We’ve learned a LOT about Genie+ since it first launched at Disney World in 2021.

We’ve used it countless times and learned the ins and outs, the little secrets, and all the tips that you need to know in order to get your money’s worth out of the system. (Because if we’re going to pay for it, we certainly want to get the value!) So today, we’re sharing our recommendations for the FIRST Genie+ Lightning Lanes that you should book during a visit to EPCOT.

EPCOT is a bit of a unique situation since the park doesn’t have very many rides. And of the rides that the park DOES have, there are usually three or four that get longer waits, while others tend to keep shorter wait times. So once you knock those big rides out of the way, it should be much easier to secure Lightning Lanes for the other attractions (if you even need them at all).

So when 7AM rolls around and all guests get the chance to book Genie+ selections for the day, here’s what we recommend!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Let’s start out with one of the park’s newer rides, which opened up on Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is newer than Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, but since Guardians has an Individual Lightning Lane, Remy’s has been the hot commodity on Genie+.

This ride regularly gets wait times of 1.5-2 hours, and the queue isn’t exactly exciting, so we recommend getting a Lightning Lane if you want to ride. It’s also a very popular option for rope drop at the park, so trying that strategy may not be the most effective vs. using Genie+.

Also, this ride tends to break down pretty frequently, so if you have a Lightning Lane and it breaks down, you’ll be given a multi-experience pass that you can use to come back later. That doesn’t often happen if you’re waiting in the standby queue!

Frozen Ever After

Our second recommendation would be Frozen Ever After. This is a popular choice for families with Frozen-loving kiddos, so it can get a long line as well…though not usually as long as Remy’s has. It also tends to keep a pretty steady popularity throughout the day since it’s located in the World Showcase and guests flock there for lunch and dinner.

It doesn’t close down as often as some other rides in the park and the queue is actually pretty cute, but it would probably still be a good idea to snag a Lightning Lane if you don’t want to wait an hour or more. Or, more accurately, if your little ones don’t want to wait an hour or more to see their favorite characters!

Test Track

Our third choice is Test Track, located over in World Discovery. This ride is very popular as its one of the only thrill rides in EPCOT, and it can get wait times of over an hour regularly. But it’s also one of the rides that close frequently — for both technical issues and for weather (it shuts down for lightning in the area).

The main reason that Test Track isn’t higher up this list is that it also has a Single Rider line, which can be a very helpful tool for those who don’t want to wait too long. You’ll get separated from your party, but the Test Track Single Rider queue typically moves pretty quickly.

The one downside to using the Singler Rider entrance is that you don’t get the full process of designing your car for the ride. There are kiosks in the Single Rider queue for design purposes, but the customization options are much more limited than those for the standby and Lightning Lane guests. So if you want the full car design experience and want to ride with your friends, Lightning Lane is the way to go!

So those are our tips for EPCOT when you’re making Genie+ selections. Our next recommendation after these three would probably be Soarin’ or Mission: SPACE, but after that, it’s a pretty fair game as the remaining attractions will likely have short waits. Stay tuned to DFB for all the Genie+ tips and news!

Click Here to See a Step-By-Step Guide to Using Genie+!

Which ride do you book first at EPCOT? Tell us in the comments!

The post The FIRST Genie+ Lightning Lane You Should Grab in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog.

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

Do you love Disney food AND ears?

Well, if you do, we’ve already seen some fun ears released over the past few years celebrating everything from Mickey bars to Mickey Pretzels to Mickey Beignets! HOWEVER, one of the most CLASSIC Disney snacks is the churro, and we’ll admit we got excited when we saw the Churro Ears at Disney World. Well, if you can’t get to Disney World to grab these new ears, we’ve got good news — these ears are NOW available on shopDisney.

The Churro Ears have churros shaped like Mickey ears on top of them (dipped in chocolate, no less!). The details are done so well, we can see the cinnamon sugar sparkling on them.

In the center is a pretty sparkly bow.

