If you love Disney and all things spooky, we’ve got good news and bad news.
This is Halloween
The good news? Disney just dropped a new collection full of adorable items you’ll probably LOVE. The bad news? Disney just dropped a new collection of items you probably won’t be able to resist. In other words, your wallet might get a little angry at you after you hit “checkout” — but it might be worth it. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite pieces and see what the damage will end up being!
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Before we hop into the collection, we do want to quickly note that shopDisney is offering FREE SHIPPING today — August 28th! Be sure to use the code “FREESHIP” to get your items without any shipping fees.
First up, we have this AMAZING Haunted Mansion cardigan! The cardigan is covered in a print inspired by the Haunted Mansion wallpaper. You’ll fit right in with all the ghosts at the mansion — there is room for 1,000 after all! And you’ll stay warm and stylish all fall. It’s a win-win.
If it’s more cozy comfort you’re after, then pick up the Mickey Vampire Sweater! This is a fleece pullover sweatshirt that features the one and only Mickey dressed as a vampire. Use it on Halloween night to create a vampire costume of your own, wear it to your Halloween party, or just cozy up in it while watching spooky movies — this sweater has tons of potential.
Next up, there’s a cardigan that could become VERY popular. This Mickey Mouse Halloween Cardigan is covered in Mickey jack-o’-lanterns with different expressions from our favorite mouse. It’s simple, festive, and incredibly fun.
If you love the Haunted Mansion and the cardigan above wasn’t quite enough for you, you can really nail the look with this GLOW-IN-THE-DARK Flannel Shirt.
The Nightmare Before Christmas fans aren’t left out of the fun though. There’s a special 30th Anniversary shirt available with a very bold print featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and more.
If the jack-o’-lantern design from earlier is a favorite for you, but you’d rather have it in something other than a cardigan, then pick up the Mickey Mouse Halloween Dress! It has that same fun jack-o’-lantern design and could be a great choice for your Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party outfit.
That’s a look at just some of the new items from Disney and Cakeworthy, but be sure to stop by shopDisney to shop ALL of the latest souvenirs. And stay tuned for more Disney news!
You see, there are not one, but TWO versions of the Disney Dining Plan, each with their own specific price points and inclusions. Here, we’re delving first into whether you should or should not purchase a Disney Dining Plan. Then, we’ll present several factors to consider when it comes to each version of the Plan so you can decide which one is better for your traveling group.
So let’s DIG IN and chat about the DISNEY DINING PLAN!
What is the Disney Dining Plan?
The Disney Dining Plan is an optional add-on to a Disney World Vacation package (which also includes a room at a Disney owned-and-operated hotel and theme park tickets) that allows guests to pre-pay for meals and snacks at Walt Disney World (Though Walt Disney World suspended the Disney Dining Plan program upon reopening in 2020 following the temporary closure of the Resort, the Disney Dining Plan is NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING for Disney World vacation stays starting JANUARY 9, 2024.)
Plate Mickey on the Table at Garden Grill!
The Disney Dining Plan is exclusive to guests staying in a Disney World Resort hotel. Disney Dining Plans are pre-purchased, so all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant that accepts the Disney Dining Plan, grab a fork, and chow down!
Then to pay, you simply scan your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile pass so the appropriate number of “Credits” — the unit of currency of the Disney Dining Plan — are deducted from your allotment. The meal receipt will show how many credits you’ve used and how many are remaining in your account. (You can also check your Disney Dining Plan credits on the My Disney Experience app.)
To Add the Plan or Not to Add, That is the (First) Question…
If you are one who loves the vacation planning process and don’t mind (and might even enjoy) making Advance Dining Reservations 60 days in advance if you plan to dine at Table Service restaurants, knowing what you have to look forward to is part of the fun!
Do you and other of-age guests in your traveling crew enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or perhaps a beer with lunch? Then you should know that BOTH versions of the Disney Dining Plan include a beer, wine, or cocktail with each meal for guests over 21 — and, yes, that includes Quick Service restaurants that serve alcohol (which, BTW, is most of them, though you will only find alcohol at Table Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom). Those 10-and-older who are yet not of legal drinking age or opt not to imbibe can enjoy specialty beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, and various “mocktails.”
Hawkes’ Grog Ale from Satu’li Canteen
While we’re on that topic, what about your morning coffee or other other drinks like soda (or “pop,” depending on where you’re from )? Well, each guest receives a Refillable Resort Mug on the Disney Dining Plan.
100th anniversary Refillable Resort Mug
These are refillable with drinks such as soda (Coke products), coffee, and iced and hot tea at self-service beverage stations at Resort hotels all over Disney World — not just the one you’re staying at — throughout your trip! If you’ve got soda fans in your crew, this benefit (which costs $21.99 out of pocket for those not on a Dining Plan) can be quite a boon!
