Under Desserts, the Brûléed Champagne Sabayon has been removed from the menu.
Hollywood Brown Derby
It’s been replaced by Poached Pears and Panna Cotta — Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Petit Poached Pears, Almond Sponge Cake, and Caramelized Florentine Shards for $14.
There’s a new item under Herbal Infusions to try at Jiko: Harmony — Organic peppermint leaves, organic chamomile flowers, orange blossoms, and allspice for $9.25.
Jiko
Disney describes it as “a fresh and minty herbal blended for complexity, balanced with the fragrant notes of allspice.”
If you’re planning some meals at Disney World, be sure to keep an eye on those menus — they do change often. You can do that on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also keep you updated on menu changes, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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!
Did your favorite Disney World restaurant have any big changes this year? Let us know in the comments!
Isn’t it interesting how a bag can either make or break your trip to Disney World?
Magic Kingdom
Your bag can be your best friend that carries your most needed necessities into the park with you. Even if you aren’t planning on carrying too much with you, that bag can also be a great addition to your outfit.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
While you may be tempted to just pack whatever old bag you can find, just like everything else you plan to bring you should put thought into how it will perform during your trip. You want to make sure you’re choosing the best bag for you or else it will just be another thing to carry! These are our tips for picking the best backpack to bring with you on your next Disney World vacation.
Best Backpack Features for Disney World
We like using the “Goldilocks” rule when trying to pick a backpack: not too big, not too little, but just right! Our best advice is to plan out what you’ll be bringing into the parks to figure out what size bag you’ll need — if you’re prepping for every possibility, you’ll need a big bag, but if you’re just popping in for a churro, you might be just fine with a tiny belt bag. Also, have an idea of how heavy your bag will be ahead of time. The average empty backpack weighs between 1 and 6 pounds, and after adding your belongings the final weight needs to be something you’ll be comfortable carrying around for 10+ hours.
Make sure you’ve got the right bag that won’t weigh you down since you’ll be on your feet ALL DAY!
Also be on the lookout for the features you’re interested in like comfortable straps, hidden pockets (for storing valuables), and charging ports for plugging in your phone on the go. Don’t forget about water-resistant bags, which are especially useful when visiting from July to September, Florida’s rainy season. There are so many features you can find across all kinds of backpack brands and styles — consider which aspects will be most useful to you and let that guide your choice!
It is also incredibly compact by folding into its own zippered inner pocket. You can’t beat that functionality which will save a ton of space in your carryon.
On a budget? We’ve got the bag for you! You won’t have to give up functionality with the Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack.Not only is there plenty of space, it’s made of water-resistant fabric to protect your belongings even if you happen to get spit on by the camel in Magic Kingdom.
Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack
The mesh pockets on both sides are the perfect spots for holding water bottles, making them easy to access at any time. You can pick from a wide rainbow of colors, and you can easily personalize it with pins and patches!
When it comes to Disney-themed bags, Loungefly is the brand you want to shop for. They have a plethora of designs based on your favorite characters, movies, parks, rides, and almost anything Disney you can think of! This Loungefly Disney Beauty and the Beast Ballroom Scene Mini-Backpack is from Amazon. It has a large zippered main compartment and a smaller zippered pocket on the front. There is also a slip pocket on either side for easy access to small items like your cell phone or lip balm.
As your child gets older they may want their own special bag to bring with them to the parks. The Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack is the perfect size for them, and they’re sure to love the classic Mickey Mouse print!
Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack
Parents will be happy to know this backpack is made of easy-to-clean polyester. The straps are padded for comfort and adjustable so it can grow with them.
Sling backpacks are a favorite amongst our staff due to their size and convenience. They can be worn across your chest comfortably which gives you more control and makes it easier to access your bag’s contents without having to stop, take it off, and rifle through.
Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack
The Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack is a great choice not only for its size and shape but also its amount of pockets. Even small bags can be tricky to organize, but these are made with enough compartments so you won’t lose anything.
