There is certainly no shortage of food focused shows out there these days. It seems as though you can find cooking show for any niche you could possibly want. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to watch every single one of them and salivate over whatever is being served up on screen. Hulu’s […]
The post Streaming Review: Hulu’s “Searching for Soul Food” is a History Lesson That Will Leave You Hungry appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
We visited The Friar’s Nook at Magic Kingdom to try the Divinely Diabolical Milkshake, a special cookies and cream milkshake inspired by Ursula in “The Little Mermaid.” It’s one of many sweet treats available at Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the new live-action remake.
Cookies ‘n’ cream milkshake with chocolate drizzle, purple whipped cream, topped with white chocolate pearls & a chocolate seashell
There’s not much to this shake. It’s a great cookies and cream milkshake without any cookie pieces in it.
The purple whipped cream tastes like your typical vanilla whipped cream. The pearls add a nice crunch for texture. The seashell on top is made of white chocolate.
The chocolate syrup in the cup is sweet and adds an extra chocolate flavor to the drink.
If you’re a fan of cookies and cream milkshakes, then this is for you.
Read more reviews of “The Little Mermaid” treats at Walt Disney World:
Guests can meet the live-action version of Ariel at Walt Disney Presents in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
AMC at Disney Springs is decorated for the film, and there is also an Ariel and Ursula sand sculpture with a display of “The Little Mermaid” Pandora Jewelry.
Check out “The Little Mermaid” merchandise:
Oscar-nominated Rob Marshall, known for his work with “Chicago” and Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns,” directs “The Little Mermaid.” The remake stars Halle Bailey as mermaid princess Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian the crab, Awkwafina as diving bird Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Noma Dumezweni portrays the new character, Queen Selina, Eric’s mother.
The full trailer debuted during the Oscars, and a teaser trailer was released in April. Alan Menken, who wrote the score for the original 1989 “The Little Mermaid,” made some lyrical updates for the live-action remake, with help from Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Bailey and Jodi Benson, who voiced the animated Ariel, united at the film’s premiere. This wasn’t the first time that Bailey and Benson had interacted. According to the LA Times, Benson makes an on-land cameo in the film and was on set for the filming of “The Little Mermaid.”
“The Little Mermaid” was released in theaters on May 26, 2023. The film has had a strong opening weekend.
Read our review of the live-action “The Little Mermaid.”
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post REVIEW: ‘The Little Mermaid’ Divinely Diabolical Cookies and Cream Milkshake at Magic Kingdom appeared first on WDW News Today.
So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!).
Old Key West Resort
But how do you choose between Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas and Disney’s Old Key West? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!
Choosing between the BoardWalk Inn and the Old Key West, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…
), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.
BoardWalk Inn
There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip.
We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:
We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.
Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be pretty pricey and offer the same perks.
BoardWalk Inn
For the BoardWalk Inn, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $597 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,455 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.
For Old Key West, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $457 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,081 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.
Both the BoardWalk Inn and the Old Key West are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same!
Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn (so sometimes Disney creativity pales in comparison to a straightforward resort naming).
BoardWalk Lobby
The BoardWalk brings in the vibrant colors of a carnival without feeling like you’re staying in a circus.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
So, you won’t find oversized Disney character decors that you might find at the more festive Value Resorts, but this turn-of-the-century New England esplanade does have some vibrancy and fun that makes it a great retreat from the parks. In essence, the BoardWalk balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort. The rooms last received a bit of a touch up and spruce back in 2016, and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon.
BoardWalk Inn
The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating many of the common areas, like the dining options on the actual boardwalk, like the rebranding of the BoardWalk Deli (formerly the BoardWalk Bakery), and the soon-to-open Cake Bake Shop. Inside the BoardWalk lobby, the fan-favorite Belle Vue Lounge reopened with new furnishings, that received some humdrum remarks from loyal guests for losing its charm and looking like it was furnished by Wayfair. And Carousel Coffee recently opened, serving up pastries, Joffrey’s Coffee, but a rather subdued vibe for a joint named after a bright and vivacious carnival attraction.
As a Deluxe Villa Resort, this hotel offers many unique perks. Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests, and because of the immense size of Old Key West, rooms are often available!
Opened in October 1991, Old Key West features a relaxed, beach vibe (minus the ocean). Picture yourself vacationing at a Caribbean-style guest house in small neighborhood-type structures. Exteriors are painted in soft hues reminiscent of the Florida Keys. Guests return here year after year because of the laid-back atmosphere and large rooms.
