Hello there! Thank you so much for purchasing the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2022 e-Book! Read on for the latest updates.

Things are constantly changing at Disney World. That has been particularly true over the last few years, and we expect that there will be many more changes made in the future.

We’ve put any and all details we had at the time of publishing into The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2022. But to ensure that you have the latest Disney news, we’ve created this Post-Press Updates Page. This is where we’ll post any news or updates that come out after the date of publication. Be sure to check back often as we’ll be continuously updating this page throughout the year.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST DISNEY WORLD UPDATES BELOW!

General Updates

Magical Express/Airport

Disney’s Magical Express service has officially ended at Disney World.

A few replacement services for Disney’s Magical Express are now taking guests to/from the airport, one of which is called The Sunshine Flyer and it began operating in February of 2022.

Click here to see how the Sunshine Flyer compares to Mears Connect — both of which are essentially Magical Express replacement services.

Disney was also previously offering ground transportation from Mears as an add-on option for vacations. But, as of recently, we have not seen the option offered. Be sure to check and see what the situation is like for your trip.

Speaking of the Orlando International Airport…did you know you can reserve a time to go through security?

At Orlando International Airport, the NEW Terminal C OPENED in September. It features a new Disney store, an updated security process, various restaurants from names you’ll recognize like Chef Art Smith and Wine Bar George, and more.

Transportation Updates

Here’s another transportation heads-up: The Disney Skyliner will close briefly for refurbishment in late January 2023.

Price Increases

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you might notice that some of your favorite food items cost just a bit more. In early January of 2022, we saw HUNDREDS of price increases hit various Disney World restaurants.

DOLE Whips, select popcorn refills and popcorn buckets, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars, and more all got impacted.

Click here to see the biggest takeaways from the snack price increases

Following that, we saw price increases made to select multi-day tickets. You may also find that some days in 2022 now fall into a higher (and more expensive) pricing tier.

Some hidden price increases have also been put in place for park tickets for Disney World in 2023.

In October of 2022, we saw even MORE price increases impact Disney World. Here’s a look at some of the price increases we’ve spotted so far:

• Price increases have hit Be Our Guest Restaurant
• Making a lightsaber or building a droid in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is also MORE expensive now
• The cost of the “standard” Genie+ service will now vary depending on when you visit. We actually saw a Genie+ price INCREASE put into effect in mid-October on select dates.
• Private photo shoots got a price increase in Disney World
• Bottled water and soda prices have increased
• Chef Mickey’s has jumped up in price
• 3 other character meals have also increased in price
• In some spots, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream bars and pretzels are also more expensive
• Refillable Resort Mugs also saw a price increase

Be sure to review our posts above about the increases and adjust your budgets as needed.

See how to prevent price increases from ruining your Disney World vacation HERE.

Returning Experiences

Select tours have returned to Disney World. These include the Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — you can see our review here! Be sure to see what’s available during your visit.

Parking trams have returned to Magic Kingdom’s parking lot, and the Animal Kingdom parking lot too.

Moonlight Magic returned for Disney Vacation Club Members! Click here to learn more.

The Minnie Van transportation service officially returned to Disney World.

We also shared news about the Cultural Representative Program returning to EPCOT HERE.

OH, BOY! Get ready to HUG MICKEY again! Traditional face-to-face character meet-and-greets are now officially in the process of a phased return to Disney World!

The traditional meet-and-greets have been coming back in phases, so not all locations may be available immediately. But the phased return of traditional meet-and-greets at some spots officially started on April 18th. Guests are now able to go up to many characters and give them hugs, and characters are able to sign autographs!

See pics and videos of the return of traditional Character Meet-and-Greets HERE! 

Find our FULL LIST of Character Meet and Greets that have returned to “normal” HERE!

And just like how traditional character interactions are back in the meet-and-greet locations, they are back at some character dining locations, such as Chef Mickey’s, too!

We’re keeping a list of all of the Character Dining locations that have returned to offering traditional character interactions here.

Also, on October 2, 2022, THREE backstage tour experiences returned to EPCOT: DiveQuest, Dolphins in Depth, and the Behind the Seeds tour.

Disney’s After Hours events will return to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom in early 2023. Click here for pricing and a full list of dates. Tickets are available for all guests.

Disney World Theme Park Tickets and Park Pass Reservations

Park Passes are now available as far as January of 2024.

Disney has also changed some aspects of the Park Pass system and how reservations are booked.