Parents of young children: you deserve a nice diaper bag. When it comes to Disney, Petunia Pickle Bottom is by far our favorite brand! Their designs, like this Axis Backpack, are made to look like a fancy bag while providing you with the functionality that you need.
Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Backpack
The top compartment can actually separate from the insulated bottom section, and this bag comes with snazzy features like a top grab handle, a D-ring to attach to strollers, 7 different pockets, AND a removable changing pad. What CAN’T this bag do?
Looking for something that will pair well with the outfits you have picked? Kate Spade has partnered with Disney to create bags in the past, and this leather Minnie Dome Backpack is probably the most stylish way to carry sunscreen ever.
Kate Spade Minnie Dome Backpack
We love the unique shape of this bag, which has both a top zipper as well as a lower one that opens to a bottom compartment. The gold hardware pairs perfectly with Minnie’s classic red, white, and black color scheme!
This bag blends modern tech with vintage charm. Between taking pictures, using the My Disney Experience App, and Genie+, you’re sure to run through your phone battery quickly. Charge your phone on the go with the MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port!
MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
Add your portable charger to the inside and plug it in, then you can plug your phone into the port on its exterior. Either carry your phone while it charges or let it sit in the side slip pocket; either way, you won’t have to choose between carrying your charger in your hands or leaving your phone in your bag.
When it comes to picking a backpack, just make sure you do your research and prioritize what you will need most when you’re walking around the parks. For more helpful tips, stay tuned to our site!
Marriott Bonvoy and Celebrity Cruises have teamed up to host the Cruise with Points Sweepstakes that results in one lucky winner receiving a grand prize package including a cruise for two and 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Together, the total of the combined prizes are valued at $5,750!
The grand prize winner will also get the opportunity to choose any Celebrity Cruise offered. That means you could find yourself on a FREE 7-night Alaskan cruise, a 7-night Bahamian cruise, or several other destinations!
In addition to the grand prize winner, two first-place prize winners will be named and rewarded with 50,000 Marriott Points with a value of over $600. All of the winners will be drawn 30 days after the sweepstakes ends and will be notified via email no more than 5 days after the drawing. But you’ll want to hurry and get your entry in now — the sweepstakes is open until 11:59 PM ET on December 31st, 2023.
To get your entry in on time, visit the sweepstakes website, enter your email and other information, then click submit! No purchase or reservations are necessary to be a winner.
We love telling you about giveaways and freebies as often as we can so be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for the latest offers!
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!
Have you already submitted an entry for this Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes? Tell us in the comments!
Two new merchandise collections have been announced for the Disney Parks and looking at all the new items is seriously making me want to tab over to Disney World’s website to book a trip for 2024. But fret not, even if you aren’t planning at trip to Disney World or Disneyland in 2024, you’ll still be able to get your hands on these new items thanks to shopDisney!
Disney has announced not one but TWO new collections. The first is the Disney Parks Icons Collection which celebrates “the breathtaking sights and landmarks that represent our beloved Parks on both coasts.”
The Disney World pieces in the Disney Parks Icons Collection show off Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the Tree of Life.
Now, the moment we know you have all been waiting for — Loungeflys! Both Disneyland Resort and Disney World will have new icon Loungeflys as part of this collection.
These are all expected to release in Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and online at shopDisney in January! We will be on the lookout for all of the items and will let you know when and where you can shop.
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!
Are you going to Disney World in 2024? Share your trip plans with us in the comments below!
Let’s start with the BIG new ride addition! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently under construction in Magic Kingdom, replacing what was formerly Splash Mountain.
More flowers have started to be added around the side
This ride will feature new music, animatronics, and a new storyline, and construction is set to be complete in 2024.
It should be opening at the park in late 2024, and we can’t wait to check it out! We’ve already seen concept art and models, but we’re eager to step inside. We’ll keep you updated once we get an official opening date!
CommuniCore Hall is going to be an indoor space with areas for interactive exhibits, festival spaces, character meet and greets, demonstrations, and more. CommuniCore Plaza will be the outdoor space next to it, complete with a stage, areas for festival booths, and room for outdoor entertainment. Both of these additions should be finished in 2024, finally completing the EPCOT transformation!
