Is This A Sign That Fireworks Will Return Soon To Disney World?

When Disney World reopened last year, a lot had changed due to health and safety guidelines.

Happily Ever After

And one of the things that changed was Disney temporarily suspending its nighttime entertainment, which means guests haven’t seen a fireworks show in the parks in over a year, save for some occasional fireworks testing. But we’re starting to see some indications that we might see fireworks return in some capacity to the parks soon!

Not only have we been following the construction progress of Harmonious, EPCOT’s upcoming nighttime show, but we also previously saw a Disney job listing for a Principal Fireworks Designer. Well, we have now noticed ANOTHER job listing for a Fireworks and Special Effects Designer!

Epcot Forever

The job summary reads: “The Fireworks & Special Effects Designer develops/executes pyrotechnic and special effects designs for live shows across property, including Parks, Resorts, Special Events, and Disney Cruise Line.” Other responsibilities include ordering pyrotechnic products, supervising crews, participating in creative development, and more. You can read the full job description here.

Happily Ever After

Disney has not yet released any details about when fireworks might return to the parks, but it does seem like the company is preparing to bring them back soon with these most recent job listings. We’ll continue to follow the situation and let you know what we find out!

Here’s Why Disney Won’t Tell Us When the New EPCOT Fireworks Show Will Debut

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Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

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Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

What’s the last Disney nighttime show that you saw? Let us know in the comments!

The post Is This A Sign That Fireworks Will Return Soon To Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog.

PHOTO: Pavement Completed Around New Popcorn Stand in EPCOT

epcot-popcorn-kiosk-construction-9692996

In January, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for construction of a new popcorn stand in EPCOT’s World Celebration neighborhood. This stand will be at one end of Creations Shop, which is replacing Mouse Gear as the main store. Pavement has been filled in all around the site of the stand, with a clear sidewalk curving out from Creations Shop. This is a major difference from what we saw in February and last month. The remaining dirt areas will likely […]

The post PHOTO: Pavement Completed Around New Popcorn Stand in EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

Celebrate Springtime at Disney Parks with New, Exclusive Digital Wallpapers

During spring, vibrant colors and beautiful blooms take center stage at Disney Parks as fresh buds and plants come to life during this magical season! To celebrate springtime and the variety of beautifully bright sights, new adventures and experiences waiting for you at our parks, we’re sharing a special collection of downloadable wallpapers created especially for readers. They’re a perfect spring addition to all of your devices.

REVIEW: A Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Has Us SO Ready for Fall in Disneyland!

We know that it’s only May, but our minds are already looking forward to Halloween!

Halloween Mugs

Now that we’re halfway there, Disney has already been announcing details about spooktacular events in the works. And, pumpkin spice fans are getting an EXTRA special treat early in Disneyland Resort as a taste of Fall arrives in Downtown Disney!

If you’re already looking forward to the return of PSLs, we have some good news — you can hold yourself over with the latest limited-time shake at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes!

Pumpkin Spice Classic Shake

The classic Pumpkin Spice Classic Shake is currently offered at the restaurant as an early treat for the Halloween fans out there. It’s a pumpkin milkshake topped with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, and a cherry.

Pumpkin Spice Classic Shake

We enjoyed this shake and we didn’t think the flavors were super overwhelming or strong. While people who don’t like pumpkin at all should still probably still steer clear, this could be a good treat for people who are on the fence about pumpkin spice and prefer a lighter flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Classic Shake

Since we got the shake to go, the presentation wasn’t quite as impressive as some of the other crazy shakes from Black Tap. But if you’re looking for a fall flavors fix, this is a solid choice!

Pumpkin Spice Classic Shake

The Pumpkin Spice Classic Shake is available for $12. You’ll want to hurry over to Black Tap, though, because the limited-time milkshake is only there through May 9th! Of course, you can stay tuned with DFB for all the other tricks and treats we find in the parks soon.

You NEED to go to this Princess character spot in Disneyland!

Have you been to the newly reopened Disneyland yet? Let us know in the comments below!

The post REVIEW: A Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Has Us SO Ready for Fall in Disneyland! first appeared on the disney food blog.