Now, most guests can MODIFY their Park Passes without needing to totally cancel them. Plus, there have been some changes made when it comes to making park passes with others in your group who have different ticket types.

Click here for all the details.

Disney World is introducing a new pricing structure (starting December 8th) for one-day theme park-specific tickets. This change will result in more ease of getting Park Pass reservations for purchasers, but also results in more surge pricing for in-demand dates for both regular and Park Hopper tickets. Under the new price structure, ticket prices will vary depending on what park you want to visit, not just what date. Price increases will also go into effect for Annual Passes.

More!

Once you arrive at Disney World, you’ll start to notice that those classic Purple Directional Road signs are starting to get a bit of a makeover!

It just got EASIER to connect with friends and family through the Disney World app.

Dates have been announced for 2022 and 2023 runDisney races in Disney World. And the THEME for the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend has been revealed at last!

Hoping to participate in a 2024 runDisney race? You can find the schedule for the newly announced races here!

How much can you actually do with 30 EXTRA minutes in the parks thanks to Early Theme Park Entry? We found out!

SEVEN Disney World restaurants have received recognition from the Michelin Guide!

2023 Disney World vacation packages are now available for booking.

Want to know our picks for the best fast-food restaurants in Disney World? Click here!

Over 50 treats arrived in the Disney Parks in celebration of Hispanic and Latin American Heritage month during 2022. Many of these treats were available starting mid-September.

Are plastic bags disappearing from Disney World? Click here to see what we’ve noticed and what Cast Members have told us.

Guests can now cancel Advance Dining Reservations up to two hours in advance without any sort of cancelation fee.

The Magnolia Golf Course is reopening.

Curious to know what’s coming to the Disney parks and beyond in 2022, 2023, AND 2024? Click here!

50th Anniversary Updates

Snacks

Select 50th Anniversary snacks went away in early January 2022 and new snacks took their place!

We got to try a number of those snacks and share our FULL reviews with you. We’ve grabbed the Crooning Flower float, the Goofy Dome Cake, the Slue Foot Sue Fish Sandwich, the Orange and Almond Cake, the Croque Monsieur Flatbread, the updated Cheers to 50 Years Sundae, and the Haunted Mansion Chilling Chamber Push Pop!

Menu offerings continue to change so be sure to check and see what’s available during your trip.

Additionally, all of the Seven Dwarfs are set to get their own treats in Disney World!

So far, we’ve been able to enjoy the Doc Cone (with a surprising & flavorful twist), the Sneezy Cone (which tastes much better than it sounds!), the Bashful Cone, the Dopey Cone, the Grumpy Cone, and the Happy Cone.

We also tried the Sea Captain Catch (a savory 50th Anniversary sandwich) in Magic Kingdom. See our review here!

Another new Tea Slushy has arrived for the celebration at Cheshire Cafe: the Hare March Foolish Tea.

More

Bad news, KiteTails fans. The show ended in late September. We’ll have to wait and see what Disney does with this space in the future.

Retro-inspired 50th Anniversary merchandise items arrived in the parks, including a map-themed spirit jersey, and map-themed Crocs!

Some newer 50th Anniversary collections have hit the scene so be on the lookout for new merchandise items!

Find out how YOU can leave your (virtual) mark on Cinderella Castle for the 50th Anniversary here! “Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories” offers a way for YOU to become part of a virtual mural on Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom!

Also in Magic Kingdom, the new fireworks show that debuted with the 50th Anniversary — Disney Enchantment — has received a special UPGRADE.

The show now features an intro with Walt and Roy Disney and other historical footage. Click here for a look at the new addition!

The 50th Anniversary will end on March 31st, 2023, so check it out while you can!

Merchandise Updates

A new Mickey-themed merchandise collection will be released throughout 2022! We’ve already seen the Space Mountain collection, Pirates of the Caribbean collection, Alice in Wonderland collection, “it’s a small world” collection, and others. More collections are on the way. Disney has revealed ALL of the themes for the new collection — check them out here.

If you’re looking to add some more Disney merchandise to your wardrobe and you love Mickey waffles, then you’ll want to check out Disney’s WAFFLE-SCENTED ears and other waffle-themed items!

You can also celebrate 2022 with some 2022 ears in Disney World!

Hold up…Star Wars Lightsaber EARS?? See ’em here.

The new ears just keep coming. Disney has also released SCENTED Mickey Bar ears!

