There’s a NEW way to navigate Disney World today!

The NEW Disney MagicMobile service debuted in Disney World today. That means you can now use your Apple Smartphone or watch to scan into the parks in lieu of a MagicBand. Like the other ticket media, this service can be used for other park offerings as well — including Disney PhotoPass!

Disney PhotoPass is the souvenir photography offering in Disney World. You’ll spot photographers stationed around the parks and ride photos fall into this service as well. Typically, you’d scan your MagicBand or card with the photographer or at a scanner at the end of a PhotoPass ride to link your photos to your account.

Now, with Disney MagicMobile, you’ll instead present your Disney MagicMobile Pass to the Disney PhotoPass photographers. They’ll scan your Pass, and the photos will be linked to your account.

Remember, to use MagicMobile, you DO need to have Bluetooth enabled so that your phone can connect with in-park experiences, including the automatic photo linking that happens with some attractions. This automatic photo linking is NEW and means that some attraction photos will automatically appear in your account through your mobile device — no MagicBand needed.

We’ll be giving MagicMobile a try today so stay tuned to DFB as we check out this new way to access offerings in Disney World!

Want to learn more about MagicMobile? Click here!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Will you use MagicMobile? Tell us in the comments! 

The post Disney World Has CHANGED How You Can Get Your PhotoPass Pics! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Here at DFB, we LOVE our Gideon’s.

In case you haven’t heard, Gideon’s Bakehouse is home to some of our favorite cookies, cakes, and cold brew. And we’re in good company! The Disney Springs spot is prettyyyy popular, with wait times in the virtual queue lasting hours upon hours (luckily, we’ve got some tips for ya!). But if you just can’t get enough of these sweet treats, good news! A never-before-seen cookie is debuting THIS week.

On Thursday, April 1st, Gideon’s is unveiling their newest cookie, inspired by Floridian legend Stuart Valencia. As the story goes, Stuart ate oranges for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, until he turned part orange tree, part boy. And now he’s taking a trip from the Florida groves to bring this new recipe to Gideon’s. Kinda spooky, right?! You can read the full story below!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gideon’s Bakehouse (@gideonsbakehouse)

While Gideon’s hasn’t specified exactly what flavor this new cookie will be, we’re gonna take a wild guess and say it’ll be orange-inspired. And bonus: Stuart Valencia is stickin’ around for ALL of April, as Gideon’s celebrates Florida all month long.

Of course, we’ll be at Gideon’s tryin’ this new treat — and we’ll be sure to let you know what we think of it! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news.

Check Out Our Best Tips for Getting Into Gideon’s Bakehouse!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Are you going to try this new cookie? Let us know in the comments!

The post Disney World’s NEW Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie Tells a Spooky Story first appeared on the disney food blog.

So, hey, we hear you might be planning a trip to Disney World this summer!

But before you start planning, we’ve got some tips, tricks, and information you’re going to want to know about! Whether this is your first trip or your 100th, things are still pretty different in Disney World. So hang on to your Minnie ears, because we’re going to tell you what you need to plan your trip and do our best to guarantee you have a GREAT time!

So going to Disney World this summer is a little different than it’s been before. If you haven’t been to the parks in a few years we’re going to try to prepare you for everything.

Trip Planning Changes

ADRs

Let’s start with Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). Basically, if you plan on sitting down at a restaurant to eat at all on your trip, you need to know all about these! You used to be able to book these 180 days in advance, but you’ll need to know that you can now only book them 60 days in advance. That COULD change before summer, but we’ll let you know if it does!

We still HIGHLY recommend booking reservations for restaurants you plan on dining at on your trip. Disney has come out with a same-day option though. Called the Mobile Walk-up Waitlist, this allows guests to see any day-of tables available at nearby restaurants. This is convenient but not the most reliable. So if you’ve got your heart set on a specific location, plan ahead.

Early Theme Park Entry

Remember Extra Magic Hours? You used to be able to stay at a Disney resort and get some extra time in the parks in the mornings and evenings on specific days for each park. Well, those are gone (for now). Disney plans on introducing a similar-but-different program simply named Early Theme Park Entry. This would let a Disney hotel guest get into ANY park 30 minutes before everyone else.

It’s unclear when this will go into effect, but we’ll let you know as soon as it does.

