Okay, we did something kinda’ sneaky in Hollywood Studios.

Please don’t tell the Stormtroopers about us

This one is for all you Star Wars fans who want to enjoy Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in a completely different way (and without a lot of people). Sure, you could pay for one of those pricey Hollywood Studios After Hours events, but we’ve got a hack that might work even better — even if it feels a little dodgy.

So here’s the thing: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is always SO full of people during the day. So it’s really hard to get any really good photos without a ton of people in them. But we’ve got a sneaky way to get some great atmospheric shots of Batuu when most of the people have gone.

WAY too many people during the day

So…did you know that you can make reservations at Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a time AFTER the park closes? Well, you can! As an example, the park hours for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Aug. 31st are 9AM to 9PM, but Oga’s Cantina is listed at closing at 10PM, and we were able to make a 9:15PM reservation. It feels almost illegal, doesn’t it?

Oga’s Cantina in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

So here’s what we do: We make a reservation at Oga’s AFTER park close. We go have a drink. We leave Oga’s and get to experience a people-free version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We can take ALL the cool nighttime photos we want, and no one else is showing up in those photos.

It’s so peaceful.

In fact, the whole park is that way, and it’s so nice walking out of Hollywood Studios when it’s peaceful and quiet. Here’s the thing, though: this hack works with a few other Disney World restaurants, too. So you could check to see how late reservations go for certain restaurants, make that reservation, and then enjoy some food, a beverage, or a snack, and then take ALL the people-free photos you want on your way out.

An empty Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Yes, it feels a little sneaky, but Disney allows it, so it’s TOTALLY okay. So go for it, if you would like to have a people-free experience in the parks. You WILL have to leave eventually, though, and Cast Members will be around to make sure you do, but you don’t have to rush on the way out, so enjoy it while you can.

We’ll keep you updated on more Disney tips, tricks, and news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

When are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out!

Check Out This Recipe For Blue Milk from Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Have you ever had a reservation after park close in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post Wait. Is It OK That We’re Doing This in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? first appeared on the disney food blog.

As Idalia has been upgraded to a hurricane, Disney has started to share some updates.

Be Careful Out There!

If you’re at Disney World right now, you may want to keep your ears open for updates as Hurricane Idalia gets nearer. Disney has started to take precautions and will most likely continue to do so.

This morning Walt Disney World made its first resort and hotel announcement concerning the impending hurricane and it concerns Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds.

Fort Wilderness

If you are staying at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds Disney has requested that you “remove and stow all outside items.” This is to include tents and decor. They also ask that this be done by 6PM today, August 29th.

©Disney

We know being at a campground could be a problem during a hurricane. That’s why we’re glad Disney is also offering for you to contact them if you would like to depart early or look for alternate options. If you’d like to discuss these options with them you can call them at (407) 939-2744.

Fort Wilderness

The hurricane is expected to pass through East to Central Florida on Wednesday, August 30th, with two to four inches of rain expected for Orange and Osceola Counties (which is where Disney World is located). Currently, Disney World is planning to remain open and doesn’t expect the storm to affect operations.

©Disney

Disney has also announced that “Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of August 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call 407-W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call 407-828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability.”

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Note that change and cancelation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates starting August 28th through September 4th. If you’re currently staying at a Disney World hotel and your travel plans are affected by the storm, you can receive a discounted rate to extend your stay through the evening of August 31st — visit the front desk of your hotel for details.

Lion King area at Art of Animation

Please be sure to keep checking back to DFB for more Hurricane Idalia updates! And stay safe out there!

Check Here for Hurricane Idalia Updates and What To Do!

Are you staying at Fort Wilderness right now? Let us know in the comments!

The post NEWS: Disney World Shares HOTEL UPDATE as Hurricane Idalia Approaches Florida first appeared on the disney food blog.

Recently, we saw a change in how Disney World guests purchase Genie+.

©Disney

This change, which happened back in June, brought the ability to purchase Genie+ based on which park you plan to visit. The price of Genie+ is now different depending on which park you’re planning to use it in. Now, Genie+ has hit its LOWEST price yet since that change!

You can purchase Genie+ through the My Disney Experience app on the day you’re visiting the parks. The service grants you access to Lightning Lane selections so you can skip the lines at certain rides.

Genie+ used to cost $15 per person, per day, no matter when you went or which park you planned to use it in. Then, Disney updated the service so that the price would be different based on the day — on busier days, Genie+ tends to cost more. Then, Disney updated Genie+ AGAIN so that the price varied based on the park. If you planned to use it in Animal Kingdom, it would cost less than in Magic Kingdom.