Disney is FINALLY selling themed candles and you’re gonna want to see them! Click here to see even more candles that are now available, and click here to see how to get them online.

Oh, and did we mention we found a SCENTED Pretzel Spirit Jersey? And there are some snack-themed ears to match.

Since traditional character interactions have returned around the Resort (as mentioned above), autograph books can now be found once again on the gift shop shelves.

Do you LOVE those Disney World resort refillable mugs? Well, get ready to add a few more to your collection. Refillable mugs have gotten an upgrade — Mickey style — when it comes to their lids! 

Excited about the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster in EPCOT? Then you’ll want to check out the TONS of Guardians-themed merchandise at the Treasures of Xandar gift shop.

A new INTERACTIVE Disney Store — complete with 50th Anniversary touches — has opened on International Drive in Orlando.

New Minnie Ears hitting the scene mid-year include new 50th Anniversary Light-Up Ears, Pirate Ears, and Purple Castle Ears.

Merchandise commemorating the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company has started to arrive in Disney World!

Disney Genie Updates

Disney has announced that Space Mountain, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Expedition Everest, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be offered as standard Genie+ offerings for the foreseeable future. You won’t need to pay separately to use the Lightning Lanes at these rides anymore. Instead, after temporarily having been added to the Genie+ service, they’ve now remained on the regular Genie+ service.

Want a step-by-step guide to using Disney Genie+? Click here!

Select character meet-and-greets are now available through Genie+.

We examine whether Lightning Lane lines can actually be LONGER than Standby lines here.

Click here to see an updated list of EVERYTHING that’s included in your Genie+ purchase in Disney World.

Disney Genie+ now offers a reserved viewing area for the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

We’re sharing the 5 MOST IMPORTANT Disney Genie Tips here!

How many rides can you get on with Genie+? Disney World guests tell all.

EPCOT’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, is available as a pay-per-ride Individual Lightning Lane Attraction Selection.

A BIG change was made as to HOW Disney Genie+ can be purchased on June 8th, 2022. Guests are no longer able to buy the service pre-arrival as a ticket add-on for dates remaining in 2022 and in 2023. Read more here.

TWO Animal Kingdom experiences are now included with Disney Genie+: the new Finding Nemo show, and the Mickey and Minnie Meet-and-Greet at Adventurers Outpost.

Disney has officially clarified the confusing “120-minute rule” regarding when guests may book subsequent Lightning Lane experiences on Disney Genie+.

Click here to see how to avoid the biggest mistakes with Genie+.

In August 2022, further changes came to Disney Genie+ — this time, in regard to Park Hopping.

Variable DATE-BASED pricing was introduced for the Disney Genie+ program in October 2022. Find all the information you need to know about this change here. 

Disney Genie marked its first Anniversary on October 19, 2022. We share 7 things we’ve learned after using the program for a FULL YEAR here.

We discuss why you SHOULD pay extra to ride the most popular rides in Disney World here.

Thanks to a recent update, it is now easier to make modifications to ride reservations made through Disney Genie+.

Want some Disney Genie HACKS? Click here!

MagicBand+

MagicBand+ officially made its debut in Disney World on July 27th! We’ve been sharing — and experiencing — The Good, The Bad, and The GLITCHY with these new interactive MagicBands in the parks.

You can use your MagicBand+ to hunt for virtual bounties in Star Galaxy’s Edge, interact with the 50th Anniversary character statues in the parks, and MORE.

We’re gathering several of our MagicBand+ posts below so you can learn more about this interactive technology:

• See a MagicBand+ in action around Disney World here!
• Over 25 MagicBand+ designs debuted with the launch. See them all HERE. 
• See how YOU can become a Bounty Hunter in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with your MagicBand+ here!
• MagicBand+ LIGHTS UP DISNEY WORLD in sync with EPCOT’s Harmonious, Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment fireworks, and the 50th Anniversary park icons!
• Learn more about pricing for MagicBand+ here.
• See why MagicBand+ feels different than wearing your old MagicBand.
• MagicBand+ in Disney World: The Good, the Bad, and the Glitchy
• Click HERE for our Step-By-Step Guide to setting up your MagicBand+!
• See how MagicBand+ interacts with different rides in Disney World
• Disney’s character statues will now talk to you about Halloween!

Click HERE for our Ultimate Guide to MagicBand+!

