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DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’re always down for a shopping spree — especially when there’s a sale. Time to buy MORE Disney stuff Even when you aren’t able to visit the Disney Parks, you can still shop all the magic online at shopDisney. If you keep an eye out, there are usually some of those sales that we mentioned. But… who has time to constantly monitor the website to watch for the best time to buy the merch you’ve had your eye on? Well, that’s where we come in. shopDisney is currently having a sale that features tons of adult merchandise. This could be your opportunity to TREAT YOURSELF after stocking up on back-to-school gear for the kiddos. There’s only one catch… the sale ends tonight, August 9th, at midnight. Let’s go shopping while we can still take advantage of this sale! ©Disney We’ve highlighted just a few items on sale that we think are pretty cool. Luke Skywalker 40th Anniversary Legacy Lightsaber ©Disney This set is an ode to Luke Skywalker and 4o years of Star Wars! This set comes with Luke Skywalker Legacy Lightsaber hilt, blade, and a display stand. View on ShopDisney WDW Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Disney Is Disney World your home park? Show your love for all things magical with this Disney World Loungefly bag that features Mickey Mouse and Cinderella Castle. View on ShopDisney Mickey Icon Throw Blanket ©Disney Looking to add a touch of magic to your home decor? This Mickey Icon Throw Blanket could be a great pop of color and touch of Disney to your home. View on ShopDisney These are a few of our favorite items, but there are plenty more things to choose from. You can shop the whole sale by clicking the link below! Shop the whole sale here! We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing! Looking for more Disney merchandise we’ve seen lately? Check out the Halloween collection! 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 merchandise items is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post ACT FAST! This Disney Merchandise Is On SALE Today ONLY first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so we know a lot of y’all have to get that morning cup of Starbucks. Starbucks We’re grabbing our favorite frappuccinos, lattes, and cold brew first thing at Disney World (don’t judge us), but for those of you who also like to get Starbucks at home, you’ll want to head to your local Target because getting coffee there just got a lot easier and more convenient. We would like to introduce you to Target Drive Up with Starbucks, a new service that will soon be offered at Target stores across the U.S. You know how you can order Target curbside to pick up all your essentials? Well, you’ll soon be able to add your favorite Starbucks beverage to that order and pick that up curbside, too. Yep, you can just have Starbucks delivered to you IN YOUR CAR like other curbside orders at Target. Target Here’s how it works: after you place a Drive Up order at a participating Target and get a notification that it’s ready, you just let the app know you’re on your way. Then you’ll get a prompt to place an order from Starbucks. You’ll make your selection and then click “Add for Drive Up” and pay for the order. Once you check in for your Drive Up order and it indicates “I’m on my way,” a Starbucks barista will prepare the order. You’ll park in the designated Drive Up parking area, hit “I’m here” on the app and a Target team member will bring out your Drive Up order AND your Starbucks. Gotta’ have our Starbucks So where can you get this service already? Well, it’s being rolled out to Target stores across the U.S., but it is currently being offered at select stores in the following states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Target is making it easy to get your Starbucks! So keep that in mind the next time you use Target’s Drive Up curbside pick-up option. You can get Starbucks with that! We’ll keep an eye out for more Starbucks and Target news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 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! 11 Target Essentials You NEED In Your Disney World Park Bag! 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 using this service at your local Target? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: It Just Got EASIER To Get Starbucks at Target first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

I know we talk a lot about the best items you can buy at the Disney World parks, but that’s not what we’re doing today. Let’s talk about the things that you can get that are based on the hotels! Well, time to buy more Loungeflys. In the hotel gift shops, you’ll typically find some pretty unique and exclusive souvenirs like resort-specific Minnie ears and other accessories. But did you know there are also hotel-inspired Loungeflys! We’re bring you a list of the best today! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve got a bunch of hotel-inspired bags to get through, so let’s just dive right in! First up, over at Disney’s Riviera Resort, we spotted this Riviera Resort Loungefly Mini Backpack that has blue ears and a postcard design that covers the whole bag. The Loungefly Backpack It also features Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy on the front — the same four characters that you can meet during breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace! They’re watching the fireworks! It has multiple zipper pockets for storing your belongings. It also has adjustable straps so it can fit your body. The backside of the backpack This bag is $75 and you can find it in La Boutique. Next up, over at the Polynesian Village Resort, you can grab the Polynesian Village Resort Loungefly for $78. Polynesian Village Resort Loungefly We can’t get over how adorable it is, and how perfectly it represents the resort! Polynesian Village Resort Loungefly And can we talk about that bamboo handle?! How cute! Now, over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, as part of the Incredibles Collection, you can pick up the Contemporary Resort Incredibles Loungefly Bag for $75. Here’s that “incredible” design on the back: Contemporary Resort Incredibles Loungefly Bag Over at Curiouser Clothiers in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you can find the Grand Floridian Loungefly Mini Backpack with the Grand Floridian logo all over it. Nab it now for $75. New Loungefly alert! Now, let’s check some that are over at shopDisney right now! Shop the Mickey Mouse Icon Animal Prints Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Disney While it’s not “technically” themed to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it definitely fits! View on shopDisney Shop Disney Vacation Club Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Disney You can think of this one as being for all of the DVC resorts. View on shopDisney Grab this Star Wars A New Hope Loungefly Backpack ©Disney Have a look at the straps: ©Disney While not specifically themed to the Galactic Starcruiser, it does have that iconic Star Wars theme, so we think it gets a pass. View on shopDisney For additional savings, there’s a code for free shipping on orders of $75 or more — just type in SHIPMAGIC at checkout in the promos section. ©Disney Keep following us here at DFB for the latest Disney merch news! NEW Disney Halloween Loungefly Bags Are 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 Will you be picking any of these up? Let us know down below! The post The Best Disney Hotel-Inspired Loungeflys first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World may start celebrating spooky season early, but it’s not officially Halloween until something specific happens. Happy Halloween! Frightfully festive decor has been up in Magic Kingdom for a while now, and we’ve even seen a ton of Halloween merch drop in the parks too. But, something has been missing from Magic Kingdom’s spooky decor — until now! It’s officially Halloween in Magic Kingdom — the Mickey pumpkin wreaths have returned! The rest of Magic Kingdom has been all decked out for a bit, but now Mickey is back where he belongs. The first ones we spotted were right at the entrance as you pass under the train station. But, the pumpkins are also back on Main Street, U.S.A.! The street lamps have been adorned with the gourd-geous (not sorry) main mouse himself, and we couldn’t be any happier. Main Street, U.S.A. Even if you’re not heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, these decorations will stay up throughout the season — so make sure you check them all out if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom soon. Cinderella Castle We’ll be bringing you everything you need to know about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and all the other spooky season offerings throughout Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more! See ALL the Halloween Merchandise You Can Get at Disney World IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World! We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World FULL LIST of Rides That Will Be Open at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Target Has NEW Halloween Inflatables Online Now! How To Get the CHEAPEST Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you heading to Disney World this holiday season? Tell us in the comments! The post The ULTIMATE Halloween Decoration Is BACK in Magic Kingdom! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