8 More Disney Zoom Backgrounds to Enjoy at Your Next Meeting

For better or worse, or somewhere in between, Zoom meetings have become a part of our life that isn’t likely to completely disappear any time soon. If you’re going to have to have a Zoom meeting anyhow, you might as well have fun with it, right? Our in-parks team takes a LOT of photos every week from all around Walt Disney World. Some of the photos end up in the blog, on our web site, or on social media. But with so many photos, there’s some that we personally love, and so we want to share some of those with you so you can use them as a Zoom background at your next meeting.

Looking for information on how to use these Zoom backgrounds on your machine? See our first Zoom picture sharing post here. And if you use Microsoft Teams instead of Zoom, you can find directions here.  Now, on to the photos!

Plus, as a bonus, here’s two VelociCoaster ones from Universal Orlando for you to enjoy!

 

Do you have a favorite out of this batch? Any requests for future Zoom backgrounds? Let us know in the comments.

The post 8 More Disney Zoom Backgrounds to Enjoy at Your Next Meeting appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

Here’s How the Disney Parks Are Celebrating Halloween in May!

Can you hear those Grim Grinning Ghosts singing? It’s because we’re Halfway to Halloween, folks! And, all those ghouls want you to CELEBRATE!

©Disney

Disney kicked off the festivities early, giving guests a first look at the new After Hours Boo Bash coming this year (as we bid adieu to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2021). We got a few new treats throughout the parks, as well as DIY goodies at home. But, Disney even gave us a look into a few extra screams and sneak peeks during its Halfway to Halloween TikTok event!

The event started off with a visit from one Madame Renata in front of the Haunted Mansion. Of course, it wouldn’t be an introduction to a Halloween event without one of the happy haunts from the mansion, now would it?

Hello Madame Renata…or is it Carlota!?

Since you’ll want those candy baskets ready to go, guests can catch a ride with the Hitchhiking Ghosts over to Disney Springs for sweet treats at The Ganachery. Halloween offerings will be bubbling up in the chocolate shop, including the NEW Cauldron Cocoa Bomb inspired by Hocus Pocus (Disney, you’ve put a spell on us already 😍). But, the Sanderson Sisters have an extra trick up their sleeves, because guests will have to say the special code “amuck, amuck, amuck” in order to receive the Cauldron Cocoa Bomb from a Cast Member! The cocoa bomb is filled with hot cocoa mix and green marshmallows, served up from May 10th through May 12th.

©Disney

You thought that treats were the only thing popping up for Halloween? Think again! Memento Mori is a hot spot for the spookiest merchandise in the Magic Kingdom. And, it’s no different this year, because it will be home to new Haunted Mansion and Halloween items, like the Madame Leota Minnie Ears

©Disney

…and chilling nuIMOs outfits, so your plushes can match with your costumes!

©Disney

At last, we were shown some of the fun details about the Haunted Mansion queue by Walt Disney Imagineer and art director named Alex. Did you know that many of the names on the tombstones were inspired by Disney Imagineers, animators, and more??

Tomb Stones

As we received a ride on the Haunted Mansion at the conclusion of the event (keep an eye out for those new details in Disneyland!), we couldn’t help but be THRILLED for the Halloween events to come this year! As more details are revealed, we’ll be sure to update you on everything you need to know!

What’s the difference between the BOO Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

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

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

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Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

What are you looking forward to seeing the most this Halloween? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Here’s How the Disney Parks Are Celebrating Halloween in May! first appeared on the disney food blog.

30 Things That Have Changed in Disney World Since You Were Last There

Disney World is constantly changing!

Spaceship Earth

We visit every day and we see changes ALL. THE. TIME. Well, with the weird year of 2020, The Most Magical Place on Earth looks pretty different than it has in years past. Here are all the ways Disney World has changed since you were last there!

1. You will need to wear a mask, but not when taking outdoor photos

First up, you will be expected to wear a mask inside and outside during your Disney World vacation.

New Mask Policy

But, you CAN now remove your mask for photos as long as you are stationary and socially distanced. Cast Members are around to remind guests to pull their masks back up when their photo is taken, but this allows guests to have some mask-free memories.

