Tips & News — Dining

“All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Milkshakes” at Magic Kingdom – Yes, You Read That Correctly

“All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Milkshakes” at Magic Kingdom – Yes, You Read That Correctly

Looking for something sweet and cold to cool you down on your next trip? Well, Walt Disney World is now offering an all-you-can-drink milkshake at the Plaza Restaurant on Main Street, USA. Each month, a new flavor will be selected for this endless-refill option. This month you can grab a Vanilla and Nutella flavored shake with whipped cream and a cherry on top! The shake will cost you $9.00 + tax, but after that you can get it as many times as you want. Maybe just make sure you don’t go on any crazy rides like Space Mountain right after you guzzle these babies down.

This might be our new favorite treat at MK. Only one way to find out! Do you plan on getting one on your next trip??

75 Days of EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

75 Days of EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

Grab your passports. The 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be a record setting 75 days long. This is super exciting news as it is definitely one of the best events Disney hosts. There's no better way to spend an autumn day than at Epcot eating and drinking your way around the world.

The event begins on August 31st and will conclude on November 13th.

We will be updating you as the event draws closer and more information becomes available on highlighted marketplaces, dining options and overall news.

Who's going this year?

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Rumored Announcements At This Weekend's D23 Expo

Rumored Announcements At This Weekend's D23 Expo

Disney's D23 expo will take place this weekend in Anaheim and, as always, the rumor mill is swirling. Every other year, Disney execs host the D23 expo to make announcements and showcase their upcoming plans. Let's take a look at some potential big news dropping this weekend.

Toy Story Land

Rumor has it we'll be getting a firm date for the opening of Toy Story Land inside Hollywood Studios within the next 10 months. More information on retail and dining options is also expected. If you haven't seen it yet, here's a look at the recent construction progress and the official logo!

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WDW Gondola System

This is now less of a rumor considering construction has already begun at Epcot's International Gateway.  Disney is expected to release more specifics around the timeline for its opening. The route has already been confirmed and will connect Epcot, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation and Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Land

Currently a simultaneous build going on at Disneyland and Hollywood Studios, Disney is likely to drop some specifics around these two huge expansions. Both are scheduled to open in 2019 with Disneyland finishing first and Hollywood Studios wrapping up later in the year. Although these are expected to be extremely similar, the biggest difference is the rumored boutique hotel at the Hollywood Studios land. Will we be getting confirmation on this hotel this weekend at D23? Let's just wait and see!

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The Great Movie Ride or The Great Mickey Ride?

Although the The Great Movie Ride is one of my absolute favorite classics at Hollywood Studios it is rumored to be next in line for replacement. Yes, it will most likely be closed within the next year and a new very similar experience based solely around Mickey Mouse will be taking its place. "The Great Mickey Ride" is rumored to be opening in California Adventure, as well. It is supposed to showcase trackless ride technology and projection mapping. Hopefully we'll get a confirmation and some specifics this weekend.

Here's a shortlist of other rumors swirling around Disney these days. Little to no information can be confirmed just yet.

  • Moana-themed attraction in Adventureland
  • Tron-themed attraction in Tomorrowland replacing the Speedway
  • Ratatoullie ride coming to the France pavilion at Epcot
  • Guardians of the Galaxy attractions coming to Future World at Epcot
  • Zootopia retail, dining and meet-and-greets in Animal Kingdom
  • Brazil pavilion coming to Epcot

The D23 Convention begins this Friday, July14th and ends Sunday the 16th.

Walt said it himself that the parks will never truly be finished!

What changes are you most excited about? Are there any you are disappointed about?

6 Disney Treats You Need to Get on Your Next Trip!

Nutella and Fruit Waffle Giant waffle. Covered in Nutella. Topped with fresh fruit.

If you’ve been to the parks before, chances are you’ve had some of these treats. Many people consider them to be staples to their trips! Take a look.

 

  1. Dole Whip

I think this goes without being said, but I’ll say it anyway - you have to get a Dole Whip on your next trip! It is one of the most popular treats in Disney World. You can grab one at Captain Cook’s in the Polynesian Resort and at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. If you’re in California, head over to Tiki Juice Bar for your Dole Whip or Dole Whip Float. Enjoy the refreshing fruity treat after an afternoon in the sun, but expect a bit of a line!