Check out this example of the new pricing from July 4th, 2023:

July 4th Prices ©Disney

Generally, Genie+ is the most expensive if you want to buy the Multiple Park option or if you buy it for Magic Kingdom. We’ve seen the cost for Multi-Park and Magic Kingdom Genie+ range from $23 to $29 per day, but today that price DROPPED.

But this morning when we checked the price of Genie+, the Multiple Parks option and Magic Kingdom were down to $20 and EPCOT and Animal Kingdom were just $15!

©Disney

These are the lowest prices we’ve seen since the new update! Today the prices are as follows:

• Multiple Parks (valid with Park Hopper benefits)- $20
• Magic Kingdom- $20
• EPCOT- $15
• Hollywood Studios- $20
• Animal Kingdom- $15

These prices are usually based on how crowded Disney expects the theme parks to be, and it’s possible that with Hurricane Idalia looming, they anticipate there being very low crowds over the next couple of days. We’re keeping an eye on the storm and Disney’s latest updates, so we’ll be sure to let you know if the parks close or are otherwise affected by the weather.

We’ll keep our eyes out for any more changes or updates! Check back to DFB for all your Disney updates.

Click here to learn more about Disney Genie+!

Have you used Genie+ in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post BREAKING: Genie+ Hits LOWEST Price Since Recent Change first appeared on the disney food blog.

Beginning as early as September 1, with even more treats coming in October, the Disney pastry chefs are busy creating new Halloween bites and sips that will be served at various locations at Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels.

Let’s take a look below to what’s coming! 

Disney Springs 

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 31)

• Jack Skellington Éclair: Pumpkin cream éclair (New)
• Sally Éclair: Caramel-chocolate éclair (New)
• Oogie Boogie Cream Puff: Cream puff filled with cookies ‘n cream mousse and topped with whipped cream (New) 
• Maleficent Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, caramel, shortbread crumble, and milk chocolate mousse (New) 
• Mummy Mickey Mouse Dome Cake: Layers of peanut butter-milk chocolate mousse, chewy caramel, peanut crunch, and dark chocolate glaçage (New) 

Dockside Margaritas (Available Sept. 6 through Nov. 4)

• Frozen Black Cherry and Apple-Lime Margarita: Patrón Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, sweet-and-sour, lime juice, black cherry purée, and Granny Smith apple garnished with an orange wedge and a cherry

The Ganachery

• Donald Candy Corn-Chocolate Piñata: White chocolate piñata filled with pumpkin-spiced marshmallows and crisp pearls (New) (Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 31)
• Pirate Mickey Chocolate Piñata: Milk chocolate piñata with crisp pearls, chocolate treasure coins, and marshmallow treats (Available Oct. 15 through 31) 
• Jack Skellington Dark Ganache: Grand Cru medium-roasted, custom blend (New) (Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 31)
• Poison Apple Ganache Square: Sour apple ganache enrobed in 65% dark chocolate (Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 31)
• Pumpkin Chai Ganache Square (Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 31) 
• Minnie Trick-or-Treat Chocolate Pop: Caramel ganache pop enrobed in 65% dark chocolate (Available Sept. 6 through Oct. 31)
• Caramel Ganache Chocolate Skulls: 65% dark chocolate skulls filled with caramel ganache (Available Oct. 1 through Oct. 31)
• Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars: Ganache bars with flavors of raspberry, salted caramel, chipotle, and passion fruit (Available through Oct. 31) 
• Hitchhiking Ghosts Chocolate Chiller: A chilling blend of three chocolates, malted milk, and cream (Non-alcoholic) (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 31)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar 

• Witch’s Potion: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St. Augustine Gin, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, sweet-and-sour, splash of grenadine, and a splash of soda water garnished with a lemon wheel and hibiscus flower (New) (Available Sept. 6 through Nov. 4)
• Cinnamon-Pear Cocktail: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, pear nectar, lemon juice, and cinnamon simple syrup garnished with a cinnamon stick (Available Sept. 6 through Nov. 30)

Marketplace Snacks (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31)

• Halloween Minnie Waffle Sundae: Bubble waffle filled with chocolate soft-serve, orange sauce, chocolate cream cookies, candy corn, and chocolate sticks (New) 

Swirls on the Water (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31) 

