreements invalid. Disney previously filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit and the judge denied that motion, allowing the case to move forward. As a result, Disney was required to file an Answer to the Complaint, which they have since done, but their Answer contains more than just responses to the Board’s accusations. Reedy Creek Disney has filed a 55-page Answer to the Complaint that also contains their Affirmative Defenses and, importantly, counterclaims against the Board. Essentially, Disney has brought their own claims against the Board and is accusing the Board of doing some “bad acts” like breach of contract. Let’s break things down. Here are some key takeaways from Disney’s Answer to the Complaint: Disney claims that “much good has come from the Reedy Creek Improvement District” They also say that the District has been “mutually beneficial for Florida and for Disney” Disney argues that in altering the District and naming a new Board of Supervisors, the “Legislature’s intent was, in fact, to punish Disney for disfavored speech” ©Reedy Creek Meeting Livestream (April 19th Meeting) In terms of its affirmative defenses, Disney argues a number of things, including that the District indicated to Disney that it had the authority to enter into those old agreements at issue in the case and that Disney relied on that indication. Disney also discusses how there were public meetings about the agreements, at which no objections were raised. Disney also claims that the District has acted in a way that violates various parts of the Florida Constitution. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight District When it comes to the counterclaims, Disney alleges that one day after Disney issued an official statement against the Parental Rights in Education Bill (what critics call “Don’t Say Gay”), DeSantis said that Disney “crossed the line” and he pledged “to make sure we’re fighting back.” Soon after that, potential changes to the District were revealed. Then a bill was passed to dissolve the District, and ultimately the District was significantly changed in terms of its leadership format. Disney claims that they tried to de-escalate the situation “including through several attempts to spark a productive dialogue with the DeSantis Administration. These efforts were unsuccessful.” Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream They then discuss the agreements at issue, argue that there was public notice about them, and more. The agreements at issue are a Development Agreement and Restrictive Covenants. These govern future developments in the District and the current Board has claimed that the agreements were “last-ditch efforts” to strip them of their powers. The District’s current Board declared those agreements to be void and legislation was later passed in Florida that impacted the agreements as well. Disney argues that the legislation passed by the State “was drafted to target” Disney’s contracts “specifically.” Disney World In its counterclaims, Disney argues that the District breached these two contracts (which Disney considers to be valid) by refusing to comply with them. Disney has asked the Court to declare that the contracts are valid and enforceable, direct the District to comply with the contracts, and stop the District from violating the terms of the Development Agreement. Disney has also alleged that in refusing to comply with the Contracts, the District breached its duty of good faith and fair dealing, and that certain actions by the District (or by the passing of the Florida legislation) have also violated the Florida Constitution’s Contracts Clause, Takings Clause, Due Process Clause, and Free Speech Clause. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board But wait…there’s more. Just days before Disney filed its counterclaims, the District filed something of its own — a Motion for Summary Judgment. Basically, the District is arguing that there’s no “genuine dispute as to any material fact” on some of its claims and that it’s entitled to judgment as a matter of law. If the summary judgment motion is ultimately granted, it could give the District some of the declarations it wants without the need for a lengthy trial. Disney has yet to respond to that Motion for Summary Judgment, and the District will also now get some time to respond to Disney’s counterclaims. In other words, there’s a LOT that’s still pending here — and that’s not even taking the federal case into consideration. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight District These actions — a motion for summary judgment and the filing of counterclaims — are fairly standard procedure in many lawsuits, but they are important to point out since they add more layers to the battle here. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on the situation and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for the latest news. Click here to see why there could be a major leadership change in the District Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Disney Fights Back With Countersuit Against DeSantis-Appointed Reedy Creek Board first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

No matter the season, it can be pretty HOT in Disney World! Magic Kingdom! We know that many of you travel to Disney World at all different parts of the year and we have one BIG piece of advice for staying cool. We’ve mentioned it a million times already, and we’ll mention it a million more times. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Pack cooling towels and neck fans! That’s it. That’s the post. These two small, affordable items can seriously change the trajectory of your Disney day. We see way too many folks overheat in the fall because they don’t expect it to still be 95ºF in October. Well, now you know, and now you can prepare! We have a favorite of each product that can be found on Amazon. Check them out! 4-Pack of Cooling Towels ©Amazon View on Amazon This pack comes with four differently-colored cooling towels so that each member of your crew can have one and not get them mixed up. (Because who wants to share a sweaty towel? No one!) All you gotta do is wet them with cold water — we like to dunk them in the free ice water that you can get from quick service locations — and then enjoy having an icy tundra of a towel. Neck Fan ©Amazon View on Amazon This neck fan is compact so it’s easy to store when you aren’t using it. But, when you’re ready for it, you can just let it rest around your neck and enjoy some hands-free breeze! You can recharge it each night back at the hotel — it comes with a USB charging cable. It also comes in a variety of different colors! Well, there you have it! We might talk about these items a lot, but it’s for a reason. These have kept us comfortable and cool in the parks more often than we can count. We’ll continue to share Disney World tips and tricks with you, so make sure to follow along so that you don’t miss a thing! Looking for more things we love that make our Disney World trip more comfortable? Click here! What is the one thing that YOU always bring to Disney World to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible? Let us know in the comments! The post The TWO Amazon Products We’ve Put Into a Million Posts, Because You REALLY Need Them in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article