If you find that you can maximize the Disney Dining Plan and use it to its full value, then it can definitely be a great fit for your group! That said, there are other factors to bear in mind…
A Disney Dining Plan Might Not Be a Fit for You IF…
One of the major factors to consider is that you must be staying in aDisney World Resort hotelto purchase the Disney Dining Plan. So, if you plan to stay at a hotel outside of Disney World… well, that’s one less choice you’ll have to make, since the Dining Plan is not an option for guests staying outside of Disney World.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Additionally, guests who don’t plan to leave Disney World property to dine in other places around Orlando will obviously find more value in having a Dining Plan.
Perhaps you’re staying on Disney World property, but are opting for a Disney Vacation Club Villa or Studio. In that case, you’ll have access to a kitchenette at the very least, or a full kitchen depending on the size of your villa, studio, or suite. In that instance, you may prefer making some of your own food.
Finally, here is a simple truth about the Disney Dining Plan: it’s more convenience-based than savings-based. For many, as we mentioned above, the pre-paid aspect alone is enough of a bonus to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. Plus, it IS vacation, after all… a lovely reason to splurge!
Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger
But the truth is you CAN dine cheaper… and still dine well in Disney World! Even paying completely out of pocket, depending on where you dine and what you order, you may very well be able to dine on delicious foods in fun and lovely settings and be completely satisfied for less cost per day.
If you’ve decided that a Dining Plan is the right move for you and your family, next you’ll decide WHICH version of the Plan best fits your dining desires, needs, and expectations. So let’s look at each version of the Disney Dining Plan individually: the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan (also referred to as the “Standard Disney Dining Plan”).
Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night, a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay – along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
Fish and Chips at EPCOT’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop
The cost for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $57.01 per adult, per day, and $23.83 per child (ages 3 to 9), per day. This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.
You Might Prefer the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan IF…
You love the idea of that “all-inclusive” feel and the convenience of your meals and snacks being pre-paid at a lower price point than the Standard Disney Dining Plan.
SNACK TIME on the Dining Plan: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake from Aloha Isle
You prefer flexibility during your park days. Maybe you don’t want to look at the clock and worry about getting to an Advance Dining Reservation while also considering any Lighting Lanes you’ve reserved through Disney Genie+ or other potential conflicts, yet you you still plan to enjoy some quick meals in between attractions.
THIS is a Quick Service meal! New England Shrimp Boil at Columbia Harbour House
And, with options like Satu’li Canteen, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, Columbia Harbour House, Capt. Cook’s (DON’T MISS THE PULLED PORK NACHOS!), and more, that’s true of Quick Service restaurants as well as Table Service! That said, you certainly can have your fill of burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken tenders at Quick Service restaurants if you wish. We’d say that if your group doesn’t have a lot of super big foodies, the Quick Service Dining Plan may provide just enough variety for you.
You have kids around the age of 10. As noted above — and this is the case with Disney World theme park tickets, as well — anyone age 10 or older is considered an Adult on the Disney Dining Plan. The thing is…
BBQ Brisket Melt at Woody’s Lunch Box
What if your 10-year-old (Or your 11- or 12-year old) doesn’t have an adult-sized appetite just yet? A full Table Service meal may be more than what they can eat. Or perhaps your “mini me” still prefers Chicken Nuggets, mac and cheese, and other items that are typically available on Kids Menus, but are not on the regular entrée list at a Table Service restaurant. They will likely find something that appeals to them at just about any Quick Service restaurant.
And when it comes to the younger kiddos (ages 3 to 9), it’s worth noting that Disney shares the following on the Disney World website: “You can save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package;” and “Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.”
Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night and a snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
The cost for the Standard Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $94.28 per adult, per night (ages 10 and up), and $29.69 per child,per night (ages 3 to 9). This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package.
You Might Prefer the Standard Disney Dining Plan IF…
You want to have some relaxation planned into your park day. If you’re go, go, going in the parks, a reserved time at a Table Service restaurant will allow for a longer time of relaxation in an air-conditioned space for your family.
“We invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair…”
Speaking of planning, this also means that you don’t mind planning your meals and making Advance Dining Reservations ahead of your trip. (The booking window opens at 60 days out for Disney World Table Service restaurants and other select experiences.)
Witch Minnie at Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Several Signature Restaurants are also included on the Disney Dining Plan (albeit, these experiences and select others require two Table Service credits).
You enjoy a wider variety of cuisine. As we said above, Disney World offers a terrific variety even among Quick Service restaurants.
Potjie Inspired Meal at Sanaa
However, you’ll have access to a much wider variety on the Standard Disney Dining Plan.