Also coming in 2024 are some changes at Star Tours in Hollywood Studios! The ride will be getting new scenes, inspired by the Disney+ series Ahsoka.
Star Tours
Ahsoka premiered on Disney+ in 2023, and features several characters from other animated Star Wars series. You can expect the new scenes to be added sometime in the spring.
If you’re a foodie, then we’ve got good news — several new restaurants are arriving at Disney World in 2024! First up, we’ve got The Cake Bake Shop, which is coming soon to Disney’s BoardWalk.
Also coming to Disney’s BoardWalk is Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, a chain that has a stand in Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort! It’s replacing BoardWalk To-Go.
Here’s where Blue Ribbon corn dogs is going
It was originally supposed to open in 2023, but the date has been pushed back. We can’t wait to eat all the hand-dipped corn dogs!
Moving on to operational changes, there are some big updates that might improve your trip in 2024! Up first, we’ve got all-day Park Hopping coming back on January 9th 2024.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Ever since Park Hopping returned after the pandemic, visitors have been forced to wait until 2PM to scan into their second park of the day. But no longer! Once all-day Park Hopping returns, you can come and go as you please.
And speaking of changes coming on January 9th, Disney Park Passes will no longer be required for all date-based ticket types! This means that anyone who buys a regular date-based ticket from Disney (either on its own or as part of a vacation package) won’t have to reserve their park visit in advance.
Disney World Theme Park Ticket Cards
Reservations will still be required for Annual Passholders, Cast Members, and select group tickets. Annual Passholders will have some “Good to Go” dates listed on the calendar where they can enter the parks without making a reservation.
Also on January 9th, the Dining Plan is returning to Disney World! It’s currently available to book for 2024 packages, and there will be two types available — the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan.
Full spread at Geyser Point
Adding the Dining Plan to your vacation package is essentially a way to pay for your meals in advance. Then, during your visit, you can use your meal and snack credits to get your food. For more pricing and details, check out our in-depth Dining Plan information page.
Another change that Disney has said will be coming to the parks in 2024 is updates for Genie+. The paid skip-the-line service was introduced in 2021 as a successor to FastPass+ and has been fairly controversial due to its pricing, rules, and interface.
Genie+
Disney shared a while back that they hope to introduce changes for Genie+ in 2024 that would allow guests to plan in advance. Currently, you must purchase Genie+ on the day of your visit and you can’t make any Lightning Lane reservations until 7AM that day. Disney hasn’t shared too many details about what could change, but we’ll be on the lookout for updates!
Staying at a Disney World Resort in 2024? There are some major construction projects going on that will be improving those spaces! At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the rooms have been under refurbishment for a while, but Disney has also promised future updates to the lobby and common areas.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Along with the new restaurants coming soon, this is going to be a hot place to stay in 2024!
At the Grand Floridian Resort, we’ve been watching construction progress on the room refurbishment, but there’s a major lobby update coming soon as well.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
If you’re staying at this hotel soon, be prepared to encounter some construction. Disney hasn’t shared updates about when the lobby overhaul will happen, but we’ll keep you updated!
One of the largest hotel updates in 2024 is coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where a new Disney Vacation Club tower is being built. The structure is currently under construction, set to be completed in 2024.
The building will be home to new dining spaces and recreation areas. Currently, the construction has blocked the pathway between the Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian, so we’ll be excited to have that walkway open again in 2024.
And of course, we’ve got to mention the changes coming to Fort Wilderness! The beloved cabins at the campground are getting a major overhaul, with more than 350 new refurbished cabins to be added. These new cabins will be Disney Vacation Club properties.
That’s everything we’ve got for you so far — lots of ways that Disney World is changing and improving in 2024! We’ll keep you in the loop with any more news you need to know ahead of your trip.
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!
Are you heading to Disney World in 2024? Tell us in the comments!