You can grab these drool-worthy ears RIGHT now on shopDisney. We have a feeling these might sell out quickly, so you should probably get them as soon as you can!

Buy the Churro Ears!

We’ll continue to keep our eyes peeled for more new ears in Disney World, Disneyland, and online, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! We need more Disney snacks ears — maybe we’ll get a pair of Plastic Cheese ears someday (hey, Disney, are you paying attention?).

While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store!

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

 

What Disney snack would you like to see on a pair of ears next? Let us know in the comments!

The post HURRY! Disney’s New Churro Ears Are Now ONLINE! first appeared on the disney food blog.

A new collection of Dooney & Bourke bags commemorating the 20th anniversary of “Finding Nemo” is now available at Magic Kingdom. The satchel, tote, and crossbody were all on display inside Uptown Jewelers along Main Street, U.S.A.

Dooney & Bourke Finding Nemo 20th Anniversary Satchel – $298

All three bags in this series offer the same artistic design, along with a Dooney & Bourke logo.

Various characters from the original film are on a white background with oceanic hues of light and dark blue. Those notorious seagulls are perched where sky meets sea, yelling their hungry, mindless “mine!” catchphrase, with Marlin underneath beside Dory, his friend who often struggles with memory.

For those who may not be familiar with this 2003 Pixar feature, the story primarily revolves around the father-son relationship between Marlin and Nemo. Marlin tragically lost his partner years ago, and all of the eggs they nurtured together, except for one. Scarred by the experience of loss, he loves his only son more than anything but has also become extremely protective over him and even more paranoid about the dangers of the sea. Marlin is terrified of just about any place that isn’t an anemone.

Nemo yearns for freedom and exploration, and when kept on too short of a leash, ends up taking a risk he probably shouldn’t have on his first day of school. Humans snatch him up, and Marlin embarks on a quest across the oceans, facing unthinkable dangers, building friendships, overcoming his fears, healing, and learning to be a better father in the process.

Dooney & Bourke ‘Finding Nemo’ 20th Anniversary Tote – $328

Here, the design is very much identical to the satchel, though the Dooney & Bourke logo is moved down near the bottom of the front’s design.

Fans may have already noticed Bruce, Anchor, and Chum — the three sharks who live by a code of “fish are friends, not food” with varying degrees of success. Bruce was portrayed by Australian comedian Barry Humphries, who recently passed away.

This ocean is teeming with life, from the coral reef on the floor to the schools of fish swimming about. Characters are all over the place, and a careful eye can see the turtle Squirt in green on the side. He and his father, Crush, share some memorable moments with Dory and Marlin on the East Australian Current, who help spread Marlin’s story far and wide to help find Nemo.

Dooney & Bourke ‘Finding Nemo’ 20th Anniversary Crossbody – $178

The crossbody is the least expensive of the trio, smaller, and more portable than the previous two.

These bags manage to include quite a few visuals in one image, with jellyfish, coral reefs, schools of fish, etc. At the same time, the color scheme is very subdued. Hints of yellow, orange, and red are sprinkled about, though in no way dominant. Bright colors are used sparingly as highlights.

What are your thoughts on this commemorative edition of designs? Would you be sporting one around The Seas with Nemo & Friends over in EPCOT? 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 PHOTOS: New Dooney & Bourke ‘Finding Nemo’ 20th Anniversary Collection at Magic Kingdom appeared first on WDW News Today.

Another piece of décor left over from Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration has been removed from Cinderella Castle, leaving only one remaining golden ribbon.

Another Golden Ribbon Turret Topper Removed

The ribbon we noticed missing today was on the top left turret. Take a look at the photo below for a comparison.

To see a recent historical comparison of the removed decorations, take a look at this timeline:

• May 19: Two turret decorations remain
• May 18: Three ribbons remain
• May 17: Four of the turret toppers are still in place

There is one final piece of 50th Anniversary Celebration décor remaining on one of the smaller, top right turrets on Cinderella Castle.

The remaining decorations have been removed. The party ended in late March.