Other Disney Technology Updates

Has a wonderful Cast Member added some extra magic to your vacation? Sending a Cast Compliment (so they can be recognized for their work) has just been made easier in My Disney Experience!

Ever lost your car in a Disney World parking lot? Well, those days are a thing of the past! Disney’s new Car Locator feature on the My Disney Experience app is now LIVE. Click here for all the details.

“Hey, Disney!” is a new optional, complimentary perk coming to all Disney World Resort hotel guests soon. Hey Disney! will soon be tested in select Disney Resort hotel rooms — a DFB reader got this message while staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

We got an exclusive look — including VIDEOS — at this Alexa Voice Assistant. Check out what “Hey, Disney!” can do for you during your vacation.

Halloween Updates

In 2022, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned to Magic Kingdom! All event nights sold out, but there were some instances where a limited number of tickets were available on the day of a party night.

It was offered on select nights from August through Halloween night. Click here to see the full list of dates and prices for the Halloween party.

Guests at the party were able to enjoy the return of the Boo-To-You parade, Halloween fireworks, a Hocus Pocus stage show, ride overlays, and more.

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party was an add-on option for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party guests, and we brought you a review here.

See details about our experience at the HALLOWEEN PARTY HERE!

You can also see what Halloween popcorn buckets came to Disney World in 2022.

In other spooky news, Minnie’s Halloween Dine kicked off at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the season on August 12th. 

Wanna see ALL the Halloween merchandise that hit the shelves? Click HERE!

And we’ve got PICTURES and REVIEWS for ALL the Fall and Halloween TREATS for the season HERE!

Holiday Updates

In 2022, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party RETURNED to Magic Kingdom!

The party is available on select nights from November 8th through December 22nd, 2022. Ticket prices vary depending on the day, and range from $149 to $199 per person.

Click here to get a full list of the prices and dates for the party.

During the party, guests enjoy a Holiday-themed stage show, holiday fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, holiday overlays at certain rides, and more!

Click here for our page full of updates about the Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party isn’t the only thing that has returned for the holiday season, though. Also back at Disney World is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight Processional, holiday projections on the park icons, appearances by Santa Claus in various spots, the holiday finale at the Frozen sing-along in Hollywood Studios, the Merry Menagerie (in Disney’s Animal Kingdom), the Christmas Tree Stroll in Disney Springs, and much more!

Minnie’s Holiday Dine kicked off at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the season on November 8th. 

And don’t miss ALL of our Holiday TREAT reviews throughout the Season!

You can also take a look at the holiday merchandise here.

Click here to see ALL of the HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS in Disney World HERE!

Magic Kingdom Updates

General

Check out our ULTIMATE Video Guide to Magic Kingdom in 2022!

Entertainment

BIG fireworks news!💥 Happily Ever After is returning to Magic Kingdom in a NEW way. 💥 Specifically, Disney has said that the Happily Ever After anthem (a.k.a. the theme song) will be returning in 2023 as part of an updated fireworks spectacular. We’ll be on the lookout for more details.

HOORAY! The beloved Festival of Fantasy Parade is BACK in Magic Kingdom. You can check out pics and VIDEOS from its March 9th return HERE.

The Frontierland Hoedown has also returned to Magic Kingdom.

Guests can now enjoy the NEW Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade (the BIGGEST Character Cavalcade yet!), which made its debut on February 25th.

If you love Encanto, you’ll be thrilled to know that Mirabel is now in Disney World as part of the Adventure Friends Cavalcade.

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire — an updated daytime show taking place at Cinderella Castle — made its debut on February 25, 2022. Showtimes for this can change quite a bit so watch out for that.

For a period of time, Minnie Mouse joined Mickey at the Town Square Meet-and-Greet location, and she was wearing her 50th Anniversary outfit for a truly unique photo op! Check to see if she’s available during your trip.

Guests can meet and greet Jasmine and Aladdin in Adventureland, Merida in Fantasyland, Peter Pan in Fantasyland, and Snow White on the Town Square Theater Porch in Magic Kingdom once again (and sometimes Mulan!). And Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger, too!) are giving away hugs once more right by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Characters will also soon be returning to Pete’s Silly Sideshow!

Food/Restaurant Updates

Is Be Our Guest Restaurant still must-do dining? We chat about it in our latest full review.

The Citrus Swirl RETURNED to Magic Kingdom, but you can’t always rely on it being there. Click here to find out more.