FastPass

FastPass+ is still not available at the parks right now. Instead, all rides are standby only, except for Rise of the Resistance, which requires a boarding pass.

Getting a spot for Rise is a whole ordeal in and of itself, so if you want some tips on how best to grab one, we’ve got some great tips right here.

Park Hours

Park hours are also a LOT different and you’ll need to check the official Disney World website for your trip dates (and check OFTEN because they change frequently). Right now, most parks aren’t open late in the evenings, although hours do occasionally get extended when Disney expects bigger crowds.

In general, expect shorter days that you might be familiar with (sorry, no more 8AM-2AM days for now!). You’ll see slightly later morning openings (especially at EPCOT where we typically see them opening at 11AM!) and earlier evening closes. This means if you want a chance to see Pandora at night in Animal Kingdom or the new lighting at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood Studios, you’ll have to hope for extended hours!

Another thing to note is that restaurants and shops do not have the same hours pre-closure — it’s always a good idea to check the official Disney World website for opening times and days. Some restaurants are even only open on weekends or during busy times, so before you make plans to eat somewhere, make sure it’s open!We post regular updates on hours here, so check with us, too!

MagicBands

If you’ve been to Disney in the better part of the last decade, you’ve likely encountered MagicBands. These little wristbands serve as your tickets, open your Disney hotel room, can make charges to your credit card, and much more. Sadly, the days of free MagicBands are over. BUT, you can easily still use MagicBands from previous trips or buy your own.

A huge push to allow guests’ phones to perform many of the functions of a MagicBand has been happening at Disney World recently. Now your phone can open your hotel room door, and even function as your ticket to the park soon! You can also access most of the MagicBand features through the My Disney Experience app. You can also opt to get a free Key to the World card that lets you do almost everything you previously did with a MagicBand.

My Disney Experience and Mobile Order

Speaking of My Disney Experience, you’ll need to be comfortable using the app, if only to use Mobile Order. Almost every fast-food-style restaurant at Disney World now requires you to place your order via the app (with rare exceptions like guests requiring the assistance of a Cast Member or those paying in cash). Familiarizing yourself with how it works first will save you a lot of time and frustration.

Note that you can also use the app to order to-go meals from a number of table service restaurants at Disney World, so knowing how to do that in advance could come in handy, too! You can download the My Disney Experience app from home and start playing around with its features before you ever step foot in Disney World! Trust us, knowing the ins and outs of the app will help a LOT!

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About My Disney Experience

What’s Still Missing

If you are planning a trip this summer, it’s likely that some of the pre-closure events and activities will still not be happening in the parks. This includes scheduled parades, which have been replaced with random character cavalcades (basically mini parades with characters) and nighttime entertainment (there are no fireworks right now).

Character meet and greets are also still not happening, but there are a lot of fun character interactions in the parks — you can see Donald Duck watering plants, watch Pooh catch butterflies, see Chip ‘n’ Dale having a picnic, and more!

As far as nighttime entertainment goes, we’ve been following the construction over at EPCOT of the new nighttime spectacular Harmonious. It’s possible it might premiere this year, but Disney has not revealed any opening dates for that yet.

Finally, if you’ve enjoyed the Disney Dining Plan in the past, that is also not available at this time. Again, this is something that could change, so keep checking back with us to stay updated!

When Could the Disney Dining Plan Return To Disney World?

Festivals

One thing you can (just about) always count on is visiting Disney World during one of EPCOT’s festivals — these days, it seems like there is ALWAYS a festival going on. The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is running all the way into July this year. Last year the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival started early in mid-July and could begin early again this year.

Summer used to be the big “no fest” time of the year in EPCOT but the festivals have started to run longer and longer. A summer trip now means you can likely plan to enjoy all the festival fun EPCOT has to offer! So you might want to plan ahead for festival activities and foods in advance! Again, we cover EVERY festival, so be sure to check with us if you want to know what’s going on!

FREE Things You Can Do at the 2021 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival!

Expect Crowds

Things have really been picking up at Disney World. Though the parks were almost like ghost towns last summer after reopening, people have started to return to the parks. We’ve seen the parks at full capacity throughout most of spring break — this might continue into summer.

Granted, the current capacity is still at 35%, so these crowds might seem high, but they don’t look like pre-closure summer crowds at all. However, Disney World could increase capacity at any time based on new health and safety guidelines. Want to stay up to date? Join our newsletter so you can be the first to know when that happens!