We also noticed a pretty big smear of what looks like animal waste on one of the turrets.

It looks like some birds have been enjoying the view from atop Cinderella Castle.

On the castle, the 50th anniversary decorations previously included a giant “50” medallion over the clock. This was the first piece of décor removed after the celebration ended. There were also multiple pieces of decorative bunting removed, as well as anniversary banners around Cinderella Castle celebrating the artwork of famous Disney artist Mary Blair.

Though the castle was painted for the celebration before it began, there has been no news of returning it to its previous color scheme. Embellishments continue to be removed; we expect Cast Members will perform touch-ups to the existing paint on Cinderella Castle. They will not perform a complete repainting at this time.

Along with the pink and blue colors of Cinderella Castle, the Golden Fab 50 statues will also remain. These statues respond to guests wearing a MagicBand+ with sounds when a visitor interacts with them. Usually a simple wave will do the trick. Many of the statues have had seasonal messages or multiple responses to interactions, so be sure to give them a wave the next time you pass one while wearing a MagicBand+.

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” ended in March. We saw the first decorations removed at the beginning of March. The 50th anniversary decorations were also removed from Main Street, U.S.A.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

A full table service restaurant resides within the iconic castle. We recently dined there and have a full review of the experience for you. Check out the video below.

Princess Character Dining finally returned to this dining location at the Magic Kingdom in early March. The restaurant reopened in September 2020 for dinner service with no characters, and in August 2021 it reopened for breakfast. Cinderella made brief, distanced appearances in the room, waving to guests, but traditional character dining was unavailable. In early March, characters returned to greet guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We visited during dinner service in the video above.

There’s only one piece of décor left. Are you looking forward to seeing Cinderella Castle bereft of 50th anniversary decorations? We’d like to see your opinions in the comments below.

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

The post PHOTOS: Another Golden Ribbon Turret Topper Removed, Only One 50th Anniversary Decoration Remains on Cinderella Castle appeared first on WDW News Today.

Happy Monday, Friends! I hope you had an enjoyable and safe weekend. We are jumping straight into our Monday Merch Meeting today with little time for chatting. If you are a Finding Nemo fan, then do I have a treat for you! There are some items from Dooney & Bourke and RSVLTS in this hard-to-find theme that explores a journey through the pacific ocean, down under to Australia. Let’s take a look!

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Walt Disney World ”Most Magical Place on Earth” Ringer T-Shirt for Adults, $29.99

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Disneyland ”Happiest Place on Earth” Ringer T-Shirt for Adults, $29.99

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Finding Nemo Seagulls ”Mine!” Button Down Shirt for Adults by RSVLTS, $72

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Finding Nemo Seagulls ”Mine Mine Mine Mine” RSVLTS Short Sleeve Shirt for Kids with KUNUFLEX, $46

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Finding Nemo ”Great Escape” Button Down Shirt for Adults by RSVLTS, $72

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Finding Nemo Dooney & Bourke Tote Bag – 20th Anniversary, $328

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Finding Nemo Dooney & Bourke Crossbody Bag – 20th Anniversary, $178

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Finding Nemo Dooney & Bourke Satchel Bag – 20th Anniversary, $298

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Star-Lord Premium Electronic Roleplay Helmet for Adults by Hasbro – Guardians of the Galaxy – Marvel Legends Series, $131.99

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Yoda Legacy LIGHTSABER Hilt Set – Star Wars, $249.99

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Coming Soon: Stitch Collection 5/29

Coming Soon: Disney+ Special Access Indiana Jones

Relive the extraordinary adventures of Indiana Jones streaming on Disney+ on May 31.

US subscribers can check back here between May 31 and June 8 to receive early access to select product releases inspired by the stories you love.

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Ooh, I wonder what will be included in the Indiana Jones collection mentioned above that is coming soon! Let me know what you’ve seen in today’s meeting that struck your fancy.

Meeting Adjourned!

The post New Disney Merch: Finding Nemo, RSVLTS, Dooney & More! first appeared on DIS.