Old Key West Resort — Deluxe Studio Room.
Yes, this resort offers generous square footage in each studio or villa. Studios are furnished with two queen beds and a kitchenette. Take note of that balcony! Two-bedroom villas sleep up to nine people. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, as well as washer and dryer. Rooms were last renovated in 2019.
Old Key West Resort
Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).
This could boil down to the size of the room that you need. Both have those laid back, just here on vacation kinda vibes. The BoardWalk has the brighter colors of a, well… boardwalk, and Old Key West has the softer pastels of the Caribbean, but both offer those stroll along the beach, find a nearby hammock kinda atmosphere. Old Key West wins this category because of that price point and the size of the room you get for it. If you’re traveling with a larger party, you’ll definitely appreciate that extra elbow room.
Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…
The BoardWalk Inn has three pool, the main pool is called Luna Park, and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.
BoardWalk Luna Park Pool
The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the nightmare-fuel clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide — where the trauma-inducing clown was replaced with a fun mural of Mickey, Minnie, and the gang enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot long slide.
BoardWalk Inn Pool
This fun pool is 184,217 gallons (yep, we here at DFB painstakingly measured each ounce for full accuracy just for YOU — we care that much) and is just step away from the fun of the boardwalk where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.
Sandcastle is Old Key West’s feature pool near the Hospitality House. Here, a 125-ft. waterslide traverses through a large sandcastle. Guests will love the decorative dolphins that spout water into the large pool. There’s also a relaxing whirlpool spa as well as a dry sauna located inside the nearby lighthouse. Small children will enjoy the kiddie pool. Keeping with the Florida Keys atmosphere, there is also a sandy “beach”!
Sandcastle Pool
At this property, there are three leisure pools — Old Turtle Pond, South Point, and Miller’s Road.
There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Old Key West pool as it offers some great amenities for the whole family.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
We also love that the nearby Good’s Food to Go often has a fun flavor of DOLE Whip, which just raises the pool experience to a new level.
Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see who these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.
If you were impressed with the Polynesian’s 10 dining locations, look out, because the BoardWalk has 16!
AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!
Step inside for a magical happy hour
Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.
Atlantic Dance Hall
The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks, or even to take a quick snooze in a comfy chair to recharge in late afternoon. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.
Belle Vue Lounge
Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels, an “overstuffed warm pastrami Reuben” or a hand-piped cannoli. In Disney’s words, the menu takes us on “a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore,” and you can check it out here.
BoardWalk Deli
Craving a cool treat while strolling along the Disney World BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream. The treats here are said to be inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the nearby Beach Club Resort.
BoardWalk Ice Cream
BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand on Disney World’s BoardWalk that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.
Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas
Stop by the Pizza Window on Disney World’s BoardWalk for a piping hot pizza pie! One of those most relaxing and fun things to do at Disney World is stroll along the Disney BoardWalk, taking in all the sights and smells around Crescent Lake. With 9,000 square feet of entertainment, shops, and restaurants, there are several options for a quick bite to eat. Why not grab some fresh pizza from the BoardWalk Pizza Window? They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.
Pizza Window
If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At the kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich.
Boardwalk To-Go
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! Disney notes that the new eatery will present a “whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.” And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!
Concept art for The Cake Bake Shop
You can find Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer. Keep an eye out for seasonal drinks and unique options like a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee (which Disney shares is a flavor staple of “coffee shops, family-owned delis, and ice cream parlors along the shores” in keeping with the BoardWalk’s vintage seaside theme). As far as the eats, you can grab classic snacks such as the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake, Bagels, and a Mickey Brownie up for grabs.
Carousel Coffee
Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests on Disney World’s BoardWalk. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.
Flying Fish
You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream. Enjoy your “Tasty Sensations” (as the sign says) while you stroll or pull up a bench on the BoardWalk while watching the people go by! PLEASE NOTE: The BoardWalk Funnel Cake is currently closed. We will keep you updated when a reopening is announced!
Funnel Cake Stand
Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey or Elton John song to request! A cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!
Jellyrolls
Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Out at the Luna Park Pool, its given name) at this Deluxe Resort, you’ll find a poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon! Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl, and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.
Leaping Horse Libations
You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves dinner daily and is an “original Italian restaurant.” The dinner menu features regional specialties with classic preparations. Many ingredients are crafted in-house, including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.
