SO much is changing in Disney World with even more change on the way.

Lobby Concept Art ©Disney

Yes, we saw the opening of a brand new ride this year, with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, in Magic Kingdom. We’re still waiting on word for opening dates for two new restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk: The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. We’re also tracking construction progress on Island Tower, the new DVC villas building at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We have confirmed that the new building will have a new restaurant, and we’re breaking down the concept art Disney released of that restaurant.

We saw this new concept art at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event — there was a display with concept art of Island Tower. This is the first time we’ve seen concept art like this, so you KNOW we had to check it all out. This art even included a first look at the rooms!

The concept art display

However, we’re Disney FOOD Blog, so we got really excited to see some concept art on this display of a new restaurant. Now, we expected a new restaurant at this building, but now we have official confirmation of what it will look like. It’s got a very beach vibe, HUGE windows with outdoor views, as well as adorable fish swimming just underneath the ceiling and seawood-looking plants rising up from the floor. Is this a hint that we’re looking at a new seafood dining spot in Disney World?

Restaurant concept art

We could also guess by the look of the restaurant that this is probably a table service location you’ll need reservations for. There does seem to be plenty of seating, though, including tables, chairs, and booth seating. Overall, though, we’re LOVING the vibe. Another piece of concept art makes it seem like there’s outdoor seating, too under a covered patio. 

Outdoor seating

When we look at some of the construction photos, we’ve noticed an area that looks VERY similar to this part of the restaurant along the water, which is why we think there’s a water view there.

The windows at the bottom look like they could be the restaurant!

Of course, Disney has not yet revealed a name for this restaurant or given us any idea of what the menu might be like, but you know we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details because we are all about new food in Disney World. Island Tower is set to open in December 2025, so we’re guessing we’ll get more information any day now! So stay tuned to DFB for more.

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What kind of restaurant would you like to see at the Polynesian? Let us know in the comments!

The post FIRST LOOK at a NEW Disney World Hotel Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog.

A reopening date for Space Mountain at Disneyland Park has been revealed by the Disneyland Resort calendar.

Space Mountain Reopening

The calendar lists Space Mountain as closed for refurbishment through September 5. The attraction is no longer on the refurbishments list as of September 6, indicating it will reopen on that day.

Space Mountain has been closed since August 5, making this a month-long refurbishment. We noticed some construction in the attraction’s queue in June.

Disneyland’s Space Mountain opened in 1977, after the success of the original in Magic Kingdom, which opened in 1975. Disneyland Paris debuted De la Terra à la Lune, a Jules Verne-inspired Space Mountain, in 1995. It later became the “Star Wars”-inspired Hypserspace Mountain although there have been rumors the original would soon return. Space Mountain opened at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005 but also later became Hyperspace Mountain.

Tokyo Disneyland’s original Space Mountain, which opened in 1983, recently closed permanently. A completely new version of the attraction is under construction and set to open in 2027.

A Space Mountain movie is in development.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

The post Space Mountain at Disneyland Reopening Date Revealed appeared first on WDW News Today.

EPCOT can be one of the best parks to visit on your Disney World vacation. But, we get needing a break!

The Dolphin

When you’re looking to “make a break for it” OUT of EPCOT, there are several great options to consider like hopping on the Skyliner to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, heading back to your hotel for a quick swim (or nap), and even taking some time out to do a little shopping at Disney Springs. But we’re telling you the perfect escape plan has been crafted, and we’ve got it down to a science!

While making a full day or week of Disney World’s parks is super fun, there’s just a lot to take in, see, and do. Sometimes, that can get a little overwhelming especially when you’re in a park as big as EPCOT!

EPCOT

You’re in good company though, because as much as we love committing to a full day in this park, on occasion, we just need a break… and a quick exit strategy. Luckily, EPCOT’s one of the most convenient parks to exit and immediately find something else to do for all levels of activity ranging from truly relaxed to “we’re keeping the party going”! But the best place we’ve found to do that is at Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Resorts.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

So what exactly makes these seemingly unassuming hotels our top picks — they’ve got so much to offer! Let’s walk you through a few of our favorite reasons.

