Can you believe it’s almost 2022?! SO much has happened in Disney World this year, and we’re still waiting for some things to return after over a year of closure. After months of anticipation, Magic Kingdom celebrated its 50th anniversary, EPCOT introduced a new attraction, and two parks debuted new nighttime spectaculars (Enchantment & Harmonious). But there’s always something new around the corner, and there’s plenty to look forward to in 2022, too!

The end of the year is here!

As we prepare to ring in the new year (either from home or in Disney World), let’s look back at the month of December and reflect on ALL the new things we learned about! 

1. Parking Trams are BACK

After MONTHS of walking to and from our cars, the beloved parking trams are FINALLY back at some locations in Disney World! Some people even think of the tram as the first attraction of their day! 

Welcome back, trams! You were MISSED!

After Disney teased their return in early December, the trams officially returned on December 19th. It was a happy day!

Click here to check out the trams back in action!

2. Bob Iger’s Replacement Announced for the Walt Disney Company

Bob Iger stepped down as Disney’s CEO and was then replaced by Bob Chapek in 2020. One year later, we now have a new Executive Chairman at the Walt Disney Company.

©Disney

Susan Arnold, who has been on the Walt Disney Company board for 14 years, will replace Bob Iger. Iger is set to leave the Walt Disney Company in December 2021. 

Click here to learn more about the NEW Executive Chairman

3. 5 Special Tours Are Coming Back to Disney World Next Year!

Some of Disney’s most popular tours have remained unavailable since the start of the pandemic! Now we finally have a return date for FIVE Disney tours, including the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, the Caring for Giants tour, the Wild Africa Trek!, the Up Close with Rhinos tour, and the Savor the Savanna experience. 

Guests will be able to learn more about Disney’s elephants once again!

Each of these tours will be returning on February 6th, 2022, and you can start booking most of these tours now. 

Click here to learn more about the return of Disney’s special tours

4. Hotel Guests to Get MORE TIME in the Disney World Parks for a Limited Time

A popular perk for guests staying on property just got a little better! From December 19th through January 3rd, 2022, Early Theme Park Entry allows guests to enter the parks 60 minutes before the posted opening time!

This is a MAJOR perk!

Previously, Disney resort guests were allowed to enter the park 30 minutes early. Keep in mind that only select attractions, shops, and restaurants are available during that time.

Click here to read more about the added benefit of 30 extra minutes!

5. Limited Time CHANGES Announced for Genie+ and Pay-Per-Ride Selections in Disney World

On top of the extra time in the parks for Disney resort guests, some Individual Attraction Selection rides were instead added to the list of attractions available through Genie+. 

Expedition Everest

During this time, guests do not have to purchase an individual Lightning Lane return time to ride each of the following rides: Space Mountain, Frozen Ever After, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Expedition Everest. All of these attractions are included with Genie+ from December 19th to January 3rd, 2022.

Click here to get ALL the details on this temporary change to Genie+

6. OPENING DATE Announced for Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

MANY guests have been waiting for Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort to reopen, and we finally have a reopening date! Mark your calendars and pack your tennis rackets, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is set to reopen on March 31st, 2022! Reservations for the hotel opened on December 22nd.

All-Star Sports

For guests looking for an inexpensive (in terms of Disney pricing, anyway) place to stay, the All-Star resorts are some of the most popular value resorts on property.

8 Reasons You Should Definitely Consider A Disney World Value Resort Hotel

7. Another Replacement Service for Disney’s Magical Express Has Been Announced

As you may have heard by now, Disney’s free Magical Express service will no longer transport guests to and from the airport. Instead, guests will have to find a different way to get from the Orlando International Airport to their hotel. We’ve priced out all the current options and weighed the pros and cons of each, and now it appears that guests will have ANOTHER option to consider.

©The Sunshine Flyer

The new themed bus experience is called The Sunshine Flyer (cute name, right?). Like Magical Express, the busses will take guests from Orlando International Airport to their Disney World hotels. Tickets will cost $17 per adult and $12.50 per child for a 1-way trip. Round trip is $34 for adults and $25 per child. Kids under 2 ride free.

