A new LEGO set featuring a giant Sorcerer Mickey and various minifigures is coming out next month.

‘Magic of Disney’ LEGO Ideas Set

The “Magic of Disney” set is #21352. It started as a LEGO Ideas submission for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company which was celebrated last year. The set will be released on October 1 for $99.99. It was initially posted on a German LEGO website.

The set consists of 1,103 pieces, which can be used to build a large Sorcerer Mickey bust and small dioramas inspired by various classic Disney films. There are four minifigures of Gepetto from “Pinocchio,” Bruno from “Encanto,” Lilo from “Lilo & Stitch,” and Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.” It includes animal figures of Simba from “The Lion King” and Sebastian and Flounder from “The Little Mermaid.”

The tableaus on the front of the completed set depict Simba on Pride Rock, Belle in the West Wing, and Bruno. Lilo, Sebastian, and Flounder are all on waves around Mickey. Gepetto is on a platform opposite three Magic Brooms from “Fantasia.”

If you’re looking for more LEGO merchandise, three new advent calendars are available at DisneyStore.com for a limited time.

Do you plan on purchasing the “Magic of Disney” LEGO set? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post New Sorcerer Mickey ‘Magic of Disney’ LEGO Set Releasing in October appeared first on WDW News Today.

Recently, Disney Cruise Line updated their dining room corking fee, making Disney’s service one of the most expensive when compared to other cruise lines.

Disney Cruise Line Corking Fee

Guests who bring their own bottles to a Disney Cruise Line dining room will now be charged a $29 corking fee. According to planDisney, the corking fee was $26 in the summer of 2023, although other sources have reported the fee was most recently $25 or $27.

Disney Cruise Line has updated their Frequently Asked Questions section to include the following information in response to the question, “Are Guests allowed to bring alcoholic beverages on board the ship?”

Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, Guests 18 years of age and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $29.00 per bottle.

The page also notes that all alcohol brought on board must be in an original unopened container and in carry-on luggage. Any alcohol in checked luggage will be removed with no compensation. Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

Guests can uncork their own bottle and enjoy it in their stateroom without paying a fee. PlanDisney has also stated guests can bring their own glass of wine to dinner, and they can ask their stateroom attendant for a corkscrew and wine glasses.

The Street notes that Disney Cruise Line’s fee is much higher than competitors, as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line charge a $15 corking fee, and Princess Cruises and Holland America Line charge $20.

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise on one of Disney Cruise Line’s new ships, why not contact our official travel agent, Be Our Guest Vacations, and let them handle the entire booking process for you!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Disney Cruise Line Corking Fee Increased appeared first on WDW News Today.

It is not only the theme parks and Disney Springs that have great dining options at Disney World.

Disney World’s hotels have SO MANY great dining options. Depending on whether you choose to stay at a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort, your dining options increase. Value Resorts only have food courts, whereas Moderate Resorts will have a food court with some other quick-service and table-service options. Deluxe Resorts have the most dining options; for example, the Grand Floridian has over a dozen dining options, including a food court, a character dining experience, and the luxurious Victoria and Albert’s. But we have a controversial hotel restaurant statement to make. 

We love to dine around Disney World, and since we go to Disney World every day, we eat there every day. Since we go so often, we have developed an opinion that not everyone might agree with.

There are five Value Resorts at Disney World: the three All-Star Resorts (All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Music), Pop Century, and Art of Animation. While Value Resorts only offers a food court option, we think Value Resort food courts are way better than the ones at Deluxe Resorts.  

Value Resort food courts are enormous and have an extensive menu. While they are nothing fancy, there are some really solid options. You can order full-size pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, seasonal entrees, and so many fun snacks and desserts. 

Great food options are available for all three meal times, making it a quick one-stop shop for all your dining needs. Sometimes, our local team will head to a Value Resort to pick up food since you can easily Mobile Order from all five Value Resort food courts. 

Do not get us wrong, we love the quick service options at Deluxe Resorts, like Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian or Primo Piatto at The Riviera, but the number of items on the Value Resort food court menus blows Deluxe Resorts out of the water. 

Plus, if you stay at a Value Resort, you can still make a reservation to dine at other resorts, and your reservation allows you to park at the resort you choose to dine at! If you do not have your own car, there are still ways to get to the other hotels using Disney transportation. For example, those staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation can easily hop on the Skyliner to dine at Caribbean Beach, a Moderate Resort, or the Riviera, a Deluxe Resort.

While each Value Resorts only has one dining option, it is still a really good option with a large selection that can cater to an array of palates!

A Definitive Ranking of EVERY Disney World Hotel Based on Their Restaurants

 

What do you think of Value Resort food courts? Let us know in the comments!

The post I Have Something Controversial to Say About Disney World Hotel Restaurants, and You Might Be Surprised About It first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney World is home to many different hotel options.

You can stay at one of the several hotels owned by Disney at Disney World or choose one of the hotels located near Disney Springs. These are hotels that are not owned by Disney, but they offer several Disney World perks such as transportation to the parks. There are a few different Disney Springs resort options, but a new hotel recently opened here!

The Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa is now open! You can book hotel rooms, meetings, events, and spa and dining experiences at this newly opened resort. The hotel has opened in the renovated building that used to be the B Resort and features 394 guest rooms.

The hotel features more than 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space with a brand-new outdoor terrace. It also features a zero-entry pool, a hot tub, and a signature farm-to-table restaurant, American Kitchen Bar & Grill. The $25 million renovation brought newly renovated amenities including the Indulged Spa + Wellness Retreat, a fitness studio, as well as updated rooms and a lobby.

As an official Disney World-partnered hotel, those staying here get access to the theme park shuttle and early entry into the parks! Charlie Kington, the General Manager of the Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa, shared, “We are delighted to offer a vibrant stay with elevated amenities and engaging activities. Our staff is deeply connected to the neighborhood, an essential experience at Renaissance Hotels, and we look forward to providing premium services for all of our guests.”

The Renaissance is a Marriott hotel that participates in the Marriott Bonvoy reward program. There are over 170 Renaissance hotels around the globe in nearly 40 countries and territories. The resort demonstrates a “dynamic and inspiring global portfolio” where you’ll get excellent service and amenities. The Renaissance Orlando is only 13 miles from Orlando International Airport and right next door to Disney Springs, making it a very enticing option for Disney World vacationers!

There are numerous options for hotels around Disney World to choose from! Take the stress out of your vacation planning by getting help from our friends at Small World Vacations. They can help you book hotels, purchase Disney World tickets, and more. Plus, their services are entirely free to you!

In the meantime, keep following DFB for more Disney news!

What to Do If You Can’t Get the Disney World Hotel Reservation You Wanted

I’ve been going to Disney World pretty much since I could walk, and that means I’ve got a good grip on what my “must-dos” are in every park.

And, although both Disney World and myself have changed here and there over the years, there are typically some things I always have to do no matter what. Ask me again in another 10 years and I’m sure my answers will change — but as someone who has been going to Disney World for 30 years, this is my ultimate ritual at EPCOT.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Disney World pretty frequently over my lifetime and there are just some rituals I can’t escape (not that I’ve ever truly tried). While some didn’t become rituals until I was legally allowed to partake in them, I can’t stop myself from doing these things pretty much every time I’m in the best Disney World park. Yep, I said it.

Ride Spaceship Earth

I know, I know — how could someone who goes to Disney World so often fall victim to the trap that is Spaceship Earth? The line for this ride can sometimes get a little chaotic since it’s the first one you come across when entering from the front of the park. People see a ride and get in line, and in this case. It’s me. I’m “people.”

BUT Spaceship Earth is a classic and no matter how much it creaks and sounds like it’s going to break down at any moment, I still love it. There is a caveat here, though, I’m not waiting in the line if it’s more than, say, 20 minutes. I’ve got another important ritual that often takes precedence over Dame Judy Dench (just kidding Judy, you’re an icon!) and if you’ve learned anything about me since you started reading this, you can probably see where this is going.

Get a Margarita from Mexico

The age-old adage states that Mexico is the best World Showcase pavilion to start out in, and who am I to upset the ancestors? I shall honor them by beelining toward the nearest margarita. Depending on crowd levels, the temperature, and my general disposition on any particular day, I’ll either stop by Choza de Margarita or the Holy Grail of tequila bars, La Cava del Tequila.

Choza is a great option if you’re looking for a frozen margarita, but they’ve got some solid options on the rocks as well. I love the El Diablo, which is made with Lalo blanco tequila, Dos Hombres mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave, cucumber-jalapeño juice, and a hibiscus salt rim. The line can get pretty long here, though, and it’s mostly out in the sun.

La Cava del Tequila can also draw quite a long line since it’s such a popular spot, but more often than not that line is inside the Mexico pyramid, in the air conditioning. There are quite a few different margaritas and tequila-based drinks here, but my favorite is La Paloma made with Lalo blanco tequila, Fever Tree grapefruit soda, fresh lime, Dos Hombres mezcal and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. While not technically a margarita, it’s incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet!

You can also get a few different margaritas at La Cantina de San Angel, but they’re pretty basic. They’ll still do in a pinch, though!

Stroll Around World Showcase

Now that I’ve taken care of an incredibly important task, my next move is to stroll around World Showcase and see where the wind blows me. EPCOT is all about vibes in my opinion, so I’ll generally stroll into a pavilion or two depending on what I’m feeling. Maybe I want to grab some lefse from the Norway Pavilion or grab a pretzel from Germany — the World Showcase is my oyster and I would be a fool to pass up a good opportunity when I see it.

The Fez House in the Morocco Pavilion — along with the little bazaar area in the back — are also some top choices to sit and chill for a bit. They’re often quiet places to relax and can provide some shade on a hot day, too. Don’t sleep on the sangria for two at the little bar back there, either! But, no matter what sort of vibes I’m feeling at EPCOT on any given day, there are two pit stops I’ll always make part of my ritual.

Pit Stop at House of Good Fortune

Tucked away in the back of the China Pavilion is the House of Good Fortune. This not-so-little shop is home to some of the coolest souvenirs and merchandise in all of EPCOT. Looking for a bamboo hat? They’ve got it. Want an expanding fan to cool yourself off with? They’ve got that. Oh, you wanted to come home from Disney World with a real Chinese sword or even some expensive jade dragons? You can do that, too — thanks to the House of Good Fortune.

I could seriously spend hours in here just looking through all the different items. You can find Chinese candy, snacks, tea, clothing, and so much more. Plus, it’s air-conditioned!

Pit Stop at Mitsukoshi

Over in the Japan Pavilion, you’ll find a somewhat similar shop called Mitsukoshi, which is a Japanese department store. Like House of Good Fortune, Mitsukoshi is a haven for all sorts of goodies like katanas (not signed by Randy Jackson, unfortunately) and kimonos (yes, even ones for your dog). There’s lots of Sanrio and Studio Ghibli merchandise, along with plenty of Nintendo items, too. This is also where you’ll find a pick-a-pearl experience that can be fun for kiddos.

In the back of Mitsukoshi, there are plenty of snacks, candy, matcha, mochi, sake, and more — along with quite the selection of Japanese tea sets and chopsticks. You’ll also find a section dedicated to Japanese incense, including a scent that reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s called Aqua by Nippon Kodo and comes in a blue box!

A Ride on the Greatest EPCOT Attraction (This is a straight-up fact because this is my ritual and I make the rules here!!!)

Living with the Land is, without a question, the greatest EPCOT attraction. You may disagree, but you’d be wrong (just kidding, but we all know I’m right). No matter what sort of EPCOT day I end up having, I always make time for Living with the Land. This relaxing boat ride through the Land Pavilion greenhouses is not only serene but as a self-proclaimed plant lady it just strikes a special chord with me. Plus, you can’t deny that the pan flute solo is a certified banger.

If you love Living with the Land like I do, consider booking the Behind the Seeds tour that takes you behind the scenes of this ride. It’s actually one of the more affordable Disney backstage tours!

In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates, tips, tricks, and more Disney World news you need to know!

7 Things You Should Always Eat at EPCOT According to a Food Editor

Do you have a ritual you always do when you’re in Disney World? Tell us in the comments.

The post I’ve Been a Disney World Fan for 30 Years. This Is My Ultimate Ritual at EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog.

Spooky season here and there is a LOT going on over on the West Coast.

Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and Disney’s hotels are all decked out for Halloween. Oogie Boogie Bash is underway in California Adventure (and is sold out, in case you were wondering). Universal Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights is happening. But a NEW Halloween event is coming that is basically taking the concept of Halloween Horror Nights, but giving it a Disney theme — AND WE HAVE TO GO.

D23 is hosting an event called “D23 Tune-in To Terror: A Hollywood Halloween—Presented by Disney+” and it will basically take you inside some of your favorite Disney Halloween movies and TV shows. So yes, it’s sort of like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal, but everything has a Disney theme. You’re invited to attend a special event at The Roosevelt Hollywood on October 26th, 2024, for a night of spooky fun where YOU are the star.

There, you’ll be able to step into your favorite spooky Disney movies and TV shows with “supernatural spaces set to make all viewers the star of the show.” That includes a space called “The Tip Top Club,” which as you may know sits at the top of the Hollywood Tower Hotel (considering the event is at a REAL historical Hollywood hotel, the vibes are genuine). There, you’ll kick off your experience by checking in and getting a “room key,” a.k.a. a special gift for the event. Enjoy a drink in the lobby and then take in some live jazz while chatting with other hotel guests (some of which very well may be ghosts).

You can also dance the night away in the “The Black Flame Ballroom,” inspired by Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2. A band will be playing live to put a “Spell on You” — and who knows who might end up crashing the party! Perhaps you’ll bump into a trio of sister witches…

Visit the seance room of the Haunted Mansion in “The Happiest Haunt,” where you’ll be encouraged to grab some “spectral snacks” (okay, we are in) and get a fun Seance Room photo opportunity while visiting regions beyond.

Don’t forget to spend some time in “The Witches’s Road Lounge,” inspired by the upcoming Disney+ series, Agatha All Along. We hear the soundtrack is “a gas” with a DJ that “whisks you into the insidious and perfidious sides of magic.” Okay, that sounds like FUN!

Oh, did we mention that costumes are encouraged? YES!!!

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Preferred “Prime Time” Ticket – Gold x Disney+: $239 (+$7 processing fee)
• Preferred “Prime Time” Ticket – General x Disney+: $269 (+$7 processing fee)
• Regular Ticket – Gold x Disney+: $179 (+$7 processing fee)
• Regular Ticket – General x Disney+: $219 (+$7 processing fee)

A ticket will get you entry into all three floors of the event, photo ops, and more. You’ll also get live entertainment, along with some fun surprises, as well as hors d’oeuves and snacks, a commemorative event pin, and an exclusive created just for the event. If you get the Prime Time entry, you’ll also get priority access and a dedicated entry queue; a drink ticket that can be used for beer, house wine, well drink, soda, or bottled water; and a commemorative print featuring artwork inspired by the Tip Top Club at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, with gold foil details.

Tickets are limited, but if you’re ready to grab them, you can do so here. You will have to be a D23 member to buy tickets, but don’t worry — you can sign up for the free membership to buy general tickets. However, members of D23 Gold will get discounted tickets. Don’t forget! This is an exclusive event for Disney+ subscribers and D23 Members.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

See What the FIRST Night of Disney’s SOLD-OUT Oogie Boogie Bash Is Like!

Will you be trying to grab tickets for this event? Let us know in the comments!

The post NEW PERK: Disney Announces Exclusive Event for Disney+ Subscribers! first appeared on the disney food blog.

BIG pretzels? A bright, sunny dining room? Warm, savory snacks? We’re IN. You coming?

We’ve been on a mission to visit some of those “off the beaten path” restaurants in Disney World, and today, we’re headed to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! You’ll find some fun spots to eat around this hotel, like Barcelona Lounge and Siesta’s Cantina Pool Bar. But this time, we’re headed to the quick-service location at this big resort. Is this spot worth visiting? Let’s find out!

El Mercado de Coronado is the resident quick-service restaurant at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Inside, you’re treated to an open dining room adorned with high ceilings, bright skylights, and colorful furniture pieces that really give a homey touch.

Inside you’ll find multiple food stations featuring Tex-Mex options served alongside classic quick-service “go-to” menu items like pizza, pasta, burgers, and chicken strips. When you’re ready to wind down your meal, there’s even several pastry and baked goods options for dessert!

Atmosphere

Now that you know a little bit about the vibe here, it’s easy to see how this quick-service theme fits so nicely within the Spanish influence found throughout not only the restaurants and dining experiences here, but the rest of the hotel as well.

If you’re not familiar with where to find El Mercado de Coronado, once you see the colorful decor, it’s hard to miss it. This restaurant is neighbored by the Rix Cafe on the opposite side of the hallway and just a short walk away from the Maya Grill at the opposite end of the main building.

Once you move past the iron gate entrance, you’re instantly dropped into the open dining area, where you’ll find ample seating areas in booth-style seats…

…standalone tables and chairs…

…and a few hightop tables that can be shared between multiple families or large groups of people.

Towards the center of the space, you’ll find the beverage stations, which are built for fountain beverages…

…as well as hot coffees, tea, and hot chocolate.

If you look around, you’ll find several self-service stations for plastic utensils and napkins to pick up at your leisure.

And just beyond the vast dining room, you’ll find the grab ‘n go section with cold selections, bagged and portioned sides, and bottled drinks.

Adjacent from there, you’ll see the multiple food stations we mentioned before where you’re able to walk up and place your order.

This might be a little overwhelming to see at first, but once you’ve had time to scope out the foods you want to order, it’s a fairly easy process.

Menu

All this talk of ordering food has made us hungry, but we almost forgot to talk about what’s available on the menu at this restaurant! To start us off, there’s a souvenir refillable mug to keep you hydrated during your vacation and a few handheld options…

…a few choices of sides and a build your own bowl station.

The food order lines are split up into categories like Tex-Mex Entrees & King Knot Pretzels…

…Pastas…

…a few kid’s selections and grab and go options…

… as well as an extensive array of desserts, pastries…

…and snacks.

Whew, that’s quite the selection. How do you choose from it all?

Eats

Once we had time to look through our order and narrow down our options (because there were just so many we wanted to try out), we were able to settle on just a few to give you a well-rounded look at what awaits you here. We opted for the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Parmesan and couldn’t help but pick up both the Pepperoni and Cinnamon Pretzels. Yeah, that’s A LOT of food!

We figure the best way to tackle this meal is in small doses, so let’s start with the smallest dish of this review. We grabbed the Chicken Parmesan for $18. This entree is made of fried chicken breast topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served over penne pasta tossed in marinara sauce. There’s also a garlic knot to accompany your dish.

This one didn’t exactly hit a home run for us! The crispy chicken breast had a thin outer breaded coating that was almost buttery against the noodles and sauce, which had good flavor on its own. The chicken inside was tender and felt more like true chicken meat than a processed patty. However, that’s where the good news about this dish kind of just stops.

The noodles appear to be kept separate from the marinara sauce until it comes time to prepare the dish. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just hinted that we shouldn’t have expected much flavor from the pasta noodles since they were newly mixed with the rest of the spices blended within the sauce. The noodles were very flexible but truly had very little taste to them outside of just the regular, bland pasta taste. They definitely needed the help from the rest of what was mixed into the dish to help it out, but in a pinch, we could see this being a decent option.

It’s also served with a single garlic knot that was oily and garlicky in all the right places and was such a welcomed addition to what we felt we were missing from this dish by itself.

Next up it was time to try out the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich! This dish costs $16 and is made of grilled or crispy chicken breast dipped in garlic buffalo hot sauce, topped with blue cheese dressing, lettuce, tomato, onions, and served with your choice of a side — in our case, this one came with a side of fries.

We almost had to admit defeat over this one! Y’all — this one is spicy and knows how to bring the HEAT! Our reporter openly admitted their immense love for buffalo sauce, but this one was extra spicy. OK, without being overly dramatic, the spicy heat you’ll get from this one was around a medium range; our reporter likened it to just about the same spiciness you would get from Chick-fil-A’s buffalo sauce.

It’s served with fries, which are fairly standard across Disney World properties in terms of taste and size, but these are thicker-cut fries than what most quick-service restaurants typically serve.

The chicken in the sandwich tastes similar to the chicken patty we had in the Chicken Parmesan dish, however, it’s completely saturated in spicy sauce. The blue cheese dressing you’ll find in the top half of the sandwich tastes more like a ranch dressing and is almost overpowered by the buffalo sauce. The sandwich we picked up didn’t come with any vegetables like the menu suggests, so if those are important to your sandwich, you’ll want to be aware that they’re supposed to be dressed with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Then it was time to really up the ante — and this time, we were going big! We kicked off the home stretch of our review by digging into the Pepperoni Pretzel. First, we literally had to stare at this thing for a few minutes because we were in awe of its size.

We’ve seen some jumbo pretzels before in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but they look like ants compared to how completely oversized these pretzels are! This one will cost you $21 and it will also come with marinara sauce to dip your pretzel pieces into. It’s topped with garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, and cupping pepperoni topped with parmesan parsley.

After we picked our jaws up off the floor, we decided it was time to tackle this beast of a pretzel! Obviously, there’s a lot of dough here, and we were READY to take a bite.

The pepperoni was decently spiced with a low heat, but it gave a great salty and savory snack vibe big enough for multiple people to split and share.

We’ve gotta be brutally honest with you, though. This has a hefty price tag, and if you’re really wanting to get to it at its best, we recommend digging into it almost as soon as you get it to the table because it just didn’t hit the same way after it had sat for a little while we ate the other dishes in our meal.

If you’re into sweeter treats, you might be one to order the Cinnamon Pretzel instead. There is a bit of a price difference with this version. This is a sugar, cinnamon, and buttered pretzel available for $19. This one also is served with cream cheese icing, caramel, and chocolate sauce.

This one really threw our reporter for a loop. As much as they wanted to like the pepperoni version more, the cinnamon came out on top! Sure, the base pretzel is the same as the other; however, the cinnamon sugar was lightly coated around the pretzel in the perfect way.

As it started to cool off, the butter and sugar started the crystalize and flake off together, kind of like what you would experience with doughnut icing!

This gave us the impression that the butter brushed all over the pretzel before the cinnamon sugar was added truly was the tie that bound this treat together. However, it was made even more excellent when you were able to dip it into the sweet sauces waiting for you on the sidelines.

Overall

Overall, wrapping up our meal here left us feeling a bit indifferent. On one hand, we were thrilled to have found such unique eats in these ginormous pretzels. That said, not all of the food we ate was spectacular.

Admittedly, we were a bit disappointed by the lack of more Tex-Mex cuisine offerings available at such a popular hotel; however, in fairness, we did stop by for a late lunch when some of those more authentic dinner options weren’t offered yet.

Nosh or Not?

We think you should find your way over if…

• Anything goes for you in the moment! This restaurant seems to be a hodge podge of the selections you can get here so if you’re not quite sure what you’re hungry for yet and feel like deciding when you get there, this is a great place.
• You’ve got multiple pallets to please. While this almost goes hand in hand with our first point, if you’ve got people who want to eat completely opposite styles of meals and you’re looking for one place to do it all, you really can have it all here!
• You’re looking to feed a large group on a budget. This is a quick-service restaurant at its core. Since it’s located in one of Disney World’s well-known hotels for conventions and large groups, it knows how to get folks in and out in a hurry and stay as budget-friendly as possible in the process.

The winds are calling you elsewhere if…

• Just because you CAN have it all doesn’t mean you want it. Sometimes too much variety in a choice can overcomplicate your ordering process so if that sounds like you, you might want to consider other restaurants.
• You’re looking for more authentic food at this hotel. While this hotel truly is a sight to behold, this restaurant is set up to offer more Americanized meals than they served when this location was formerly known as the Pepper Market.
•  You want to be taken care of while you’re dining. The type of service you’re looking for will determine this. If you’re looking for a plated meal option with a server who will come around and assist you, consider the neighboring restaurants.

We’ve eaten at every restaurant across Disney World and we’re constantly updating our reviews! Check out a few of our most recent in the links below and stay tuned with us to see what food, snacks, and treats we’re reviewing next right here at DFB!

REVIEW: There’s a Reason We Keep Coming Back to This Disney Springs Restaurant

Did we just blow your Disney-loving minds with these GIGANTIC pretzels? Tell us who you’d share them with in the comments below!

The post REVIEW: Why Is No One Talking About the GIGANTIC Pretzels Hiding in a Disney World Hotel?! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Bright Suns from Hollywood Studios! Today’s mission is the “Star Wars” Limited Edition Star Tours StarSpeeder 3000 vehicle play set, but with Disney, there is always something unexpected around the corner to keep you on your toes.

Chaotic Morning

In a previous photo report, I lamented the crowds at the beginning of the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I will spare you the soapbox this time, but it is still my least favorite park to open. I ended up in the front when more lanes opened, but it’s always this chaotic.

Limited Edition Star Tours StarSpeeder 3000 Vehicle Play Set

This morning the “Star Wars” limited edition Star Tours StarSpeeder 3000 vehicle play set landed in Tatooine Traders. Guests are limited to two per person, and discounts apply in the parks. The play set costs $300.

The Cast Members this morning were fully prepared and supported by their management and coordinator teams. Everything was prepackaged behind the counter so guests could just walk up and ask to pay for one. It was a quick and seamless process. Brava Tatooine Traders Cast!

This play set was originally available at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Unfortunately, the StarSpeeder 3000 is already sold out online.

Donald Duck & Daisy Duck (Being Extra Cute This Morning)

Donald and Daisy Duck were being far too adorable this morning just outside of Muppet Courtyard. Even with a line full of guests, these two find plenty of moments to have fun together.

Let Sleeping Loth-cats Lie

There was no exciting new merchandise in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but the Loth-cat was sleeping in this morning. I’ve never seen this guy when he’s awake, but it’s better not to wake a sleeping Loth-cat.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

I was excited to see Dok-Ondar working hard this morning after a long vacation. Seems he has let his beard grow out some – kidding…

Mini Millennium Falcon

I may be super nerdy but I think the mini Millennium Falcon is one of the coolest “easter eggs” hidden in Galaxy’s Edge (and there are plenty). Do you know where you can find this miniature figure? Let me know in the comments below.

Loth-cat Mug

The grinning Loth-cat mug was still available at Oga’s Cantina, and they had it displayed proudly at the check-in desk.

Woody’s Lunch Box Seating

The Woody’s Lunch Box seating area is still closed off to guests, leaving only the not-so-great extended seating in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I hate it, but I am glad they have an alternative for guests to enjoy their eats.

BLUEY!

On the back of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction is a giant billboard for Disney Jr. Today’s billboard was worth noting because of a very familiar Australian pup named Bluey. We still haven’t seen too much from Bluey in the parks, but we will keep our eyes peeled for any Bluey spottings. Until then, we accept our Build-A-Bear Bluey.

‘Song of the South’ Replaced!

“Song of the South” used to have an image where Mr. Toad now is. At this point, Disney has scrubbed Walt Disney World clean of all Brer Rabbit references. For more details before and after photos, check out our article.

‘Voyage of the Little Mermaid’

If you have read my photo reports from Magic Kingdom, you probably already put together that I am a “The Little Mermaid” fan. Meeting Ariel at four years old in her grotto was life-changing for me. I also loved this show growing up, and although I am happy to hear it’s coming back, I’m also a little disappointed with the upkeep.

The billboards around Hollywood Studios are changed regularly to promote new shows and movies, but for whatever reason the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” signs get no love. I’m not even talking about the 3D figures, just the actual billboard and tarp behind the main sign. Many years of sun bleaching have all but sepia-toned the billboard. The tarp behind the main sign is coming untethered due to the years in the elements.

Between this and the missing King Triton statue in Magic Kingdom, I am a disappointed guppy.

Stitch Attacks Snacks Candy Apple Plushes – $34.99 each

Stitch and Angel plushes have finally arrived in the parks for the Stitch Attacks Snacks Collection. For September Stitch and Angel are attacking candy apples. This coincides with the Disney Eats Collection which also released merchandise featuring the iconic Mickey Candy Apple. I found these two at Celebrity 5 & 10 at the entrance of Hollywood Studios for $34.99 each.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Window Decor

At Once Upon a Time, I noticed some updated window decor featuring fan favorites from “Beauty and the Beast”. The windows drop you into the “Be Our Guest” scene with Cogsworth and some dancing napkins and steins. The other window has dancing plates and napkins surrounding Mrs. Potts and Chip.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith was unavailable most of the morning. When it finally reopened, a mad rush of people tried to take advantage of the lower wait time. The posted time was 25 minutes when the first guests were exiting the attraction.

Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai

On the way out, I stopped at The Trolley Car Cafe to try the seasonal Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai. It was just okay. I would have preferred my normal Chai Latte, but I did enjoy the apple crisp cream. I also love that this is an iced fall beverage considering it’s still in the 90s in Orlando.

What’s your Starbucks go-to in the fall? Let me know in the comments below so I can try it for the next photo report.

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The post PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios (Starspeeder for Sale, Stitch Attacks Snacks Plush, & “Song of the South” Removed) 9/13/2024 appeared first on WDW News Today.

Halloween Horror Nights 33 is well underway at Universal Studios Florida, and while we reviewed the houses at the beginning of the season, we’ve compiled them all here ranked in order from the worst of the batch to the best of the season.

10. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

The house was packed with really cool puppets and stilt-walkers, and Universal didn’t spare any expense when it came to set building. However, this house wasn’t scary at all. Instead, we found it rather boring.

Rating out of 7: 3

9. A Quiet Place

It’s clear a lot of time and money was put into replicating sets from the film, but the house actually feels a little hollow. Some of the sets are beautiful, and the Scareactors are great, as always, but there aren’t enough humans. The Death Angels are fantastic and enough to land this house above Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Rating out of 7: 3

8. Triplets of Terror

Be warned: this house is disgusting! If blood isn’t for you, then you should stay away from this house. But the effects are great, and you will get sprayed in the face with water (we promise it’s not blood!). The story is disjointed, and the Scareactors are repetitious, but this is a decent and scary house.

Rating out of 7: 4

7. Slaughter Sinema 2

This is eight mini-houses in one, so it’s a hard one to properly rank. The best “movies” are Zyborgs, Night of the Undead Clowns, and Blood and Chum. While the house is visually interesting eight movies are too many for a house as fast-paced as it is. Hardcore HHN fans are going to love this. Newcomers won’t be as enthralled.

Rating out of 7: 4

6. The Museum: Deadly Exhibits

This house features some of the most unique Scareactor roles at the event. Some are museum staff, while others are possessed artifacts or objects. While not all of the weirdness lands, some of the unique roles are very effective. The wallpaper scene is fantastic, we just wish this house was a little more consistent and had a greater sense of urgency.

Rating out of 7: 5

5. Monstruos — The Monsters of Latin America

This is the first house on the list that really takes advantage of opportunities to scare. The three monsters were great, especially Le Lechuza. She is terrifying. There are instances of child death in this house, so keep that in mind before entering. Overall, this is a visually beautiful house, but the Scareactors could have used a little more to do.

Rating out of 7: 5

4. Insidious: The Further

This house is packed with great scares. We won’t spoil it but get ready for a particularly great moment involving the Bride in Black. The second half of the house is repetitive, which is what prevents it from making our top three. Insidious: The Further will overwhelm you, and because of that, when something does jump out at you, it works.

Rating out of 7: 5

3. Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines

We love the Classic Monsters and the HHN version of The Bride, so perhaps our bias is playing into this ranking. But it’s so easy to become invested in this story even if you don’t have a love for either of those things. The Scareactors are clearly having a great time, and the door is definitely open for a “sequel.” The only thing stopping this from being a seven is that it may not hit for those unfamiliar with the history of Universal Monsters haunted houses.

Rating out of 7: 6

2. Major Sweets Candy Factory

This house is bright, fun, and grotesque. It’s all very over-the-top, but appropriately so, and the Scareactors are great. The special effects are also incredible. You will definitely feel disoriented as props move and sounds and lighting make you feel as if you’re in a dangerous factory. This house creates a disturbing environment without relying on jumpscares. This is what HHN is all about.

Rating out of 7: 7

1. Goblin’s Feast

Not only is this the sleeper house of the year, but it may be one of the best Halloween Horror Nights houses ever. There are multi-level elevated sets, the costumes are great, and the giant puppets will make your jaw drop. The goblins get bigger and taller as they devour more and more people. This house has plenty of scares and unsettling sets that show how incredible Halloween Horror Nights houses can truly be.

Rating out of 7: 7

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The post Ranking All 10 Houses at Halloween Horror Nights 33 appeared first on WDW News Today.