Welcome back, DFB friends! We’re here with another What’s New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Pandora

And, we’ve got plenty of updates to share with you! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right on in!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Food Update

Creature Comforts

Similar to how the Trolley Car Cafe is operating in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Creature Comforts is no longer using distancing dots in the coffee shop and bakery.

No More Distancing Dots!

Instead, both ordering lanes were open to guests who were able to wait inside the shop as their drinks were being made.

Creature Comforts

Nomad Lounge

Although Father’s Day has just passed this weekend, the Nomad Lounge is still serving up a drink for all the dads out there. Buuut, it’s got QUITE the hefty price tag! The Father’s Day Old Fashion is mixed up with Yamazaki 12, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Luxardo Cherries, and Rosemary for a whopping $23. Still, we think our dads are totally worth the treat!

Father’s Day Old Fashion

Since we were at the Nomad Lounge, we decided we would order ourselves a Spice Traded Classic to enjoy during our time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When we ordered it, though, our bartender let us know that they were out of the Lotus Flower Glow Cube they usually have in stock at the Nomad Lounge. The bar has been trying to order them, but the outside company they purchase them from is currently having supply issues. Instead, guests are given a regular glow cube in the meantime!

Spice Traded Classic

When the restaurants around Disney World first opened, guests were given disposable checks as a health and safety measure. However, now that many things are returning to normal around the parks, the Nomad Lounge is using its regular checkbooks once again.

Nomad Lounge Checkbook

We’ll keep you updated on all the other dining locations around Disney World and their shifting operations too!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Merchandise Update

Island Mercantile

If you’re looking for a great souvenir to take home, you can head over to the Island Mercantile for an awesome sale on t-shirts! Guests can snag tees inspired by their favorite characters for $22 each when they buy 2 versus their regular $24.99 price tags.

T-Shirt Sale

You can giggle with your best friends or family members in the Laughing Mickey Tee…

Laughing Mickey Tee

…look iconic in the Classic Mickey Tee…

Classic Mickey Tee

…sing along to your favorite Disney tunes in the Mickey Band Tee…

Mickey Band Tee

…get ready for your amazing vacation in the Walt Disney World Postcard Tee…

Walt Disney World Postcard Tee

…or give yourself a reminder of the Happiest Place on Earth in the Disney Home Tee.

Disney Home Tee

We almost want to take all of them home with us!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Entertainment Update

Dinosaur

Pre-shows have been popping up left and right in Disney World once again, and we couldn’t be happier! Recently, we’ve seen opening scenes make their way back to attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Rock ‘N Roller Coaster. And, now Dinosaur’s pre-show has been reinstated with none other than Dr. Grant Seeker as the host!

Dinosaur

Now the pre-show is operating where guests file into a room, while the pre-show plays from start to finish. Previously, though, the show would be on a constant loop as guests walked through the room using the social distancing markers in place.

It’s Dr. Seeker!

However, the social distancing markers have been removed from the pre-show area…

No More Social Distancing Markers

…although they are still situated in the queue outside of the pre-show room.

Dinosaur Queue

Of course, we’ll keep an eye out for even more returning pre-shows around the Disney World parks soon!

Take a look at the Dinosaur pre-show here!

Well, that’s all for this What’s New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We’ll catch you next time for more updates! And, if you have any questions about your upcoming Disney vacation, let us know so we can help you find the answers.

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

The post What’s New at Animal Kingdom: A Returning Ride Pre-Show and a Super Expensive Cocktail! first appeared on the disney food blog.

LOTS of things are changing in Disney World. If you’re a big fan of Disney’s pre-shows, then you’ll be thrilled to know that quite a few pre-shows have reopened including the ones at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and DINOSAUR.

Test Track

It seems like each time we’re in the parks, something else has reopened or changed! And today was no different! Today, we stopped by Test Track and noticed that 2 big things have changed at this attraction.

First, as we approached Test Track we noticed that the single rider line was once again available for guests to use. So, if you love to make use of those single rider lines, you can hop in that queue once again at this popular spot!