Click here for ALL the details on The Sunshine Flyer

8. Parades Are Now Available With Genie+ in Disney World!

Ever since Genie+ was introduced back in October, we’ve been keeping up with all the little tweaks and changes Disney has made to the Fastpass replacement service. In December, we noticed that Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade was available as a Genie+ selection!

We Daisy!

Guests paying for Genie+ for the day have the option to reserve a special parade viewing area in the Magic Kingdom.

Click here to read about this NEW Genie+ Change

Now that December is over, it’s time to look ahead to the new year! Our New Year’s Resolution: go to DISNEY! What about you? Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news and park updates. As you can see, a lot can happen in just one month!

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing a Celebrity in Disney World

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

Are you excited about any of these changes? Let us know in the comments!

The post 8 NEW Things We Found Out in Disney World in December first appeared on the disney food blog.

A colorful new Spirit Jersey is now available at Disneyland Resort. We found it in Disney Clothiers at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland Spirit Jersey – $74.99

The base jersey is white, with splotches of pink, blue, green, and yellow across it, like splattered paint.

A yellow version of the Disneyland “D” logo with a blue Mickey head is on the front left breast.

“Disneyland Resort” is spelled out on the back in colorful lettering.

Will you be getting comfy in this Spirit Jersey? Let us know in the comments.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post PHOTOS: Colorful New Disneyland Spirit Jersey Now Available appeared first on WDW News Today.

Disney Springs has announced Wellness Wednesdays and Fitness Fridays, plus healthy food options and offerings for the month of January 2022.

Various wellness and fitness activities will be offered on select days in January. Registration through DisneySprings.com is required but the activities are free.

Power Yoga

Get your body moving during an exhilarating Power Yoga session with Fabletics and Orlando Power Yoga. This activity is offered from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, January 5, 2022
• Wednesday, January 26, 2022

HIIT Workout Class

Join UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE for a high-intensity interval training. This activity is offered from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, January 19, 2022
• Friday, January 28, 2022

Warrior One Yoga

Re-center yourself during an energizing Warrior One Yoga session with lululemon. This activity is offered from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the following dates:

• Wednesday, January 12, 2022
• Friday, January 21, 2022

The Spice & Tea Exchange is offering 50% off one-ounce tea bags with the purchase of an infuser mug. This offer is valid from January 1 through January 31.

YeSake Kiosk will have the Tofu Power Bowl and customized creations, plus boba tea made with calming ingredients, available through April 30, 2022.

As always, keep following WDWNT for all of your Disney Parks news, and for the absolute latest, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Disney Springs Announces New Health and Wellness Activities for January 2022 appeared first on WDW News Today.

Happy New Year to all our DFB Friends! 2022 is almost here!

Why is the champagne frosting dyed blue?

We’ve got a water park reopening (complete with some delicious new snacks), price increases, and more, though, to tell you about from last week, the final week of 2021. So here are the Disney World restaurant menu updates!

Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

We’ve got one small change over at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory: the Pimento BLT has been removed from the menu.

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

That’s the only change we’re seeing here this week, though.

Read A Review of the Latest Treat We’ve Had Here

Disney Springs

The Edison

There have been some price increases happening at The Edison. Here’s what’s been updated on the “Patented Specialties” menu:

• Queen Cut Prime Rib increased from $42 to $43
• Barolo Short Rib increased from $38 to $39
• Blackened Mahi increased from $32 to $33
• Grilled Salmon increased from $31 to $32
• Spare Ribs increased from $35 to $39

The Edison

Under the “Patented Partners” part of the menu, there’s an actual price drop: L. Burbank Hand-cut Fries decreased from $11 to $8. And under Desserts, Shortbread Shortcake decreased from $15 to  $13. Here’s what’s happened to the “Drinks” part of the menu:

• Paloma decreased from $18 to $16
• Samantha Sterling increased from $16 to $18
• A Dame’ll Sting Ya increased from $15 to $17
• The Edison increased from $16 to $17
• Strawberry Fields Forever increased from $15 to $16

A Dame’ll Sting Ya

• Patented Old Fashioned increased from $16 to $17
• Bootleggers’ Basil increased from $15 to  $17
•  Edison Run’s On… increased from $16 to $22

Read Our Most Recent Review of The Edison

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

We’ve got a small change at Splitsville — the Filet Sliders have been removed from the menu.

Filet Sliders

The Rolls Royce Platter is also gone now, too.