Click here to learn more about the new mask policy updates!

2. There have been some surprising price increases!

Some surprising price increases have popped up recently. Typically, price increases are common in the month of October, but because of the global health crisis, that didn’t happen in 2020. Now, surprising price hikes are happening in some random places.

$9.50?!?!?

We were especially surprised to see a whopping $2 price increase on one of our favorite snacks in Disney World — spring rolls in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. Previously, spring rolls cost just $7.50 and now they cost $9.50. And lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop have seen a price increase as well.

Want to learn more about the spring roll price increase? Click here!

3. Main Street Confectionery and other Main Street shops are temporarily closed.

Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is this year and as a result, we’ve seen a LOT of construction around the parks. Main Street, U.S.A. is getting some TLC that has resulted in some store closures — most notably at Main Street Confectionery. Don’t worry though, you can find prepackaged treats nearby at Main Street Cinema.

Confectionery Sign

The Chapeau is also closed with hats and ears for sale in Box Office Gifts for now. Disney has not announced if/when The Chapeau will reopen and the Confectionery is listed as closed through at least July 17th.

To check out the work on Main Street Confectionery, click here!

4. Some restaurants aren’t all-you-can-eat anymore.

If you haven’t been to Disney World since prior to the park closures, then you might notice something different about some of your favorite restaurants. Some spots that you might remember as all-you-care-to-eat are not anymore, instead you might have individual portions or shared portions depending on the course.

Shared Family-style Desserts

Two prominent examples of this are Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom and Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This sounds bad in theory, but in practice, we actually have liked this change. The quality has been noticeably better, the portions are solid, and you don’t have to hop up to the buffet all the time.

Click here to learn more about dining at Hollywood and Vine recently!

5. Some former buffets are now family-style.

Speaking of buffets, some spots ARE still all-you-care-to-eat but there aren’t any running buffets in Disney World. In some cases, food is served family-style, but you can still ask for as much as you want.

Chef Mickey’s

This is the case at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! You’ll still chow down on as many Mickey Waffles as you like while you swing your napkin around with Disney pals. You just don’t have to fetch the food for yourself. And they just announced that they will be reopening for dinner. 

Want to learn more about dining at a reopened Chef Mickey’s? Click here!

6. There are some amazing snacks in new places!

This next one is a change that we’ve been HAPPY to see. There are some sneaky snacks that have cropped up in some surprising places! Two locations that are typically snack-less have introduced some amazing and hearty snack options.

Pot Stickers at Sunshine Tree Terrace

Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom, known for Citrus Swirls and Dole Whip concoctions, is now offering Potstickers for $6.99. Our team loved them and they’re a good portion! Over in EPCOT, Joy of Tea now has Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken for $7.95 which we loved too.

To see our REVIEW of the potstickers, click here!

7. MagicBands are no longer available for free.

If you’ve been to Disney World in the past decade or so, you’ve probably found yourself in possession of a MagicBand or two. These alternatives to ticket media used to be complimentary with a resort hotel stay. They serve as your room key, your park ticket, and they link up to all of your plans; it makes it easy to keep everything you need on your wrist! 

There are a TON of colors and styles to choose from!

Now though, you’ll need to pay if you want a basic color MagicBand that used to be complimentary. If you’re not looking to shell out the bucks, you can still receive a regular keycard at the front desk when you check in.

Click here to learn more about this discontinuation!

8. You can use your phone for everything now.

Speaking of getting around without a MagicBand, you can now use your phone for almost EVERYTHING in Disney World. Smartphone users can use their phones for Mobile Check-in and even unlock their door. This has been around for a while, but did you know your phone can get you into the park now too?

©Disney

Magic Mobile is a new feature for Apple users (and it will soon be available for Android users too!). Now, you can tap into the parks using just your phone or Apple watch and your ride photos will automatically link to your account as long as you have Bluetooth turned on.

Want to learn more about Magic Mobile? Click here!

9. The monorail does not stop at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort right now (until mid-summer).

Most Disney fans are familiar with the cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon on the monorail. You can hop off at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center. Right now, though, you CAN’T hop off at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort like you usually would be able to.

