Walt Disney World has announced a pool closure of Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in 2025. This covers dates & details, plus other info about ongoing & upcoming construction work around Crescent Lake, recommendations for those planning vacations during this timeframe, and more. Let’s start with the big news, which is the […]
Keep the fun of World Princess Week going with the new single “Like a Princess” by Ana Kohler from Walt Disney Records. What’s Happening: Walt Disney Records just released a new single from international recording artist Ana Kohler called “Like a Princess.” The song’s release comes during World Princess Week, with lyrics that reference all of […]
Disney has had its share of conflict recently and this has translated to a record low now! Roller Coaster Ride It is no secret that Disney stock has been a bit of a rollercoaster. And while this may seem fitting for a brand known in part for its world-class theme parks, it is certainly not […]
This means we know when an attraction is temporarily closed and when things change. We share this all with you so that you stay in the loop and have the best Disney trip you can. But being in the parks so much, also means that we’ve had some embarrassing moments too.
We asked our team what embarrassing things have they done in Disney World that they would do again, and here are our answers. We are aware we may be judged for them, but we feel like you’ve probably done a few of these too.
1. Acting Like A Kid
At Disney World, sometimes we act like a kid. Even though we’re all adults here, something comes over us while we’re in the Disney Parks. We have danced along during the parades or sung out loud during “Frozen” Sing-Along at Hollywood Studios.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
We’ve danced during a downpour of rain, because what else is there to do? We do the warthog noises during the Festival of the Lion King, and we speed walk to our favorite ride. While these are things that we probably would not do outside of Disney, we think it’s 100% worth doing in the parks.
Festival of the Lion King
2. Crying During Fireworks
A lot of our team gets emotional at Disney World, especially while watching Happily Ever After. There’s something about hearing “Ready to Begin” that just opens up the floodgates for us. Seeing Tinker Bell fly over us and the huge fireworks behind the beautiful castle is just what dreams are made of.
Happily Ever After
While at the time, it can feel embarrassing to cry over a show, it’s worth it to be swept up in the moment of experiencing the magic of Disney World. So if you cry during the fireworks, just know you aren’t the only one in the hub shedding some tears.
Happily Ever After
3. The Things We Do To Stay Cool
It’s hot here, okay? There are days when the heat index is over 100 degrees, and the humidity is just terrible. We do what we have to so we can keep cool. This includes a few embarrassing things like wearing a neck fan. While we may look silly, being in the park all day when it’s hot is no joke. We have absolutely worn a neck fan to keep a breeze on us.
Magic Kingdom
A few of our team members may also go in the bathrooms just to cool off. What? It’s shaded, usually has good AC and we can wipe ourselves down with a paper towel. While it may feel weird to hide from the sun in the bathroom, sometimes you’ve just got to do it to survive this Florida heat.
Bathrooms
4. Pin Trading
Outside of Disney, it may seem weird to carry around a bag of pins to trade, but here, it’s normal. Pin trading is a time-honored tradition in Disney World. You can trade with Cast Members, who usually have pin boards.
Pin Trading Board
For some, it’s just for fun, while for others it’s a serious hobby. It can also get expensive if you are buying new pins or mystery packs to try to complete a collection. So, maybe we’re a little embarrassed about the amount we’ve spent on this hobby? Either way, it’s very popular at Disney parks and if it makes you happy — who cares?
How much do you spend on Pin Trading?
5. Meeting Characters As Adults
We have gone to character meals as adults solely to meet some of our favorite pals. Giving Mickey a high five or dancing with Donald just brings us joy. Some may think of the characters as something fun for kids to do, but we’ve had great interactions with them, too.
Mickey Mouse
Characters like Anastasia and Drizella make us laugh. There’s nothing like getting a hug from Winnie the Pooh. While interacting with characters might not be everyone’s thing, if you enjoy it — do it! There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Anastasia and Drizella
6. Matching T-Shirts
So you want to match with the other people in your party? Matching shirts are popular at Disney. Maybe you are having a Food and Wine Festival day and want to celebrate with shirts. We actually sell Disney-themed shirts, and we love this trend!
DFB Exclusive Food & Wine Merch!
You can go with the classic “Family Vacation 2023” shirts or even find something more specific to your group. Maybe you’re going for the holidays and want something more themed like this What Fun It Is To Ride Sweatshirt. So if you want to do matching shirts, you will not be the only family to do it!
So there’s nothing embarrassing about buying some Disney souvenirs. However, we may have had to purchase some out of pure need and our poor planning. One of our team members confessed to having to buy Crocs at Disney World because they wore uncomfortable shoes.
Disney100 Special Moments Crocs
We have also had a few of our reporters be caught in a bind and have to purchase a poncho. While we are in the parks every day and we know it rains, sometimes we like to gamble and leave our umbrellas at home. So while buying and wearing a poncho might feel embarrassing, it’s better to be comfortable and dry!
Sometimes a poncho is essential
We’ve spilled our embarrassing moments at Disney World, and we hope this helps you feel better about your embarrassing moments too. For more Disney tips and tricks, keep following DFB.
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!
I first fell in love with Boudin Bread in San Fransisco as a child. At a time when artisan-style bread wasn’t common in Australia, enjoying the delicious treat when we came to Northern California is a memory that will never leave me. When it was introduced into Disney’s California Adventure Park at opening in 2001, I was thrilled and now love the extra opportunity to enjoy this sourdough every time I am there.
You can imagine how my face lit up when I saw that there is about to be a new Baymax Bread coming to San Fransokyo Square in Disney’s California Adventure Park. This special new loaf will be available from August 31st at the Boudin Bread Cart with a limit of two per guest. San Fransokyo Square is the newly reimagined area of California’s second Disney Park, formally known as Pacific Wharf.
The Halloween season means that we are loving all things Haunted Mansion-themed even more than usual right now.
Haunted Mansion
We love visiting the attraction and eating all the themed snacks that pop up in Magic Kingdom during the fall months, but what’s even better is when we can bring bits of the Haunted Mansion into our home.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Some NEW Haunted Mansion-inspired kitchen items have landed online on shopDisney, and if you’re like us and love living like a Happy Haunt, then this post is for you!
These placemats look like the Haunted Mansion wallpaper on one side, and they feature some icons from the Mansion on the other! These could be great for your seasonal kitchen decor or even a Halloween party.
This set of two ceramic Haunted Mansion plates could be a great way to elevate your table or your china cabinet in a spooky way this fall! You can buy the one set or buy multiple for a whole collection.
What do you think? Will you be adding these spooky additions to your home? We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney and merchandise news, so make sure to follow along for more.
We’re always game for a shopping spree — especially when it comes to Disney merch!
Halloween is here!
But, do you know what’s even better than a regular ol’ Disney shopping spree? When everything just so happens to be on sale! And you’re in luck, because there are a ton of sales happening on Disney merch online right now — so what are you waiting for?!
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to go on a Disney shopping spree — this might be it! A TON of Disney items and more are on sale right now on shopDisney and since we’re friends, we had to share!
Score up to 40% off on Disney clothing, accessories, home goods, kitchenware, and toys for kiddos! There is SO MUCH to choose from — so you might be here a while.
It features our favorite fairy surrounded by bits and baubles and of course — sparkles. We love the allover leather design and gold accents — oh, and this one glows in the dark!
Okay, the Disney World 50th anniversary may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate with this Starbucks tumbler on sale! The gold geodesic design is iconic and it holds 24 oz of water.
As part of the Royal Savings Event, you can find all sorts of princess-themed goodies and more on sale — but not for long! Shop the entire sale at the link below.
Imagine all the tea parties your kiddos (and you!) can have with this set. It comes with Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and Chip, along with plenty of dishes and of course, the tea cart too.
You’ll find Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and so many more plushes on sale right now. These would make some pretty good gifts for the holidays if you want to get your shopping started early!
You can’t have Mickey without Minnie, so it’s a good thing that this plush is also just $18 with any shopDisney purchase! Just in time for spooky season.
This Dooney & Bourke designer cosmetics case is normally $64.99, but you can add it to any Dooney & Bourke purchase and get it for $45 instead. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us!
You can get the Dooney & Bourke Sketch Cosmetic Bag for just $45 when you grab this Mickey Mouse Dooney & Bourke Sketch Crossbody or another Dooney bag!
WHEW! Told ya there was a killer sale going on — shop these items at the links above and even more Disney essentials in our Amazon Storefront linked below! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney shopping news and more.
7 a.m.: Queue for both General Seating and Preferred Seating Opens (Please do not arrive before this time – no official queue will be available until 7 a.m. and unofficial queues will not be honored.) — Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center, 1st Floor Lobby
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Guest Services / International Credential Pick-Up Open — East Registration
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.: The Plausible Impossible 60 Years of Disney Audio-Animatronics® Technology (closed during presentations) — Sorcerer’s Apprentice 3
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.:
Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Open — Ballroom of the Americas, 2nd Floor
The Walt Disney Company Store — Grand Republic Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
9:15AM — A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow — Join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and special guests for an entertaining presentation looking to the future of Disney parks, featuring updates from around the world and some fun surprises along the way.
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Morning Break
10:45AM — D23 Updates with Michael Vargo
10:55AM — The Early ’Ears – Ub, Oswald, and Mickey (Join Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline on a journey back to the roaring ’20s and the “Early ’Ears of Disney” during this retrospective conversation, featuring iconic characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Mickey Mouse, and the Legends behind them, like Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney.)
11:15AM — 100 Years of Classic Characters: Unforgettable Stories (Actress and fashion icon Ashley Eckstein catches up with fellow voice actors behind fan-favorite Disney characters, including Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse), Kaitlyn Robrock (Minnie Mouse), and Disney Legend Bill Farmer (Pluto, Goofy), for a rousing tribute to the characters that have inspired us for a century.)
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Lunch Break
1:30 p.m.:
Doors Open – Preferred Seating Admission — Fantasia Ballroom H
Doors Open – General Seating Admission — Fantasia Ballroom G
2PM — National Geographic Live – Secrets of the Whales (Dive deep into the groundbreaking science of whale families—and their startlingly human parallels—through the awe-inspiring work of celebrated National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry.)
2:35PM — Disney Cruise Line: 25 Years of Innovative Design at Sea (Get an inside look into designing and building Disney Cruise Ships from the Disney Imagineers currently working on its newest fleet. Learn of the intricacies that go into designing unique spaces and the complexities of ship design.)
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon Break
3:30PM — Marvel: Beyond Earth’s Mightiest – Celebrating 60 Years of The Avengers (Celebrate 60 years of Earth’s Mightiest Super Hero team, the Avengers! Since their debut in 1963’s The Avengers #1, this all-star roster of beloved characters has been uniting to fight the foes that no single hero could withstand. Now, join Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski to trace the comics history of the Avengers across six decades—and BEYOND! Surprising stories and tantalizing teases await in this can’t-miss panel about how the Avengers rose to become a pop culture phenomenon! Avengers, assemble!)
3:55 — 100 Years of Innovation: Magic in Every Medium (At its core, The Walt Disney Company lives by its ability to “keep moving forward,” as curiosity leads us down new paths. Imagineers Daniel Joseph and Karin Hanson reconcile a century of innovations in which Disney stories have been brought to life through magic, connecting how they have been inspired by the innovations of yesterday, to the exciting ways they innovate through storytelling today.)
5PM — EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming (A look into the design and ideas behind the transformation of EPCOT and its new neighborhoods, attractions, and experiences. Explore the legacy of the park and discover more about the collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World Resort throughout this ambitious process. Highlights include details uncovered by the Marty Sklar Archives and the inspirations that have guided the evolution of Disney’s first park without a castle.)
5 p.m. Dinner Break
Destination D23 2021
In terms of the livestream, Disney has announced that “anyone who is unable to attend Destination D23 will be able to livestream all the magical announcements shared on Saturday, September 9, 2023!” To watch the livestream, you’ll want to go to the D23 YouTube or Facebook pages or visit D23.com/DestinationD23.
7 a.m.: Queue for both General Seating and Preferred Seating Opens — (Please do not arrive before this time – no official queue will be available until 7 a.m. and unofficial queues will not be honored.) — Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center, 1st Floor Lobby
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Guest Services / International Credential Pick-Up Open — East Registration
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.: The Plausible Impossible 60 Years of Disney Audio-Animatronics® Technology (closed during presentations) — Sorcerer’s Apprentice 3
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.:
Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Open — Ballroom of the Americas, 2nd Floor
The Walt Disney Company Store — Grand Republic Ballroom D, 2nd Floor
9AM — Walt Disney Studios Showcase (A sneak peek at exciting upcoming projects from The Walt Disney Studios.)
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Morning Break
10:45AM — 100 Years of Walt Disney Animation Studios (Becky Bresee and Wayne Unten, heads of animation on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming feature Wish, sit down with legendary animator Mark Henn to revisit some of their favorite filmmaking memories.)
11:15AM — Disney Global Ambassador Showdown (Join Disney Parks Ambassadors from every Disney destination around the world, as we learn more about each of their home resorts and engage them in a friendly competition to see whose resort is the “best of the best!”)
11:25AM — Weird Disney: Centennial Edition (Get weird with the Walt Disney Archives and experience 100 years of “weird Disney” moments in the centennial edition of a Destination D23 fan favorite!)
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Lunch Break
1:30 p.m.:
Doors Open – Preferred Seating Admission — Fantasia Ballroom H
Doors Open – General Seating Admission — Fantasia Ballroom G
2PM — The Road to 1923: Walt Goes West (Disney Legend Don Hahn provides new and fascinating insights into Walt Disney’s fabled journey that would lead him to join his brother Roy in California, where the two would establish the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio—the beginning of what is now The Walt Disney Company.)
2:45PM — Down the Rabbit Hole: The Disney You Didn’t Know (Join Disney archivists and authors Kevin M. Kern and Steven Vagnini for a journey down the rabbit hole as they uncover astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—well, at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe!)
3:15PM — 100 Years of Creativity: A Playful Look at Disney Imagination (Join Imagineers Diego Parras and Jason Grandt for a decade-by-decade look at some of the more interesting and lighthearted moments of Disney creativity from the last 100 years.)
3:45PM — See Ya Real Soon: A FAN-Tastic Finale
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Dinner Break
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.: DISNEY+ HALLOWSTREAM COSTUME BASH (Kick off the scariest season in style and enter the world of Hallowstream with Disney+, the streaming home of your favorite Halloween stories. With phantomized photo-ops, chilling treats, and spellbinding surprises, guests will find all their hearts’ desires in this lavish lair of scares. Don’t forget to don your favorite costume so that you can dance the night away!)
Of course, all details and dates are subject to change. We’ll be sharing ALLLLLLLL the news from Destination D23 so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
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!
Got some cash burning a hole in your pocket? Why not check out today’s flash sale at BoxLunch! That’s right, today only guests can take 30% off a sitewide on an exciting range of pop culture favorites from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and so much more! (Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your purchase will support […]
Further adding to the classic Americana allure of Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is a slew of new items recently added to the menu at the Plaza Restaurant. New takes on classic American dishes like the crab cake, milkshake, and cheesecake are now available at the location.
New Items Added to The Plaza Restaurant Menu
These items are available at the Plaza Restaurant, a table-service restaurant located toward the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom as you approach Cinderella Castle. It’s located next to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
All of these new options are available as both lunch and dinner items.
Specialty Milkshakes – $8.25
Chocolate Pecan Brownie, Key Lime, and Strawberry Shortcake milkshakes have been added to the menu. The restaurant also offers Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Mint Chocolate Chip milkshakes, with all of these costing $7. Since the new shakes are considered “specialty,” they cost an additional $1.25.
The Chocolate Pecan Brownie milkshake, according to the Plaza Restaurant menu, includes “hand-dipped chocolate ice cream blended with spiced pecans, brownies, and chocolate sauce.” The Key Lime shake contains “hand-dipped vanilla ice cream blended with key lime curd and graham cracker crumbs,” while the Strawberry Shortcake milkshake includes “hand-dipped strawberry ice cream blended with vanilla cake and strawberries.”
Each milkshake is topped with a whipped topping that contains an additional sweet treat; brownies top the Chocolate Pecan Brownie shake, the Strawberry Shortcake milkshake comes with a strawberry, and a graham cracker sticks out of the whipped topping on the Key Lime shake.
Chocolate Layer Cake – $10.00
The Plaza Restaurant menu simply describes this dessert as a “Chocolate Layer Cake with caramel popcorn mousse.” The chocolate cake has three layers, and each cake is separated by a thick layer of mousse. Edible decorations sit atop the cake, and each slice is served with caramel popcorn.
Cotton Candy Cheesecake – $10.00
The menu is again light on details regarding this dish, only describing it as a “Cotton Candy Cheesecake with fresh berries.” It matches the bright and inviting color of traditional pink cotton candy and, like the Strawberry Shortcake milkshake, is served with strawberries.
Pot Roast Stack – $24.00
This creative take on an American homestyle classic features “slow-roasted beef piled high on thick-cut toast with mashed potatoes, caramelized onion gravy, and onion rings.” It’s a combination of comfort foods that blends various textures and flavor profiles, resulting in a dish that’s wholeheartedly American.
Crab Cake Sandwich – $26.00
The Crab Cake Sandwich features a crab cake “griddled and served with lettuce, tomato, and rémoulade sauce on a potato roll.” Between the bed of lettuce and tomatoes the crab cake rests upon, the vivid yellow appearance of the rémoulade sauce, and the french fries and sliced pickles the dish is served with, the Crab Cake Sandwich almost emulates the appearance a traditional cheeseburger.