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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

A group of Bahamian summer camp students embarked on an inspiring day on the Disney Wish this summer to learn first-hand about careers at sea from the best – our Disney Cruise Line crew members.View the full article

We’ve seen our share of EPIC Disney World souvenirs, including a lot of pricey items. We still haven’t seen the price tag for that Disney100 Vespa (and we probably don’t want to). Our minds are still blown by that Star Wars original art we recently spotted in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Crystal Arts Some of our favorite pricey souvenirs, though, are probably those found in Crystal Arts by Arribas Bros. — and if you’ve visited that shop in Magic Kingdom, you’ll know some of those souvenirs cost some serious moolah. Well, there’s a NEW expensive work of art being created at Crystal Arts, and this time, it’s a CASTLE. We recently visited Crystal Arts to see the crystal masters at work, and they were in the middle of creating a gorgeous crystal recreation of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris. As you can see, they’re making it BY HAND, which is why these pieces are considered such incredible works of art. Working on the castle As we watched, we saw that several pieces of the new crystal piece were already constructed. We are so fascinated by how this kind of work is done. We could watch for hours. We also saw the little model they were using as a reference for what they were working on. Pieces of the castle So here’s the thing. This beauty will not stay at Disney World once it’s completed. Instead, it’s being designed for the lobbies of one of the hotels at Disneyland Paris. However, if you really wanted it for yourself, you could special order it for…okay…this price tag certainly needs a drum roll… It’s going to be beautiful …$100,000! Yep, if you want this castle, it will cost a LOT. However, we do appreciate the beautiful work these artists put into their projcts, but as our wallets just cried out loud at that price tag, we’ll just watch the creation of this work of art from a distance. However, we do highly recommend popping into Crystal Arts to see how these pieces are created — you’ll often find them working on something in the shop. It’s fascinating watching them construct things like this Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! WHO Is Buying These Wildly Expensive Disney Souvenirs? 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 castle so far? Let us know in the comments! The post Check Out the 0,000 Crystal CASTLE Being Built in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Simply cannot walk by without spinning them 🤪 #Disneyland #KugelBall #Physics #STEM #ShortsView the full article

If you’re a D23 Member, we may or may not be extremely jealous of you right now. Halloween in Magic Kingdom D23 is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the beloved spooky film Hocus Pocus. As Disney’s official fan club, D23 is inviting its members to celebrate 30 years of spellbinding fun in Salem, Massachusetts, where the film is based. On Saturday, October 7th, D23 members can join Disney in “Spell-ebrating” 30 years of Hocus Pocus at the Black Flame Ball! This event will start at 9AM with a walking tour through Salem, seeing the historic landmarks and icons of both Salem and Hocus Pocus. ©Disney At nightfall, the Black Flame Ball will officially begin. This soiree will be themed after the iconic Halloween party scene in the film, so guests are encouraged to arrive in their best, most colorful Halloween costumes. However, Disney warns that a few “bewitching guests” may or may not be planning to crash the ball! We wonder who those guests might be… If you choose to go, the event ticket includes an Event Credential, a walking tour of Salem, a commemorative event gift, and entry to the D23 Black Flame Ball, which includes light snacks and provisions, a open-bar for those 21+, and evening entertainment including a live band that will play Halloween hits. ©Disney D23 Members can reserve a ticket for themselves and up to two guests, and all must have a ticket in their possession upon entry. There are limited tickets available, too, so you might want to act fast in snagging these! Tickets will go on sale on Friday, August 18th at 10AM PT on the D23 website. Gold Member tickets are $229 plus a $7 processing fee, and General Member tickets are $279 plus a $7 processing fee. ©Disney If anyone needs a date, you know where to find us. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along so that you never miss a thing! Looking for more ways to celebrate Halloween with the Sanderson Sisters? 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 Would you LOVE to attend this ball? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Tickets for Disney's 'Hocus Pocus'-Themed Ball Go On Sale SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has been in the middle of a number of lawsuits lately, and now they’ve been hit with another. ©Disney Disney recently filed a notice that they’re working on finalizing a settlement for one Park pass lawsuit, but a judge has ruled against them in a case related to the Reedy Creek Improvement District, and other updates on cases involving Disney have been shared. But now we’ve got to take a look at an entirely separate lawsuit that has been filed against Disney recently. According to Deadline, Disney (and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation — “Fox”) has been hit with a new lawsuit, this time in Los Angeles Superior Court by TSG — a film financier. TSG alleges that Disney used “nearly every trick in the Hollywood accounting book” to “deprive” TSG of “hundreds of millions of dollars.” Or, as Deadline puts it, Disney is being accused of using those tricks to “hoard” millions in profit. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters TSG claims that they financed some of Fox’s most successful movies in recent years including Avatar: The Way of Water, Bohemian Rhapsody, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, Logan, and more. TSG says it had an agreement with Fox whereby Fox promised to give TSG a share of certain receipts from the films. But, TSG alleges that as the years went on, that return on investment “decreased dramatically.” TSG later hired an auditing firm to see what was going on and the auditors reportedly found that Fox failed to credit TSG certain amounts, there was “rampant ‘self-dealing'” aimed at minimizing profits for stakeholders like TSG, and Fox breached its agreement with TSG in other ways. ©Disney TSG also discussed how up until recently, nearly all movies stayed in theaters for 90-120 days, then went to pay-per-view options, home video, pay television, and finally subscription video-on-demand. They claim it was done this way to maximize profits and argue that Fox had agreed to license HBO its movies released through 2022. That has since changed, however, and now movies like The Way of Water often go directly to streaming services like Disney+ after being in theaters for a bit and then becoming available for digital purchase. TSG says this change came at a “great cost” to them. ©Disney They say this change in distribution strategy was all part of Disney’s strategy to ” prop up” its own streaming platforms and price of its stock using “content from other divisions of the company.” And they claim that this was done “recklessly and with little forethought.” The complaint goes on to accuse Fox and/or Disney of refusing to allow TSG to exercise certain rights to “generate liquidity” and says that Disney/Fox have tried to “bully TSG into submission and prevent the filing of this lawsuit.” AMC Theater The lawsuit brings certain counts against Disney and others against Fox. Ultimately, it seems TSG is asking for monetary damages, punitive damages (which are damages meant to basically “punish” bad actions), and other relief. Interestingly, Deadline notes that the lawyer representing TSG is the same as the one that represented Scarlett Johansson in her lawsuit against Disney, which was also related to distribution issues. That lawsuit was ultimately settled. ©Variety A number of changes have been made within the Walt Disney Company lately when it comes to the focus on streaming, how distribution is organized, and more, following Disney CEO Bob Iger’s return. Whether more changes could be made remains to be seen. We’ll keep an eye out for updates. Stay tuned for the latest Disney news. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disney Hit With Another Lawsuit, Accused of Hoarding Millions in Profit first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Changes happen seemingly every day at Disney World. Disney World While some of these changes are temporary (like new EPCOT festivals and seasonal decorations in the parks), some changes are permanent. Restaurants, shops, rides, and hotels permanently close from time to time, and in 2023, there were definitely quite a few closures. This post highlights 9 of the permanent closures that hit Disney World in 2023. Let’s go! Splash Mountain This beloved Magic Kingdom attraction closed for good on January 23rd, 2023. Splash Mountain This ride closure is to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Advenure, which is set to open in late 2024. Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser This immersive Star Wars hotel is where visitors can stay and go on a 2-night “voyage” on the Halcyon. However, back in May, Disney announced that the hotel would close permanently. Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser The final voyage will take place from September 28th to 30th, 2023. Sosa Family Cigars Shop On January 3rd, 2023, Sosa Family Cigars in Disney Springs permanently closed its doors. Sosa Family Cigars Currently, the spot remains empty. We’re curious to see what will take its place! UGG Store The UGG Store in Disney Springs closed permanently on March 16th, 2023. The Ugg shop is permanently closed Soon, the space will be taken over by Lululemon! Melissa Clube Melissa Clube, a shoe store in Disney Springs, quietly closed its doors in May of 2023. The Melissa Clube has closed The space has yet to be taken over by something new. Tokyo Dining in EPCOT Earlier this year, Tokyo Dining closed. At the time, we didn’t realize it would close permanently — just for refurbishment. Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya However, we later learned that the restaurant would soon be transformed into Shiki Sai: Sushi Izakaya, which just opened. You can read our full review of the new spot here! Harmonious For Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, guests could experience Harmonious as the featured nighttime spectacular in EPCOT. Harmonious Harmonious ended on April 2nd, 2023 to make way for the temporary return of EPCOT Forever. Enchantment Similar to Harmonious, Enchantment was the featured nighttime spectacular in Magic Kingdom. Enchantment Enchantment also ended on April 2nd, 2023. It’s been replaced by the return of Happily Ever After. Trail’s End Table Service Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground closed for refurbishment in April of 2023. Trail’s End However, the restaurant re-opened in July 2023 and instead of being a table service restaurant like before, it’s now a quick service eatery! Well, there you have it! We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news — closures included! Make sure to follow along for more. Looking for things OPENING soon at 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 Which of these closures are you the most sad about? Let us know in the comments! The post 9 Permanent CLOSURES That Hit Disney World This Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What is a better way to spend the fall season than with your favorite magical characters? Check out some Fall Collections for all the breezy and bright offerings now available.View the full article