Monorail

The Polynesian is undergoing some pretty major renovations including a new entrance, Moana-themed guest rooms, and a brand new monorail station. Right now, the station has been demolished but bookings are available for the resort on July 19th. It’s possible the monorail station will reopen around that time too.

To learn more about the Polynesian Village Resort refurbishment, click here!

10. EPCOT monorail is still not open.

Speaking of the monorail, the EPCOT monorail line is still not open. If you haven’t been to Disney World since before the closures, this might come as a surprise! Both Magic Kingdom lines, the Resort Hotel Line and the Express Line are running.

EPCOT Monorail, June 2020

But no heading to EPCOT! Lots of park-to-park transportation options returned at the start of 2021, but the monorail has remained unavailable when it comes to the EPCOT line. Of course, we’re keeping a close eye out for news of its return!

Click here to learn more about the current closure of the EPCOT monorail!

11. There are some HUGE new barges in World Showcase Lagoon.

And speaking of EPCOT, you know this park is seeing some changes. We’ve focused a lot on the EPCOT Transformation construction in Future World, but our attention has been drawn to World Showcase Lagoon recently.

Harmonious Barge

Why? Because of the HUGE (and kinda unsightly) barges that have been installed in preparation for the upcoming nighttime spectacular, Harmonious. During the day, they’ll function as massive fountains and at night they’ll support the show. Right now though? They’re more of an eyesore than anything else.

Want to see more of the Harmonious barges? Click here!

12. Magical Express will be discontinued in 2022.

For many a Disney guest, Disney’s Magical Express has been a convenient and helpful way to get to and from the Orlando International Airport at the start and end of your trip. Now, the service is being discontinued in 2022.

Magical Express

Mears, the transportation service that is contracted to run Magical Express, recently announced a replacement service called Mears Connect that the company says will operate very similarly to the current shuttle.

To learn more about this change, click here!

13. Only one water park is open right now.

A LOT is still closed in Disney World and that includes one water park — Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. But you CAN head to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Blizzard Beach reopened in March after a full year of closure.

Blizzard Beach on a stormy day

Typhoon Lagoon, on the other hand, still doesn’t have an opening date. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on any updates about this park’s reopening!

Click here to see what Blizzard Beach is like right now!

14. There are a lot of ride refurbishments in progress.

Again, that 50th Anniversary is coming up and a LOT of rides are getting some refurbishments in preparation. The Mad Tea Party and Swiss Family Treehouse recently reopened from brief refurbs, and the Hall of Presidents is still closed as a President Biden animatronic is added.

Hall of Presidents

Disney World Railroad is also still closed as construction continues on TRON Lightcycle Run. Plus, Splash Mountain is getting a The Princess and the Frog retheme and Jungle Cruise is getting a new storyline. We don’t have specific dates for those last two, but work has already begun on Jungle Cruise which is not expected to close for its refurbishment.

Want to learn more about current refurbishments? Click here!

15. Park hopping is back.

Now, a lot is still unavailable and closed, but some offerings have returned. For instance, park hopping is back and it looks a little bit different from the way it did prior to the closure. To park hop, you’ll need a Disney Park Pass Reservation for your first park of the day and then you can park hop after 2PM as long as your second (or third or fourth) park isn’t at capacity.

4 Park Challenge

We recommend NOT spending on the Park Hopper ticket option until you know you need it. It costs the same whether you buy in advance or not and might end up being a waste if you decide not to park hop on your park day.

To learn more about the return of park hopping, click here!

16. You still can’t buy Annual Passes.

If you were considering becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder soon, no such luck. Annual Passes are STILL not for sale. This is for new Annual Passholders, you might be able to renew if you had one when the parks closed.

Hey, Donald!

If you did have an Annual Pass or if you canceled your Annual Pass during the park closures and regretted it, you can contact the Annual Passholder assistance team and they should be able to help you renew that pass.

Click here to learn more about the situation with Annual Passes!

17. The Tables in Wonderland program is still unavailable.

Another still-unavailable offering is Tables in Wonderland. This is a dining discount card that is typically available to Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Florida Residents.