Read Our Latest Review of Splitsville

Typhoon Lagoon

Lowtide Lou’s

Typhoon Lagoon reopens on January 2nd, 2022, and ahead of that, we noticed a ton of menu updates at the water park, starting with Lowtide Lou’ss. Although the Chicken Wrap and Chips remain on the menu, we’ve seen the following updates:

• REMOVED: Italian Deli Sandwich
• REMOVED: Tuna Sandwich with Chips and Grapes
• REMOVED: Nachos with Cheese
• REMOVED: Smoked Fish Dip with Crackers
• ADDED: Shrimp Louie Lettuce Wrap served with Chips for $12.99
• ADDED: Cauliflower Tabbouleh (plant-based) for $8.99

Lowtide Lou’s

The pretzels also got a price increase:

• Stuffed Cream Cheese Pretzel increased from $6.59 to $6.79
• Mickey Pretzel with Cheese increased from $5.99 to $6.79
• Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel increased from $6.59 to $6.79

Previous Lowtide Lou’s Menu

Here’s what’s changed with the sweet treats:

• Nestle Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar increased from $5.39 to $5.69
• Nestle Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Sandwich increased from $5.39 to $5.69
• Strawberry Fruit Bar increased from $4.99 to $5.19
• Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade Cup increased from $5.19 to $5.39
• Minute Maid Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Cup increased from $5.19 to $5.39
• Lowfat Milk decreased from $2.99 to $1.99
• Nestle Nesquick Chocolate Milk decreased from $2.99 to $1.99

Lowtide Lou’s Sign

There are some changes under the Drinks menu, too:

• Bud Light Lime Lager increased from $8.25 to $8.50
• Corona Extra Lager increased in price from $8.50 to $8.75
• ADDED: Michelob Ultra Lager for $8.50
• Seasonal Draft Beer changed from $7.50-$10.50 to $8.25-$10.00
• REMOVED: Strawberry Colada (alcoholic)
• Grey Goose Frozen Black Cherry Lemonade increased from $12 to $14

Lowtide Lou’s

• ADDED: Pina Colada with Choice of Strawberry or Passion Fruit Swirls for $13
• Lou’s Wavy Mango Wine Slushy increased from $9 to $10
• ADDED: Blue Marble Marg or Mojito for $10
• REMOVED: Beso Del Sol Sangria
• ADDED: Opici Family Sangria in Red or White for $11
• REMOVED: Copa Di Vino Merlot
• ADDED: Copa Di Vino Cabernet Sauvignon for $9

Read A Review of Typhoon Lagoon’s Splash-And-Dine Around

Snack Shack

All the entrees have been removed at Snack shack, save for one. And the kid’s meals have also been removed. The only entree now available is the new Loaded Nachos with Walt’s Chili for $11.99. And the dessert menu has also changed: both the Sand Pail and Soft Serve Sundae and Waffle Cone are now gone. But the Chocolate Chip Cookie remains. However, there are now some new  DOLE Whip snacks:

• ADDED: Hei Hei Cone for $5.29
• ADDED: Motunui Island Twist for $5.29
• ADDED: Dole Whip Soft-serve for $4.99

©Disney

Here’s what’s changed with Drinks:

• REMOVED: Strawberry Margarita
• Pina Colada is now made with Bacardi Rum for $11
• Bud Light increased from $7.75 to $8.
• ADDED: Habanero Lime Galley Shack Swirl for $13
• ADDED: Dole Whip Soft-serve (served with alcohol) for $11
• ADDED: Michelob Ultra Lager for $8.50

See More On The Typhoon Lagoon Menu Changes

Those are all the menu updates we have for this week, but we’ll be back soon with more, so don’t go anywhere!

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!

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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.

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Did any of your favorite Disney World restaurants have menu changes recently? Let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Price Increases and Revamped Water Park Menus Hit Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog.

Happy holidays from Walt Disney World!

The days between Christmas and New Year’s are notoriously crowded!

This time of year is super busy at the parks, and this week is usually one of the most crowded weeks of the year. We saw big crowds last weekend for Christmas, but did those folks stick around this week? We like to keep up with how lines are looking in order to gauge how busy it is, so here’s a look at all the average wait times in Disney World from this week.