McDonald’s and Disney are two of our favorite things. McDonald’s What’s even better is when we can grab Disney-inspired items FROM McDonald’s! It’s the best of both worlds, just like Hannah Montana says. From time to time, McDonald’s features Disney-themed toys in Happy Meal Boxes, but now, a meal at McDonald’s is featuring a fan-favorite Disney series in a NEW way. McDonald’s is launching the “As Featured in Meal,” which is a collection of menu items that have been featured in fan-favorite TV shows, movies, and music. Starting August 14th, this meal will be available in more than 100 countries. ©McDonald’s The meal will feature a choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, or Big Mac Sandwich along with Medium World Famous Fries, a medium soft drink, and the newly-branded Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce – inspired by McDonald’s next ‘as featured in’ moment with Marvel Studios’ “Loki” Season 2, streaming October 6th on Disney+. ©McDonald’s What do you think? Will you be grabbing this new meal? We’ll be on the lookout if McDonald’s shares more information or if more meals are released. We’ll continue to keep you updated with all things magical and yummy, so make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more Disney x McDonald’s meals we’ve seen this year? 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 grabbing this ‘As Featured In Meal’? Let us know in the comments! The post A NEW Disney x McDonald's Meal Is Coming SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the essentials for Disney World nowadays is your phone. EPCOT You need to use it for Genie+ (if you’ve chosen to buy it), the My Disney Experience App, and you can even use contactless payments to pay for your snacks in the park. And to keep your phone alive, you’ll likely need to bring in a portable charger. You can grab some in the parks, but you’re paying WAY too much for them. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. All over the Disney World parks you’ll find Fuel Rod Stations. Fuel Rods are portable chargers that go for $30 each in Disney World. When yours runs out of battery, just replace it with another one at any Fuel Rod station for no additional cost. Fuel Rod Station in PizzeRizzo $30 isn’t bad for a fuel rod that technically doesn’t run out, but you could be getting them for cheaper! Did you know you can get a pack of TWO Fuel Rods on Amazon for $34.99 — you’ll basically save $25! ©Amazon These are the exact same brand, so they can be swapped out at the Fuel Rod locations within Disney World, and now you will have TWO, so someone else in your party can also re-charge! Buy the Fuel Rods online here! So plan ahead, bring these with you, and you’ll save $25 you can use for other things on your vacation — personally we’re gonna use it to buy MORE SNACKS! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! How well do Fuel Rods really work? Find out here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite portable charger for the parks? Tell us in the comments! The post You're Spending Too Much in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Lots of things are changing in Disney parks. Disneyland Resort New attractions are on the way, new restaurants are coming soon, and more! We also recently learned that Disney dining reservations would soon change, and now we’re seeing those changes on the Disneyland app. Disney previously announced that it would change how guests find dining reservations on its mobile apps and website for both Disney World and Disneyland. Basically, when you search for a specific dining reservation, the change will allow you to see ALL of the available dining reservations for the restaurant and timeframe you’re looking for. Previously, you would only see a few reservation times pop up if you specified a specific time frame when searching for reservations. ©Disney Well, we can now report that this change has already happened on the Disneyland app. We searched for reservations at Blue Bayou (you know, the restaurant that’s INSIDE Pirates of the Caribbean) for three guests for dinner, and got ALL available dinner times for Sunday, October 8th. ©Disney We got similar results when we used the “Check Dining Availability” feature in the app (you can find this by clicking on the “+” sign at the bottom of the app screen. You’ll choose your party size, date, and time, and get something that looks like this with all times listed. ©Disney If you don’t see these changes in the Disneyland app yet, you may need to make sure you have the latest version of the app — if not, you may need to update your app. Also, these changes have not yet been made if you’re looking for reservations on the Disneyland website. As a heads up, some of our team still didn’t see the changes even after updating, so it may still be rolling out slowly. ©Disney This will make reservations a little easier to find on the app, so you might even be able to score those harder-to-get restaurants. We’ll keep an eye out for more changes and let you know when they’ve made their way to the Disneyland website and the Disney World website and My Disney Experience app. So stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland’ Expansion 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 happy to see these changes? Let us know what you think in the comments! The post NEWS: A Critical Dining Reservation Update Has Just Landed on the Disneyland App first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are many things in Disney World that have come and gone over the years. RIP Maelstrom Some of them we really miss, while others we don’t think about often. However, we haven’t seen a huge closure super recently, but that’s about to change in less than 2 months because Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser is about to close. Disney World introduced the Star Wars Hotel, aka the Galactic Starcruiser on March 1st, 2022. This is a 2-day, 2-night fully immersive experience that is really better compared to a cruise than a hotel. The whole experience and story (in which you can choose to be as immersed as you’d like to be) take place inside the hotel, with the exception of a day outing to Batuu in Hollywood Studios. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser However, after just over a year of being in operation, Disney announced in May 2023 that the popular attraction would be closing. Its final voyage is September 28th-30th, 2023, and then it will be closed permanently. Galactic Starcruiser room While we don’t yet know what this building will become, Disney executives have shared what went wrong with the hotel, and most of it boils down to cost. The hotel cost THOUSANDS for one family to experience, and many people just couldn’t justify that cost. However, the hotel itself also costs an immense amount to run, thanks to all the amazing live entertainment that made the experience what it was. Ouannii While we’re sad to see the Galactic Starcruiser go, we’re not totally surprised that it wasn’t sustainable. While the final reservations did sell out, the price was just too high for many families, meaning that there was a much smaller group of people who were able to afford this experience, and since Disney couldn’t afford to lower the price, here we are. Crowds in the Galactic Starcruiser’s Atrium So if you’ve got a reservation for the last few voyages, be sure to take it all in. If you want to experience it all virtually, we’ve got a whole video about our experience you can check out instead! And as always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Check out our full tour of a Galactic Starcruiser room here! Star Wars Hotel -- Galactic Starcruiser News and Information The Star Wars Hotel Is CLOSING Check Out Our COMPLETE GUIDE to the Star Wars Hotel We’re Breaking the MYTHS from Inside the Star Wars Hotel Rooms What to Get (or AVOID) for Breakfast at the Star Wars Hotel We Ate EVERYTHING for Lunch at the Star Wars Hotel See Our FULL Review of the Entire Dinner on Night 1 of the Star Wars Hotel Yes, Dinner on Night 2 at the Star Wars Hotel is Different. See Our Full Review Is the Captain’s Table Worth the Extra Cost? See How the Fireworks at the Star Wars Hotel Will (and Won’t) Surprise You Get Our Full Thoughts on the BLUE SHRIMP See What Snacks Look Like in Space Some of the Best Food in the Star Wars Hotel is Hiding! Get a Look at the Exclusive Star Wars Hotel Merchandise Learn About What’s Included When You Leave the Star Wars Hotel for Hollywood Studios Take a Look at the Pricing for the Star Wars Hotel Watch Our DFB Video About Our Experience at the Star Wars Hotel Click HERE to See More About Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think of the Galactic Starcruiser closing? Tell us in the comments! The post In Less Than 60 Days a Disney World Hotel Will Permanently CLOSE first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A fan-favorite activity in Magic Kingdom at Disney World is watching the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Festival of Fantasy Parade This parade allows you to see an impressive array of Disney’s most beloved characters — from Cinderella, to Rapunzel, to Mickey and Minnie! Many Disney World visitors add this parade as a must-do on their Disney bucket list, and if you’re also hoping to catch the parade during your upcoming visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth, then you’ll want to pay close attention. Festival of Fantasy Parade times are CHANGING soon to go back to normal. From August 6th through 10th, parade showings were limited to only one parade per day — at 3PM. On August 11th, though, parade times are going back to normal — so you can catch your favorite Disney friends at 12PM and 3PM each day. Festival of Fantasy We aren’t too sure as to why the parade times changed, but some Cast Members suspect that the parade changes are due to last-minute preparations for the Boo to You Parade at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which begins August 11th. Pinocchio in Festival of Fantasy There are several different viewing locations throughout the park, as the parade starts in Frontierland and concludes on Main Street, U.S.A.. Just note that at 12PM and 3PM each day, you’ll have limited access to the paths and sidewalks throughout the park for the safety of guests and Cast Members. Plan to take alternate routes to get where you need to go, or take a break and enjoy the parade! Festival of Fantasy We’ll continue to keep you in the loop with any and all Disney news and updates as we have them, so make sure to follow along for more! Hoping to check out more Magic Kingdom news? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you normally watch Festival of Fantasy during your Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: Festival of Fantasy Parade Times Are CHANGING Again Soon in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning a trip to EPCOT’s 2023 International Food & Wine Festival? There are some BIG things you need to know about! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy We’ve got a full look at the menus here, our picks for the very BEST things to eat and drink, a complete look at the Festival merchandise, and reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. here. But there’s one Festival event you can’t forget about — the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. While you can just walk right up and watch the concerts for free, if you assume that’ll be easy to do for every performer, you could be making a BIG mistake. What Is Eat to the Beat? For those unfamiliar with it, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series is a special entertainment offering that’s available during the Food & Wine Festival. Throughout the Festival, popular bands from the 80s, 90s, and beyond perform at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion for everyone to enjoy. Eat to the Beat Sign The concerts are FREE with your EPCOT admission, and they take place three times each night (5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8PM). Eat to the Beat 2023 The more internationally recognized bands and artists perform Fridays through Mondays, while local bands take the stage Tuesdays through Thursdays. You can see the FULL schedule of bands set to perform here. Why Should I Get a Dining Package? Again, as we mentioned above, you can watch these concerts for FREE with your EPCOT admission, but sometimes the standby lines to get a seat for some of the more popular performers can get LENGTHY. If you want to get a good seat for those performances, then you might have to get in line fairly early and stand out (typically in the HEAT) for a while to get your spot. Some might not mind that at all, but there IS a way to skip the waiting! 98 Degrees Performed at Eat to the Beat — 2022 Disney offers Eat to the Beat Dining Packages Fridays through Mondays (for the performances of those more internationally recognized artists). These come with a meal at one of the participating EPCOT restaurants along with reserved seating for one of the Eat to the Beat concert performances on the night of your visit/meal. It’s an easy way to ensure that you get a good seat for your favorite performer without having to wait in line. Also, note that from what we’ve seen, these concerts can be quite a bit busier on Mondays (regardless of who is playing). Mondays tend to be the days when EPCOT offers Extended Evening Hours (for qualifying hotel guests). So if there’s someone you REALLY want to see who is performing on a Monday and you’ll be visiting on that day, that might also be a reason to book a Dining Package. Eat to the Beat 2022 Note that these Dining Packages do come at a cost (of course). Pricing can range from $35 per adult to $95 per adult, depending on what restaurant you choose. Also, note that what is included in each restaurant can vary. Reservations for dining packages are available 60 days in advance of your trip (like regular dining reservations), and there are a limited number of day-of dining packages available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue if you want a cheaper, more last-minute option. See full pricing details here. What Performances Should I Buy a Dining Package For? By now you might be wondering — “Okay, so what artists should I buy a Dining Package for?” Well, first of all, that’ll depend on your own taste in music. While a particular artist or band might be popular, if it’s one that doesn’t interest you, then there’s no need to spend the money for a dining package to see them. You can just grab a seat by waiting in the standby line if you so choose, opt to listen to their tunes as you stroll by the area, or just skip the concert altogether. Eat to the Beat Standby But if you DO happen to like some of the bands below, you might want to consider making a Dining Package reservation. Why? Because we expect these could be VERY popular bands/artists that could draw quite the standby line, making a Dining Package a more relaxing way to secure your seat. Here’s a list of the bands we think you should really consider getting a Dining Package for: Joey Fatone & Friends — August 18 through 21, 2023 98° — September 25 and 26, 2023 Boyz II Men — September 29 and 30, 2023 & October 1 and 2, 2023 (this group can be VERY popular!) Hanson — October 27 through 30, 2023 Eat to the Beat And here are some other ones you might want to consider grabbing a Dining Package for that we think could be pretty popular: Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart – NEW! — August 11 and 12, 2023 The Fray – NEW! — August 13 and 14, 2023 Phillip Phillips – NEW! — August 27 and 28, 2023 Baha Men — September 1 and 2, 2023 MercyMe — September 3 and 4, 2023 TobyMac — September 10 and 11, 2023 Sugar Ray — October 8 and 9, 2023 Hoobastank — October 13 and 14, 2023 We the Kings – NEW! — November 3 and 4, 2023 Plus, remember that Monday performances can sometimes be busier (from what we’ve seen) so if you really want to see a band (including one that is NOT on our list above) on a Monday, you may want to look into a Dining Package. Eat to the Beat Again, for the FULL Eat to the Beat schedule, click here. We hope this post has given you a better idea of what bands might be particularly popular at the Festival and why a Dining Package can be beneficial. Which performer are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments! Stay tuned for more Food & Wine Festival news! Click here for our FULL PAGE about the Food & Wine Festival!  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! Do you think a Dining Package is worth it or not? Tell us in the comments! The post You Definitely Need a Dining Package for These 4 Eat to the Beat Concerts at EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We don’t know about you, but when we plan a trip to Disney World, we usually end up with a whole list of things we need to buy before our vacation. You might not realize it, but all those little costs like sunscreen, new bathing suits, ponchos, and portable chargers can add up pretty quickly! Magic Kingdom The good news is that we know a few tips and tricks that can help you save money ahead of your next Disney trip. And now that Amazon just announced a NEW event coming soon, we just have to spread the word! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days — an exclusive shopping event for Prime members — is coming this October! Look out for some major deals on a variety of items. ©Amazon If you’re not an Amazon Prime member yet, we can help with that, too! Just click the link below to get started. In the past, we’ve managed to score deals on park essentials like cooling towels, ponchos, portable fans, and even Disney-themed shirts! Need a little inspiration in the meantime? Here are some of the things we recommend for your next trip to Disney World. Check out this 3-Pack of Large Metal Claw Clips ©Amazon Let’s face it: Disney World can be HOT! If you need to pull your hair back, you might as well do it in style with a pack of Disney-themed hair clips, right? View on Amazon This Neck Fan is a HOT seller! ©Amazon Another theme park essential? Neck fans! We see Disney World guests walking around with these neck fans. All. The. Time, so it’s safe to say these things are POPULAR. If you’re looking to stay cool, do yourself a favor and grab one of these. View on Amazon Be sure to mark your calendars this October; Prime Day is coming! We’ll let you know when Amazon shares an exact date. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. $34 Flights to Disney World?! Forget What We Told You Yesterday — THIS Is the Deal You Need! 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 gotten a good deal on Amazon Prime Day? Let us know in the comments! The post Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Are Coming SOON — Are You Ready? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready to book your next Disney vacation? There is SO MUCH happening at Disney World right now including the 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Halloween season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and more! Halloween decorations at Disney World And right now there are some pretty awesome hotel discounts, which might mean that you can free up some room in your budget for MORE Disney World days! A lot of these are major hotel discounts (we’re talking in the 30% off range), so the money you save can be put towards adding on a couple more nights. Are you in? We’re in. Let’s go! Today our friends at Small World Vacations have compiled all of the current Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney discounts for DFB readers. Magic Kingdom Train Station The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Current Walt Disney World Deals and Discounts Summer Discounts Depending on the hotel you choose, you can save 25% most nights to August 20th, and September 15th to September 28th, 2023; you can save 30% most nights from August 21st to September 14th, 2023. Pop Century Resort You’ll want to check out the savings at the select hotels for this offer! Click here to check out this summer offer! Disney Visa Offer Disney Visa cardholders can save up to 35% on their Disney World hotel rooms this summer! Disney VISA The deal applies to most dates through September 7th, 2023. Click here for more details on this Disney Visa offer! Holiday Room Offer With this holiday season offers you can save up to 25% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2nd through November 18th, 2023, and most nights from November 19th through December 9th. Wilderness Lodge And you can save even more — up to 30% — on stays most nights from December 10th through December 25th, 2023. Click here to check out this holiday deal Disney+ Subscriber Offer Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% on rooms at certain Disney World hotels for stays on select nights from October 22nd through November 2nd, 2023, and November 26th through December 25th, 2023. Riviera Resort Click here to get more details on this offer! Florida Resident Offers Florida residents can also save up to 30% on rooms at certain Disney World hotels for their summer vacations. BoardWalk Inn The offer is valid for stays most nights through September 28th, 2023. Click here to see the details of this offer! Florida residents can also save on Disney World hotel rooms this fall and holiday season! Residents can save up to 30% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2nd to November 18th, 2023, and most nights from November 19th to December 9th, 2023. They can save even MORE — up to 35% — on stays most nights from December 10th to December 25th, 2023. Click here to see details of this holiday offer! Annual Passholder Offer Disney World Annual Passholders can save up to 35% on Disney World rooms this summer! Annual Passholder Card This offer is only available for select Disney World resorts. It applies to most stays to September 28th, 2023 Click here to see more about this offer! Annual Passholders can save on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels between October and December 2023. This discount can save Passholders up to 35% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 2nd to November 18th, 2023, and most nights from November 19th to December 9th, 2023. Passholders can save up to 40% most nights December 10th through the 25th, 2023. Click here to check out the details of this offer! 