With the second season of Marvel’s What If…? wrapping up yesterday, head writer A.C. Bradley has announced that she will be stepping away from Marvel and the series, according to The Wrap. Bradley’s announcement came via her X account, on which she shared yesterday’s tease for a What If…? season three episode which she says is […]
These newly redesigned “I love you” and “I know” Star Wars Spirit Jerseys celebrate an iconic moment between Princess Leia and Han Solo from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.” We’ve seen a variation on these before, and this newest version is available at Star Traders in Magic Kingdom.
Redesigned “I Love You” Star Wars Spirit Jersey – $79.99
The front of this white Spirit Jersey has a screen printed cartoon image of Leia and Han Solo.
The image is printed with small silver-colored stars surrounding the couple.
The Star Wars logo is stitched on the front bottom hem of the shirt, next to the signature Spirit Jersey tag.
On the back of the Star Wars Spirit Jersey, “I love you” is printed in silver puffy capital letters across the shoulders. The letters are surrounded with silver stars.
Redesigned “I Know” Star Wars Spirit Jersey – $79.99
There’s also a dark-colored “I know” Spirit Jersey.
The redesigned “I Know” Spirit Jersey has the same image as the “I love you” version printed on the front.
Both of the sleeves are printed with red rectangles to resemble Han Solo’s pants.
The bottom hem of the shirt has the Star Wars logo stitched into it next to the Spirit Jersey tag.
The back of the jersey has the same silvery puffy lettering used on the “I love you” jersey, but this darker coordinating shirt says, “I know.” The letters are also surrounded in silvery stars, which stand out in more contrast on the darker field.
Contrary to urban legend, the “I know” line was not improvised by Harrison Ford. According to CBR.com, during the filming of “The Empire Strikes Back,” Ford and director Irvin Kershner were discussing how the carbonite chamber scene should go. After some discussion, Ford says that he should just pass by her and say, “I love you.” Kershner suggests that he should say it back to her. Ford replies that he would simply say, “I know” because it’s “beautiful and acceptable and funny.” Kershner agreed.
Will you be bringing home this bounty on your next trip to Magic Kingdom, or are you searching the galaxy for a different way to show your love of the Star Wars franchise? Let us know in the comments.
The DisneyParks are looking ahead to 2024 as far as their merchandise is concerned. The Disney Parks Blog has revealed a first look at the Disney Parks Icons Collection and Disney Castle Collection, which will be coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and shopDisney next year. The Disney Parks Icons collection will include merchandise spotlighting: […]
2023 has been quite a year. It had ups, it had downs, it had surprises, and it had some delights. On that note, over the course of the past 12 months, Disney still managed to give us some reasons to smile — so we’ve compiled our list of the Top 10 greatest Disney moments of […]
In an Instagram story, WDWNT reader chloe.angel.ique shared a video of the up escalator in The Land Pavilion closed due to a guest’s stuck shoe.
Busy Escalator Shut Down By Stuck Shoe
source: chloe.angel.ique on Instagramsource: chloe.angel.ique on Instagram
In the video, chloe.angel.ique shared a view of a large crowd of guests pressing up the staircase adjacent to the stationary up escalator at The Land Pavilion at EPCOT.
source: chloe.angel.ique on Instagramsource: chloe.angel.ique on Instagram
As the video zooms in, a sandwich board indicates that the walkway is closed, and Disney employees can be seen trying to free a guest’s white sneaker that has been caught in the teeth at the top of the moving staircase.
source: chloe.angel.ique on Instagram
After a cut, the video shows the scene from above, where a guest waits for the shoe and several other people look on.
source: chloe.angel.ique on Instagramsource: chloe.angel.ique on Instagramsource: chloe.angel.ique on Instagram
The stuck shoe is caught in the teeth at the top of the escalator where the steps fold into the machinery that drives the staircase. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen guest shoes fall victim to the escalator.
We visited the area this afternoon, and the situation has been remedied, with the escalator reopened and easing the traffic flow on this busy holiday at the park.
Have you ever lost a shoe to an escalator or moving sidewalk at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments.
