Oh Boy! It’s a New Giraffe Calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

One of the best things about my role at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is helping people celebrate the magic of nature every day. And today I want to share an exciting milestone as we celebrate the recent birth of a Masai giraffe calf. Appropriate news to share on the longest day of the year, don’t you think?

HURRY! Disney Just Released 2 Limited Edition EPCOT Posters Online!

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

We love Disney attraction posters, both in Disney Parks and also in our homes!

Posters

Disney has been releasing past, present, and future limited-edition posters of EPCOT attractions throughout 2021. We’ve been loving all the limited-edition posters released so far and now shopDisney just dropped two new posters that we need to add to our collections!

shopDisney just released the EPCOT Horizons Poster and the EPCOT Mission: SPACE Poster. As with all the other EPCOT attractions posters, these are limited-release. The EPCOT Horizons poster features artwork by Eric Tan and is based on the EPCOT attraction Horizons, which was where Mission: SPACE now resides. We love the retro space feel!

©Disney

The EPCOT Horizons poster is 24 x 36 inches in size and is printed on black archival paper with metallic inks. Remember that this poster is limited and once a new poster design is released, it could disappear! It is available now on shopDisney through June 30, 2021 for $99.

Order the EPCOT Horizons Poster here!

The EPCOT Mission: SPACE poster features more of Eric Tan’s artwork with his design spin on the current EPCOT attraction, Mission: SPACE. It’s currently on shopDisney through June 30, 2021 for $99.

©Disney

The Mission: SPACE poster is also 24 x 36 inches and created by Disney Imagineers using the same processes they used for the original Disney Parks attraction posters. It is available on shopDisney now and you do not want to wait to order!

Order the EPCOT Mission: SPACE poster here!

Remember, these posters are limited-edition and once the next design is released, they’ll be gone! We can’t wait to see what EPCOT posters are released next. Make sure you stick with DFB for all your Disney news!

Here’s how to save big on new Disney plushes!

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. 🙂

Will you be adding either of these new EPCOT posters to your collections? Let us know in the comments!

The post HURRY! Disney Just Released 2 Limited Edition EPCOT Posters Online! first appeared on the disney food blog.

What Could the Return of Fireworks Mean for Disney World?

Disney World is going through some big changes right now!

There are some big changes coming to Disney World!

Health and safety measures are starting to disappear and restaurants, entertainment options, and resorts are starting to reopen more frequently. Disney recently announced that fireworks would be returning to the parks soon, and that announcement has some huge implications for the future of what’s happening in the parks!

Fireworks Are Coming Back Soon!

Disney World recently announced that fireworks are returning on July 1st, starting with Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Forever at EPCOT. Fireworks haven’t been shown in the parks since March of 2020, so this is a big day for Disney!

Happily Ever After views from Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This change is likely because physical distancing guidelines are being reduced all around the park, so guests are now allowed to stand near each other.

Guests can sit in any row now.

As far as ride vehicles go, more parties are being loaded in them together and plexiglass is starting to be removed. The same goes for theater seating — guests are now being seated closer together.

With these distancing changes, it’s not too shocking that Disney would bring back fireworks. Specific information regarding distancing has no been shared at this time.

Click Here to See How Disney World Ride Queues Are Starting to Look Normal Again!

What Could This Mean?

So what does it mean for Disney World that fireworks are returning? Well, most likely it means that more entertainment options could return soon! Right now many stage shows and live performances are temporarily suspended in the parks, but if fireworks work out, then so could those things.

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is still closed.

First of all, if Happily Ever After can come back, then it makes sense that Magic Kingdom would be able to bring back castle stage shows. It’s the same area, and if you run the show multiple times a day, then there will be even smaller crowds than what you see for fireworks. 

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

However, it’s possible we could see other entertainment options return as well, even if it’s just outdoor entertainment at first. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Fantasmic, and Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage are all outdoor shows that might return sooner than indoor options. When mask changes were implemented, they started with outdoor locations. So, we could see this same for shows. Outdoor/open-air spaces will likely be first. 

Theater of the Stars, home of Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage

But even when it comes to indoor shows, we’ve already seen the return of Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Right now, it’s a modified experience, with new choreography and elements to keep Cast Members and guests safe. Could Disney alter the other shows to fit this mold? 

The updated Festival of the Lion King!

As of right now, fireworks are the only entertainment offering returning to the parks. Disney will probably see how things go and then take steps to bring back more entertainment. Disney will likely weigh out cost and demand as well to see when shows and other entertainment offerings will return.

Click Here to See How Festival of the Lion King Has Changed in Disney World!