2023 Military Offers Members of the U.S. military can take advantage of great rates on rooms most nights from January 1st through December 15, 2023. EPCOT Here’s a look at the 5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket With the Park Hopper Option: $369 plus tax With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $399 plus tax And here’s the pricing for the 4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket With the Park Hopper Option: $349 plus tax With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $379 plus tax Click Here for More Details on the 2023 Military Offers. Disneyland Offers Check out the latest deals for your next Disneyland vacation! Disneyland Hotel You can save up to 20% off Disneyland Resort hotels for stays on Sunday through Thursday nights from August 1st to September 30th! Just be sure to book before September 26th. Click here for details on this offer! Disney Visa Cardmembers can save up to 30% on select premium room stays at Disneyland hotels. This deal is valid for Sundays through Thursdays from August 1st through September 30th, and you have to book before September 26th. Click here for details on this offer! Disneyland Military Offers U.S. Military members can also save on hotels over at Disneyland Resort! The deal is available on certain nights between January 9th, 2023, and December 15th, 2023 and you can book the deal from now until December 11th, 2023. Click here to read more about this offer! Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney Discounts Our friends at Small World Vacations can also help you plan your next Disney Cruise Line sailing, a trip to Aulani, or even an Adventures by Disney vacation! Check out these deals. Restricted Rates You can save up to 35% on Disney Cruises! Disney Wish Sail the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and more without paying full price! Click here for more details on this deal! Disney’s Aulani Resort Disney Visa Cardholders have the opportunity to save even more on their Aulani vacation! On select dates between August 23rd and December 22nd Aulani is offering cardholders 30% on select rooms. A Disney Visa is required for payment. Makahiki — The Bounty of the Islands And, from August 23rd through December 22nd, guests can get 25% off select rooms. Click here to read more about these Aulani deals! Guests can also save 20% on select rooms at Aulani Resort when you add a pre-stay or post-stay to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Contact Small World Vacations for more details! Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. Cinderella Castle Let the agents at Small World Vacations compare discounts to find the best possible savings for YOU! When you feel ready to start planning your next Disney Vacation, Small World Vacation is happy to assist you with pricing and guidance. And there is no charge for their expertise and firsthand knowledge. You have questions…they have answers! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! The agents at Small World Vacations know what you need to know before you go. Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Exclusive Small World Vacations Limited Time Offer Considering booking a Disney World trip? If you want to save time and money, you definitely want to book with a Small World Vacations travel agent. And now is a perfect time! Small World Vacations has an exciting offer for DFB readers in AUGUST! Book a new Walt Disney World Vacation (at any on-site Walt Disney World hotel excluding Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser) valued at $3800 or more and get one $25 Disney eGift Card emailed to you after final payment. Gift Card Offer valid on bookings with code DFB0823 made with Small World Vacations from August 9 – August 31, 2023. Check-in between September 1 and December 31, 2023. Previously booked reservations are not eligible. Void if the reservation is canceled or modified to non-eligible prices or dates. No cash value. (While supplies last. Substitutions may be necessary.) Get a quote for your Walt Disney World Vacation and let your agent know that DFB sent you. Include code DFB 0823. Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. If you are ready to begin planning your Walt Disney World vacation, simply fill out Small World Vacations’ no-obligation quote form! Small World Vacations is happy to share over 23 years of Disney expertise and extensive experience with My Disney Experience, discounts, dining and reservations so you can sit back, relax and enjoy some Disney Magic! Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Maximize the Dining Plan! If you book a Walt Disney World Vacation Package you will receive one FREE digital e-Book, the Disney Food Blog Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World valued at $19.95. This guide helps you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Experience! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! We know what you need to know before you go. We’re Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planners (that’s the highest level, ranked by Disney!) who have been there, done that, and are going back. Learn how we can help you and what our guests are saying about us: “I am a very hands-on type of person and I’ve always planned our vacations. I decided this time to give Small World Vacations a try. Best thing I could have done. My agent was able to handle the booking part, which is the tedious part of the planning. Then she was able to get me free dining for my trip, which saved me a ton of money. She answered all my questions very promptly as well.” Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Are you planning to visit Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments below! The post How To SAVE 30% on Your Next Disney World Hotel Stay first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s one thing we’ll remind you to do over and over and over again in Disney World…it’s HYDRATE. Water for the win! During your vacation you’re probably walking a LOT of steps (we’re talking 20K+) and chances are, it’s hot and humid on top of that. It’s important to drink lots of water throughout the day so that you can take care of your body. One great tip is that Disney World’s quick service restaurants hand out free cups of water to guests if you ask — but now, that process has gotten EASIER. We started to notice some new additions in Magic Kingdom recently, and we’re excited to share! Around the park near several quick service spots, we spotted these self-serve water dispensers. New water station! During our visits, we spotted them at Casey’s Corner, near Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, and outside at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. We noticed Cast Members refilling them with cold water multiple times throughout the day, and the tables are kept stocked with complimentary cups. A station at Cosmic Ray’s Most of the time when we walked past them, there wasn’t even a line to get water! The one exception to this was the water station by Auntie Gravity’s — likely because it’s more out in the open and draws attention. These can be a great time-saver for those people who were waiting in line at restaurants just to get water in the parks. And each time we stopped to hydrate at these dispensers, the water was ice cold and very refreshing! This one had a long line! We hope that this is a permanent change for Magic Kingdom, but it’s possible that Disney just put these out because of the higher-than-usual heat levels in the Central Florida area this week. We’ll keep checking back to see and keep you updated if we spot any more of them! Click Here to Learn More About This Week’s Extreme Heat Levels! 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 new water stations? Tell us in the comments! The post Magic Kingdom’s New Addition Made Our Day SO Much Easier first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things in the world of sports betting are about to change when it comes to ESPN. ESPN Wide World of Sports Sports betting is something former Disney CEO Bob Chapek was pursuing rather aggressively during his tenure. Returning and current CEO Bob Iger, however, hasn’t always been on the same page. In 2018, he said that there was room for some sports betting but when talking about Disney getting into the business of gambling he said “I rather doubt it.” He later softened his tune, noting that it was “inevitable that they’ll be a…basically, a seamlessness between sports programming and sports betting.” And now it seems that seamlessness will become more of a reality at ESPN. In a press release, ESPN announced an agreement with PENN Entertainment to launch something called ESPN BET. This is meant to be a “branded sportsbook for fans in the United States.” A sportsbook is typically an entity that takes bets. Ultimately, as the ESPN press release notes, “The ESPN BET brand will be home to ESPN’s sports betting content across platforms.” According to the press release, PENN Entertainment will be rebranding its existing sportsbook and will relaunch as “ESPN BET” in the fall within the 16 legalized betting states where it is licensed to operate. That rebrand will extend to the mobile app, website, and mobile website for PENN Entertainment. ©ESPN ESPN notes that the rebranded experience — ESPN BET — “will become ESPN’s exclusive sportsbook, and PENN Entertainment will receive odds attribution, promotional services inclusive of digital product integrations, traditional media and content integrations, and ESPN talent access, among other services.” Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, shared “Our primary focus is always to serve sports fans and we know they want both betting content and the ability to place bets with less friction from within our products…The strategy here is simple: to give fans what they’ve been requesting and expecting from ESPN. PENN Entertainment is the perfect partner to build an unmatched user experience for sports betting with ESPN BET.” Food and football: American classics! Now, this isn’t ESPN’s first step into the betting world. As the press release notes, “Over recent years, ESPN has increased multi-platform sports betting content, adding digital programming, radio segments, and editorial coverage from talent.” But this will take things to a different level and be the latest in their offerings. ©Disney ESPN has noted that along with PENN Entertainment’s responsible gaming programming, ESPN is going to use its platforms to “educate sports fans on responsible gaming.” That’ll include: “Continuing ESPN’s high standard of journalistic integrity when covering the sports betting space. Developing an ESPN committee of responsible gaming, representative of a diverse cross-section of the business, to regularly review compliance, programming, and policies. Implementing responsible marketing policies and guidelines to safeguard fans. Working with industry experts on best practices and continual review of responsible gaming programming.” Football field at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort So it seems the time for ESPN’s “inevitable” greater involvement in sports better (as Iger viewed it) has arrived. This news about ESPN’s agreement with PENN Entertainment was released on August 8th, the day before the release of Disney’s August 9th earnings report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 and related earnings call. We expect that this sports betting topic could become one that analysts will ask Iger and other executives about or Disney itself will comment on, so we’ll be on the lookout for updates there. Stay tuned for more news. The REAL Reason Why Disney Won’t Let Go of ESPN Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this sports betting update? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Announces MAJOR Change for ESPN first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey Wildcats! We have some exciting details from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. ©Disney Starting on August 9th, the hit show will be back for season four on Disney+. While many of us are cheering for a High School Musical 4 to soar onto our screens, we might have a shining glimmer of hope. The boys (and girls) are back to visit the students at East High. Before we get your hopes up TOO much, we have to clarify that there’s no official announcement about a High School Musical 4 movie. We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed for that to happen. But what IS happening is that some of the cast of the original High School Musical movies is going to guest star in the last season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, where they’ll give a MAJOR update on what could happen in a fourth movie! ©Disney According to Cosmopolitan, “Corbin Bleu and some friends head over to East High to film ‘High School Musical 4’ and also offer the current Wildcats an opportunity to be a part of the fun as extras.” Monique Coleman and Lucas Grabeel show up to explain what the plot of the fourth movie would look like: “It is our 15-year high school reunion. My character Chad is married to Taylor. Martha is a world-class choreographer. Troy and Gabriella are in couples therapy. Ryan is happily partnered with twins on the way. And the future of the East High Drama department is on the line.” Other High School Musical icons will be showing up in the final season, including Kaycee Stroh, Alyson Reed, and Bart Johnson. ©Disney It’s fun to get an update on where these characters are now. You can watch the clip below to hear more and be sure to turn in the tv series premiere on August 9th on Disney+. For more Disney+ news and updates, be sure to follow us at DFB. See The Full List of What’s Coming to Disney+ in August 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 want a High School Musical 4 movie? Let us know in the comments below. The post This Is NOT the 'High School Musical' News You Really Want...But It's Pretty Close. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Whether you’re planning a trip to Disneyland or just interested in the future plans for this iconic Disney park, we want to catch you up on Disneyland’s plans to expand. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Unlike Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Disneyland — the first theme park created by Walt Disney — is bursting at the seams. Nestled in Anaheim, California, this park also has many zoning restrictions that have negatively impacted Disneyland’s expansion. Before you visit this iconic park’s attractions and restaurants, let’s take a closer look at Disneyland’s limitations and possibilities! Mickey 100th Anniversary statue on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Over the past few years, Disney created a new Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure and opened new restaurants in Downtown Disney. Avengers Campus But what’s holding back the Imagineers from other developments? Disneyland Limitations Instead of going back to the opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955 (after a one-year construction project) , we need to rewind to 1993. During this time frame, the City of Anaheim and Disney made an agreement (The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan) establishing five zones on Disneyland’s 490 acres of property. These areas provided strict guidelines for future building projects, including size, height, and streetscape. Land use and site development standards were created for the five districts: theme park, hotel, parking, expansion, and District A. The theme park district established rules for Disneyland and the adjacent parking lot (now Disney California Adventure). Disney California Adventure For example, to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Big Thunder Ranch had to be removed. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland And the Avengers Campus took the place of Bug’s Land. Currently, the hotel district includes Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel (soon to be Pixar Place Hotel). Disneyland Hotel Under the 1993 Disneyland Resort Specific Plan, further expansion has been difficult, if not impossible. In 2018, plans for a new resort hotel were hindered as the proposed site was part of the parking district. Is there land to develop? Yes, but plans have been difficult to see to fruition because of the 1993 zoning restrictions. Yet, we know that Disney likes to find ways around the impossible! Now what? Disneyland Park vs. Disney California Adventure — A Complete Guide Disneyland Possibilities In 2021, the DisneylandForward project was created to seek updates to the existing restrictions! By updating these old guidelines, Disney would gain the flexibility needed for future building plans. Currently, the land isn’t properly zoned for the type of use needed for new projects. Uses and Approvals Updated land use approvals would allow for new attractions without having to replace beloved rides that are still very popular with guests. it’s a small world In short, DisneylandForward is a collaborative project between Disney and Anaheim to expand Disneyland Resort. Tentative plans call for updating the existing theme park blueprints and boosting the local economy through new offerings. It is important to note that the plans remain within Disney’s existing nearly 500-acre property; there is no physical expansion or additional acreage being added to Disneyland Resort. Current Disneyland Expansion Updates Until recently, we didn’t know if DisneylandForward was really making any progress. When Disneyland President Ken Potrock appeared before the Orange County Forum in May 2023, we finally got some updated news! Future plans At this forum, Disney executives showcased the tourism, tax revenue, and employment benefits for Anaheim that would result from the DisneylandForward proposal. After all, Disneyland has used less than half of the millions of square feet of theme park and hotel space that has already been approved for the resort district. Pixar Place Construction Progress The OC Register explained that “a draft environmental impact study is expected to be completed by the summer with the DisneylandForward proposal going before the Anaheim Planning Commission before the end of the year and the City Council in early 2024.” Before Disney can start any construction or move forward, it will need more flexibility and approvals from the city. Proposed Parking and Transportation Upgrades Current plans indicate that Disney is looking for “mixed-use” flexibility to allow hotel AND entertainment on the same parcel. The proposal also lays out plans for potential “new theme park attractions on the Downtown Disney and Lilo and Stitch parking lots woven amid the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel,” according to Orange County Register. ©Disney For now, we will continue to imagine all the new dining and entertainment that might be possible! As Disneyland fans, we continue to daydream about immersive new experiences that could be introduced in the future at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Disneyland Castle vs Disney World Castle – COMPLETE Breakdown 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 Share your thoughts on the Disneyland expansion!The post Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland's Expansion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We know that many of you are nursing those end-of-summer blues by going ahead and planning your fall vacations. Are you planning your fall vacation? If that statement pretty much describes your current situation, then good for you! This is honestly a great time to plan both fall and winter vacations, and hotel and airline deals are making it even easier to do so. We found some $68 flights to Disney World yesterday, but we are currently telling you to FORGET that info. Today, we found flights even CHEAPER. Allegiant Air is offering flight deals that will take you from various cities in the U.S. to Orlando Sanford International Airport for GREAT prices. You can snag these deals from now until August 9th. Check it out! If you’re flying from Charlotte, we found one-way flights for as low as $34 in September. ©AllegiantAir From Albany, you can fly to Orlando in November for as little as $57 one-way. ©AllegiantAir Oh, and we also found some November flights from St. Louis to Orlando for as little as $41 one way. ©AllegiantAir What do you think? If you’ll be visiting Disney World this fall, this could be a great way to save on airfare so that you could allot more of your budget to doing some fun things in the parks! If you’re looking for more flights, you can check out the entire sale by clicking the link below. Click here for MORE Allegiant Air flight deals! Don’t forget that you must book by August 9th, so you don’t have a lot of time! If you plan to take advantage of these deals, note that these flights go to Orlando Sanford Airport and not Orlando International Airport (MCO). This airport is just a bit smaller and further away. Note that Mears Connect (the shuttle service that runs between Orlando International Airport and Disney World hotels) does NOT service Sanford, but they say that “Mears Taxi Service is usually readily available as you walk out on the ground transportation level” and “private car service can be booked” if you’d want to use that. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney and travel news, so make sure to follow along for more. Visiting Disney World this fall? Click here to see the dates that are still available for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! 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 Will you be traveling to Disney World this fall? Let us know in the comments! The post Flights to Disney World?! Forget What We Told You Yesterday -- THIS Is the Deal You Need! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Yee-Haw! We’re heading to the newly reopened Crockett’s Tavern. Fort Wilderness For a while, Trail’s End and Crockett’s Tavern were closed due to renovations. They have recently reopened and we were there on their soft opening day to try out the new menu and drinks. Will the renovations to the lounge be enough to draw guests in to visit Fort Wilderness? Let’s see. Atmosphere You can find Crockett’s Tavern at Fort Wilderness to the right of Trail’s End. Crockett’s Tavern They have a to-go window as well… To-Go Window … and it features cocktails, wines, and beers to go. To-Go menu Inside, you’ll see the theming is similar to Fort Wilderness in general with wooden barrels and wagon wheels. Inside You’ll find tables with chairs and booth seating… Chairs and Booths …as well as bar seating. Bar Area The menus are paper menus, napkins are paper and the utensils are reusable silverware. Menu Menu The menu is smaller than what you’ll find at Trail’s End but this is normal because it is a lounge. For food, they offer sliders, chicken bites, and desserts. ©Disney For cocktails, you’ll find moonshine cocktails, a margarita, and some whiskey cocktails. ©Disney You’ll also find a few classic Disney World cocktails like a pina colava and a long island iced tea. ©Disney They also feature wines and beers… ©Disney as well as zero-proof cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. ©Disney Food and Drinks For drinks, we had to try the All Aboard! Moonshine Cocktail Flight for $17. This flight includes Gullywhumper, Blackberry Lightning, and Spiced Appleberry Shine. Each of these cocktails is also available for individual purchase. Moonshine Cocktail Flight First up, Blackberry Lightning is made with Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade. It tasted like blackberry lemonade but very mild. It was not overly sweet which we liked, and the blackberry flavor added some tartness to the drink. Blackberry Lightning Next, the Spiced Appleberry Shine is made with Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine and White Lightning Moonshine mixed with apple and cranberry juices. We felt like this tasted like a cold apple cider. It was well-balanced and even with two moonshines, did not feel overly strong in alcohol. Spiced Appleberry Shine Finally, we had the Gullywhumper, which is Ole Smoky White Lightnin’ Moonshine and Bols Peach Schnapps with Lime, Sweet-and-Sour, and Hibiscus Grenadine. We found this drink to be very sweet and tasted like a Jolly Rancher. It also had the strongest alcohol taste of all three. Overall, if you like more fruitier drinks, these will be for you. Gullywhumper To eat, we started with the Charcuterie Board for $21. This includes a selection of Meats and Cheeses with House-made Bread and Butter Pickles, Tomato Jam, Cornbread Crostini, and Sesame Lavash. Charcuterie Board The cornbread crostini taste more like a homemade crouton but sweeter due to the cornbread. We found the turkey was dry but easy to pull apart to assemble a bit with the other options. The pork confit was greasy and had a consistency you would expect for shredded pork. While it had a smoky flavor, it was light and had no strong flavor beyond that. cured meats The tomato chutney was sweet and chunky. The salami didn’t blow us away and was pretty standard. The Guerrero cheese had the consistency of American cheese when it was sliced and bitten into but quickly dissolved. It had a Parmesan-like flavor and consistency in your mouth. Cheese bite The goat cheese with thyme and honey tasted tangy but had a sharp almost sour cream-like taste. Finally, the pickles were super rich in flavor and probably the best on the whole board. They were sweet and sour at the same time like you would hope a bread and butter pickle to be. If you like charcuteries and mixing different flavors, you would like this. We do think it’s a standard board and nothing wowed us. How cute! Next, we tried the Trio of Sliders for $16. There were 3 sliders including a Pulled Pork Slider, a Brisket Slider, and a Buffalo Chicken Slider. It came with fries as well which were similar to our beloved fries at Mr. Kamal’s in Animal Kingdom. Trio of Sliders First, the Buffalo Chicken Slider was topped with House-made Blue Cheese Dressing and Dill Pickles. We found this sandwich to be heavy on the taste of the blue cheese dressing. The buffalo sauce was not overly spicy but did have a kick. The lettuce did become soggy after a while and that did not help add that extra texture we would have liked. The pickle flavor was light on this. The Pulled Pork Slider came with BBQ Sauce and Coleslaw and we enjoyed this one. The coleslaw added some extra crunch to the sandwich while the pork was tender. The BBQ sauce was light and was not too overpowering. The pork had a sweet side to it. Pulled Pork Slider with BBQ Sauce and Coleslaw Finally, the Brisket Slider came with Carolina BBQ and Pickled Onions. The brisket was very tender and not chewy. There was some fat to the brisket which is to be expected and helps add flavor to the meat. The pickled onions added a lot of flavor to this slider as well making it overall flavorful, juicy, and delicious. Brisket Slider with Carolina BBQ and Pickled Onions For dessert, we got the Trailblazin’ Dessert Trio for $12. This came with a S’more, Strawberry Shortcake, and Banana Pudding samplings. For $12, we felt like this was a good price for three desserts that can easily be shared. Trailblazin’ Dessert Trio First up, the Strawberry Shortcake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream. This tastes very similar to the strawberry shortcake you can find next door at Trail’s End and Hoop-Dee-Doo. It is sweet and tastes fresh. With the cup version, we felt like you get a lot more of the strawberry taste and less of the shortcake base. Strawberry Shortcake cup Next, the Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers, Whipped Cream, and a Banana Chip. This was a standard banana pudding dessert. While we enjoyed it, it didn’t knock our socks off. We did like how fresh it tasted, and the bottom vanilla wafers were not soggy — which made us feel like these did not sit around for awhile before being served. Banana Pudding cup Finally, the S’more with Chocolate Pudding, Graham Cracker Crumbs, and House-made Marshmallow. We really enjoyed this one and it was our favorite. The marshmallow on top did taste toasted like it was just pulled from roasting but the inside was not melty. The chocolate pudding itself is sweet and the graham crackers help add texture to the dessert overall. S’more cup Overall We like the theming and menu choices here. While it’s nothing new or unique, it’s better than your average “theme park” food. We also appreciate the to-go window as an option which will be great for guests who are staying at Fort Wilderness and want to take something back to their campsite or cabin. Full Spread We found the servers to be attentive and kind. The lounge was quick with our order and we really appreciate that since time is money at Disney. We also see this as a great place to gather with friends and hang out for a bit. Nosh or Not? You should visit Crockett’s Tavern if… You are staying at Fort Wilderness. Since there are other food options at the resort, don’t skip this lounge. It would be a fun place to come and relax after a park day. You are wanting a quick bite and cocktails. While the menu isn’t big, the options are great for a light snack and a cocktail. If you like fruity and fun cocktails, this is a great spot. You’re heading to Hoop-Dee-Do0. If you’re already in this area for a dinner reservation at Hoop-Dee-Do, this would be a great place to grab a drink beforehand. You should skip Crockett’s Tavern if… You’re looking for a bigger menu. Luckily, right next door you’ll find the new quick-service option of Trail’s End. Here you’ll find a larger menu with more variety. You are in a rush and not staying at the campsite. Getting to the lounge is a LOT. You would first need to either drive or take Disney transportation to Fort Wilderness, then potentially have to take a bus down to the settlement. This could take a while and if you’re in a rush, we wouldn’t recommend it. See Our Experience at Trail’s End Restaurant 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! Will you be planning a visit here on your next trip? Let us know in the comments below. The post REVIEW: The OTHER Spot to Get a Moonshine Cocktail Flight in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Psst, you wanna hear a secret?? Well then, listen up, ’cause we’re about to share some of the most under-the-radar Disney World restaurants that guests LOVE! Omelet Time When you think about Disney World dining, what restaurants come to mind? For lots of guests, the “flashy” spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Chef Mickey’s are right at the top of the list. But there are some serious hidden gems located around Disney World that shouldn’t be slept on! Here are a few secret restaurants that guests in the know LOVE! Yachtsman Steakhouse First, we’re heading over to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to shine a spotlight on Yachtsman Steakhouse! Yachtsman Steakhouse As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in steaks, which are some of the best in Disney World, in our opinion! Filet Mignon at Yachtsman Steakhouse But that’s not all they have to offer! You’ll also find a variety of other entrees, plus delicious sides, appetizers, and desserts. Don’t expect to leave here hungry! Truffle Macaroni and Cheese Yachtsman Steakhouse is a great option if you’re looking for an excellent steak dinner away from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Or, maybe it could even step in as an alternative if you couldn’t snag a coveted