Disney Dining Plans provide a lot of flexibility, and can work great for families and groups visiting Disney World. But, as we’ve hopefully demonstrated, they’re not always one-size-fits-all. If you need more information — including some number crunching — be sure to check out our DFB Guide to Maximizing the Disney Dining Planto learn all of the tricks of the trade to see if the Disney Dining Plan is right for your family, and which one you should choose.
On August 28th, Disney stock was trading at low levels — around $83.94. According to Forbes, the stock has been “hovering” at some of its lowest levels since October 2014 (9 YEARS ago).
Forbes reports that Disney is the 78th-worst performing stock over the last 10 years out of “the 468 S&P companies who have been publicly traded during the period.”
So what do some analysts have to say? CNBC spoke with Barton Crockett, a senior analyst at Rosenblatt recently about the situation and asked whether the stock is expected to go lower or turn around.
Crockett said one thing or the other is going to happen and that Disney would either have to “find some kind of solid footing” to support the stock or the pressure is going to build to restructure and break up.
Crockett said that he doesn’t think the management team likely wants a huge amount of restructuring and divisions in the Company, and that they likely believe they can turn the business around before it gets to that point.
But, he warned that Disney has had activists in the Company before (which we saw with the Nelson Peltz situation) and he noted that activists could return if things don’t “shape up.”
Crockett said that in his mind, the right structure for Disney IS a breakup.
Slinky Dog Dash
He proposed that the theme parks be treated as one thing, while TV networks are moved off into another structure. And then Disney’s content library could also be separated from the other businesses.
He noted how Disney’s content library is exceptionally valuable and could be of great use to a number of tech platforms. He also suggested that popular content and libraries will likely gravitate to these tech-focused platforms in the future, which is what makes Disney’s talks with Amazon so interesting.
The interviewer asked whether Crockett’s proposed structure would separate Disney’s theme parks from Disney’s own content and what that would look like.
Crockett said that he does think that a structure that separates the parks from the content is best, but he noted that this would NOT mean you’d lose Mickey Mouse in the parks. Instead, he insisted that it would not be complicated to set up licensing deals that would last in perpetuity as part of a theoretical separation.
Mickey Mouse
He said the first focus, however, should be separating those TV networks that Iger has already said are not core to Disney. The second step would be looking at what happens with Disney’s content library.
He acknowledged that Disney likely does NOT want to lose their content library, but cautioned that he thinks they’ll lose the right to keep that if the business doesn’t turn around and they don’t take the necessary steps.
Jasmine and Genie
In his view, there will be pressure for content with the quality level of Disney to be married to tech platforms. Will that mean a full separation of Disney’s parks from the content they are often based on? Potentially.
Crockett did note that other companies aren’t in this political debate, but Disney has somehow ended up in it and hasn’t really been able to navigate around it. Still, he noted that this is the world we’re in so they have to work around it.
What will become of the Disney Company in the future? Will it fully spin off its linear networks? Will it separate its content from the parks? We’ll certainly be watching for updates and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for all the latest.
If you have a trip to Disney World planned this week, you may have noticed that a tropical storm has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to hit Florida in the coming days.
Storm in Hollywood Studios
While it’s important to be prepared in situations like this, don’t panic! Disney World has many systems in place to make sure guests stay safe during all kinds of severe weather. However, there are still things that you can do to make sure you are prepared for whatever situation you might encounter — let’s talk about it.
While it is early and predictions can still change, here’s how to prepare for the potential of a storm impacting Disney World and your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Pack Smart
Whether you prefer a rain jacket, umbrella, or poncho — make sure you have something to stay dry! Ponchos in the park are pricey, not to mention the fact that you don’t want to have to find a store if you get caught in a sudden downpour.
Rain gear at EPCOT
You probably will also want to bring some Ziploc bags — this is a great way to make sure your things stay dry if you’re caught off guard. You can keep things like important documents, your wallet, and electronics safe this way if you get caught in heavy rain.
Ziploc
Speaking of heavy rain, you’ll want to bring some water-friendly shoes and/or a backup pair of socks and shoes — nobody wants to walk around the parks with wet socks all day! You can store them in a backpack or one of the park’s lockers, and you’ll be thankful to have them if it rains.
Disney World has shut down the parks in the past due to severe weather. While that is rare, there’s always the possibility that could happen. Some restaurants and stores in Disney hotels typically will remain open for guests during this time, but it’s still a good idea to have some essentials stocked in the event that the parks do close and you have to ride out the storm in your hotel room.
Art of Animation
You might want to stock up on some groceries before the weather turns so you don’t want to have to rely on Disney food while you’re stuck in the hotel. Grab your favorite snacks and drinks to have on hand for the storm — and don’t forget you can have them delivered!