We do NOT need another pair of Disney-themed shoes. We just DON’T. But…maybe it wouldn’t hurt just to look? Disney’s 100th Anniversary Disney has teamed up with a few different brands to create new shoe collections to celebrate The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. Our wallets are begging us to stop online shopping…but some of these options are too fun to resist! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Let’s take a look (just a QUICK peek) at some of the best Disney100 shoes we’ve seen recently. Get the Disney100 Cup Sole Sneaker from Aldo ©Aldo Aldo has a great collection of Disney-themed footwear, and we especially love these Cup Sole Sneakers, which feature Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald. View on Aldo Get the Disney100 Loafer from Aldo ©Aldo The loafers have the same pattern, but the shoe itself is a bit more formal, and there’s a stylish gold buckle over the front. View on Aldo Get the Disney100 Stiletto Pump from Aldo ©Aldo We’re having a REALLY difficult time resisting these Disney stiletto pumps! They’re black with gold designs and classic Disney characters. View on Aldo Get the Samba Vegan x Disney Minnie Shoes from Adidas ©Adidas On the sportier side, you can check out these Disney x Adidas shoes! The Samba sneakers are made with vegan materials and are subtly themed to Minnie Mouse. View on Adidas Get the Ultraboost 1.0 x Disney100 Shoes from Adidas ©Adidas For a day walking around the Disney World theme parks, you might need the Ultraboost 1.0 shoes. These are also subtly Disney-themed. View on Adidas 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! Grab our DFB-exclusive merch! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Quick! The 100th anniversary merch that keeps selling out is available online 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 Which of these shoes would you pick? Let us know in the comments. The post We're 5 Seconds Away from Caving and Buying ALL of these Disney100 Shoes Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Looking to SAVE on your Disney World vacation? We’ve got the tips you need! EPCOT There are plenty of ways to save a little dough on your upcoming trip, whether you use Annual Passholder discounts, special offers for hotel rooms, or rent DVC points instead of booking your hotel the regular way. But besides all those things, there’s currently a Disney World ticket deal available, and if you’re interested in taking advantage, we have a warning! Currently, Disney is running the 4-Park, 4-Day Magic Ticket deal for $99 per day, plus tax. The total price is $396 plus tax, and with this ticket, you get one admission to each of the four theme parks. Disney World Theme Park Ticket Cards The ticket is valid for admission from June 1st-September 29th, but we’re here to issue a warning — you only have until September 22nd to purchase the ticket! Disney hasn’t updated the website with this information yet, but shared the purchase deadline with travel agents. So if you’d like to get these tickets, you’ll need to make your purchase soon! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge There are ticket blockout dates from September 1st-4th, and the ticket will expire within 7 days of use or September 29th, 2023, whichever comes first. Tree of Life We’ll keep you updated if Disney releases any more special offers or deals that you should know about, so stay tuned to DFB! We’ve got plenty of recommendations for ways to save on your next vacation. 5 Ways Disney World Will Cost You Thousands More in 2024 — 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 Are you planning on using this ticket deal? Tell us in the comments! The post WARNING: This Disney World Ticket Deal Is Ending Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome, Foolish Mortals… Haunted Mansion We sure are feeling spooky lately, with the release of the new Haunted Mansion film, Halloween decorations up in the parks, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party officially underway. Even if you won’t be in the parks this fall, Disney just shared a new way for you to experience some spooky Disney fun from home. The Haunted Mansion Run is an all-new TikTok filter that fans can use as they record videos within the app! This interactive filter challenges users to escape the Hatbox Ghost. Hatbox Ghost Disney Parks shared a video of a Cast Member using the filter recently, and it seems like a lot of fun! It brings you (mostly your face) into the action and allows you to run through the halls of the mansion! It almost reminds us of Temple Run. You can change the direction that the character is running by tilting your head up, down, left, and right. To use the filter, you simply search “Haunted Mansion Run” in the effects section when creating a video within the TikTok app. Ta daaaaa! ©Disney You’ll have to let us know if you use the filter! We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news and updates as we have it, so make sure to follow along for more. Looking for more hauntingly good fun? Click here to see some Haunted Mansion merchandise we’ve seen online! 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 TikTok filter? Let us know in the comments! The post This New TikTok Filter Is Like If Temple Run and Haunted Mansion Had A Baby first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article