Tables in Wonderland

Tables in Wonderland isn’t even up for renewals right now so once it’s out of date, that’s it for the time being. We’ll be keeping a close eye out for the return of this option.

Want to learn more about the situation with Tables in Wonderland? Click here!

18. Park hours are changing all the time.

We see Disney World park hours change ALL THE TIME. We keep up with this on DFB so keep an eye out when your trip is coming up because those hours could change at any time. Luckily, Disney isn’t shortening hours, but you might see an earlier opening or later close than you were expecting.

Disney Balloons

We’ve also seen Disney add extra ride time on certain days. We recommend keeping notifications on in the My Disney Experience app. This way, you may get a notification that some rides will be operating past park close!

To see the latest park hours changes, click here!

19. Disney will be adding 50th Anniversary celebrations.

As we’ve mentioned, Disney World turns 50 this year and is celebrating with The Most Magical Celebration on Earth! Expect all the major park icons to get a makeover, to see Mickey and Minnie in some special duds, and MORE.

©Disney

But, you won’t have to wait until celebrations kick off on the anniversary (October 1st). We’re already starting to see signs of decorations with new details on Cinderella Castle!

Click here to learn more about the 50th Anniversary!

20. Disney may be bringing back after-hour events.

Speaking of special events, most after-hours events have been unavailable since the parks closed last year. But, we may see the return of some after-hours events soon.

Halloween in Magic Kingdom

Disney hasn’t announced anything specific, but with vaccine rollout and the easing of some restrictions, the company may bring back holiday parties like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for 2021. Keep an eye on DFB to make sure you’ll know if these options will be available for your trip!

Want to learn more about whether or not parties will return, click here!

21. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be opening soon.

Even if those events don’t return, there are some exciting happenings otherwise. EPCOT’s latest attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is set to open on October 1st as the 50th Anniversary celebrations commence in all four parks.

©Disney

And Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure isn’t the only attraction that has an opening in the near future. Disney hasn’t announced specifics, but we can also expect the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom.

To learn more about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, click here!

22. Some new restaurants may be opening soon!

It’s not just rides we’re anticipating. There are some new restaurants we expect too! For instance, La Creperie de Paris, a table-service and counter-service hybrid will be serving up a menu of sweet and savory crepes in EPCOT on October 1st.

La Crêperie de Paris

Plus, we’re anxiously waiting on the opening dates of Space 220, the space-themed restaurant in EPCOT, and Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Toy Story Land’s first table-service restaurant.

Click here to learn more about new restaurants!

23. There is still no Fastpass+ program.

The Fastpass+ program is still on hold for now. Prior to the closures, you could book Fastpasses to help you skip the line on popular attractions. Now, though, you’ll be waiting in the standby line for everything.

FastPass signs have actually been removed from some rides!

Plan accordingly and make sure you budget some extra time for ride cleanings or weather delays! We also recommend knowing what rides are your priorities in case you have to skip something you’d previously planned on riding.

Want to learn more about the Fastpass+ suspension? Click here.

24. There is still no Disney Dining Plan!

And another still-gone option is the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re used to having the Dining Plan for all of your Disney trips, you may be out of luck on your next vacation. Disney still hasn’t announced if or when the Dining Plan will make its return.

Disney Dining Plan Shirt

If you need help planning your Disney dining without the help of the Disney Dining Plan, you can check out ALL of our tips here on DFB or pick up a copy of the DFB Guide. Our e-book has over 700 pages of planning resources and worksheets to help decode ALL your dining worries.

For an update on the Disney Dining Plan, click here.

25. Disney Park Passes are selling out regularly.

Disney Park Passes were implemented when the parks reopened last summer, and now it’s more important than ever to book those theme park reservations early — especially for really busy times. As soon as you buy your tickets, go ahead and book those Park Passes.

Main Street

They can and DO sell out for major holidays and we’ve even seen weeks-long periods sell out in busier times like Spring Break. If you haven’t booked your passes for the 50th on October 1st, you’ll want to do so ASAP. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are already BOOKED, so you might need to keep an eye out for new park pass releases too.

Click here to see how high-demand Disney Park Passes are!