There has been a change to the way Cinderella is making appearances (and greeting guests!) at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Be sure to look for updates ahead of your next trip. (You can also see our full review of the updated experience — including a few new dishes — here!)

But the BIGGER NEWS when it comes to Cinderella’s Royal Table is that the COMPLETE Character Meal experience featuring SEVERAL DISNEY PRINCESSES will return to this iconic restaurant on February 28, 2023!

Brunch dishes have debuted at Be Our Guest Restaurant (as it is now opening EARLIER). See our full review of the brunch items here.

The most HATED Magic Kingdom restaurant got a menu overhaul. See our FULL review of the new menu at Tony’s Town Square right here!

Skipper Canteen has some newer menu items in Magic Kingdom and we went to try them out. See our review here. And see the Canteen FUN in action in our DFB Video!

Characters have returned for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at The Crystal Palace — see our full review here! 

After a LENGTHY absence, the DOLE Whip Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is BACK at Aloha Isle! Click here for our FULL review!

Some new eats include a Walking Taco from Pecos Bill’s, a 50th Anniversary Float at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, and a new Reuben Sandwich at The Plaza Restaurant.

Ride Updates

Get ready to RIDE THE RAILS again!! The Walt Disney World Railroad has REOPENED after being closed since 2018 (!!) to accommodate construction for TRON Lightcycle Run.

TRON coaster testing has been going on for some time now, and it has tested full vehicles at FULL SPEED AND with test dummies. See TRON’s nighttime lighting in effect here! (AND get a little backstory scoop for the attraction HERE.)

And now we have a HUGE TRON UPDATE! 🚨 Disney has announced that the TRON ride will open in the spring of 2023. 🚨

Two Tomorrowland attractions have received updates: the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has brand NEW narration and the finale scene in Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress has CHANGED (with updated costumes)!

And you can take an UP CLOSE look at TRON with a ride on the reopened Magic Kingdom steam trains!

Speaking of attraction updates, we’ve got news on a BIG ONE. Disney has officially announced the new name of the upcoming ride based on The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! This ride is an entire retheme of Splash Mountain in Frontierland and is slated to open in late 2024.

Click here to get a FIRST LOOK at the new ride!

Please be aware that Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain will close permanently on January 23, 2023 to begin the ride’s transformation.

At the Haunted Mansion, changes are on the way as the Hatbox Ghost will be added to the attraction in Disney World in 2023.

Though not officially in the works just yet, Disney did tease a potential expansion for Magic Kingdom with lands that could be created beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Disney teased that lands themed to Coco, Encanto, and even the Disney Villains are ideas they’re working on right now, but everything is still in the early stages of development and they’re still “Blue Sky” ideas in the works. Click here to see what these lands could feature.

There are some new rules to be aware of the next time you ride Space Mountain.

Reopening News

Been waiting for the Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom to reopen? Good news! The Harmony Barber Shop officially reopened in Magic Kingdom in late July of 2022 so you can once again get a haircut in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

And Magic Kingdom’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has reopened, too! Disney stated that the Grand Floridian and Disney Springs locations will reopen at a later date.

Disney’s After Hours events will be returning to Magic Kingdom in January of 2023. Click here for pricing and a full list of dates. Tickets are available for all guests.

EPCOT Updates

Festivals

Festival of the Arts

DATES for EPCOT’S first Festival of the year — the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts — have been announced: mark your calendars for January 13th – February 20th, 2023!

TWO new Food Studios will join the full Food Booth lineup: Moderne and Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food, and Little Sparks of Magic. The returning Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine will encourage you to sample several goodies from different booths!)

You can see the FULL Disney on Broadway concert lineup here, and learn about the Disney on Broadway dining packages here.

Flower and Garden Festival

EPCOT’s next Festival is the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival! 2023 dates are still pending so we’re sharing details from 2022 below.

Check out the Outdoor Kitchen Food Booth menus from 2022.

You can find ALL of our Outdoor Kitchen Booth reviews here, and our must-try items in our BEST of the FEST list.

The limited-time Easter Egg Hunt returned to EPCOT: the EGGstravaganza.

Food and Wine Festival

One of our FAVORITE events of the year returned to EPCOT! The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival dates were July 14th through November 19th, 2022! 2023 dates are still pending. See our information from 2022 below.

Check out the FULL MARKETPLACE BOOTH MENUS and our BEST OF THE FEST Must-Eat and Must-Sip Items (both from 2022)!