reservation to Le Cellier… Click Here to Check Out Our FULL REVIEW of Yachtsman Steakhouse! Olivia’s Cafe Do we have any brunch fans in the house?? Well then, this next “secret” spot is for you! Olivia’s Cafe is a casual Table Service restaurant in Disney’s Key West Resort. Olivia’s Cafe You can snag breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, but one of the most exciting parts of this restaurant is that Olivia’s Brunch is a DAILY offering! It can be tough to find a weekday brunch around Disney World, so this is HUGE for anyone who’s Team Brunch! Olivia’s Cafe Brunch Spread In addition to that AMAZING brunch food, Olivia’s Cafe is also known for its Key Lime Pie and Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken. Fried Chicken Olivia’s Cafe is a solid option for guests looking for comfort food, classic American eats, or Florida Keys-inspired menu options with a chill, casual atmosphere to match! Here’s Our FULL REVIEW of Brunch at Olivia’s Cafe! Boma As much as we love steaks and comfort food, sometimes we’re craving something a little more unique. If that’s the vibe you’re going for, then Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge might be right up your alley! Boma With buffet-style dining, guests at Boma can fill their plates with a selection of African dishes as well as some American favorites during breakfast or dinner. Dinner Spread at Boma And if that wasn’t enough to sell you, Boma is also home to the famous Zebra Domes, a unique dessert that has earned its own fan base! Zebra Domes If you’re looking for something different than “standard theme park food” and want to try a sampling of different flavors, Boma could be worth the trip! It definitely gets two thumbs up from us! Here’s Our FULL REVIEW of the Boma Buffet! Three Bridges Bar & Grill Even though our next spot is a “secret” by Disney World standards, it’s definitely not hidden. In fact, it’s located right in the middle of Lago Dorado at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! Welcome to Three Bridges Bar & Grill! Three Bridges The atmosphere is a big selling point here, especially if you’re a fan of open-air dining. Plus, there are some unique views across the lake! View from Three Bridges Here, you’ll find upscale, Spanish-inspired bar food like queso, braised pork tacos, and other shared plates and burgers. Steak Frites And for the sangria fans, they offer up specialty sangria options, including drinks that can be ordered by the pitcher! Sangria Flight at Three Bridges Bar & Grill If you’re looking for a place to soak up the Florida weather with a drink and appetizer in hand, Three Bridges might be calling your name! Here’s Our FULL REVIEW of Three Bridges Bar & Grill! There are plenty of headliner restaurants in Disney World that offer everything from character dining to ultra-fancy experiences and beyond. But with over 400 restaurants to choose from around property, some real winners still managed to get glossed over! The next time you’re looking for a dining reservation, it may be worth throwing these hidden gems into the mix! This Hollywood Studios Lounge Might Just Be One of the Best Kept Foodie Secrets in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite under-the-radar restaurant in Disney World? Share with us in the comments! The post These Secret Disney World Restaurant Are Guest Favorites…Have YOU Ever Been? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s hyped for spooky season?! Main Street, U.S.A. decorated for Halloween! Here at DFB, we are PUMPED! And partly because Disney likes to go all out for Halloween. You can check out special decor in the parks, visit Oogie Boogie Bash or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and enjoy lots of pumpkin-flavored treats. But if you’re celebrating from home, you don’t have to be left out of the fun. We’re here to share ALL the Disney Halloween merchandise you can buy online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Much of Disney’s Halloween collection has arrived on shopDisney, and we’re going to highlight some of the biggest items for you. Let’s dive into the list! Mickey Mouse Halloween Spirit Jersey for Adults Halloween Pumpkin Spirit Jersey This jersey comes in both Disney World and Disneyland versions, and we love the unique pumpkin design! That orange simply screams spooky season, and the long sleeves will keep you warm as the nights get chillier closer to Halloween. Spirit jerseys tend to be popular, so get it before it sells out! SHOP THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT JERSEY ONLINE HERE! Minnie Mouse Sequin Loungefly Backpack Orange Halloween Loungefly backpack This year’s Halloween Loungefly is iridescent and covered in sequins! The inside print of the bag has little Minnie Mouse heads and there are multiple pockets for storing all your spooky essentials. We think this is going to be a hot item this fall! CHECK OUT THE BACKPACK HERE! Mickey Mouse Jack-O-Lantern Ear Headband Mickey Pumpkin Ear Headband We typically see a new version of Mickey-themed pumpkin ears each year, and 2023 was no exception! This headband is a classic Disney Halloween staple, and if you want to snag one, they’re online right now. There’s nothing that says “fall at Disney” more than a Mickey pumpkin! GET A PAIR OF MICKEY PUMPKIN EARS ONLINE HERE! Mickey Mouse Glow-in-the-Dark Crocs Crocs What would a new collection be without a pair of Crocs?! This year’s set matches the spirit jersey, but as an added bonus…they glow in the dark! You can buy them in a variety of adult sizes online now. SHOP THE CROCS ONLINE HERE! Mickey Mouse Glow-in-the-Dark Loungefly Glow in the Dark Halloween Mickey Pumpkin Loungefly front If you loved those Crocs, check out the corresponding Loungefly backpack! This one also glows in the dark, and it has a spooky Mickey and Friends graveyard print all over. There’s a double zipper main compartment as well as a zip front pocket for plenty of storage. NEED ANOTHER LOUNGEFLY? CHECK OUT THIS ONE! Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween MagicBand+ ©Disney Of course, we can’t forget about this year’s Halloween MagicBand+ design! The new pattern features Mickey Mouse and his friends, just like the Loungefly backpack. You can use this band as your park ticket, to enter Lightning Lanes, or to charge purchases to your hotel room. It also interacts with select nighttime shows and rides. ORDER THE MAGICBAND+ ONLINE HERE!If you want to check out more of the Halloween merchandise, including the Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed collections that were released, make sure to check out the Halloween Shop on shopDisney’s website. You’ll find all this year’s items there! CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE HALLOWEEN SHOP ONLINE!That’s everything we’re sharing for now, but stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the Halloween celebrations in the parks and any new Disney merchandise that we think you’ll be interested in! 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! Click Here to Check Out the Halloween Decor in Disney World! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World! We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World FULL LIST of Rides That Will Be Open at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Target Has NEW Halloween Inflatables Online Now! How To Get the CHEAPEST Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Which Halloween items are you adding to your cart? Tell us in the comments! The post ALL the Disney Halloween Merchandise You Can Get Online Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

First round matchups have been announced for the 2023 ESPN Events Invitational taking place Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 23-26 at Walt Disney World Resort!View the full article

There have been a LOT of changes at Disney over the past year…and we know, it can be overwhelming! ©Disney Between the return of Bob Iger as the company’s CEO and the ongoing battle between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District), the Walt Disney Company has been in the spotlight. Another controversial topic that the company has been involved with is artificial intelligence (A.I.) and now there’s a new update you should know about. According to Reuters, Disney has created a task force that will study A.I. and how it can be applied across their entertainment. ©Disney The group actually launched earlier this year before the writers’ strike going on in Hollywood, but now the group is trying to develop A.I. applications within Disney and form partnerships with startups. There are currently 11 job openings that are seeking applicants with “expertise in artificial intelligence or machine learning.” According to the job descriptions, they will touch virtually every corner of the company including Walt Disney Studios, the theme parks and Walt Disney Imagineering, and Disney-branded television and advertising, which is looking to build a “next-generation” A.I.-powered ad system. ©Disney Here’s a look at one of those job listings — this one is for the role of R&D Imagineer Senior – Generative Artificial Intelligence. Screenshot from Disney website This comes after Disney was recently criticized for using A.I. to create the intro in the new Marvel show called Secret Invasion, according to Variety. ©Disney Not everyone is against Disney’s use of A.I. — one source reporting to Reuters said media companies like Disney must figure out A.I. or risk obsolescence. This advocate sees A.I. as a tool that helps control the rising costs of movie and TV production, which can exceed $300 million for huge films like The Little Mermaid and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Some of Disney’s latest releases have struggled at the box office making it more difficult to break even on how much the movie cost to make. ©Disney We’ll continue to keep you updated on how Disney could be using A.I. so stay tuned for updates. Here’s what Bob Iger had to say about A.I. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on A.I.? Let us know in the comments. The post The New Disney Task Force That Could CHANGE the Company first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Happy Tuesday to you! Time to do some shopping! How did the weekend go for you? Did you get to eat and drink around the world this past weekend? Or maybe you and the kids threw down for a game night? Well, we’re back with a bunch of Disney must-haves and essentials that are on sale on Amazon right now. Let’s have a look together! 