What Will It Take to Increase Disney Theme Park Capacity?

What’s Reopening?

Just because Disney World will have been reopened for over a year by the time summer rolls around doesn’t mean everything is open like it once was! A number of hotels and attractions are still closed. Some have reopening dates on the horizon.

Polynesian Village Resort

Although we don’t have a specific date when Disney’s Polynesian Resort will reopen, Disney has told us it will be this summer. That means that everything that’s currently closed there could reopen, too. We’re keeping our eyes out to see if fan-favorite ‘Ohana reopens with the resort. If you’ve got a craving for that Bread Pudding, there’s a chance you might be able to get it by then! (If not, just swing by next door to Tambu Lounge to get a slice there!)

Also, note that the Polynesian will look a lot different – it’s getting some new Moana-inspired theming! The regular guest rooms will be getting Moana makeovers as well as the lobby area. Disney Vacation Club rooms are currently still open and those will remain unchanged.

Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is set to reopen on June 6th. 

Currently, only the Disney Vacation Club’s Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge are open, but the entire resort will open up to all guests in the summer.

Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens May 30th, which gives you another great Deluxe hotel option.

This resort is known for the incredibly cool and massive Stormalong Bay pool (OK, less “pool” more “mini water park”). If you plan on spending any time at the pool or expect you’ll be visiting EPCOT a lot, this is a great hotel to pick.

All-Star Movies Resort

If a Deluxe resort is a bit out of your price range, don’t fret. All-Star Movies has just recently reopened!

Note that All-Star Sports and All-Star Music are both still closed. BUT, if you’re looking for some fun-themed and less costly accommodations, this is a really fun option.

Blizzard Beach

If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, Blizzard Beach has officially reopened! We were there on its reopening day to get you details about what it’s like to wear a mask there and what activities and food are available.

Typhoon Lagoon remains closed, but if you’re looking to beat the heat this summer, you DO have one water park to cool down in!

Shows

Although many shows are still on hiatus after reopening, Disney did reveal that Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer — so be sure to check the Disney World website for dates and times!

Click Here To Read About the Reopening of Blizzard Beach!

What’s Still Closed

There are some resorts that will possible still remain closed this summer. Disney has not yet announced opening dates for the following resorts:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge (Vacation Club rooms are currently open)
• All-Star Sports Resort
• All-Star Music Resort
• Boardwalk Inn (Vacation Club rooms are currently open)
• Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resorts

There’s also a lot of entertainment not happening at the parks right now. Live musical performances have returned to the parks, but they’re modified. For example, the Dapper Dans no longer sing down Main Street, U.S.A., but sing from the Main Street, U.S.A. station or while riding the trolley car.

Some entertainment may never return to Disney World. Some performers were laid off last year, including many of our favorites — the Grand Floridian Orchestra, the Citizens of Main Street, performers from the Hoop-Dee-Doo-Revue, and more. Disney has not revealed what entertainment might look like come summer, but we’ll keep you updated.

Disney has not released a statement about the remaining live shows at the parks that didn’t return when Disney World reopened.

2 Disney World Rides Have Been Closed for Over a YEAR

General Tips

So you’re going on a summer trip. Guess what that means? It’s going to be HOT and HUMID. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay hydrated — drink lots of water. And don’t forget, you can get free water at the parks rather than pay for an overpriced bottle of water (or bring your own). You might also want to consider bringing a cooling towel or portable fan for your own personal comfort.

What about those masks? You will likely still need to wear a mask at Disney World in the summer, so our recommendation is to bring more than one mask per day — have an extra one handy. You’re going to sweat, and changing into a dry mask at some point will feel like a luxury. Also, sometimes they do get lost or wet — so having a backup mask is always a good idea.

If you have a foldable raincoat or poncho, bring it with you to the parks. Disney sells ponchos but they’re…pricey!

Being summer it likely will rain. And it will be random. Florida is notorious for sudden rainstorms, and that’s even on days when the forecast doesn’t call for rain. Don’t be fooled by a deceptively bright and sunny day outside. It can change in a flash! Trust us — be prepared.