NEW during the Festival in 2022 (for a limited time) was a Halloween-themed Scavenger Hunt: Look for Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit which lasted through October 31st!

Of course, we’ve also covered all the returning favorites like Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak (the Food & Wine scavenger hunt), Emile’s Fromage Montage (a tasty food completion challenge), and, of course, the Marketplace FOOD BOOTHS! (Note that some booths joined the lineup on August 15th, as opposed to opening day.)

Plenty of merchandise was available to commemorate your trip to the Festival. And you could cap off your day with a Festival-themed music and light show on Spaceship Earth!

Oh, and did we mention that the EAT TO THE BEAT Concert Series and Eat to the Beat Dining Packages returned to the Food and Wine Festival, too?!

Click here to see our FULL video about the best things to eat at the Festival!

Festival of the Holidays

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays returned to the park starting November 25th, and will last through December 31st! 

During the Festival, guests can enjoy food booths, the cookie stroll, Candlelight Processional, appearances by Santa, storytellers from around the world, and more!

There is 1 NEW booth at the Festival this year — Nochebuena Cocina!

Get a full list of the Candlelight Processional narrators here, and check out the pricing and restaurant details for Candlelight Processional dining packages.

Additionally, this year Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has gotten a special holiday touch as the Guardians swap out their regular soundtrack for some more festive, holiday tunes!

For more Festival of the Holidays details, check out the links below:

• Reviews of ALL the Festival of the Holidays food booths
• A full look at Festival of the Holidays merchandise

Click here to see EVERYTHING you need to eat and drink at the Festival of the Holidays in 2022

General

Check out our Ultimate Video Guide to EPCOT for 2022 HERE!

As of February 24th, 2022, you can have a private PHOTO SESSION in EPCOT.

There’s a little detail that’ll make everyone feel welcome in EPCOT — click here to learn more about it.

We’ve got SEVERAL updates on EPCOT’s historic transformation, which remains in (major) progress! First. we’ve got a glimpse at NEW concept art for the upcoming walk-through attraction, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana.

This attraction will feature a GIANT Te Fiti figure and is set to open in late 2023!

AND we have BIG NEWS about the new dedicated Festival Area featuring CommuniCore Hall and Communicore Plaza!

And did we mention a new Mickey & Friends Meet-and-Greet location is coming to EPCOT, too?!

A statue of Walt Disney himself will also be heading to the parks — you can get a closer look at it here.

According to Disney, the World Celebration neighborhood in EPCOT should be completed in late 2023.

And Figment fans…it’s time to get excited. A Figment meet-and-greet will be returning to the park by the end of 2023! (Plus Figment will be getting his own MOVIE!)

The 4th of July fireworks returned to EPCOT in 2022.

On October 2, 2022, THREE backstage tour experiences returned to EPCOT: DiveQuest, Dolphins in Depth, and the Behinds the Seeds tour.

In 2022, EPCOT celebrated its BIG 40th anniversary!

As part of the celebration, new 40th anniversary merchandise was released in the park and online.

Entertainment

FIREWORKS NEWS! 🎇 A NEW nighttime show is coming to EPCOT in late 2023! 🎇  Not many details have been shared yet, but we’ll look for updates.

HOORAY! THREE Character greetings have returned to EPCOT: get ready to say “Hi” to Donald Duck, Joy, and Vanellope.

Guests can also now meet Anna and Elsa inside the Royal Sommerhaus again.

The EPCOT Experience (a preview center showcasing elements of the park’s historic transformation) closed on March 14th to make way for new activities in its home building, The Odyssey pavilion.

The DuckTales Scavenger Hunt has LAUNCHED in EPCOT!

Food/Restaurant Updates

We visited the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the United Kingdom pavilion to grab some fish & chips. Are these items still a hit? Click here to see our full review.

We also pulled up a chair or two at the Rose & Crown Dining Room to see how things are faring there with a full review.

Over at the American Adventure pavilion, we grabbed a whole bunch of food at Regal Eagle Smokehouse and shared a full review! Check out why pink chicken is totally NOT a bad thing in EPCOT.

We stopped by the Garden Grill to enjoy a lovely meal with Mickey and friends. Is this one of the BEST character dining spots in Disney World? Read our full review to find out! But some changes have been made at this dining location — click here to see why your next meal at Garden Grill will be different!

Aaah, Via Napoli… see why you can’t miss this Italy pavilion pizzeria here.