Seatbelts fastened, everyone! You’re gonna need them!

Second, we saw that Test Track’s interactive pre-show — the Design Studio — has reopened! Everyone can once again visit their own Design Station and build their own cars before taking them for a test drive.

You Can Design Your Car Again

As guests design their cars with shapes, colors, and more, they can make sure their vehicles meet certain Capability, Power, Responsiveness, and Efficiency standards.

Time to Get Designing!

During the attraction, guests can see how their vehicle compares to everyone else’s onboard, before eventually finding out who has the winning car at the end of the ride!

What Design Would You Make?

So, if you or your little ones were fans of this interactive part of Test Track, you should be able to enjoy it during your future trips!

Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more reopening news from rides and restaurants all around Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney updates.

Click here to see more about a MASSIVE art display Disney plans to build in Orlando.

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Have you been to Disney World recently? Let us know in the comments below!

The post PHOTOS: You Can Design Your Own Car Again in EPCOT’s Test Track! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Did y’all know it was International Yoga Day last week??

©Disney

Disney celebrated the holiday with Cast Members by holding a DREAM yoga session that we can only wish to re-create someday!

Yoga can be a really peaceful, energizing experience, and it’s especially invigorating to have a sunrise session outside with a beautiful view! Turns out, Disney took this a step further by turning that beautiful view into the Cinderella Castle!

@jeffvahle

That’s right — Disney Cast Members had a sunrise yoga session outside of Cinderella Castle before Magic Kingdom opened to celebrate International Yoga Day!

@jeffvahle

But that’s not the only place Disney Cast Members did yoga! Cast Members around the world in the Disney Parks took moments of mindfulness, making it a truly International Yoga Day. In the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, you could find yogis in the Disney Explorers Lodge!

©Disney

Across the sea in Disneyland, cast members gathered around the Sleeping Beauty castle for a yoga session!

©Disney

In the tropical Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, cast members met outside for a morning yoga session as well!

©Disney

And in the newly-reopened Disneyland Paris, you could find Cast Members doing yoga outside Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy!

©Disney

Do you think Disney would mind if we snuck in to some of these dream yoga sessions sometime? If only this was something Disney offered from time to time for guests?! Would you sign up!? Keep following DFB for the latest Disney news!

Click Here to See More Reasons Disney is Celebrating this Month! 

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Did you celebrate International Yoga Day? Tell us how in the comments!

The post Disney, Can You Make This Yoga Experience a THING?! first appeared on the disney food blog.

There are so many things to see in Disney World — the parks, the resorts, the water parks, Disney Springs, and more!

Welcome to Orlando!

But, during future trips as you’re driving around Orlando, you might spot a new Disney-related display outside of Disney World property.

According to the Orlando Business Journal, Disney has plans to create and install a GIANT “dynamic art installation” right on International Drive. 

Disney is seeking approval from Orange County to build this art display at 8050 International Drive on the Hollywood Plaza garage.

©Wallack Holdings | Obtained via the Orlando Business Journal

Reportedly, the display will be a “ribbon-like” piece which will face Orlando’s Interstate 4. Disney is partnering with Mitsubishi to install and maintain this display. Here’s a peek at where this location is on a map for context.

©Google Maps

The Orlando Business Journal reports that construction is expected to take less than a year, and the art display is set to be ready for guests to view in 2022.

According to the Orlando Business Journal, Disney will also occupy some retail space on the bottom floor of Hollywood Plaza.

Disney Merchandise

Orange County records show the application for the art display itself were approved in June, which allows building permits to then be sought out.

What will this art display look like? Disney’s application filed with Orange County gives us some ideas. In the project summary, Disney notes that it will include a lighting display and a digital display in a “flowing, ribbon- like configuration including subtle changing or moving art.”

The image below is some concept art that was included in Disney’s application. It shows Slinky Dog Dash, a Toy Story Alien, and Toy Story Land on it.

©Disney

Disney notes that the display will allow for “continuously refreshed dynamic and subtle moving displays of works of art that feature the Walt Disney Company’s iconic characters and franchises, as well as the Walt Disney World® Resort’s famous attractions.”