Trattoria al Forno
So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!
Olivia’s Cafe is a relaxed and casual Table Service restaurant featuring flavors inspired by the Florida Keys. It is a beachy, breezy, casual restaurant in Disney’s Old Key West Resort — offers yummy dishes and a family atmosphere that anyone’s bound to love. This Table Service restaurant serves up classic American fare and items inspired by the Florida Keys including Shrimp Fritters, the Duval Street Burger, and a Key Lime Tart for dessert during lunch and dinner. This spot serves up a great breakfast, too, featuring Banana Bread French Toast among the offerings
Brunch could be our favorite meal
And here’s some great news: Olivia’s Brunch is a DAILY offering, making Olivia’s one of the only spots in Disney World to offer Brunch every day!
Good’s Food To Go is Old Key West’s Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is unique with its outdoor setting made for more of a “to-go” style. However, Old Key West lacks a quick service food court with indoor seating!
Good’s Food To Go
The Conch Chowder is a guest favorite.
Gurgling Suitcase is a charming little bar where guests can also order full entrees from Olivia’s Cafe.
Gurgling Suitcase
We love this little oasis.
Turtle Shack Snack Bar offers sandwiches, pizza, and salads to be enjoyed poolside.
Turtle Shack
Grab a bite and spend some time at the pool!
It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you’re in the market for home-style comfort food, then you might just enjoy dining at Olivia’s throughout your stay (it’s definitely one of our favorites and a hidden gem).
Olivia’s fried chicken
The BoardWalk Inn gives you a lot more options, from sandwiches and pizza to classy Italian fare, a casual brewery, and a festive piano bar!
Trattoria al Forno Plant Based Rigatoni Bolognese
The edge for this one goes to the BoardWalk Inn, but remember that the Old Key West is just a boatride from all of the dining options of Disney Springs, so that’s nothing to discount too soon!
Do these deluxe resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!
The BoardWalk Inn is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
EPCOT Boat
If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.
Disney buses can get you just about anywhere!
And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, BoardWalk guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.
Walt Disney World Skyliner
If you are driving to Walt Disney World or renting a car once you get to Florida, Old Key West offers the convenience of parking right in front of your villa. And with all the walking that you’ll do on vacation, this might be the right choice for your weary feet. This is especially helpful when traveling with grandparents, young children, or anyone with mobility concerns.
Bus to Old Key West
To all theme parks, you’ll have to take a bus. But you can enjoy a leisurely boatride down to Disney Springs to spend a day or evening at this premium shopping and dining district, whether you’re looking for another vacation souvenir or a pre-dinner cocktail.
Old Key West is just a boat’s ride away from Disney Springs
It’s hard to make a comparison, here. BoardWalk Inn is within walking distance of TWO Disney parks, and offers buses, boats, and the Skyliner to explore all of the far reaches of Disney World.
EPCOT
Guests staying at Old Key West using Disney transportation will be relegated to just using the Disney bus system, unless you’ve brought your own car or are just happy using the boat service to Disney Springs.
So, who is the ultimate winner in the BoardWalk Inn vs. Old Key West battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The BoardWalk Inn won the Food and Transportation categories. Old Key West won the Room and Pool categories. So, if you plan on spending time at your resort and really enjoying it’s amenities, then Old Key West is your gal. If your vacation is focusing on the parks and the food, then BoardWalk Inn may be for you — but that price point reflects those perks.
Old Key West
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023.
What do you think? Is BoardWalk Inn or Old Key West Resort better? Let us know in the comments!
The post Old Key West vs. BoardWalk Villas Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.
California’s Great America in Northern California has introduced a new themed area, the NorCal County Fair, that will soon feature a brand-new ride, Pacific Gliders. What’s Happening: From hiking and rafting amid the redwoods, soaring above the coastline’s sandy beaches, cruising along wonderful scenic roadways, to enjoying the great fresh food and wine grown in its […]
The post California’s Great America Introduces New NorCal County Fair Themed Area appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
This links ranks quick service restaurants in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World from worst to first, with a look at our favorite and least favorite places to eat. For a small park, DHS actually has a lot of counter service options–with a few of the best dining options in all of WDW. For much […]
The post Counter Service Comeback at Hollywood Studios! appeared first on Disney Tourist Blog.
The water wheel and crow’s nest have been installed on the Adventureland Treehouse under construction in Disneyland Park.