Magic Kingdom

Let’s head to Magic Kingdom! This week, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had the longest average wait time with 80 minutes!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

After that, we had Jungle Cruise at 64 minutes, Peter Pan’s Flight at 64 minutes, Space Mountain at 46 minutes, Splash Mountain at 36 minutes, Haunted Mansion at 35 minutes, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 34 minutes, Astro Orbiter at 34 minutes, Space Ranger Spin at 29 minutes, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at 28 minutes, Buzz Lightyear’s , Pirates of the Caribbean at 27 minutes,  and “it’s a small world” at 23 minutes.

Jingle Cruise

Then, we saw Tomorrowland Speedway at 19 minutes, Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini at 18 minutes, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid at 18 minutes, Magic Carpets of Aladdin at 18 minutes, Dumbo the Flying Elephant at 16 minutes, Mickey’s PhilharMagic at 15 minutes, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at 14 minutes, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at 12 minutes, and Mad Tea Party at 12 minutes.

PeopleMover

And rides that had wait times in the single digits were Carousel of Progress at 4 minutes, Tom Sawyer Island at 2 minutes, Liberty Square Riverboat at 2 minutes, and Country Bear Jamboree at 2 minutes. Rides with no waits were Hall of Presidents, Enchanted Tiki Room, and Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

EPCOT

Over in EPCOT, the ride with the longest average wait was Frozen Ever After at 92 minutes.

Frozen Ever After line

Then, we had Test Track at 68 minutes, Soarin’ at 45 minutes, Mission: SPACE at 39 minutes, Spaceship Earth at 28 minutes, The Seas with Nemo and Friends at 23 minutes, Journey into Imagination at 16 minutes, Gran Fiesta Tour at 16 minutes, Turtle Talk with Crush at 12 minutes, and Living with the Land at 12 minutes.

Figment in his holiday sweater!!!!!

The theater shows in EPCOT all had zero waits this past week! These included: Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China!

Hollywood Studios

Moving on to Hollywood Studios, Rise of the Resistance had the highest average wait time this week at 142 minutes.

Rise of the Resistance had BIG lines this week

After that, we had Slinky Dog Dash at 86 minutes, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at 64 minutes, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at 54 minutes, Toy Story Mania at 54 minutes, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith at 51 minutes, and Tower of Terror at 47 minutes.

Slinky Line

And finally, we had Alien Swirling Saucers at 32 minutes, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at 26 minutes, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at 18 minutes, Muppet*Vision 3D at 10 minutes, and Walt Disney Presents at 8 minutes.

Animal Kingdom

Hopping over to Animal Kingdom, the ride with the longest average wait time this week was Avatar Flight of Passage at 129 minutes.

Flight of Passage

Then, we had Na’vi River Journey at 65 minutes, Kilimanjaro Safaris at 61 minutes, DINOSAUR at 36 minutes, and Expedition Everest at 33 minutes, and Kali River Rapids at 29 minutes.

Expedition Everest

Following behind was Triceratop Spin at 14 minutes, It’s Tough to Be a Bug at 14 minutes, The Boneyard at 0 minutes, and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail at 0 minutes.

Babyyyyy Gorilla!

That’s your look at the average wait times around Walt Disney World this week! Stay tuned to DFB more Disney news and updates.

Click here to see what’s new in EPCOT!

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

Which ride queue is your favorite in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post See the Wait Times During the BUSIEST Week of the Year at Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog.

For decades, actress Betty White has been a staple of American media.

©ABC/Getty Images

She has starred in countless films and TV series and has become famous for her wit, humor, and charm. And today, we sadly report that The Golden Girls star has passed away at age 99.

According to People, her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas has confirmed her passing, saying “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever.” Her 100th birthday would have been on January 17th, 2022.

©People

Throughout her life, she was known for roles in series like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, Life with Elizabeth, and Hot in Cleveland. She even hosted Saturday Night Live. Betty White was also a Disney Legend, having starred in many film projects from Disney’s various studios.

©Freeform/Getty Images

We know that Betty White will be dearly missed by her millions of fans and all those who loved her. We send our condolences to her family and friends, and salute the wonderful legacy that she leaves behind.

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

The post Disney Legend Betty White Has Passed Away at Age 99 first appeared on the disney food blog.