As mentioned, Disney World has closed in the past due to severe weather, so make sure you are prepared for this possibility. On top of having desired food and drinks ready in your hotel room, you might want to mentally prepare for the fact that your trip could look different than you anticipated. This might mean having ways to stay entertained if you are stuck in your room, like books and card games.
If you have your heart set on a specific attraction that relies on clear skies, you might want to prioritize those so that you’re not stuck missing out if they are shut down for the better half of the day.
Watch the News
Storm predictions can change frequently — so keep your eye on the news! The storm can decrease in severity or strengthen as it gets closer, so you’ll want to monitor the situation to stay ready.
It’s probably going to rain
Depending on the severity of the storm, you might want to consider avoiding the parks or rescheduling your trip altogether.
Another aspect of your trip to be mindful of is air travel. While conditions can be perfectly fine where you’re taking off from, severe weather in Florida can have serious impacts on your flight.
Southwest
You might have long delays or even cancelations to deal with depending on when your flight is scheduled. Be mindful of your air carrier’s cancelation policies during this time, and keep in mind that your preferred transportation carrier and more will have cancelation policies of their own for you to consider. You may want to look into travel insurance and whether that cost would be worth it for you in this instance.
Lastly, be aware of Disney World’s cancellation policy. Here’s what Disney says:
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
Disney World rain
Currently, there is only a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for the Disney World area. But, this could change at any time, so keep an eye on the forecast to know if canceling is something your family should consider.
We are just one month away from the official grand opening of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and to celebrate, Disney has shared a first look at the one-of-a-kind mural that will be featured in the new location. What’s Happening: When The Villas at Disneyland Hotel opens on September 28th, guests will find a one-of-a-kind mural […]
Tropical Storm Idalia is making its way for Florida. If you do not feel comfortable traveling to Disney World this week, here is what you need to know if you cancel. Disney’s Statement Regarding Tropical Storm Idalia This week will no doubt be a rainy week for guests visiting Florida and Walt Disney World. Prepare […]
The Disney Parks Blog has shared a new look at the mural inspired by scenes from Walt Disney Animation Studios films that will be on display when The Villas at Disneyland Hotel opens on September 28.
Disney Animation Mural in The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
From the moment guests enter the new 12-story tower, they will be greeted by this new mural created for the Disney Vacation Club property by Lorelay Bové, associate production designer on “Encanto.”
From left to right, the mural includes characters and moments from the following animated films:
“Peter Pan”
“Sleeping Beauty”
“Alice in Wonderland”
“Fantasia”
“Moana”
“The Jungle Book”
“The Lion King”
“Aladdin”
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
“Mulan”
“Big Hero 6”
“Encanto”
“The Princess and the Frog”
“Wish”
“Frozen”
“Raya and the Last Dragon”
“Bambi”
There are also several hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the mural for guests to find.
Previously-shared concept art shows what the mural will look like in the lobby space once The Villas opens.
Bové has also contributed artwork and design for other Disney films, including “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Winnie the Pooh,” and “Wreck-It Ralph.”
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel opens on September 28. Reservations are available now.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club family, and the second Disney Vacation Club property at the Disneyland Resort after The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
The 12-story tower, currently under construction, will have 340 accommodations, including duo studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas. Each room is themed to a different Walt Disney Animation Studios film, from “Sleeping Beauty” to “The Princess and the Frog.” Imagineers drew inspiration from sketches, concept art, story cels, and color maps. There will also be a Steamboat Willie-themed splash pad.
Room types include the Duo Studio, Deluxe Studio, 1-Bedroom Villa, 2-Bedroom Villa, 3-Bedroom Grand Villa, and Garden Room.
For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.
Tropical Storm Idalia is moving closer to Florida. In anticipation of the storm, one Florida airport has announced that they will be closing tomorrow. Tropical Storm Idalia Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to affect Disney World this week. Just a few days ago Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency. A hurricane watch has […]
The cover has been revealed for the next book in the popular Descendants series from author Melissa De La Cruz. Beyond the Isle of the Lost will be coming in May, 2024. You can see the cover for Melissa De La Cruz’s Beyond the Isle of the Lost in the image above. Beyond the Isle […]
There are so many Disney Halloween collections popping up around the internet that it’s hard to keep track of who has what. Do we have a simple solution for you? Nope, but we can tell you what’s available at one of our favorite sites: BoxLunch! We’ve got a Halloween grab bag of sorts (think tons […]
In other words, your wallet might get a little angry at you after you hit “checkout” — but it might be worth it. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite pieces and see what the damage will end up being!
)? Well, each guest receives a 