Disney May Be on the Fast Track to “Normal”

Right now, a lot of different changes are coming all at once. Just in the last month, we’ve seen temperature checks disappear, a reduction in physical distancing, face masks become optional for vaccinated guests, plexiglass getting removed from many locations, and a slow increase in park capacity.

Ground markers have been removed from the Jungle Cruise queue.

Resort and restaurant reopening dates continue to get announced frequently. Crowds have been high and capacity is slowly increasing. Guests may demand more options as COVID-19 changes are reduced around the parks. 

Will You Be Eating at ‘Ohana When It Reopens?

Disney World has a very busy season ahead. Right now, we’re in the midst of summer vacation with the 4th of July fast approaching, but soon after that, it’ll be the Halloween/fall season, followed by the big 50th Anniversary. It’s very difficult to find Disney Resort reservations through the end of the year, which is a testament to just how popular the parks will be in the rest of the year.

Cinderella Castle got a 50th Anniversary makeover!

Guests might want or even expect more options as the holidays and the 50th approach. As stated above, Disney will likely weigh out demand and cost to see when they will bring back old offerings and if they should introduce new ones or guests.

The Top Disney World Events You Can’t Miss in 2021! — Click Here

Things are changing all the time. So, stay tuned to DFB for all the updates! Fireworks are definitely going to be a big change, and we’ll be there on the opening night to share all the details with you!

Click Here for the Fireworks Showtimes for July!

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. 🙂

Which fireworks show is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

The post What Could the Return of Fireworks Mean for Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney Springs’ Flavors of Florida Food and Merchandise Event is Coming BACK!

While you might think of heading to EPCOT for festival fun, there are unique celebrations that take place in Disney Springs too!

How Much Time Do You Spend at Disney Springs During Your Trips?

We’ve seen celebrations take place here for Women’s history month, Asian-Pacific heritage month, Black History month, and more. And soon Disney Springs will be celebrating summer with special food, cocktails, and more thanks to the return of a special event! 

Flavors of Florida is coming BACK to Disney Springs this year! We celebrated Flavors of Florida back in 2019 with special drinks and snacks, and this year we’ll be able to do it all again.

Starting July 6th, you’ll get to experience Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs. During this special celebration, there will be Florida-inspired plates, cocktails, and products across 20+ dining and retail locations throughout Disney Springs for you to enjoy.

Flavors of Florida 2019

If you’re looking to do some Florida-inspired shopping, you’ll find The Florida Sunshine Collection at Basin, some Orange Blossom Florida Honey at Savannah Bee Company, and fun products over at Ron Jon Surf Shop®, a Florida-based store.

Florida Orange Soap from Basin

And there will be plenty to eat and drink too! Disney still hasn’t shared the full list of items, but they have announced a few that will be available this year. First, you can grab some Watermelon Dole Whip at Marketplace Snacks.

Watermelon Dole Whip Cup

Then you can balance that sweet with something savory — specifically, the Florida Rock Shrimp Tacos at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. It looks like these may be the same or similar to the “Shrimp, Why’d it have to be Shrimp” tacos we’ve had before.

Shrimp! Why’d It Have to be Shrimp! Tacos

Then, it’s back to the sweets with Chocolate Chip Key Lime Cookies and Key Lime Pie Cakes at Gideon’s Bakehouse.

Layers of yum.

Or, you could head over to City Works Eatery & Pour House for a Golden Honey Margarita and Grouper Tacos.

City Works Eatery and Pour House

And if you’re looking for some Florida-inspired entertainment you can stop by the Orange Bird Wall for some selfies…

Florida-themed Orange Bird Mural in Disney Springs

…or check out the live performances from Florida-based entertainers.

Again, this is just a peek at some of the items coming to Disney Springs as part of the Flavors of Florida event. We’ll keep an eye out for a full list and let you know what we find. If you want to check out this limited-time event, be sure to mark your calendars!

Click here to see 5 DFB videos you’ve got to watch before visiting the 2021 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!

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. 🙂

Will you be checking out some of these special offerings this summer? Tell us in the comments!

The post Disney Springs’ Flavors of Florida Food and Merchandise Event is Coming BACK! first appeared on the disney food blog.

“InsidEars: Live From the Magic” Checks Out Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel

Disneyland Paris has released a new episode of the YouTube series InsidEars: Live from the Magic giving us a look at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, which opened today, June 21. What’s Happening: The latest episode of Disneyland Paris’ InsidEars: Live from the Magic has been released, giving fans an inside look at […]

The post “InsidEars: Live From the Magic” Checks Out Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tour An Empire State Club Room in Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris

hotel-new-york-art-of-marvel-room-tour50

Following the reopening of Disneyland Paris, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel has opened its doors for guests. Previously known as simply Disney’s Hotel New York, the hotel has been rethemed to incorporate and celebrate the art of Marvel comics and films. Join us on a tour of a rethemed room in the upgraded hotel. This hotel has an art deco style, with most of the overt Marvel references kept to artwork displayed throughout. A portrait of […]

The post PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tour An Empire State Club Room in Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris appeared first on WDW News Today.