Not one, but TWO newer pastries are up for grabs in the France pavilion.

If you head into SPACE — the Space 220 restaurant, that is — you’ll find some newer items on the menu! We’ve reviewed them here.

Sommerfest in EPCOT’s Germany put a new and unique twist on a traditional dish.

Find our latest review of Spice Road Table here.

We stopped by Le Cellier to see if this spot is still an EPCOT staple. Check out our full review here.

The SECRET is out about a delicious EPCOT World Showcase snack — have you ever tried it?

We stopped by Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavilion and shared a FULL review.

Traveler’s Cafe, the temporary Starbucks location in EPCOT, has closed. But that’s because Connections Cafe is the brand new EPCOT Starbucks location in World Celebration! You can take a complete photo tour of the new home to Starbucks in the park HERE.

Connected (if you’ll pardon the pun) to Connections Cafe is a Quick Service restaurant: Connections Eatery!

Both spots officially opened on April 27, 2022, but we got the chance to visit during a soft opening. That’s how we got to bring you our first FULL REVIEW of the globally-inspired cuisine at Connections Eatery!

Check out our FULL REVIEW of EPCOT’s new restaurant!

Join us for a full review of Tutto Gusto in the Italy pavilion.

You can also check out why we think Teppan Edo is (NEAR) perfect!

We stopped by San Angel Inn to eat some $30 tacos. Click here to see if they’re worth it!

Some big menu changes have hit Chefs de France. 

You’ll also find something new — a Caramel Marshmallow Cream WHOOPIE PIE! — at Germany’s Karamel-Küche.

Signature restaurant Monsieur Paul reopened on October 18th in the France pavilion featuring a NEW prix-fixe menu. Click HERE for our full review of this fine dining experience.

Hear ye, Hear ye! Disney Royalty — that’s the Disney PRINCESSES! — can join guests in a Character Meal once again as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall REOPENED in EPCOT’s Norway pavilion on November 4, 2022!

Takumi-Tei brought fine dining back to EPCOT’s Japan pavilion when it reopened –and debuted a new menu! — on November 23rd, 2022.

Ride Updates

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — started offering a traditional Standby Line to guests on January 10, 2022. This was a major change from the Virtual Queue system which had been in place since the attraction opened on October 1, 2021.

The standby queue is now in place — you can see photos from its first day in use right here. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is also now available during Early Theme Park Entry.

Looking to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and skip the line? A Genie+ change has been made for this ride.

EXCITING NEWS! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — EPCOT’s first roller coaster — opened on May 27th!

We were invited to a Media Preview for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind prior to the opening, and you can RIDE WITH US here!

Click HERE to check out PICS and VIDEOS of Guardians of the Galaxy HERE!

And we have a SPOILER-FREE review HERE!

You may have a few questions about this new attraction, so we’ll address some here:

• Wanna know the tunes you’ll be (literally) spinning to on Cosmic Rewind? Find out here!
• Have concerns about motion sickness? We chat about that, too.
• And if most of all, you’re wondering HOW you’ll get on this popular attraction, we’ve shared about Lightning Lane access and the ride’s Virtual Queue. Click here to see full details on the times the virtual queue sign-up will go live each day.
• Virtual queue or pay-per-ride: what’s the best way to get on Cosmic Rewind?
• We also take you on a Photo Tour of the ACTUAL Queue!
• Click here for our FAQ post all about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Hollywood Studios Updates

General

We spotted a truly iconic Spirit Jersey from a galaxy far, far away…

Hollywood Studios has once again been listed as part of an EXCLUSIVE perk for select Disney World guests — Extended Evening Hours! It will only be available through Extended Evening Hours for limited dates in December of 2022. Check to see what’s available during your visit.

As of March 21st, 2022, you can have a private PHOTO SESSION in Hollywood Studios!

Jessie’s Trading Post is now open! Check out this new merchandise spot in Toy Story Land.

Disney’s After Hours events will return to Hollywood Studios in early January 2023. Click here for pricing and a full list of dates. Tickets are available for all guests.

Entertainment

Want to meet Olaf? You can take selfies with him again in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (tell him we say “hi!”).

You can MEET MICKEY once again in Hollywood Studios!

Love Encanto? Don’t miss the new portion of the nighttime projection show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that features scenes from the popular movie.

Soon, some of your favorite Toy Story toys are meeting again with guests!