Since our last construction update, scaffolding has been adjusted, but we can still see past it at the center of the new attraction.
The water wheel has been installed at the entrance, right behind the construction walls. It’s still covered in plastic.
The original Swiss Family Treehouse also had a water wheel at the entrance, but it was removed when it was turned into Tarzan’s Treehouse in 1999.
The new treehouse is inspired by “Swiss Family Robinson” and the original 1962 attraction, but not exactly the same. It will focus on a different original family.
Several crew members were on site during our recent visit. Taped on a platform behind the crew members was a caution sign.
The treehouse looks like it is made out of pieces of a ship, complete with a bowsprit sticking out from one of the highest huts.
We saw crew members moving a plank of wood.
The new crow’s nest is poking above scaffolding next to that hut’s thatched roof.
It’s also still covered in plastic, secured with blue tape.
Through the tree branches, we can see another hut, with a red tarp hanging from it. It looks like more plastic was wrapped around materials where a crew member was standing.
Read more about the Adventureland Treehouse below.
Back in November 2022, it was announced that Tarzan’s Treehouse would be transformed into a new Swiss Family-Inspired Adventureland Treehouse in Disneyland Park. It would have its own story, partially inspired by “Swiss Family Robinson”.
Before it was Tarzan’s Treehouse, the attraction was Swiss Family Treehouse, based on the 1960 film “Swiss Family Robinson.” It opened on November 18, 1962, at Disneyland Park and was an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris. It remains the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland.
Swiss Family Treehouse closed at Disneyland Park in 1999 and reopened as Tarzan’s Treehouse (pictured above) later that year. After another 22 years of operation, it suddenly closed in September 2021. Disney eventually announced in April 2022 that it would be re-themed.
Instead of being inspired by a different IP (it was rumored it could be “Encanto”-themed), the new treehouse will have an original story about a family living in the treehouse on Jungle River. It will look more like the original 1962 Swiss Family Treehouse, including a water wheel at the entrance, but the family is different, hence the name Adventureland Treehouse.
Each member of the family will have their own themed room, featuring found objects and natural resources that they have repurposed for home use, not unlike previous iterations of the treehouse. Above is concept art for the mother’s music den. The young son will have a nature room and the teenage daughter will have an astronomer’s loft.
To make the attraction more accessible for guests unable to climb stairs, or who just don’t want to go up high, the bottom floor will be expanded to include a kitchen, dining room, and the father’s art studio displaying hand-drawn sketches and paintings of each of the rooms.
It was also rumored that the attraction would become S.E.A.-themed. While it may not be an entirely S.E.A. attraction, there is a Society of Explorers and Adventurers banner in the concept art.
The full title of the new attraction is Adventureland Treehouse Inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson. The Adventureland Treehouse is set to be completed this year but an opening timeframe has not been announced.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post PHOTOS: Water Wheel and Crow’s Nest Installed at Adventureland Treehouse in Disneyland appeared first on WDW News Today.
No matter when you last visited Disneyland, chances are things might look a little bit different.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland
Disney is hard at work updating attractions, building new lands, and coming up with new restaurant ideas! If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland this summer, we spotted some closures you might want to know about!
Soarin’ Around the World is closing for refurbishment on July 5th, and so far there’s no end date listed. The Disneyland calendar shows it being closed as far out as we can see for now, though.
Soarin’ Around the World
There’s another ride closure coming up at Disneyland when Dumbo the Flying Elephant is listed as unavailable for just one day — on July 3rd. We’ll keep an eye out for any additional closure dates that might pop up for this ride.
Dumbo
And perhaps the biggest closure of them all — the Disneyland Monorail will be closed beginning on July 5th. There’s a notice on the website that reads, “Beginning July 5, 2023, the Disneyland Monorail will be closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates about when it will open.”
Disneyland Monorail
We know that the monorail refurbishment will last at least through July 10th, but it could last even longer. We’ll keep an eye out for a potential reopening date and let you know if we hear anything!
Disneyland Monorail
In dining news, there are a few spots at Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf that are closed as part of the ongoing transformation into San Fransokyo Square from Big Hero 6! The Boudin Bread Cart is now closed, but will reopen on July 2nd.
Pacific Wharf Distribution Co. will be closing on May 31st and reopen on July 2nd. Learn more about the new Big Hero 6 land here!
©Disney
Keep these closures in mind if you’re heading to Disneyland soon, and as always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest news from all around the Disney parks and beyond!