26. You might see facial recognition used at the park entrance.

Here’s a surprising one. At the end of March, Disney started testing facial recognition for park entry at Magic Kingdom.

Let’s Get Scanning!

During the test, you could scan your ticket and then face a camera for Disney’s facial recognition test. The system captured data pertaining to your face so that your identity could be verified with your entry. Right now, the testing has ended but it could make a return. We’ll keep you in the loop!

Want to check out the new tech? Click here!

27. Some hotels are using charter buses to transport guests to parks.

If you’re staying at certain Value Resort options, namely Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, you might not recognize the buses you hop in to head to the parks. Due to bus capacity changes and health measures, Disney is using some charter buses to transport guests.

All-Star Movies is getting serious about their bus game

So, if you’re staying at a resort and spot a charter bus pulling into the Magic Kingdom lane, don’t be too surprised! Cast Members will be happy to confirm its destination so that you can get to the park — even if it’s not the bus you’re expecting.

To learn more about this change, click here!

28. More hotels are slowly reopening.

As we mentioned earlier, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be reopening in July but it’s not the only one. May 30th marks the reopening of Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will reopen on June 6th.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Now, there are still a number of Disney World Resort hotels WITHOUT opening dates including Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Click here to learn more about hotel reopenings!

29. Some hotels are getting new rooms!

Some hotels are getting some new rooms too! As a part of the refurbishment, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is getting a Moana-themed update to its rooms. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort looks a little bit different too!

©Disney

And, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is undergoing a multi-month refurbishment soon. Work has already started but Disney hasn’t released details on what exactly this refurb entails.

Want to see the Moana rooms? Click here!

30. There are LOTS of noticeable construction projects.

Finally, there are LOTS of noticeable construction projects — even outside of the ones specifically mentioned in these changes. Don’t be surprised to see the occasional construction wall on your trip — especially in EPCOT!

Peter Pan’s Flight Construction

We see little projects pop up almost constantly. Think about the work on Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom or on the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT!

To see more of a construction update, click here!

As you can see, a LOT has changed in Disney World over the past year and things are going to continue to change. Follow along with DFB to make sure you don’t get caught off guard! We’ll make sure you stay in the loop on anything that might affect your trip.

Check out our video to see MORE Disney World changes and how to be prepared!

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

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

Are you headed to Disney World soon? Tell us in the comments! 

The post 30 Things That Have Changed in Disney World Since You Were Last There first appeared on the disney food blog.

PHOTOS: Closer Look at “Points of Light” on Spaceship Earth at EPCOT

points-of-light-spaceship-earth-40-1

Disney has been carefully installing “points of light” across the face of Spaceship Earth for the past several weeks. These fixtures will create colorful lines of light between the Alucobond panels of EPCOT’s icon, turning it into a “beacon of magic.” The lights wrap around the top half of Spaceship Earth, sitting at the corners of the triangular panels. Walt Disney Imagineering shared a closer look at one of these fixtures back in March. The “points” are circular with a […]

The post PHOTOS: Closer Look at “Points of Light” on Spaceship Earth at EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

REVIEW! Should You LEAVE Disney World to Eat at the OTHER Castle in Orlando?

Have you ever been in the mood for a cheesy, fast-food-style slider? Well, then you might’ve run to your nearest White Castle if you have one near where you live! For those of us down in Florida, White Castle is a NEW option!

White Castle

We’ve got a little bit of a different review today as we head OFF Disney property to an exciting nearby spot — the brand new White Castle near Disney World! This fast-food chain opened the world’s lARGEST location just minutes outside of Disney World and we stopped in to see the new spot and try out some of their famous hamburgers.

The new White Castle location is at 11595 Daryl Carter Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836, just minutes from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard entrance to Disney World (near Disney Springs!). You can take Exit 68 if you’re coming from I-4!

White Castle

It’s the burger joint’s 100th birthday this year so it’s a pretty good time for it to come to Orlando if we do say so ourselves. Get ready for a menu of sliders, fries, shakes, and MORE!

Atmosphere

When you arrive at the White Castle, you’ll notice a large (ironically black, not, you know, WHITE!) stylized castle turret rising up from the building (see it in the distance below?). Look for the White Castle logo, and you’ll know you’ve come to the right place!

