We go to Disney World every day, and we can quite literally say that the excitement never wears off. It’s never the same ol’, same ol’ routine!

Cinderella Castle

Friends, I am back again with another weekly round up of exciting and new things that happened at Disney World this week. Just when we think that no week could ever top the previous, we’re left shocked once again by how much fun we have. Something NEW happens every single day. This week, I’m here to tell you about the times that we were STARSTRUCK at Disney World this week. Let’s go!

We’ll start off in Magic Kingdom!

A Celebrity DOG visited Magic Kingdom!

Recently, a very famous dog got to take a trip to Disney World! Brodie the Goldendoodle has over 6 million followers on TikTok. For Brodie’s birthday, his owner Cliff Brush took him to the parks. Check out the video he shared below!

@brodiethatdood

It’s Brodie’s birthday! So I thought it was appropriate to show off all the joy he brings to the world. 🐻❤️ (Brodie is a task-trained service animal which grants him access to venues like Disney) #disneyworld #goldendoodle #spreadlove #reactions

♬ Evergreen – music <3

Ummm…why am I crying all over again? We love how much joy this pup brought other Disney World visitors! Brodie is a task-trained service animal, which grants him rights to public spaces like Disney World. Non-service animal pets are not allowed in the theme parks, though some Disney World hotels are pet-friendly. You can also opt to leave your pet over at Best Friend’s Pet Hotel, which is actually just across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort!

Check out the link below to see what else happened in Magic Kingdom this week!

Click here to see what else is new in Magic Kingdom

Up next, let’s go to Disney Springs!

We ate lunch with Homecomin’ Chef Art Smith!

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs has a special place in the DFB team’s heart with its homey feel, its Southern-inspired cuisine, and spectacular service. We’ve dined there several times in the past, and it has even become my go-to spot for a delicious birthday dinner. So when Homecomin’ invited us at DFB to come dine with Chef Art Smith himself for lunch, our reporter Lydia was delighted to accept the invitation.

Chef Art Smith

Lydia said, “Dining with Art was a pleasure in many unexpected ways, from the moment he shook my hand and introduced himself to the moment we stood from the table with full stomachs and said our goodbyes, I found myself intrigued by the incredibly interesting life he has lived. It’s clear that his staff adore him, and he even spoke of his excellent relationships with other chefs in Disney Springs.”

Chef Art Smith and Chef Jose Andres

Chef Art also admitted that for the restaurant to have delicious food, it has to start with the ingredients they use. Homecomin’ has partnered with several farmers to get fresh ingredients — they’ve even added a farmer spotlight wall in the restaurant to highlight some of the farms he admires. 

Okay, I’m SO JEALOUS. This sounds like a phenomenal experience!

Click here to see what else is new in Disney Springs

Finally, let’s head over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Victoria & Albert’s Received a MICHELIN Star! 

Victoria & Albert’s has FINALLY been awarded a Michelin star, which we think is LONG overdue. Not only that, but Victoria & Albert’s Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez was also awarded the 2024 Florida Service Award. Congratulations!

©Disney

This restaurant is ELITE and pricey, but dining there can be a special once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now, we’ve been there several times, so we might be a little biased, but we’re totally not surprised about a new honor this restaurant has been given.

Cheese Course at Victoria & Albert’s

So what does that mean exactly? According to The Michelin Guide, a Michelin Star is “awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking.” Five criteria go into deciding which restaurants get awarded: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, how the chef’s personality is expressed through food, and consistency.  So, basically, yes, this is a VERY big deal.

Victoria & Albert’s

It’s also an even bigger deal because Victoria & Albert’s is now the first and ONLY restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park to have been awarded a Michelin Star. WOAH. Many congrats to the ENTIRE TEAM over at Victoria & Albert’s. This is phenomenal news!

Click here to see what else is new at Disney World hotels. 

What a WEEK! Of course, there are plenty of other exciting things happening at Disney World. Take a look through the links below to see ALL of the new things that came to the parks this week. Seriously! Our reporters take note of everything new each time they visit a park so that you guys can keep track of it.

And there you have it! We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop.

Looking for last week’s news? Click here! 

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
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Which of these things do YOU find the most exciting? Let us know in the comments!