  1. Mickey Shaped Ice Cream Bar

There’s just something about eating Mickey Mouse shaped food on your Disney trip. For some reason it makes your ice cream taste even better. This vanilla ice cream treat is covered in chocolate and can be found throughout the parks at the dessert stands. Pro tip: Take a picture of your Mickey ice cream bar in front of the castle.

  1. Mickey Rice Krispy Treats

Ok so pretty much EVERYTHING on Main Street is delicious, but we especially love the various Rice Krispy Treats! They’re Mickey shaped (obviously) and covered in different toppings. This is a great treat to get when you’re leaving the park to take back with you to the hotel.

  1. Nutella and Fruit Waffle

Giant waffle. Covered in Nutella. Topped with fresh fruit. Need we say more? You can find this at Sleepy Hollow!

  1. Mickey Pretzel

Yes, another snack that is shaped like Mickey – but how often do you get to eat food shaped like your favorite Disney icon? If you’ve had some sweets and need a break, go for a savory pretzel with cheese.

  1. Churros

We saved the best for last! Arguably the most iconic Disney World/Disneyland treat, this crunchy sugar-coated dessert will satisfy every sweet tooth. If you’ve never had a churro from a Disney park, then you haven’t lived.  Happy snacking!

 
*Picture from disneyparks.disney.go.com

9 Tips for Visiting the Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World

1.     Get there early

Watching the rope drop or the opening ceremony take place right outside the railroad station is the perfect way to kick off a day at Magic Kingdom! You may not usually be a morning person on vacation, but it's definitely worth waking up an hour early. Another benefit of arriving early? The crowds (or lack there of)! The crowds do not begin to show up until late morning so an early arrival can help you get on your favorite rides and into the shops while the lines are still somewhat short.

2.     Catch the early entertainment

A lot of the best entertainment on Main Street takes place earlier in the day. If catching the Casey's Corner piano player or a performance by the Dapper Dans interests you then be prepared in the early morning. The exact times can be found in Time Guides. You can pick these up along with a map on your way into the park.

3.     Make Fastpass+ choices before you arrive

Making Fastpass+ selections before you arrive is a must, and is especially important if you are planning on riding popular attractions. For example, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one attraction in particular that you can almost guarantee will not have Fastpass+ availability if you're checking your My Disney Experience App on the day of. Making these selections in advance is a must! Plus, you want to be enjoying the park, not on your phone all day!

4.     Make dining reservations in advance

Similar to Fastpass+, making dining reservations well in advance is highly encouraged! Some of the more popular restaurants at Magic Kingdom book up almost immediately after reservations become available. There are definitely great food stations throughout the park if you want to keep a flexible schedule. However, if you're considering Be Our Guest, Cinderella's Royal Table or Crystal Palace, you'll need to book as early as possible. If table service isn't your style, you can also research the quick service options before hand to help save some time on your trip!

5.     Meet & greets with your favorite characters

The meet and greets with characters are a must. Why? Because it is an amazing experience! How often do you get to hang out with Punzi and Princess Aurora?! You can use your Time Guides and map to find when and where your favorite character will be stationed. Like always, plan ahead and go meet some characters!

6.     Find all the best photo ops

This can be so much fun and add a little bit of unexpected adventure to your day. Everyone has pictures in front of Cinderella's Castle. Magic Kingdom is a huge beautiful space. Find places somewhat less traveled and you'd be surprised by a unique backdrop waiting to be captured. These also make for the best memories when looking back on your trip.

7.     Relax at the nearby resorts

If you are traveling with young children, you may have to take a midday break. Most people use this as an opportunity to go back to their hotel room and relax, however, depending on where you are staying that can be a complicated hike. Many of the resorts close to Magic Kingdom are a very short monorail ride away and offer some great amenities! Swing by the Grand Floridian - it is an absolutely break taking resort. You can hangout in a nice restaurant and grab a snack, look in some shops, or hang out in the vast lobby. This could be a great opportunity to relax and recharge the batteries.

8.     Get to parades early to grab a spot

If catching the parades are a priority for you, then you'll want to start camping out a little early. A lot of guests start picking spots up to an hour before the start of a parade. I'd advise to grab a spot, send someone to go pick up some snacks (A Mickey Pretzel is always a great choice) and have some lunch while you wait for the parade to begin.

9.     Must stay for the fireworks

This is an absolute must for any guest attending the Magic Kingdom. "Wishes" is a spectacular nighttime show that lights up the sky over Cinderella's Castle. Find a spot in front the castle or down Main Street for the best views and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

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