I love these two sections of EPCOT that have newly been named World Nature and World Celebration. You can find Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, The Land, and the Imagination! Pavilion here. World Celebration also has some experiences over by World Discovery, but we won’t talk about those today. There’s so much to do in these four areas that could easily take up half your day or more. As I ventured through the section recently, I realized there are some things worth skipping if you are a frequent visitor. If you are visiting this area for the first time, I don’t think you should skip anything. You deserve the whole experience.

Disney and Pixar Short Festival – Word Celebration

This experience has its perks, like sitting in air-conditioning and a meet-and-greet with Mickey Mouse in the lobby. Other than that, there’s no reason to revisit this unless they change the short films being played in the theatre. What’s not a skip is what is located outside the building. Here is where guests can find the old-school water jumping fountains that kids love.

The fountains make for a great photo op, but during the summer, it’s an excellent place for the younger travelers in your group to play with water and cool off. This is something to remember once the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction, opens up across the way. If it’s busy there, walk on over to these fountains.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends Ride – World Nature

If you are anything like me, you want to get inside and see all the marine life and laugh with Crush. This is why I have recently started entering the pavilion through the gift shop and avoiding the ride. Don’t get me wrong, the ride is adorable, but when the line is a 40-minute wait, it’s just easier to skip it. When the attraction has a 15-minute or less wait, then I’ll venture through the queue and take a ride in a clam shell.

Everything inside the pavilion is a must-do. Be sure to take your time in each aquarium section because you never know what you’ll see. I love to sit and watch the dolphins. I could do that for hours. The manatee exhibit is such a great one, filled with fun facts and information to help us keep them safe. There is just so much to do here. Don’t let a ride you’ve done several times take up all your time on a busy day.

I have nothing to say about The Land Pavilion because it is perfect the way it is at the moment. All the attractions there are fantastic, and I think they embody what EPCOT is perfectly. So make sure you take your time here and enjoy every bit of the pavilion.

What rides or experiences do you skip when visiting these areas of EPCOT? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Experiences You Should Skip in World Nature & World Celebration at EPCOT first appeared on DIS.

There is much more to Disney World than just four theme parks. Besides the resorts and water parks, this area is also home to Disney Springs.

Find out how to get to Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district within the Walt Disney World Resort. Here you can shop not only Disney stores but also well-known brands like Uniqlo, Coach, Sephora, and more! Many guests choose to spend an evening or even an entire day at Disney Springs during their trip. If you’re coming to Disney World and want to visit Disney Springs, you’ll need to know how to get there.

Disney World has a variety of free transportation throughout the parks. There’s the iconic Monorail, the bus system, the new Skyliner transport, and even boats! You can also choose paid options like ride share services; both Lyft and Uber operate within Disney World, and Disney has its own ride share service — Minnie Vans — which partners with Lyft. The buses are a popular choice for guests because you can find stops across the resort, they’re free, and their large capacity means less time waiting in line to hop on.

A COMPLETE Guide to Taking the Bus in Disney World

Disney Bus Transportation from Magic Kingdom

You can catch a bus from your Disney resort to Disney Springs, and buses start running once Disney Springs opens. There aren’t any buses that go from Disney Springs to the theme parks, so if you are planning on going to the parks after a morning in Disney Springs, you’ll need to find another option.

Disney Springs bus

Disney Springs has three bus loops, and each has a different use! The Disney Springs West Side loop is now used for ride share such as Minnie Vans, guest pick up/drop off, and non-Disney-owned hotels. The Disney Springs Marketplace loop is used for Minnie Vans and other ride shares. Lastly, the main Disney Springs bus area near the Town Center is where you’ll find buses departing to and arriving from the Disney Resort hotels. Disney Springs buses typically start running at around 9AM, and the bus driver will announce the latest bus return time, usually about 1 hour after Disney Springs closes for the night.

Disney Springs bus directory sign

Buses tend to run about every 20 minutes, but traffic and delays can occur, so we recommend giving yourself at least an hour for Disney transportation, especially if you’re trying to make a dining reservation! If you do find yourself in a pinch (like if the line for the bus is exceptionally long and you don’t want to or can’t afford to wait) you can always opt for a ride share, but you will have to shell out some cash.

Minnie Vans

Getting to and from Disney Springs from your Disney resort is easy when you use the bus service. Just keep an eye on the clock to make sure you don’t miss any reservations or end up missing the buses entirely! When it’s time to head back to your resort, you can check the bus directory to see which bus you need and where to meet it. Taking the bus may not be the quickest option, but it is free and fairly convenient because you don’t have to worry about making arrangements like you would with a ride share.