White Castle

You can pick up your sliders inside the building or in the two-lane drive-thru. It’s a good thing it’s two lanes considering how popular the spot has been in its opening days!

Drive Thru

Inside, you can order at the counter with an employee…

White Castle

…or you can order via touchscreen terminals.

White Castle

WOW, look at all those sliders you can see in the kitchen! That’s a lot of tiny burgers!

White Castle

For soft drinks, there are three Coca-Cola Freestyle machines available inside the restaurant.

Freestyle Machines

The various seating areas feature some standard tables and chairs

White Castle

…some booths, and some high-top tables!

White Castle

Many of the seats even feature outlets. Forget WFH (work from home), we WFWC (work from White Castle) now. 🙌

White Castle

But enough about the space, let’s talk about those sliiiiiiiiiders.

Eats

The White Castle menu consists of sliders, sides, drinks, and more. We’re not sure if you’ve gathered…but sliders are kinda the schtick here. You can snag everything from the Original Slider to the Surf and Turf Slider (yep, A mini chicken and waffle slider too!).

White Castle

At the touchscreens, you can take a gander at new and limited-time craves. Note that White Castle has blended Crave Coolers for a refreshing frozen sip.

White Castle

There are also some seriously shareable options. If you’re feeding a crew, you can opt for a Crave Case with 30(!) Sliders! There’s even the option for a massive Crave CRATE with is 100 SLIDERS! Note that in the first month of operation, customers are limited to just (just, LOL!) 60 sliders. 

White Castle

Looking for breakfast? White Castle has a breakfast menu for you to look at too!

White Castle

And, of course, would a burger joint be complete with shakes? You can check out a few sweet treats here. We’re eyeing that chocolate shake!

White Castle

But let’s take a look at how the food holds up. Since we visited as a part of a media event, we had the opportunity to try out almost everything on the menu.

If you’ve never experienced the joy that can be White Castle (or Krystal, for you Southerners. It’s very similar to White Castle.) here’s the deal with the famed slider. They’re small so you can try a few different ones before you fill up. The meat is paper-thin and cooked over chopped-up onions. THIS is the signature touch of a “White Castle burger” — it’s called “steam-grilling.” The meat is cooked by the onion steam, keeping it moist while cooking. Five holes are punched in each patty, making them cook FAST and not need to be flipped. Pretty clever, huh? It doesn’t taste in your face oniony, but it does give a lot of flavor.

An Original Slider is meat, a pickle slice, and those onions. Make it a Cheese Slider and you gain a slice of American cheese (other cheese flavors like Jalapeno or smoked cheddar are often available too). But it’s not just burgers… . We’re talkin’ chicken sliders, seafood sliders, and more all on the menu!

White Castle

Our reporter had never had White Castle and liked the sliders! She especially liked that they are a good size for trying a few different kinds.

White Castle

So it sure is a good thing that if you order a combo with multiple sliders, you can order them with different cheeses and toppings!

White Castle

Combos come with one side and a drink.

White Castle

When it comes to sides, you have options like French Fries, Onion Chips, Mozzarella Sticks, and CHICKEN RINGS. Are chicken rings the side we didn’t know we needed? Yes, yes they are.

White Castle

Alright, we’ll elaborate on the chicken rings a bit since we know you want us to. Chicken rings are the White Castle version of chicken nuggets or chicken fingers but…ring shaped. And we kind of love them for that.

White Castle

The Mozzarella Sticks were simple but satisfying.

Mmmm…Cheeeeeese

The Hash Brown Nibblers were crunchy, salty, and everything you love about a tater tot (or Crispy Crowns, as this shape has been called!).

Hash Brown Nibblers

Now, this food is the epitome of “fast food.” You’re not getting anything gourmet, but it’s gonna be satisfying.

White Castle

Still, everything was served hot and pretty tasty, too. Of course we chowed down on some Loaded Fries (with White Castle plastic cheese, nonetheless!). Fries at White Castle are crinkle-cut, but these are doused in that liquid gold, crumbled bacon, and ranch.