When did you visit Disneyland last? Tell us in the comments.
The post NEWS: 5 CLOSURES Revealed for Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog.
Ahead of its official opening this Friday, SeaWorld San Diego has shared a POV video of their new coaster, Arctic Rescue. What’s Happening: It’s time to hop on your snowmobile and ride to the rescue! The ice is melting, the poachers are lurking, and the Arctic animals are in peril. Join the team and feel the […]
The post SeaWorld San Diego Shares POV Video of New Arctic Rescue Coaster appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
The 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is just around the corner in Disney World, and there is a LOT to prepare for! It started on July 27th and runs alllll the way until November 18th this year.
EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Passport
First off, you’re going to want to take a look at those food booth menus so you can map out which items you want to grab while in the parks. You should also probably check out the lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series to see which artist will be performing while you’re at the festival, or even to schedule your trip around a certain artist! We’re getting you ready with our guidebook to the festival, our free printable for all of the food booths, and some sound advice, but there is one major thing we need to talk about — BUDGET! So, let’s break down what an actual realistic budget looks like for EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival.
To go to the festival, you gotta buy a ticket to get into EPCOT — duh! The festival is accessible to everyone who has admission into the park, so there’s no paying extra to attend or anything like that. Now, park ticket prices vary on when you visit, with busier times typically being more expensive.
Food & Wine Festival
There are a lot of dates to look at since the festival is about 4 months long! Keep in mind that weekend tickets are usually more expensive than weekday tickets, so that could affect your budget when you’re planning.
Luckily for you, we’ve already figured out which days are the CHEAPEST to visit the festival! The majority of them are in August and September, with October and November prices being higher. Throughout the 4 months, ticket prices for a single day, single park admission range from $109-$149 for each ticket.
EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Passport
When you’re planning, keep in mind that this cost will change according to when you visit the festival, so make sure to look at the dates you want to go to get an accurate estimate for your budget!
Now for the main event: FOOD! Well, it’s the main event for us, at least. And, it’s typically the thing you’re going to spend the most money on at the festival, unless you’re buying a BUNCH of merchandise (you do you!). At Food and Wine, like the other EPCOT Festivals, there are food booths with different themes scattered around the park.
Spain Food and Wine selections
Food items tend to cost between $4.50-$9.25, and drinks tend to cost between $5-$9 (with some outliers). So, the average cost for each food or drink item at the festival is around $7. These are almost all small plates or portions, so don’t expect a full-sized steak to come out on a plate. But, that’s a good thing in this case, because it means you get to try more things! And, it won’t be a total loss if you end up absolutely hating something.
Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup
Realistically, you probably won’t be able to get something from every single booth, just because that is a lot of eating and/or drinking! You could probably do it if you really pushed yourself and shared items with other people. And, if you did do this, you would spend around $175 using the average price of the items, and that’s only if you stick to one thing at each booth.
The Alps Booth
But, we know a lot of people only have so much stomach space and time while in the parks, so realistically, let’s you get 2 items and a drink at 3 booths, and you can expect to spend about $70 per person. You could round it up to $100 per person to give you a buffer for choosing a more expensive drink, flight or food item. Or some extra coin in case you want more than 2 items at a particular booth.
But remember, you can also share items with people in your group to cut costs and to try more things. It all depends on how hungry you are!
Full spread from France.
If you want to make SURE you stay on budget while you’re at the Food and Wine Festival, you can use one of our favorite tricks — get a gift card! No, not like a gift card that someone else gives you (although that would definitely help with costs!), but one that you pay for yourself, loading the exact amount of money you want to spend onto it, that way, you can’t go over budget!
Wristlet Gift Card
Now, we’re not going to include this in the realistic budget, but if you want to get an Eat to the Beat Dining Package while you’re at the festival, remember that costs extra cash! You can take a look at the pricing right here.
Let’s talk about merchandise. This definitely isn’t a necessity at the festival, but we’re sure a lot of you will want some kind of keepsake from Food and Wine to take home with you! So, if you do want some merch from the festival, make sure to leave some wiggle room in your budget for it.
2022 Food and Wine Festival Ears
Keep in mind that Disney merchandise is usually more expensive than the same kinds of items you would find in stores at home (wouldn’t it be great if there were Target prices at Disney, though?!). There are a LOT of different items that Disney releases for the festival, so we’re just going to talk about some of the more popular things.