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 Disney Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck Best Friends Short Sleeve T-Shirt ©Amazon If you’re heading to the parks and in need of a new shirt for the trip, how about this one? View on Amazon Shop these Disney Holiday Family Pajama Sets. ©Amazon You know you have to plan ahead for those matching holiday PJs. Why not go ahead and pick them up today? View on Amazon Order 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 Or Try These Cooling Towels for 57% Off ©Amazon These are another great option to help you stay cool through these hot and humid summer days! View on Amazon Grab these Rain Poncho for Adults and Kids for 57% Off ©Amazon Storms can pop up anytime in Florida, so make sure to have some ponchos in the bag. View on Amazon Grab this 3 Pack of Large Metal Mouse Ears Claw Clips ©Amazon How about rocking that updo with this claw clip? View on Amazon Get 21% OFF This Thomas Kinkade Disney100 Collage Puzzle ©Amazon 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 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! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be picking up any of these? Let us know in the comments! The post 7 Disney Deals From Amazon To Add To Cart Today! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a lot of things you need to do to prepare for a trip to Disney World. EPCOT First, you’ll need to start working on your advance dining reservations, meaning you need to know where you want to eat. You also need to start making your park pass reservations (although certain guests will no longer have to do that as of 2024). You’ll need to work on your packing list, which means deciding what clothes to bring. But most importantly, you need to prepare for something you might not be thinking about: walking. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. How much walking are we talking about here? Here’s the honest truth: you will walk anywhere from 10-12 miles in ONE DAY in Disney World. Most of that walking will happen in the parks, but you can get some SERIOUS steps in just getting around your Disney World hotel, especially if you’re staying at a place that’s spread out, like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. You’ll do a LOT of walking at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort For an idea of how much walking you’ll do in the parks, we’ll start by telling you that it’s 1.2 miles just to go around World Showcase just once! The parks are HUGE, and you’ll walk way more than you probably do on a normal day at home. These 6 Target Backpacks Will Seriously Upgrade Your Disney Parks Style How to prepare for all that walking If you aren’t used to that kind of walking, you might want to consider “training” (no, we’re serious) for your Disney World trip at home by taking long walks before your vacation. You’ll want to keep in mind that Disney walkways are all concrete, so try to keep that in mind when you’re training — a treadmill or places where the ground is softer just might not cut it to get you ready. Just one loop around World Showcase is over a mile We know that sounds incredible — asking you to work out to get ready for a Disney World vacation. But if you start doing more walking at home, your body will thank you for that training when you get to Disney World. We’ll also recommend that you wear the same shoes at home when you’re training that you plan on taking to Disney World with you. We do recommend more than one pair of shoes, though, so you can give your feet a bit of a break between pairs and switch them out each day. It’s also good to have a pair of back-up shoes because it WILL rain in Florida, and you might end up with a pair of wet shoes! Make sure everyone has good walking shoes One thing that might happen, regardless of the shoes you wear, is blisters. When your feet get hot and there’s a lot of friction, blisters are going to happen. We recommend keeping some moleskin handy to help prevent blisters or cover blisters. Vans slip-on shoes You should also pack pain relievers like Ibuprofen. Your entire body might feel a little sore at the end of the day, so any kind of pain relief could be just what you need to be ready to do it all again the next day. Bringing something like IcyHot might also not be a bad idea. General medication you can find at every Disney resort Plan your route We also recommend getting familiar with the layout of each park in Disney World so that you can plan your day accordingly and not have to do a lot of backtracking. This is a good way to save you from a lot of extra walking. The idea is to move to one area of the park and do everything you want to do there before you go on to another part of the park. Do everything you want in Tomorrowland and then move on to Fantasyland Finally, prepare to take breaks. Plan breaks throughout your day. Take some time to sit down and enjoy a snack or some entertainment and plan to take some time for lunch and dinner. Many Disney World-goers swear by the midday break, too, where you go back to your hotel for a few hours midday to rest. Nasty Disney World Problems You Aren’t Prepared For Pack the right shoes Need an idea about what shoes make for good Disney World shoes? Well, we’ve found some NEW pairs on Amazon that might be PERFECT for your trip. However, we recommend you order these early and break them in before you leave for your vacation — trust us, you never want to wear shoes you’ve never worn before on your trip (we’ve been there, and it’s painful). Get the Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe ©Amazon These shoes come in a variety of colors and are soft with lightweight cushioning. They’re technically running shoes, meaning that they’re made to go long distances, but they’re also made to keep your body aligned while you’re walking or running. These shoes get a solid 5 stars in Amazon reviews, too. View on Amazon Get the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe ©Amazon Don’t worry, ladies, there’s a women’s version of this shoe, too. These sneakers also offer a supportive fit. They are certified as a PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and have been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. View on Amazon Buy the ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes ©Amazon These shoes give you great comfort underfoot but also have added support designed to set your foot up for correct walking, meaning they’re good for your whole body. They have a nice thick sole, which you’ll appreciate when your feet are constantly being attacked by concrete all day. View on Amazon Buy the ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes ©Amazon These shoes also come in men’s sizes if that’s what you’re looking for. The upper is stretch knit, which lets your feet breathe more, which you’ll appreciate in the Florida heat and humidity. There’s also a counter on the back heel that gives you a more comfortable stride. View on Amazon Get the Hoka One Women’s Running Shoes ©Amazon Some of our team members swear by Hoka for walking all over Disney World. These come in a lot of fun colors and are highly rated on Amazon. View on Amazon Buy the Teva Women’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandal ©Amazon If you’re visiting Disney World in the summer, you may prefer a sandal, but you’ll still need to think about comfort. Our team loves Teva sandals, like this pair, because they’re supportive but also durable. Okay, so these sandals aren’t exactly NEW, but they’re our honorable mention, especially if you’re looking for a sandal option. View on Amazon Buy the TEVA Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals ©Amazon These sandals also come in men’s sizes. We could also mention that they feature quick-dry webbing, which you’ll appreciate after one of Florida’s out-of-nowhere storms. View on Amazon So keep this in mind before you visit Disney World — your feet and body will thank you later. 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! 5 Disney Back to School Essentials on Amazon 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 shoes do you bring to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post New Shoes You Can Count on To Last Through a 10-Mile Disney World Day first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a LOT of reasons to visit Disney World this October. Strike up the band At Magic Kingdom, the streets are decorated with pumpkins, scarecrows, and more for the Halloween season. There is a ton of Halloween merch and of course, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be happening on certain dates. At EPCOT, the Food and Wine Festival will be happening all month long. But now, there is one reason NOT to visit Disney World in October. Disney park hours can change and vary depending on the time of the year. As we were looking at park hours for October, we noticed that on October 17th, TWO parks will be closing early. Magic Kingdom is set to close early, at 6PM, but this is typical as there is a Halloween party that night and it is a separately ticketed event. @Disney However, what is surprising was that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing at 5PM that day. This is FOUR hours earlier than the days leading up to the 17th when Hollywood Studios closes at 9PM. While it is not known why the park is closing early, it could be for a private event or scheduled maintenance. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Since Hollywood Studios is closing so early, there is a large chance that there will be no showings of Fantasmic! this night. If you have a trip booked during this time, you might want to avoid going to Studios on this day so that you don’t miss out on any of the fun. Instead, head to EPCOT or Disney’s Animal Kingdom that day (though keep in mind that both of those parks might be crowded in the evening since Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are both unavailable). Fantasmic! For more Disney World news, be sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog. Check Out Our Favorite Hidden Spot to Watch the Fireworks IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World! We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World FULL LIST of Rides That Will Be Open at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Target Has NEW Halloween Inflatables Online Now! How To Get the CHEAPEST Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What is your favorite part of visiting Disney World in October? Let us know in the comments. The post You Might Want To AVOID Disney World on October 17th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article