The 10 Best Disney Amazon Prime Day Deals Under $10

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

We always work hard to tell you about the latest discounts, sales, and deals when it comes to Disney merchandise. But today’s an extra special day when it comes to sales — it’s Amazon Prime Day!

Always Gotta Look for Discounts!

If you’re not familiar with it, on Amazon Prime Day Amazon Prime members can score some BIG deals on all kinds of merchandise, including some great Disney items. Looking to get some great deals on Disney items? Looking to only spend about $10 per item (we all might as well get more bang for our buck, right)? Then get ready because we’ve got just the list for you!

Here’s a list of some of the best Amazon Prime Day deals for Disney items that are all UNDER $10!

First up, Amazon has everything you need for your next EPIC family game night. Start things off with the Disney Pixar UNO Card Game.

©Amazon | Pixar/Disney

This is typically $9.99, but you can get it for just $6.99 as part of Prime Day!

Click here to get the UNO Game!

Next, it’s time to bring out those creative skills with this Play-Doh set featuring Olaf’s Sleigh Ride!

©Amazon | Disney

It’s typically $14.99 but as part of prime day you can save 35%(!!!) and get it for $9.69.

Get the Play-Doh set by clicking here!

Then, get ready for some hide and seek fun or other games you can play with this Star Wars Mid Range Walkie Talkie set!

©Amazon | Star Wars

It comes with Kylo Ren and First Order Trooper walkie talkies. It’s typically priced at $16.99, but as part of prime day you can save OVER 50% and get it for just $8.29.

Click here to get the Walkie Talkie set!

Then it’s time to unwrap some “Plush Candy” and see if you can guess which character you’re going to get.

©Amazon | Disney

When you pull each side of the candy capsule, you’ll get to open it up and reveal the plush inside.

©Amazon | Disney

While this is normally priced at $18.17, you can actually get it for 56% off as part of Prime Day and snag it right now for $7.99. These could make great little gifts for kiddos, surprise items you could pull out of your bag during your Disney trip, or even stocking stuffers (yes, you can totally plan for Christmas and other holidays in June)!

Click here to grab the plush candy set!

If you want to grab a cool toy for your little one (or your Toy Story-obsessed friend), then you can pick up the Toy Story Minis Buzz Lightyear Star Adventurer Playset!

©Amazon | Disney/Pixar

This set comes with a Star Command design and Star Adventures carnival playset (with rides!) inside. And it includes the exclusive mini Buzz Lightyear figure too.

©Amazon | Disney/Pixar

This is typically priced at $19.99, but you can get it on sale for $9.99 as part of Prime Day!

Get the playset here!

If you collect Disney dolls or have a kiddo at home who does, then you’ll probably want to take advantage of this next deal! The Frozen 2 Snow Queen Elsa Fashion Doll is typically priced at $14.99, but as part of Prime Day you can get it for $9.49!

©Amazon | Disney

The doll comes complete with Elsa’s cape and shoes to match with her gown.

Click here to get the Snow Queen Elsa doll!

If you’re more of a stuffed animal fan, then you can grab this Tigger plush inspired by the Christopher Robin live action film.

©Amazon | Disney

Tigger is typically priced at $12.99, but you can bounce along with this plush for just $7.99 thanks to Prime Day!

Get the Tigger plush here!

If you collect Disney Funko POP! figures, today is a great day for you to grab some of the ones you may have been waiting to snag. There are quite a few Disney Funko POP! figures on sale, including this one of Sarah from Hocus Pocus flying through the air (typically $10.99, on sale for $6.99)…

©Amazon | Disney

…this one of Mickey riding Casey Jr. (typically $10.99, on sale for $6.99)…

©Amazon | Disney

…and this one of Minnie riding Casey Jr. (typically $10.99, on sale for $5.99).

©Amazon | Disney

There are quite a few other Disney Funko POP! figures on sale too, so be sure to check for those!

If you and your little one like to read together, there are some books on sale too, like this book which features 5-minute racing stories inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars!

©Amazon | Disney/Pixar

It’s typically priced at $12.99 but is on sale right now for $8.74. This is a SUPER limited time deal though and actually ends in just over 2 hours (from the time of the writing of this post — around 11:30 ET) so be sure to act fast!

Click here to get this book!

If you’re looking for beauty products featuring Disney characters you’ll find some of that too. It’s not a dramatic savings, but you can get $1 off some of the essence Disney Princess Collection mascaras.