• Haunted Mansion Cone: Pistachio and purple cheesecake soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone with a Hitchhiking Ghosts chocolate medallion (New) 
• DOLE Whip Sampler: DOLE Whip and vanilla soft-serve with pineapple wedge, pumpkin and salted caramel soft-serve with caramel sauce and caramel crisp pearls, and pistachio soft-serve and purple cheesecake soft-serve with roasted salted pistachios (New)
• Apple Cider Slush with Pumpkin Soft Serve: Apple cider, pumpkin soft-serve, and an apple slice (Non-alcoholic) (Alcoholic version available with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky) (New)

Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available) 

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bomboloni: An Italian doughnut stuffed with pumpkin cheesecake filling (New) 
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bombashake: A milkshake made with pumpkin and cheesecake gelato, caramel sauce, and a Pumpkin Cheesecake Bomboloni on top (New) 
• Jack-O-Lantern Float: Vanilla gelato, Fanta Orange, and whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
• Monster Shake: Mint Chocolate Chip gelato, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate chips (Non-alcoholic)
• Vampire Float: Vanilla gelato, Sprite, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)

Outdoor Bars (Available Sept. 6 through Nov. 4) 

• Apple Cider Cocktail: Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, Stoli Vanil Vodka, apple cider juice, red cranberry juice, and grenadine (New) 
• Halloween Rum Punch: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, sweet-and-sour, cranberry juice, and grenadine 
• Sour Apple Margarita: Patrón Silver Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple Liqueur, sweet-and-sour, lime juice, and Granny Smith Apple garnished with a lime

Disney Resort Hotels 

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court and End Zone Food Court (Mobile order available) 

• Chicken Adobo Nachos: Blue corn tortilla chips with grilled chicken adobo, toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, roasted corn pico, and a zesty pumpkin cheese sauce finished with a cilantro-lime crema and yellow corn tortilla strips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31; not available at World Premiere Food Court) 
• Mickey Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake-chocolate-ginger torte with almond crumble (Available Sept. 1 through Nov. 30)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 

Boma – Flavors of Africa, Sanaa, Sanaa Lounge, and Victoria Falls Lounge (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 31) 

• Doom-ela South African Margarita: Margarita featuring Patrón Silver Tequila with a South African Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon floater

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Mobile order available) 

• Chicken Adobo Nachos: Blue corn tortilla chips with grilled chicken adobo, toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, roasted corn pico, and a zesty pumpkin cheese sauce finished with a cilantro-lime crema and yellow corn tortilla strips (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31) 
• The Whoopie Monster: Apple and caramel whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31) 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 

Centertown Market (Available Sept. 1 through Nov. 30; mobile order available)

• Pumpkin-Hazelnut Tart: Chocolate tart shell filled with hazelnut ganache and spiced pumpkin cheesecake garnished with chocolate décor and candied pumpkin seeds (New) 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31; mobile order available)

• Tombstone Sweet: Chocolate cake, chocolate-coffee mousse, caramel-milk chocolate mousse, and ganache

Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available through Oct. 31)

• Ghoulish Delight Beignets: Three Mickey-shaped beignets dusted with cookies and cream powdered sugar and a ghoulish marshmallow crème drizzle 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 

Riverside Mill Food Court and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31; mobile order available)

• Tombstone Sweet: Chocolate cake, chocolate-coffee mousse, caramel-milk chocolate mousse, and ganache

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available Sept. 3 through Nov. 25) 

• Pumpkin Napoleon: Pumpkin diplomat cream, spiced diplomat cream, and dark chocolate (New) 

Primo Piatto (Available Sept. 1 through Nov. 24; mobile order available) 

• Pumpkin-Hazelnut-Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with hazelnut-chocolate swirl, vanilla whipped panna cotta, and a milk chocolate pumpkin coin 

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Available Sept. 3 through Nov. 25) 

• Apple Tarte Tatin: Praline noisette, apricot jelly, and Chantilly cream (New) 

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 

Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available Sept. 3 through Nov. 30; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only) 

• Mini Pumpkin: Pumpkin mousse, caramel, dulce crunch, and chocolate décor (New) 

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Food Courts (Available Sept. 1 through Oct. 31; mobile order available) 

• Plant-based Monster Cupcake: Allergy-friendly chocolate cupcake with a ghoulish swirl of vanilla buttercream (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly); Available at the following locations:
  • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort 
  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 

The post New Halloween Treats Coming to Walt Disney World This Week first appeared on DIS.