Spirit Jersey
Spirit Jerseys at Disney World are usually between $70 to $80, while regular short-sleeved T-shirts are between $30 to $40. Cups like Tervis Tumblers or Corkcicle items run between $25-$35. And, Minnie and Mickey ears can usually be found between $30-$40.
2022 Food and Wine Festival Merchandise
So, let’s say you get 2 reasonably priced merchandise items while you’re at the festival. Including your food budget, this will probably put you around $200 total for the day, plus the cost of your park ticket. Now, this does NOT mean that you’re for sure going to spend $200 for each person while you’re at the festival — it completely depends on how much you eat, drink, share, and buy. Everyone will have different preferences, which will add up to different costs.
But, this should help you get a general idea of what eating a decent amount of items and buying some merch will look like during the festival!
Fries!
Want to prepare even more for EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival? We’ve got you! You can check out our full guide to the festival, all of the food menus, all of the NEW food items this year, the entertainment lineup, and more.
And remember, even with buying a park ticket, you DO still have to make a Park Pass Reservation for EPCOT in order to get inside the park, just like you have to do at the other parks! We would recommend buying your ticket and making your reservation as soon as you can, because days can sell out and book up.
Mexico Booth Items 2022
We’ll be checking out EVERYTHING at the festival, from the food booths to the entertainment, so stay tuned to DFB for MORE coverage of the 2023 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival!
Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it’s a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience.
If you’re planning a day or a week at the festival, we’ve got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it’s a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU!
Save 20% on the 2023 DFB Guide to EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival with code CHEFS.
Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
Eat to the Beat Concert Updates
EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival
Will you be going to EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival this year? Tell us in the comments!
The post How Much Does the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Really Cost? first appeared on the disney food blog.
It’s almost impossible to imagine Iron Man played by anyone other than Robert Downey Jr., but did you know that Downey was almost cast as a DIFFERENT Marvel character before he auditioned to play the “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” (his words, not ours 
)?
Iron Man
And that other character was an infamous VILLAIN, no less!
Imagine how different the Marvel films would be if Robert Downey Jr. were cast as Doctor Doom in The Fantastic Four instead of as Iron Man. It sounds like a casting from a different multiverse, right?! But that’s almost what happened, according to Iron Man director Jon Favreau.
Doctor Doom ©Fox via Business Insider
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Favreau and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reflected on the making of Iron Man. Favreau said, “I remember you had all met with him [Downey] already for like Doctor Doom or something on another project. I think he had come through on like maybe Fantastic Four, so everybody sort of knew who he was.”
Favreau didn’t say exactly how close Downey was to getting the role of Doctor Doom. He did say, however, that when Downey auditioned for Iron Man, they immediately saw a “spark” and “knew he was perfect for the role.”
©Disney via Hollywood Reporter
Favreau reflected that, once Downey was on board with Iron Man, things just started to fall into place: “Once it was him, that’s when my life got a lot easier because he understood the voice of the character. Then one by one, people were just signing on board because now it became something interesting.”
Of course, Downey went on to play Iron Man in a couple of sequels, four Avengers movies, and lots of other Marvel films. Feige said that he didn’t think Marvel would have a studio if it weren’t for Downey: “I remember on later movies — we’ll talk about them on the 15th anniversary of those — there were dark days. I would say to Robert, ‘We wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for you,’ meaning we wouldn’t have a studio if it wasn’t for him.”
©CinemaBlend | Marvel
In an interview with Insider back in 2022, Downey reflected on his role in Iron Man, saying that “not too many people were thinking Iron Man was going to have an opening weekend or do much of anything, so we were a little bit left alone.” According to Downey, Marvel had financed the movie “in a way that meant the studio was already prepared for failure.”
©Blackstone Publishing
About making the film, Downey said, “It was the perfect thing where there were not a lot of creatively aggressive eyes on us. And by the time they gave it to us, it was like [artist-owned movie studio] United Artists, like the lunatics took over the asylum.”
Contrary to the studio’s predictions, however, Iron Man was a big success, earning $585 million worldwide. Downey went on to play Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame, which earned $2.798 billion worldwide, so clearly Marvel made the right call in bringing Downey on board.
©Marvel
Iron Man is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The film started Phase 1 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in 2008. (Can you believe we’re already on Phase 5 now?)
Keep following DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023.
Which Marvel character is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
The post Robert Downey Jr. Almost Played a Marvel VILLAIN Before He Was Iron Man first appeared on the disney food blog.