©Amazon

That savings makes them $3.99, as opposed to their $4.99 regular price. Again, not a huge savings but every dollar counts!

Click here to check out the Disney Princess Collection mascaras!

And that’s our list of some of the best Disney Prime Day deals under $10! Remember that some of these deals are only available for a limited amount of time. Prime Day will be taking place today (June 21st) and tomorrow — but keep in mind that some deals are even more limited (like the one we mentioned above that’s only available for a few hours more).

Be sure to act fast to grab the best savings! And stay tuned to us here at DFB for more posts about how to save money on your favorite Disney items.

Click Here to See 12 Disney Items on Amazon That’ll Make Your Summer BBQ Perfect!

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. 🙂

Have you scored any good Prime Day deals this year? Let us know in the comments!

The post The 10 Best Disney Amazon Prime Day Deals Under first appeared on the disney food blog.

NEWS: Two MORE Disney World Hotels Are Getting Refurbished Soon!

Disney World is constantly getting updated and refreshed.

Cinderella Castle

You’ll often spot construction when you visit the parks on rides, attractions, hotels, and more undergo regular refurbishments to stay up-to-date. Soon, you’ll be noticing a bit more construction at two of Disney’s Resort hotels!

Beginning June 28th, both Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort will see some updates. Both of these changes will come in phases and primarily affect the main areas of the resort (not the guest rooms).

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

For Saratoga Springs, there will be 3 phases. In phase 1, you’ll notice that the connecting hallway to the main lobby will be closed. This begins on June 28th and guests will still have access to the restrooms and The Artist’s Palette. Phase 2 begins on July 12th and lasts through September. During this time, the porte-cochere will be closed, with a temporary walkway added to the front desk for those dropped off by Magical Express. Guests driving personal vehicles will have curbside check-in at the Disney Vacation Club Preview Center.

The Artist’s Palette at Saratoga Springs

During phase 3 of the refurbishment at Saratoga Springs, the hallway that was previously closed will reopen and the lobby will close instead. The front desk and concierge will move to the hallway temporarily. This phase begins in early August.

You’ll see some changes around here!

Over at Old Key West Resort, the refurbishment will happen in 2 phases, beginning June 28th. During the first phase, guests will check-in as normal in the lobby, but the den area will be closed. Once the den area reopens, check-in will move there while the lobby is closed for updates.

Old Key West den/lounge area

These two resorts are the latest in a long line of hotel construction projects. Right now, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is undergoing a massive room refurbishment that has left the resort looking rather unusual — and made it a lot louder in the process!

That’s a LOT of scrims.

Also, there are some major updates happening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! The monorail station is being rebuilt from the ground up and the standard rooms are all being updated to match a new Moana theme. This resort is scheduled to reopen sometime in July. 

Construction is continuing at the Poly!

And on top of that, we’re also getting some room updates coming to the Grand Floridian Resort. It’s a popular time to see Resort construction, so make sure to keep following along with DFB for the latest info!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

After the refurbishments are complete, both Saratoga Springs and Old Key West will feature an open, free-flowing layout with a variety of smaller counters to help guests have a better check-in experience. Stay tuned to DFB as we continue to cover these updates — we’ll be visiting these resorts to check out all the details!

Click Here to Learn About Other Resort Refurbs Going On!

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

Have you ever stayed at either of these resorts?

The post NEWS: Two MORE Disney World Hotels Are Getting Refurbished Soon! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Limited Release EPCOT Horizons and Mission: Space Posters Now Available on shopDisney

epcot-posters

The EPCOT serigraph poster collection continues with two new limited release posters now available on shopDisney. These posters feature fan-favorite Horizons and Mission: Space. The Horizons poster was available last July but quickly sold out; Mission: Space was available last February. Both re-released posters are the beautiful work on Eric Tan. They retail for $99 and are only available until June 30. Limited Edition EPCOT Horizons Serigraph Poster – $99 In celebration of the original EPCOT attraction Horizons (1983-1999), this fine art […]

The post Limited Release EPCOT Horizons and Mission: Space Posters Now Available on shopDisney appeared first on WDW News Today.

PHOTOS: Baby Masai Giraffe Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

giraffe-calf-4

Another Masai giraffe has been born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which welcomed two Masai giraffe calves last year. The calf was born on June 10 and is six feet tall and weighs 183 pounds. According to Scott Terrell, Director of Animal & Science Operations, he’s “playful, curious and pretty chill” and has been spending lots of time with mom, Lily. He has a unique butterfly marking on his right shoulder and heart-shaped markings throughout his coat. Due to poaching and […]

The post PHOTOS: Baby Masai Giraffe Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on WDW News Today.