Did you know that there are TWO ways to get into EPCOT?
Mickey Head art in EPCOT
There’s the main entrance where the buses, monorails, and parking your cars will bring you, but over at the back of the park, near World Showcase, there’s a second entrance. And if you can enter through this International Gateway, you’ll get into EPCOT a LOT faster.
The International Gateway is known to some as EPCOT’s “back door” and it’s located right near the France Pavilion. This is where the Skyliner and Friendship Boats will drop you off, and you can also walk to this entrance from Disney’s BoardWalk (and subsequently the Boardwalk Inn, Swan & Dolphin, Beach Club Resort, and Yacht Club Resort).
International Gateway
This means that you’ll walk right into World Showcase, which is perfect if you’re looking to hop right on Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at the park opening. Seriously, not having to walk all the way back to this part of the park saves A LOT of time.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
However, most of World Showcase doesn’t open with the rest of the park (the rides do, but most restaurants do not), so keep that in mind when you’re walking around trying to find somewhere for breakfast — you may have to walk closer to the front of the park.
Another great thing about these resorts? They’re super close to the Skyliner route!
It’s also important to remember that rideshare vehicles, buses, and your own car will NOT be able to travel to this entrance, so it is a little harder to get to. It’s easiest to access if you’re staying at a Skyliner or Friendship Boat resort, or if you’re within walking distance.
Skyliners arriving
But if you’re looking to get on some of those most popular rides with low waits at park opening, this is the way to go! We’re always sharing all the latest Disney tips and tricks, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news!
New credit card readers are being rolled out at Walt Disney World Resort. The update to the new readers began on Monday, August 21. It appears designed to make the experience faster, more efficient, and more secure.
The new reader features a tap to pay touchpoint along the top of the reader, which allows for guests to use their MagicBands, phones, or tap-enabled cards to complete transactions.
These new card readers recognize MagicBands much more easily and quickly, so guests don’t have to wait when making purchases.
It also has an front camera, which you can see just below the swipe, which is used for “1D/2D code scanning,” according to the company that manufactures the readers.
Guests can still swipe cards through the swipe located just below the tap point, and a chip reader is below the number pad for cards with chips.
The new machines are housed in the same frame as the old machines.
Old Credit Card Readers
Here’s a look at what the former card readers looked like. While a number are still available, the new ones are starting to replace them.
The chip reader was still at the bottom, below the number pad, but the card swipe was located on the side.
The MagicBand reader was a separate attachment from the credit card reader, included via plug-in to the main reader.
What do you think of these new credit card readers? Have you encountered them while visiting the parks? Do you prefer the old readers instead? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Have you ever gotten a trading pin from a vending machine? Guests at the 2023 Magic HAP-Pins pin trading event at Walt Disney World were given the chance to experience this unique offering.
Pin Vending Machines at Walt Disney World
While at the pin trading event, a row of eight machines resembling Japanese gachapon machines were set up. Gachapon machines usually dispense small toys or trinkets in round capsules.
Instead, these machines hold Disney trading pins.
We were given a card to swipe, and each card had two swipes available on it. A bin was positioned to the left of the machines so guests could turn in their capsules after getting their pins.
After swiping the card, you turn the small crank at the center of the machine, and a capsule pops out through the opening on the bottom left.
The pins are housed inside these small capsules, which you can just pop open.
The pins inside the machines are not new, but instead are rare, limited edition, or artist proof pins.
While this was only offered for attendees of the Magic HAP-Pins trading event, we can see pin vending machines being something guests might really want to come to the parks in the future.
What do you think of these unique pin vending machines? Would you want to get pins from it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Magic HAP-Pins Pin Trading Event
This year’s special pin trading event, titled Magic HAP-Pins, is taking place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort on August 25 and 26, with today being its last day.
Don’t let Saturday slip by you without diving into these sales!
Amazon package
Now that the week has passed, it’s time to take advantage of all the best deals in merch and other must-haves you’ve been eyeing. So, we’re back with the latest from Amazon that you have to see right now. Let’s go!
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
First, if you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you can start your free trial by clicking the link below and save some coin in the process!
Need a new wallet or perhaps you’re looking for one that will match your outfit for your next park trip? How about this one? It looks so fun and tasty!
Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news!
New souvenir at Tiana’s Palace!
The ONE thing we’ve all been missing for years is soon returning to Disney World, NEW attractions have been announced, a meet-and-greet just disappeared without warning and we might be ditching pumpkin spice this year? All this and more is coming up right now on DFB Guide.
Check out all of the week’s big news in our video below!
By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode!
So check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news of the week are you the most excited about?
If it seems like Disney World’s list of ongoing theme park projects is kind of short right now, that’s probably because it is! Most of the construction projects that were originally slated to be completed for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary (but were delayed due to the pandemic) are now complete, and many fans are wondering what happens now. So when Disney World teased a GIANT expansion for Magic Kingdom, it’s no wonder that the fans were intrigued!
In 2022 at the D23 Expo, Disney teased the possibility of an expansion for Magic Kingdom, in the area of the park behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. During the “Blue Sky” presentation, Disney shared some ideas for things that MIGHT (key word being might) come to the parks in the future.
Big Thunder Mountain
During the panel, Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive Chris Beatty shared, “Magic Kingdom holds a special place in my heart. I think there are so many amazing stories yet to be told – lands to be explored.”
Beatty and Jennifer Lee (Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios) discussed some ideas that have been in the works for Magic Kingdom. Disney has called these “potential expansion opportunities” for Magic Kingdom and “what if” ideas.
Magic Kingdom
The team threw out a few different possible ideas for the space in the back of Magic Kingdom, including expansions themed to Coco, Encanto, or the Disney villains. With those lands, you could celebrate Dia de los Muertos in the little town of Santa Cecilia, walk inside the Madrigal family’s Casita, or live like a Disney villain!
Possible Land Expansion in Magic Kingdom
At the time of the 2022 D23 Expo, these ideas were in the very early stages of development, and it is possible that they could even change and fluctuate going forward. Disney hasn’t said much about the possibilities since, but we might be getting more information soon!
A Villains-themed land?!
Disney’s Destination D23 event is coming up the weekend of September 8th-10th, and we’re expecting some BIG news during that time. This event usually takes place every other year (the years that the D23 Expo doesn’t happen) and brings important announcements from The Walt Disney Company about future plans. In the past, we’ve seen concept art for new projects, received opening dates for attractions/restaurants, and heard details about special celebrations in the parks during Destination D23.
Destination D23 is a great time for Disney to officially announce new construction projects, including possible park expansions. So if changes are coming to Magic Kingdom, we’re hoping we hear about them very soon!
We’ll be on the lookout for any major news during Destination D23, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest announcements and updates. We’ll keep you in the loop!
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!
There are a lot of restaurants in Disney World, but some are WAY more popular than others.
Welcome to Disney World!
One of the busiest restaurants you’ll find in Magic Kingdom is the iconic Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. With a crowd-pleasing menu, lots of seating, and a prime location, it’s almost always packed. But should you brave the crowds to dine here? I recently stopped by to review some of the eats!
Atmosphere
As I said, the restaurant is located in Tomorrowland (and it takes up a significant portion of the land!). You’ll find entrances near Cheshire Cafe, as well as over by Star Traders.
Cosmic Ray’s entrance
When you dine at Cosmic Ray’s, you can either Mobile Order or you can order your meal at the cash registers inside. There are multiple bays where you can pick up your food.
One of the ordering Bays
Cosmic Ray’s has a TON of seating spread throughout various rooms in the restaurant, as well as a number of tables outside.
Seating in Cosmic Ray’s
However, despite the large number of tables, you may have a hard time finding a spot for your family during the lunch or dinner rush. It’s almost always pretty full in here, and I had to walk a few laps before I could find a place to sit down.
There are SO many people in here!
Of course, the PRIME place to sit is downstairs in the main room, where you can get a great view of Sonny Eclipse!
Sit downstairs with Sonny Eclipse!
If you don’t know who Sonny Eclipse is, he’s an animatronic alien who resides on the stage at Cosmic Ray’s. He sings a setlist full of punny space-themed songs, and he’s a Disney World TREASURE.
You have to say hey to Sonny Eclipse!
Also, we have to mention the Cosmic Ray’s toppings bar!
A toppings bar!
Sadly, this toppings bar is not what it once was. You can no longer pick up things like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes here. Instead, you’ll be able to get prepackaged condiments on this buffet line.
Mostly just condiments
You can also pick up salt and pepper packets, as well as various sweeteners for your beverages.
Salt and pepper packets
There are multiple utensil stations throughout the restaurant, and you’ll find napkin dispensers alongside them.
Utensils
Okay, now it’s time to talk about the menu!
Menu
There are several entree options at Cosmic Ray’s, including various burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, and chicken strips.
If you’re a plant-based eater, there’s a Patty Melt made with an Impossible Burger. For sides, your options are pretty limited — they’ve got french fries and Cuties mandarins.
There are three meal options for kiddos — a Grilled Chicken Sandwich, chicken strips, and macaroni and cheese. At the time of our review, the dessert on the menu was the Stitch Blueberry-Lemonade Mousse Cake, although the dessert options change from time to time.
And of course, if you’re interested in getting something to drink, you can try the Lunar Lemonade or the Sulley Slush.
There are also a number of soft drinks and other beverages to choose from, as well as several allergy-friendly meals.
Eats
I visited with a coworker, so we got six different menu items to try, with a focus on items we haven’t reviewed here on the blog before. First up, we’ve got a classic Disney World entree — the Chicken Strips meal for $10.49. It comes with french fries on the side!
Chicken Strips
The meal comes with four strips, which is a decent size for adults. The breading was nice and crispy and there was a good amount of chicken inside. It’s a pretty basic meal, but it’s better than some other chicken tenders I’ve had in the past. This would be a great option for picky eaters!
Inside the strips
Next up is the Chopped Vegetable and Crispy Noodle Salad with Shrimp for $12.59. This is made with mixed greens salad topped with shrimp, grilled pineapple, peppers, crispy noodles, and sesame-ginger dressing. Sounds delicious, right? Well, it was!
The salad!
This was surprisingly good for a quick service salad. It was very bright and refreshing and had some great fruitiness to it. The shrimp had a nice chew and the ginger flavor was strong in the dressing. There are several textures throughout the salad, but the lettuce was a little on the wilted side. However, the fruity pineapple and fresh-tasting dressing really helped balance that out, and we thought this would be a great option for a light summer meal.
A forkful of salad
After that, I had the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich for $12.59. Crispy chicken breast, pickle slaw, and spicy aioli all atop a brioche bun, and you get french fries on the side. This was a pretty substantial portion!
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
The chicken breast on this is really thick and it’s not juicy, but it’s not really dry either — somewhere in between. The slaw adds a nice crunch and brightness, and the spice in the sandwich is adjacent to a buffalo flavor. It wasn’t actually very crispy, but I suppose it was crispy enough to be called “crispy chicken breast.” We weren’t really blown away by this sandwich, but it wasn’t bad!
Inside the sandwich
The final adult entree we got was the Plant-based Patty Melt for $12.79. And boy, did we have some THOUGHTS about this one! It’s an Impossible Burger topped with plant-based Swiss cheese, pickle slaw, and asteroid sauce on toast. The “cheese” RUINED this sandwich.
Plant-based Patty Melt
The burger was chewy and tender and the slaw and asteroid sauce made a nice combo of crunchy and smooth textures. There’s a hint of peppery flavor in the meat, and the flavors weren’t bad. But the CHEESE. The plant-based Swiss cheese was slimy and felt slippery on my tongue — that texture just completely threw off the whole sandwich. If it didn’t have the cheese, it would be significantly better!
Sadly, this was NOT a winner
We also opted to try one of the kid-friendly entrees. This is the Kids Macaroni and Cheese, and you can get it for $6.99. It comes with mac and cheese, two sides, and a beverage. That’s a STEAL!
Kids’ Meal
As far as Disney World mac and cheeses go, we consider ourselves experts here at DFB. This one actually isn’t bad — the cheese was super creamy and the pasta was soft, but it held up to the cheese well.
Mac and cheese
I think this would be a bit better with a bolder cheese flavor, but for a kids’ option, it’s fairly good. Not really anything to write home about (and we’ll still be picking our beloved Gasparilla Island Grill mac and cheese over this one!), but your little ones probably wouldn’t complain.
MMMM pasta
And finally, let’s talk about our drink! We ordered the Lunar Lemonade for $5.99. It’s Minute Maid lemonade with desert pear syrup over ice, and it reminded me a lot of the violet lemonade you get during the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, but in liquid form instead of slush form.
Lunar Lemonade
It has a strong tartness and a really heavy syrup flavor. Overall, I like the Flower & Garden version better. Even with the ice melting into this and watering it down, it was a little too strong and artificial.
It has a strong syrup flavor
Now that we’ve talked about all the eats, what are my final thoughts?
Overall
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe serves its purpose REALLY well. It’s meant to be a crowd-pleaser restaurant with lots of seating that can serve thousands of guests per day. And it does exactly that!
Inside Cosmic Ray’s
If you want a simple burger or chicken meal, this. is a great place to go. It may be hectic while you’re there and it may be a challenge to find a table, but everyone will probably be able to find something they like on the menu. The food probably won’t knock your socks off, but let’s be honest — we’re all really here for Sonny Eclipse.
Nosh or Not?
Sing along with Sonny Eclipse if…
You need a cheaper, fast meal in Magic Kingdom. If you Mobile Order, you can get in and out of here pretty quickly, and if you’re okay with sitting outside, you’ll probably be able to find a seat without much trouble.
You have picky eaters in your party. You can’t go wrong with burgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders. This is a great place to get a little something for everyone!
You are a major Sonny Eclipse fan! There’s nothing quite like Sonny Eclipse at the other quick service spots, and listening to his jokes and songs is a great way to pass a meal.
Avoid the Cosmic chaos if…
You don’t like heavy crowds or loud environments. As I mentioned above, it’s pretty much always busy here. If you don’t like weaving through a bunch of people and sitting near strangers, this probably isn’t for you.
You’re hard set on indoor seating. It can be hard to find a table inside during the lunch or dinner rush, and you might have an easier time if you go to Columbia Harbour House or Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe instead.
You want some unique or really amazing food. This isn’t really a restaurant for the foodies out there, so if that’s you, head somewhere else where you can get more special eats.
The full spread
That’s a wrap on my visit to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe! Stay tuned to DFB for more food reviews and updates from the parks! We’ll keep you in the loop with everything going on at Disney World.
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!
The warning signs have materialized, and all who enter here deserve just what’s coming to them. The iconic Halloween Horror Nights medallion has been hung in the arch with great care, in hopes that Dr. Oddfellow soon would be there. It’s beginning to look a lot like Halloween Horror Nights now that the medallion, posters, and neon signs have been added to the entrance area of Universal Studios Florida.
Halloween Horror Nights Medallion
We saw the forboding signage as soon as we began approaching the entrance arch.
The huge Halloween Horror Nights medallion hangs directly under the main arch. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice zodiac signs and symbols for Dr. Oddfellow around the medallion.
Banners for the IP haunted house areas are hanging to the left and right of the Halloween Horror Nights medallion.
The banners to the left feature Stranger Things 4 and The Exorcist: Believer.
The banners have been affixed to rusty, unfinished sections of chain link.
The banners to the right of the Halloween Horror Nights medallion feature The Last of Us, Chucky, and Universal Monsters: Unmasked.
The uneven, rusty framing around the banners stands in contrast to the clean, uniform arches below. It won’t be much longer before the fog rolls in.
As we made our way into Universal Studios Florida, we saw the iconic Halloween Horror Nights neon sign has been installed to the trusses in the front of the park.
Hanging beneath the truss, we noticed floods, parcans, and some small specialty lighting ready to set the spooky mood on the street at nightfall.
Are you starting to feel the spooky spirit of the season? What are you most looking forward to experiencing at Halloween Horror Nights this year? Let us know in the comments.
Full Halloween Horror Nights 32
The full lineup of haunted houses, scare zones, and a show Halloween Horror Nights 32 at Universal Studios Florida, was released a few months ago.
Stranger Things 4
Try to Escape the Curse of Vecna
You’ll need your squad to resist Vecna’s gruesome curse. Like Eleven, now’s your chance to stop him once and for all as you take on the scariest season of Stranger Things yet.
The Exorcist: Believer
An Evil Reawakened
Two missing girls have been found with no memory of what happened to them. But wherever they went, the ultimate evil has returned with them. Enter the most terrifying scenes from the new Blumhouse film.
The Last of Us
Step Into the World of The Last of Us
You and your squad will encounter the haunting and overgrown world of the video game in a brand-new, terrifying way. Stay silent if you want to survive a multitude of Clickers, Hunters and more.
Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count
Chucky’s Back for Even More Carnage
Chucky, the serial killer doll, is back for a new gorefest! He’s hijacked his own haunted house with all kinds of bloody hijinks. You and your friends must try to survive his ultimate kill count.
Universal Monsters: Unmasked
Four Universal Monsters. One New Nightmare.
Descend into the Paris Catacombs, where you and your squad will face a new horde of Monsters: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Phantom of the Opera, the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Invisible Man.
Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins
Your Soul is a Price He’s Willing to Pay
You won’t be able to resist going inside Dr. Oddfellow’s menacing menagerie of twisted oddities. But the price for you and your friends is steep: the cost of your souls to feed his immortal power.
Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate
No Matter Who You Choose, You Lose
Two warlocks of great power were turned into dragons after trying to take Merlyn’s spell book. Now you and your friends are caught in their epic battle. You must choose a path and a victor.
YETI: Campground Kills
Yeti or Not, Here They Come
You and your friends are about to venture into a 1950s campground overrun by huge, menacing yetis who rip apart anyone who gets in their way. You must flee to the ranger tower to escape.
The Darkest Deal
Fame is Fleeting. Fear is Forever.
Blues musician Pinestraw Spruce will have to face the music after meeting with The Collector and trading his soul for musical glory. You and your squad learn the terrible price of fame.
Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings
Bleed for the Blood Moon
In a Colonial-era village, moon-worshippers witness a blood moon at their fall festival. They take it as a sign to hunt down any non-followers, including you and your scream squad.
Scare Zones
Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror
Dr. Oddfellow will lure you into Halloween Horror Nights with a promise of immortality. As he lifts the veil on all the horrors to come, you’ll soon realize you may not even survive the night.
Dark Zodiac
Dr. Oddfellow has entered a dark dimension to harness the power of the Zodiac and live forever. He twists the signs into malevolent beings who foretell your doom. As his star rises, yours falls.
Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror
In the 1920s, Dr. Oddfellow ventured deep into the darkest jungle, performing horrific experiments on nature. Now his monstrous creations are running amok and are coming after you.
Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood
At a 60s music fest in a small New York town, you’ll jam to popular bands with fellow concert-goers until Dr. Oddfellow unleashes vicious vampires on the audience. They’re out for your blood.
Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged
Enter a 1940s San Francisco shipping yard full of mysterious crates and cages bearing Dr. Oddfellow’s symbol. Beware, his nightmarish oddities have now escaped, spreading fear and chaos in their wake.
Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream
The show that sparked your darkest dreams has reignited. Let your nightmares burn out of control as the pyro and aerial performers fire you up to the beat of metal and electronica.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
Previously erected construction walls now block the pathway from Harambe Market to the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, though the Market remains open to guests.
Walls Block Path Between Asia and Harambe Market
Back in June of this year, construction walls went up across from Harambe Market in the Africa section of the park, but the path to Asia was still open for guests, as you can see in the photo above.
Now, that path is completely blocked, though Harambe Market is still open.
These walls are located just past the entry to the Market.
If you’re coming toward this area from the entrance to the Africa section, the construction wall is on your left after you pass the drums available for guests to play by the Africa Hub Cart.
Directional signs are posted on the walls, pointing the general directions to the Africa and Asia sections of the park.
On this side of the wall is a sign for Harambe Market, advertising that it is still opening and pointing guests in the direction of how to get there amidst all the construction walls.
If you continue up the path to Guest Experience Team kiosk, and take the path on its left, a black curtain is in place and can be seen through the trees.
If you take a look through the trees on the left of this path, you can see the back of the first wall by Harambe Market.
While the reason for these construction walls going up has not been shared, it is likely for general maintenance of the area.
Harambe
Harambe is the fictional village of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Africa land. Here, guests can dine at Harambe Market, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, Zuri’s Sweet Shop, Dawa Bar, Tusker House Restaurant, Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, and the Harambe Fruit Market. Earlier this year, a new outdoor bar opened in Harambe Market in front of the building that used to serve ribs.
Mombasa Marketplace offers authentic African imports like wine, apparel, art, crafts, instruments, and animal toys. Next door, Ziwandi Traders has more traditional Walt Disney World merchandise.
The land’s attractions are Festival of the Lion King and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
It’s been a long and exciting week of royal fun for World Princess Week at Disney, and while I’ve enjoyed every moment of it, the weekend serves as a great time to relax and unwind, princess-style, of course! I ran into the clip a few weeks ago and had a feeling that today would be the perfect day to share it with you. I must confess I did give this a try earlier, and there is something about the voice of Moana that really did leave me feeling a little more at ease.
Meditation is a wonderful practice to start with your family and a great way for kids to learn how to manage the stress and challenges of life ahead of them. Give this one a try with your family this weekend and see if they notice the difference in how they feel before and after the session. Even those more skeptical of meditation can be surprised at how beneficial it is to take a few moments out of your day to recenter your mind.
The Disney Princess Club invites you to experience a unique and enchanting form of meditation guided by Disney’s Moana in collaboration with Calm! Mindful meditation is a practice that encourages individuals to focus their attention on the present moment, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Namaste!