(Re) Fuel

We know, you just left EPCOT where there’s practically a food booth every time you turn around but trust us when we say the food sitch here is different. Fuel is one of the quick “grab-n-go” places you can visit for convenience-sized snacks, candies, drinks, and more. But, what we really want to highlight about this place is what’s DIFFERENT to get here.

Fuel

At Fuel, you can grab things like Mickey Waffles to go(!!)…

Mickey Waffles!

…buy Pepsi beverages including Red Bull (in fact, this is the only place on Disney World property to buy them)…

Dr. Pepper!

…and it’s also a super chill Dole Whip stop — bonus points though if you plan on mixing in some froyo toppings (you do you, friend).

Dole Whip!

Don’t trust us? Go ahead and try it out on your next visit, but we’re warning you already, you might find yourself choosing to visit EPCOT just to escape here more frequently.

Camp Dolphin

We’re only about to say what we’re about to say because several folks on our team are parents and sometimes you can use a small break from your kids on vacation. While things like this exist at Disney Destinations like Disney Cruise Line ships, they’re a bit fewer and farther between when at Disney World. This is the part where Camp Dolphin enters the chat!

Camp Dolphin

If you’re itching for a chance to ditch the kids for a few hours of fun for both parents and the kiddos alike, this could be your best opportunity. It’s quite literally a camp chocked full of activities, games, arts and crafts, and more for kids ages 5 to 12. Advanced reservations are required and space is super limited so you’ll want to make sure you’re booking as early as possible for your best chance to take advantage of this service. They’ve got time slots available for as little as 2 to 7 hours between 4 and 11PM. We’ve known lots of parents to use this service as a chance to enjoy a fancy signature dinner, enjoy a concert back inside EPCOT without having to worry about potty breaks or who’s sprinting away from your seat, take in a nightly fireworks show or simply just have a chance to relax.

©Disney

Some of the kids’ clubs around Disney World’s hotels that were in operation prior to the pandemic didn’t reopen with the parks or the hotels, so the fact that this one still exists is a real treat.

Psst… MORE Restaurants Are THIS Way

Are you tired of visiting the same ol’ restaurants when you visit EPCOT or really looking for an enhanced experience to make your night extra memorable? You’re just a few steps away!

Swan Resort

Seriously, some of the best places to eat around Disney World are found right here and you’ll frequently hear us raving about the shakes and sandwiches from The Fountain, the authentic cuisine at Rosa Mexicano, and when we can’t get a reservation stopping by the bar at restaurants like Todd English’s BlueZoo.

©Disney

We’ve also been known (from time to time) to skip our beloved Le Cellier in Canada for a premium experience and meal at Shula’s Steakhouse. We’re not biased though — this could totally be true of several restaurants you’ll find around these two hotels with Il Mulino and Kimonos rounding out the top of that list.

When You Need A Little R&R

There’s nothing like a nice spot with unmatched views when you just want to unwind for a bit.

Tequila Pineapple seltzer

These hotels have several lounges to explore or utilize as a quiet place to sit and eat when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the park. We’ve been known to frequent these places when we just need a quick recharge and don’t need a huge meal, but would like somewhere to visit that’s not too far from the beaten path back to EPCOT.

So there you have it, that’s our escape (err, exit) strategy that tends to satisfy all kinds of appetites and activity levels!

We’re always looking for ways to help you plus up your first or next Disney World vacation! Be sure to stay tuned with us at Disney Food Blog for even more tips, tricks, and experiences!

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What’s your favorite thing to do when you visit Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Resorts? Drop your escape plans in the comments!

The post The Perfect Escape From EPCOT Doesn’t Exi– first appeared on the disney food blog.