The display will weigh in at 114,671 pounds, and be about 30 feet high in some parts and 337 feet long. The Orlando Business Journal notes that more than 200,000(!!) cars pass daily along Interstate 4. That could provide Disney with major exposure and potentially attract more guests to the parks.

Hollywood Studios

These art installations may also start being used in other places to advertise conventions or welcome convention attendees.

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates about this art display and retail space and let you know what we find.

Click here to read news about Royal Caribbean setting sail out of Florida.

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What do you think of this art display? Tell us in the comments.

The post NEWS: Disney Plans to Install MASSIVE Art Display in Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog.

Is there a more lovable sight than seeing Mickey balloons fill the sky on Main Street, U.S.A.?

Disney Balloons

Balloons are certainly a staple of Magic Kingdom and other areas of Disney World, whether you choose to take one home or admire them from afar. It’s SUPER exciting to spot a new balloon style and earlier this year we got to spot some sweet new Mickey balloon colors. Today though, we caught a glimpse of a balloon-based on a DIFFERENT lovable character!

We were strolling into Magic Kingdom today when we spotted that the balloon bunches had a new addition — the Moana Balloon!

Moana Balloon

Yep, your favorite islander princess has her very own, spherical, lighter-than-air souvenir! We have to say, these new balloons are pretty eye-catching and might make the perfect addition to your fam’s stroller — especially if you have a Moana-lover on board.

Moana Balloon

On one side of the balloon, you can spot Moana and Maui posing in picture-perfect stances. Oh, and Hei-Hei and Pua too!

Moana Balloon

On the other side, the gang gets seafarin’ in a cool action shot! Look at sweet Pua in Maui’s arms!

Moana Balloon

We spotted these balloons in Magic Kingdom but they may be available elsewhere as well. You can snag one for $14! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates from Disney World and beyond!

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What do you think of the Moana Balloon? Tell us in the comments! 

The post If You Love Moana, You HAVE to See Disney World’s New Souvenir first appeared on the disney food blog.

We’re BACK at La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT!

La Cava del Tequila

Okay, okay, maybe we never really left. BUT, lounge seating has returned to this fan-favorite spot which was previously operating as a to-go-service-only location due to the global health crisis. Of course, we stopped by to report on the changes and even try a special celebratory marg!

As a part of the full reopening of La Cava del Tequila, the spot is serving up the Welcome Back Margarita. A new La Cava marg?! Sign us up!

La Cava del Tequila

We headed into the little spot and waited for a table and we’ll tell ya, it was worth the wait! A seat in this intimate location comes with relaxing vibes and views of some beautiful Mexican art.

La Cava del Tequila

The tables had QR codes to scan for the menu.

La Cava del Tequila

We spotted the Welcome Back Margarita RIGHT at the top of the cocktails list and ordered it…

©Disney

…with some Chips and Salsa to round out the experience.

Chips

The Welcome Back Margarita is Ojo de Tigre mezcal, blackberry purée, Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur, Abasolo corn whiskey, agave nectar, lime juice, and a black ant salt rim.

Welcome Back Margarita

We immediately noticed that this drink was super, SUPER smoky. On our first sip we thought that it was on the sweet side, but the smokiness sneaks up on the back end of the flavor profile!

Welcome Back Margarita

If you enjoy mezcal, this might be up your alley but we could see it not being everyone’s cup of tea. Our only complaint since we dig the smokiness is that we wish the drink were a little colder! Basically, if you’re a mezcal person (or just love a good La Cava marg), this option is worth trying! We enjoyed the fruity/smoky combo.

Welcome Back Margarita

You can snag the Welcome Back at La Cava del Tequila in EPCOT for $17! Keep in mind, this drink may not be around permanently. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney updates!

Click here to learn more about the full reopening of La Cava del Tequila!

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Would you try this new margarita? Tell us in the comments! 

The post La Cava Del Tequila Debuts a NEW Margarita in EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog.