Fried Chicken AND Free Cake?? Sounds Like a Perfect Disney World Meal to Us!

If you’re looking for delicious dining options in Disney World, Disney Springs is a great place to start.

Disney Springs

There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from in Disney Springs, but Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ still manages to stand out as one of our favorites. And now, we have one more reason to head there for a meal…not that we needed any extra motivation!

As a Florida native, Chef Art Smith is known for his incredible Southern cuisine. Guests can treat themselves to his iconic menu options like the Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuits, Fried Chicken, Chopped Pork Barbecue, and more.

Homecomin’s Fried Chicken

Speaking of Chef Art Smith, get ready to celebrate because his birthday is tomorrow, March 1st! And in celebration of his birthday, guests will receive a free single-layer slice of Hummingbird Cake with the purchase of any entree.

©Homecomin’ on Instagram

The Hummingbird Cake is a Pineapple-Banana Cake covered with Cream Cheese Frosting, served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and a drizzle of Berry Coulis . It’s one of Chef Smith’s specialties, and it was served at Maya Angelou’s 75th birthday as well as Lady Gaga’s 25th birthday.

Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake

If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation for Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ on Monday, March 1st, be sure to take advantage of this sweet celebration!

The Best Places to Eat in Disney World Without a Park Ticket

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

 

The post Fried Chicken AND Free Cake?? Sounds Like a Perfect Disney World Meal to Us! first appeared on the disney food blog.

PHOTOS: Second Set of Arms Added to “Harmonious” Centerpiece in World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT

harmonious-arms-02-28-898

Yesterday, the 6-story-tall Harmonious centerpiece barge arrived on World Showcase Lagoon in EPCOT. As we saw a week ago, the ring barge will be surrounded by giant moveable arms. The second set of arms has now joined the barge on the lagoon. The four arms, two on either side of the ring, are currently in the down position. During the nighttime spectacular, the arms will lift up for various effects. The ring will support a high-density water curtain, moving lights, […]

The post PHOTOS: Second Set of Arms Added to “Harmonious” Centerpiece in World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

Looking for a Special Gift While at EPCOT? Head to The Tea Caddy

The moment you let someone you know that you’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World, you can see the wheels turning. They begin to wonder, “will they bring me back a little gift?” If you need to pick up a few unique gifts while on your Walt Disney World vacation, consider a stop at The Tea Caddy at EPCOT’s United Kingdom Pavilion.

London Themed Gifts at The Tea Caddy
Mary Poppins Merchandise at The Tea Caddy
Twinings Tea Chest at The Tea Caddy

This cozy and cute little shop is fun just to browse, but there are some great items here. You can find Alice in Wonderland merchandise, Mary Poppins merchandise, and of course all kinds of Twinings Tea and tea accessories. One of our team’s favorite finds is the Tea Chest. This Twinings Tea branded wood box can be customized with 10 different tea bags of your choice.

This is can be a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves tea. Cozying up with a book and a cup of tea go hand in hand, so if your gift recipient likes to read chances are they will love this little gift. Consider grabbing one of the small EPCOT-themed reusable bags for $1.00 as a way to present the gift.

Alice in Wonderland Snowglobe at The Tea Caddy
Twinings Tea Chest at The Tea Caddy
Twinings Tea Chest at The Tea Caddy
Tea Gift Box at The Tea Caddy

Annual passholder and DVC discounts can be used on most merchandise in the Tea Caddy, including the Tea Chest.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever picked up at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!

The post Looking for a Special Gift While at EPCOT? Head to The Tea Caddy appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

We’re Calling It, This is the Cutest Thing We’ll See in Disney World Today!

For us, a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t feel complete without a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris!

Kilimanjaro Safaris

One of our favorite things to do while riding this attraction is to keep an eye out for some of the precious new additions. Recently, we’ve seen a baby babirusa and baby giraffes, and on today’s visit, we spotted yet another adorable (big) baby!

Earlier this month, a new baby white rhino named Ranger made his debut on the savanna of Kilimanjaro Safaris. And today, we spotted Ranger nursing from his mom, Kendi!

 

Baby Ranger isn’t just cute, he’s also extra-special because he’s the first white rhino born to the herd in five years!

White Rhino Baby Ranger and His Mom Kendi

If you have a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on your itinerary, be sure to take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris to see what cuties you can spot!

White Rhino Baby Ranger and His Mom Kendi

We’ll continue to make our way around Animal Kingdom, as well as the rest of the parks, so stay tuned to DFB for all of the latest updates!

VIDEO: This Baby Babirusa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Basically Us at a Theme Park!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

What is your favorite animal to spot on Kilimanjaro Safaris? Let us know in the comments!

The post We’re Calling It, This is the Cutest Thing We’ll See in Disney World Today! first appeared on the disney food blog.

20 Disney Items for UNDER $20!

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help you save on your Disney vacations.

Mickey Balloons

We share the latest discounts and newest deals on Disney merch in the parks and online because we know Disney souvenirs can be expensive. Well, for all your shopping needs, we’re sharing 20 Disney items you can buy for under $20!

You can grab a 2-pack of t-shirts featuring some of your favorite Disney characters!

©Amazon

These styles feature Baby Yoda, but other options include Marvel characters, Mickey Mouse, and Star Wars! The 2-pack costs $16.

Shop the Essential Disney T-shirts Here!

If you’re looking to add Mickey and friends to your room, we’ve got the perfect thing for ya! These adorable little decals can stick to your walls.

©Amazon

These decals are removable and repositionable so there’s no hassle! They cost $8.99.

Order the Mickey and Friends Wall Decals Here

Do you have kiddos that love cooking? This Disney Princess Cookbook features lots of kid-friendly recipes!

©Amazon

You’ll find 50 recipes in this book! It costs $11.90.

Click here to buy the Disney Princess Cookbook!

And if you need something to serve up your Disney-inspired recipes on, there are these plates featuring Mickey Mouse!

©Amazon

Other character options include Chewbacca, Minnie Mouse, and Boba Fett! It costs $12.33.

Shop the Mickey & Minnie Plates Here

If you want to add some Disney flair to your tech, there’s a stand for the Amazon Echo Show 5.

©Amazon

It features one of the aliens from Toy Story! The stand is priced at $19.95.

Order the Toy Story Amazon Echo Stand Here

There’s an awesome t-shirt subscription from Disney’s “Treasures From the Vault.” As a member of this t-shirt club, you’ll receive a monthly tee from a unique collection that features classic Disney characters.

©Amazon

These are exclusive, limited-edition shirts! It costs $19.99 per box and you can cancel your subscription or skip a month at any time.

Click here to buy the Disney Vault T-Shirt Subscription

There’s a drink in my boot! If you’ve ever wanted to drink out of Woody or Buzz Lightyear’s boot, looks like today’s your lucky day.

©Amazon

These boots are sculpted ceramic and come in a set of 2. They cost $19.99.

Click here to buy the Woody & Buzz Boots Drinkware Set

Game night just got a little more fun with this Frozen 2 UNO Card Game!

©Amazon

The cards feature Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and more! The game costs $5.44.

Shop the Frozen UNO Card Game here!

And here’s the perfect thing for LEGO fans! You can build Kylo Ren’s Microfighter from Star Wars with this LEGO set.

©Amazon

It comes with 72 pieces. Make it yours for $16.90.

Click here to buy the Star Wars LEGO Building Kit!

You can cast all your favorite Star Wars characters onto your walls with this Night Light Projector!

©Amazon

It comes with six image options that are projected onto your ceiling or walls as three-foot images. It costs $9.99.

Shop the LED Night Light Projector — Star Wars here!

For kids who love Disney’s film, Soul, or pizza — there’s a cozy pajama set!

©shopDisney

It features 22 from the movie and reads, “my soul purpose is pizza.” Pretty relatable, huh? They’re on sale for $11.98!

Shop the Soul Pajama Set Here!

Carrying your lunch around just got WAY cuter. This pink lunchbox features Mickey and Minnie!

©shopDisney

It’s shaped like a little food truck! Look at those Mickey-shaped donuts. It costs $14.00.

Click here to buy the Mickey and Minnie Lunch Box

You’ll be ready for any beach day with this towel.

©shopDisney

We obviously love it because it features Mickey and friends as different cupcakes! It’s priced at $14.00.

Order the Mickey and Friends Cupcakes Beach Towel Here

Bring Kylo Ren to life with this electronic, sound-activated, light-up mask!

©shopDisney

This takes playtime to a whole other level. The mask costs $16.98.

Shop the Kylo Ren Mask Here

The next time you’re whipping something up in the kitchen, Mickey Mouse will be right there with you!

©Target

This potholder reminds you to “take whisks” and “spice it up!” The set costs $16.99.

Shop the Mickey Mouse Potholder Set Here!

A new purse is the perfect accessory for spring! This one features lots of daisies and Minnie’s iconic bow.

©Target

There’s even a little Minnie Mouse attached to the bag. Grab it for $14.99.

 Shop the Girls’ Minnie Mouse Crossbody Bag here

Kiddos can channel their inner Disney Princess with these Moana slides!

©Target

The big flowers on the strap are filled with sequins! The shoes cost $14.99.

Buy the Moana Slides Here

This Olaf plush is great for any Disney+ marathon!

©Target

He looks super cuddly! Add this plush to your collection for $8.99.

Buy the Mini Olaf Cudleez Plush Here

Everyone in your life will know you’re a MAJOR Mickey Mouse fan if you start carrying around this flip-top tumbler.

©Target

It even comes with a carrying strap. The tumbler costs $11.99.

Order the Mickey Mouse Tumbler here

Star Wars fans will have plenty of fun with this Bounty Hunter Nerf Blaster!

©Target

It has sound effects and glow-in-the-dark darts! This Star Wars blaster costs $19.99.

Click here to buy the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Nerf Blaster

Not every Disney souvenir has to break the bank! These are all inexpensive options for when you’re hoping to bring a little Disney magic home with you. Check back with us for more Disney merchandise updates!

See Mickey Through the Years on Disney’s New Designer Ear Hat

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

Will you be adding any of these items to your wishlist? Tell us in the comments!

The post 20 Disney Items for UNDER ! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Learn How to Make Some “WandaVision” Sokovian Iced Tea

Marvel has teamed up with chef Justin Warner for some themed WandaVision recipes to bring us into the show with each episode and this week we got directions to make some thirst-quenching Sokovian Iced tea. What’s Happening: Marvel has teamed up with chef Justin Warner for WandaVision themed recipes, this week bringing Sokovian Iced Tea to our living […]

The post Learn How to Make Some “WandaVision” Sokovian Iced Tea appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

Lottawatta Lodge Menu Changes Include New Plant-Based Options, Boozy Milkshake Upon Reopening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach

blizzard beach new menu january 2019

Since Impossible Foods has become the preferred plant-based burger brand across Disney Parks, the reopening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach will have new items for its plant-based offerings as well as some overall menu changes at Lottawatta Lodge. New Plant-Based options: Impossible Burger served with plant-based chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and cherry pepper – $11.99 Bratwurst Sandwich served with sauerkraut, mustard and Greek pepper – $9.99 Tofu “Crab” Cake: roasted tofu, vegetables, seaweed, and tartar sauce served with cilantro lime slaw […]

The post Lottawatta Lodge Menu Changes Include New Plant-Based Options, Boozy Milkshake Upon Reopening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach appeared first on WDW News Today.

10 Disney World Projects With More Questions Than Answers

Disney World had BIG plans for 2021 and beyond.

Spaceship Earth

We’ve seen loads of progress on some projects, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT. But others have gotten swept under the rug. What’s going on with Spaceship Earth, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and more? Here’s what we know about 10 Disney projects that are still up in the air.

Beatrix

Beatrix, a coffeehouse and “healthy eating” restaurant with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian options, announced its Disney Springs location in fall 2019

Beatrix Construction

In July 2020, construction was paused, and we haven’t heard much since then. Neither an opening date nor a date for resuming construction have been announced. With all the sugar and carbs we typically eat in Disney World, we were intrigued to have a straight-up healthy option in Disney World, so if/when news is released we’ll be quick to share it!

Check Out the Latest Beatrix Update!

Mary Poppins-Inspired Attraction

In 2019, a Mary Poppins-inspired attraction was announced for the United Kingdom pavilion in EPCOT. Guests would be able to step (in time!) down Cherry Tree Lane and enter house number 17! 

Mary Poppins in Epcot

But all was not practically perfect for this attraction. When EPCOT reopened in 2020, it was removed from the video in the EPCOT Experience that advertised upcoming attractions. We haven’t heard much since then — but Disney did clarify that the project was postponed and not outright canceled.

Here’s What We Know About the Mary Poppins-Inspired Attraction!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Another part of EPCOT’s proposed reimagining was Journey of Water, a lush exploration trail that highlights the importance of the water cycleThe attraction was initially planned to open in 2021, but it’s assumed to be delayed. 

Journey of Water Concept Art ©Disney

We haven’t received news since then and there have been no signs of construction beginning, but we’ll keep you updated!

Read More About the Journey of Water Attraction!

Splash Mountain

In June 2020, Disney announced that it was re-theming Splash Mountain in Disney World and Disneyland to The Princess and the Frog.

Splash Mountain

In November, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro stated that the project would be fast-tracked to “ensure that all who visit the company’s parks do feel welcome.” Since then, it’s been crickets. It’s unclear WHEN Splash Mountain will close for the refurbishment or when further plans will be announced. Depending on the scope of the retheming, it seemed initially possible the change could be completed before Disney World’s big anniversary in October. But with each passing day, that seems less and less likely. 

Here’s Everything We Know About the Splash Mountain Re-Theme!

TRON: Lightcycle Power Run

The TRON coaster is original to the Shanghai Disneyland Resort, but in 2017 Disney announced that it would be coming to Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom! We’ve been following the work being done on the coaster for a while, and it was set to open in 2021 in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary.  

TRON Construction

However, construction is delayed and it is no longer expected to open by October. According to USA Today, TRON “isn’t expected to open during the park’s 50th birthday year.” That means we’ll likely have to wait until at least 2022 to experience it. 

Read More About TRON: Lightcycle Power Run!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

In 2019, Disney announced that a new table service restaurant was coming to Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Roundup Rodeo BBQ! Guests would dine inside playsets in Andy’s backyard with a fun, colorful roadeo theme.

Rodeo Roundup BBQ Concept Art ©Disney

Later that year, Disney announced the restaurant would open sometime in 2020. Well…2020 has come and gone, and still no Roundup Rodeo BBQ! We got a peek behind construction walls, but other than that, not a peep. Hollywood Studios is in need of another solid sit down restaurant, especially in this back area of the park, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more!

Check Out the Latest Roundup Rodeo BBQ Update!

Walt Disney World Railroad

The Walt Disney World Railroad in Magic Kingdom has been closed for over 2 YEARS! It originally shuttered in December 2018 to allow for construction on the TRON coaster.

The Walt Disney Railroad

As TRON construction continues (and is delayed), the train is hindered from completing its tour of the park (TRON construction is right over the Tomorrowland portion of the train tracks, making it unsafe to operate. So it remains closed! In the meantime, some work was done on the Main Street, U.S.A. train station, and scrim has been added to the exterior. 

Main Street Train Station

It’s still unclear when the railroad will reopen — it will likely depend on how TRON construction progresses. We’ll keep you posted!

Check Out the Main Street Train Station’s Makeover!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

This Star Wars-themed hotel is an immersive two-day experience and was originally expected to debut in 2021, to help celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary! Guests will be able to meet Star Wars characters, defend the ship, and even learn how to wield a lightsaber!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Atmosphere ©Disney

In 2020, Disney announced that guests could begin making reservations later that year for their voyages. But when the parks closed in 2020, construction was delayed, and the opening schedule is now up in the air.

©Disney via IAAPA Expo 2020 Presentation

However, progress on the project is continuing, and we’re even getting some sneak peeks as it treks towards completion! We’re pretty excited to board the Halycon ship and begin our own Star Wars adventure (whenever that is!).

Check Out the Latest Galactic Starcruiser Update!

Space 220

Our questions about EPCOT continue. We are starting to sound like a broken record with this next one! Space 220, a dining adventure set in outer space, was set to open near Mission: SPACE in winter 2019 (!!). But since then, there have been some issuesThe executive chef to-be stepped down, prompting a search for a new one. Then, the opening was shifted to February 2020. 

Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney

Space 220 failed to open in February 2020, and when the parks closed in March, construction was halted. Work is continuing, though, and we’ve seen some progress. Construction walls have come down and we’ve even seen lights on in the building

Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney

However, there’s still no announced opening date, which begs the question: WHEN will we be able to eat in Space 2020?

Check Out the Latest Space 220 News!

Spaceship Earth

At the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney announced that EPCOT’s park icon was due for a lengthy refurbishment! The re-imagining would focus on storytelling, and scenes would be bound together by a “story light” that would guide guests through the attraction. 

Spaceship Earth

The ride was originally set to temporarily close on May 26th, 2020. However, Spaceship Earth as we know it reopened with EPCOT in July! Disney eventually announced that the refurbishment was postponed. No updates have been given since about when — or if — this transformation will happen.

Here’s Everything We Know About the Spaceship Earth Refurb!

That’s a lot of big projects with big up-in-the-air questions we need answered! We’ll be sure to keep you posted as we learn more about these 10 Disney attractions! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and updates.

Check Out Disney’s Confirmed Projects for 2021!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide!

Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

Which of these projects are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Disney World Projects With More Questions Than Answers first appeared on the disney food blog.