Keep following DFB for more information you can use on your next trip to Disney World.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your First Disney World Vacation — Click Here!

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Do you prefer to spend an afternoon or evening in Disney Springs, or do you like to set aside a whole day devoted to the area? Comment below!

The post Disney Springs Bus Schedule, Tips and Advice first appeared on the disney food blog.

National Cocktail Day is March 24 and we’re here to help you celebrate!

Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom

There are plenty of places to get a cocktail in Disney World. From lounges at the parks like Nomad Lounge or La Cava de Tequila to Disney hotel favorites like Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. If you love having a cocktail at Disney World, but you’re not there today, here are some ways you can raise a glass at home, Disney-style.

Here are a few Disney cocktail recipes and Disney-themed cocktail essentials we found that will bring some magic to your drinks!

Disney Cocktail Recipes

Krakatoa Punch From Disney World’s Trader Sams

Couldn’t snag a seat at the bar at Trader Sam’s this year? Not to worry! Disney shared the recipe for one of their signature drinks, the Krakatoa Punch, so you can try this one at home!

Krakatoa Punch

First, grab all of these ingredients…

• o.5 oz Almond Syrup
• 3 oz Gorilla Grog (a Trader Sam’s specialty made of passion fruit, guava, pineapple, orange, lemon juices, and falernum, a syrup with tons of spices in it!)
• 0.25 oz Hibiscus Grenadine
• 1 oz Aged Rum
• 1 oz Spiced Rum
• Ice

Instructions

Mix it all in a shaker and strain it over ice! If you have a glow cube, you can really emulate the lava look like they do at Trader Sam’s!

Krakatoa Punch at Trader Sam’sWinter Wonderland Spiked Mocha

Winter Wonderland Spiked Mocha

If you’re a coffee lover and are missing Joffrey’s, you can make this spiked mocha!

Ingredients…

• 16oz glass with ice and 2oz of Joffrey’s Winter Wonderland Blend.
• 1 1/2 oz Coconut Rum
• 3/4 oz white chocolate sauce
• 1/2 Monin Almond Syrup
• 1 1/2 oz milk
• Top with whipped cream

© Joffrey’s Coffee

GurrTiki

This cocktail is made by Bob Gurr, the Imagineer behind the Haunted Mansion. When Gurr retired, he became a mixologist at home. The Walt Disney Family Museum released a recipe for his GurrTiki, and it can be made with or without alcohol!

Bob Gurr c/o @bobgurrofficial on Instagram

Instructions:

• Start with a hurricane glass
• Fill 3/4 with cubbed ice
• 2:1 Naked “Mighty Mango” fruit smoothie to pineapple juice
• 1 oz of vodka, rum, gin, or tequila
• topped with a skewer of pineapple, kiwi, and mango

Black Magic Margarita

We’ll take any margarita recipe La Cava del Tequila is willing to give us, especially if it’s designed by Neil Patrick Harris.

The Black Magic Margarita!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. mezcal
• .5 oz cassis blackberry liqueur
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz agave
• 10-12 blueberries
• 4 blackberries
• Mint leaves

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a blender. Blend with ice. Garnish with mint leaves and blackberries.

It’s so beautiful!

Disney-Inspired Drink Supplies

Now that we know what we’re making, let’s check out these Disney-Inspired cocktail essentials to add to your house!The

The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book

The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book features 100 Disney drink recipes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. This recipe book features recipes for The HippopopotoMai-Tai from Trader Sam’s and the Poor Unfortunate Soul’s Float.

©Amazon

You can find it on Amazon and it comes in a Kindle version, spiral bound, and hardcover. This would be a perfect way to cure your Disney homesickness.

Click Here to Order the Unofficial Disney Drink Recipe Book!

Disney Mickey Mouse Squad Collection Tumblers

These 15 oz Mickey Mouse Squad Tumblers are on Amazon. They come in a four-pack and would be perfect to hold your Disney-inspired drink. They are also 49% off right now, which only helps!

©Amazon

These glass wine tumblers feature Mickey Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.

Click Here to Order the Tumbler Set

Mickey Mouse Martini Glasses

These Mickey Mouse Martini Glasses are just adorable! They come in a 2 pack and have a Mickey Head outlined on them.

©Amazon

These 10oz martini glasses are 5.1” wide and 7.5” tall. These could add a touch of Disney to your bar cart.

Click Here to Order the Mickey Martini Glasses

Mickey ‘Yikes!’ 4pc Crystal Highball Glasses Set

This Mickey Highball Glass Set comes in a 4 pack and features a silly Mickey Mouse!

©Amazon

These glasses would be perfect for the Krakatoa Punch! And, there’s enough to share with friends!

Check Out the Mickey Highball Glasses Here!

Mickey Balloon Ice Cube Tray

This Mickey Balloon Ice Cube Tray from Disney Parks is a perfect way to add a touch of Disney to your beverages.

This silicone ice tray makes 10 Mickey Balloon Ice Cubes.

Check Out Mickey Balloon Ice Tray

Minnie Mouse Paper Straws

These Minnie Mouse Paper Straws are the perfect way to sip down your cocktail! These come in a 100-pack so you could use one for each recipe you make from the Unofficial Disney Drink Recipe Book!

©Amazon

The paper straws will make you feel like you’re at Disney again. Just be quick before the paper straw dissolves!

Get Your Minnie Paper Straws Here

Tramonto Cocktail

If you are heading to the parks to celebrate, check out our Drinking Around the World in EPCOT list below. Wherever you are celebrating National Cocktail Day, cheers from us! For more Disney food and beverage tips, follow us at DFB!

Drinking Around the World in EPCOT 2023!

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What is your favorite cocktail at Disney World? Let us know below!

The post Celebrate National Cocktail Day — Disney Style! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Thanks to shopDisney, we have our first look at the next Disney100 Decades Collection, inspired by the 1940s and “Pinocchio.”

The image shows a new Loungefly mini backpack resembling Pinocchio, with two fuzzy donkey ears sticking out of the top.

The 1940s collection will be available on April 17 at 8:00 a.m. PT on shopDisney. It will likely be available at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on the same day.

The 1930s Disney100 Decades Collection features merch inspired by “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “The Band Concert.” It was just released at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and shopDisney. The 1920s collection was inspired by “Steamboat Willie.”

Are you hoping to get some of the new Pinocchio merchandise? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post First Look at Pinocchio-Inspired 1940s Disney100 Decades Collection Coming Soon appeared first on WDW News Today.

Cast Member unions have finally reached an agreement with Disney, which the service trades council announced on March 23rd. The council is made up of six unions that represent Disney World employees.

Unite Here Local 362 announces a new contract proposal for Disney World Cast Members.

The unions have been in talks with Disney for a long time now, with the main issue being wages. Disney gave an offer in February of this year that union members overwhelmingly voted to reject, and the unions said that negotiations stopped after Disney “refused to add even one cent to its wage proposal.” Now, after negotiations recently resumed, an agreement has been reached and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle released a statement about it.

Under the new agreement between Disney and the Cast Member unions, the following changes will be made (provided union members vote to approve this agreement):

• Minimum of $17 an hour for new and existing cast members upon ratification (effective immediately)
• Minimum of $18 an hour by year-end for current cast
• Annual pay increases every year of the contract
• Full retroactive increased pay of at least $2 more an hour, dated back to October 2022 for all current cast members
• Entry-level rates for newly hired cast will reach a minimum of $18 an hour by 2024

Disney Cast Members by a Clap Box

Disney’s initial offer in February set a minimum wage of $16 an hour for many roles with a raise each year for 5 years to a $20 minimum wage. This offer was rejected. Cast Members in the unions will vote on the new agreement next week, on Wednesday, March 29th.

Disney World Cast Members at The Confectionery

The proposal would make the minimum wage for Disney World’s current Cast Members $18 per hour by year’s end, and the increased wages will be retroactive to the date of the contract — October 1st. The union leaders said, “We could not be more proud. Every one of the affiliates of the service trades council union will be recommending that their Cast Members vote to support this agreement.”

Cast Members doing water art

Disney reached out with a statement from Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, about this agreement. Vahle said, “Our cast members are central to Walt Disney World’s enduring magic, which is why we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement. Disney is proud to offer an industry-leading employment package that includes comprehensive benefits and affordable medical coverage, in addition to 100 percent paid tuition for higher education for hourly employees through the Disney Aspire program. With the support of the unions, we anticipate cast members will approve this new agreement.”

Jeff Vahle

Disney also stated the following: “In addition to Walt Disney World being the first major employer in Central Florida to set a path to a $15 per hour starting wage for our cast members by 2021, we invest in their overall employee experience by offering a comprehensive employment package that includes health care, paid vacation and sick time, overtime opportunities, discount offers, along with multiple options for development and advancement.”

Cast Members!

We’ll watch for any updates about this story, and we’ll let you know how the union members vote on the 29th. Keep following DFB for all the latest Disney news.

Click here to learn more about the Cast Member union agreement. 

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The post Disney Executive Comments on Cast Member Union Agreement first appeared on the disney food blog.