White Castle

An employee recommended the Zing Sauce for the chicken rings and the onion chips and we have to say, it was pretty good!

White Castle

The spice wasn’t very spicy but it still had a little kick.

White Castle

Now, we of course weren’t able to try EVERYTHING — but that’s a testament to just how many options there were!

White Castle

Oh, and there’s good news for plant-based folks! There’s an Impossible Slider available! You can get this one with or without cheese for a vegan or vegetarian bite.

White Castle

Plus, for a unique option, you can snag that Chicken and Waffle Slider!

White Castle

It might not have been the best rendition of chicken and waffles we’ve ever had, but it was a fun eat (plus, bacon!).

White Castle

Sliders at White Castle tend to cost less depending on how many you buy. Buy more, they cost less each, but you’ll find most come in around 2 bucks or less each. Meals are usually between $6 and $10.

White Castle

Dessert was pretty tasty too! You KNOW we snagged that Chocolate Milkshake and it was just the right level of thickness. Also, it was HUGE.

Chocolate Milkshake

AND we snagged some sweet and tasty (but not necessarily high-quality) desserts on a stick! We grabbed a 100th Birthday Cake On a Stick and a Fudge-Dipped Cheesecake On a Stick. Both were small (read: great if your kids are begging for a sweet at the end of their meal!) and easy quick bites. Not something we’d seek out, but they were fun.

White Castle

In general, nothing was super amazing but it was all good for fast food! We like that things are made fresh to order, too.

Nosh or Not

You SHOULD eat at White Castle if…

  • You’ve always wanted to try it. White Castle isn’t all over the country so if you’ve been waiting for your chance to snag a slider, then you can take that opportunity during your Disney trip.
  • You’re trying to save $$$. White Castle is NOT expensive, so you can get a quick family dinner for CHEAP. We recommend checking out the shareable slider packs (it’s basically a big bag loaded with sliders!).
  • You’re craving some good, old-fashioned fast food. Sure, there’s always the McDonald’s on Disney property, but now you have another option to chow down on classic fast food burgers. (Did you know White Castle was the first fast food burger?!)

You should SKIP White Castle if…

  • Disney food is important to your vacation. If you love Disney food, like we do, you might not want to leave the resort — especially just to snag fast food hamburgers.
  • You’re looking for healthy options. Even those plant-based sliders aren’t going to be THAT healthy. Plus, White Castle burgers are notoriously high in sodium! You can find healthier meals elsewhere.
  • You don’t have a car. Getting over to the White Castle can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t have transportation. You’ll likely need a rideshare which might not be worth it when the payoff is sliders.

Overall

We did enjoy our visit to White Castle! If you’ve never been, it’s neat to experience a new fast-food chain from another part of the country. Sure, the eats aren’t revolutionary but they are filling and yummy from a fast food perspective.

We especially enjoyed interacting with the staff who were SUPER excited about the opening. They were all super nice and helpful. They checked in on us often, made sure we had everything we could need, and helped to make the visit enjoyable all around.

We wouldn’t say it’s worth leaving Disney World JUST for the food, but White Castle might be the spot to stop if you’ve got a hankering for fast food or just want to save some cash. Plus, it’s the biggest in the WORLD and that’s pretty fun. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World area reviews!

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Will you be heading to White Castle? Tell us in the comments! 

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by White Castle to attend a preview of their new location. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ

The post REVIEW! Should You LEAVE Disney World to Eat at the OTHER Castle in Orlando? first appeared on the disney food blog.

Walt Disney World Hiring Seasonal Fireworks & Special Effects Designer

Disney Can Beat Quarantine Blues -Happily Ever After

Walt Disney World has a job posting for a seasonal fireworks and special effects designer. Though no announcements have been made, this may point to the return of fireworks shows to Walt Disney World theme parks. Nighttime spectaculars, including fireworks, have been suspended due to COVID-19 since the parks reopened. EPCOT’s upcoming nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” was set to open later this year, although the designer could be working on any number of projects. The job description is below. Job Summary: […]

The post Walt Disney World Hiring Seasonal Fireworks & Special Effects Designer appeared first on WDW News Today.