Finally, you’ll want to plan some downtime because it will be SO HOT (and possibly crowded) in the parks. Take a break in the middle of the day and hit the resort pool. Or plan a full day where you just hang out at your resort and just chill. You can pop over to Disney Springs for the day or just an afternoon if you want to get away from the hustle of the parks for a bit.

Looking to stay in the parks? Find those sit-down shows in each park (stuff like Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom or Muppet-Vision 3D in Hollywood Studios). This will give you a long much-needed break in the cool air conditioning! Your body will thank you.

Reservations NOW Available for Moana-themed Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

We hope this helps you in planning your trip to Disney World this summer. In many ways, things will seem very different from past “normal” summers, but in many ways, it’s all really just the same! As always, we’ll keep you updated on any changes that could affect your future trips.

Here are 5 BIG Things You Need To Know If You’re Planning a Disney World Trip in 2022

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Are you going to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments!

The post Read THIS Before You Visit Disney World This Summer first appeared on the disney food blog.

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

How did March FLY by?!

We’re at the end of the month, and we’ve got 2 days left of March Magic to share with ya! Every day this March, shopDisney’s offered a unique way to save, for that day only. That means we’re on day 30 of special deals! We’ve seen Baby Yoda freebies, discounts on Loungefly bags, and a pretty awesome sale on face masks…but we’re ready to dig in and see today’s special offer!

Today ONLY, you’ll get a free Pluto key and key pin when you buy a Pluto plush! This is pretty similar to that Baby Yoda deal we saw a few weeks ago — but for fans of Mickey’s best pal.

To take part in this offer, you’ll wanna add the Pluto plush to your bag. He’s a 16″ plush with a velour collar — and he looks super huggable!

He’ll cost ya $29.99.

Click Here to Buy the Pluto Plush!

Now, here’s the fun part! Once Pluto’s in your bag, enter code PLUTO at checkout…and voila! You’ll get the Pluto 90th anniversary collectible key…

…and Pluto 90th anniversary key pin in your bag, too. Each normally costs $12.99, but they’re FREE for you!

That’s a pretty sweet deal — just remember you only have until midnight! And if you want even MORE savings, 16″ Disney plushes are just $16 each when you buy 2 or more. So if you’re in the mood for some shoppin’, why not throw in another furry friend? As always, we’ll keep ya posted with the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB!

Check Out MORE Disney Discounts!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Have you taken advantage of a March Magic deal yet? Let us know in the comments!

The post Get 2 Freebies with 1 Disney Purchase, Today Only! first appeared on the disney food blog.

If you like when technology makes things more convenient today is a great day for you – as long as you have an iPhone. Disney’s MagicMobile is now LIVE for select guests. If you have an iPhone you should be able to see the Disney’s MagicMobile Pass icon on the menu, after you click the hamburger menu (three bars)  on the bottom right of the app.

Here’s the step by step process of activating Disney’s MagicMobile Pass:

• Select Disney MagicMobile Pass on the menu
• Read the introduction page then select “Set Up Your Pass”
• Select yourself and any friends and family you wish to set up for a MagicMobile Pass
• Select “Add to Apple Wallet”
• Select your pass style, there are 12 designs plus one Annual Passholder and one DVC exclusive design (see below)
• “Add Pass to Wallet” this takes about 2-3 minutes to process
• Your individual pass works without unlocking your iPhone, just place your iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader
• For Friends and Family passes you will need to use the home button or side button to pull up your Wallet and select the pass

Once you’ve activated your pass and added it to your Wallet, you will be presented with a few reminders on how to use the MagicMobile Pass. Your individual pass works without unlocking your iPhone, just place your iPhone or Apple watch near a reader. For Friends and Family passes you will need to use the home button or side button to pull up your Wallet and select the pass.

Here are the design options which you can easily change at any time. And I am totally going to change the design to match each park I visit each day. Note the Annual Passholder exclusive design and Disney Vacation Club Member design as well.

I am really happy about this new tool because I cannot tell you how many mini panic attacks I’ve given myself driving down I-4 West thinking I’ve left my MagicBand and my son’s MagicBand at home. It’s never actually happened because I kept the MagicBands in my car, but still. It will be so nice to be able to just use my phone which I have out all the time when I am in the parks.

What do you think of Disney MagicMobile, will you use it? Which Park Pass design is your favorite?

The post Disney’s MagicMobile Pass is LIVE for Select Guests – Here’s How It Works appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.