Darth Vader, BB8, and Chewbacca are BACK at Star Wars: Launch Bay! Click here to see all about our time meeting BB8.

Fantasmic! is BACK at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — at long last — as of November 3rd, 2022!

You can check out all the changes to the beloved nighttime spectacular HERE!

Fantasmic Dining Packages (which pair a meal at a participating restaurant with reserved seating for the spectacular) are available for booking as well.

And, guess what??? You can meet THE TOYS — Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear — in Toy Story Land once again!

Food/Restaurant Updates

A new gelato stand arrived in Muppets Courtyard and we’ve shared a full review here.

Some NEW waffle bowls have also arrived in the park and they’re the ULTIMATE fast meal.

You can find out the dates for all of Minnie’s festive parties coming up for Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine Restaurant by clicking here.

Speaking of Hollywood & Vine, the traditional full BUFFET service has returned to this character dining spot — find our full review here!

The opening timeline for Toy Story Land’s upcoming Table Service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, has been updated. Previously slated for a 2022 opening, Disney has shared that this highly-anticipated eatery will now open in the Spring of 2023. But you can take a sneak peek inside the restaurant NOW by clicking here!

We stopped by ABC Commissary and shared a FULL review. *Spoiler alert* This spot might totally surprise you!

Several new menu items have arrived at Backlot Express (and some menu changes have been made too). See our review here!

Quite a few NEW menu items have also arrived at the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant. Click here to see our FULL review!

We visited Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano to bring you a review. New items later hit the menu and we made a return visit.

TWO new cold brew-based SPACE SIPS are up for grabs at Kat Saka’s Kettle!

A favorite drink (the Fuzzy Tauntaun!!) had gone missing from Oga’s Cantina. We’re thrilled to say that it’s BACK… but a bit different than before.

And three popular Hollywood Studios restaurants have seen REVAMPS to their menus: find our review of the new dishes at 50s Prime Time Cafe here, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante here, and the new eats at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater here!

Animal Kingdom Updates

General

Disney has teased that DinoLand U.S.A. could be rethemed to a land featuring Moana and/or Zootopia! These are just Blue Sky ideas at the moment and in early development, so nothing has been confirmed, but it’s interesting to get a glimpse into some things Disney is thinking about. Click here to see what could come to these lands.

Find our ULTIMATE Video Guide to 2022 in Animal Kingdom HERE!

Talking banshee toys can now be yours from Pandora — The World of Avatar.

And the AVATAR MAKER reopened at Windtraders in August.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated Earth Day for a whole week. Check out the special celebrations that took place from April 18 – 24, 2022.

Entertainment

More live entertainment is back in Animal Kingdom with the return of the Viva Gaia Street Band.

Kevin has also returned and is once again greeting guests in the park.

Animal Kingdom’s Finding Nemo show is BACK…in a whole new way! Check out our FIRST LOOK at Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond.

Also back in the park is the Mickey and Minnie Meet-and-Greet at Adventurers Outpost! Adventurers Outpost actually had a soft reopening ahead of its official open. You can get a look at it here.

The Harambe Acrobats are performing in the Africa section of the park once again!

Donald’s Dino-Bash Character Meet-and-Greet is BACK in Animal Kingdom! Donald is joined in the DinoLand area by Daisy and Chip ‘n Dale doing their own Meet-and-Greets, too.

There are also TWO new Adventure Flotillas sailing along the Discovery River.

You may see Russel from Up or LaunchPad McQuack and Scrooge McDuck.

Tree of Life Awakenings and the Beacon of Magic offerings have returned to Animal Kingdom (on select nights).

Food/Restaurant Updates

Earlier in 2022, guests could celebrate Black History Month with some special “Celebrate Soulfully” eats at Flame Tree Barbecue, Thirsty River Bar, and Kusafiri Bakery.

We tried a classic savory dish at Nomad Lounge.

We’re diving into a review of the lovely — but pricey — Tiffins.

We also review an Animal Kingdom restaurant that might make you reconsider what you think about “fast food!”

We grabbed a DELICIOUS dish at a hidden spot!

How about a Cold Brew COFFEE FLOAT? We tried one in DinoLand.

BUFFET service returned to Tusker House Restaurant on November 1st!

Disney Springs Updates

General

Step inside the NEW Kendra Scott store with us!

An all-new ART WALK has enhanced the Town Center scene.

The popular Cake Decorating Experience has returned to Amorette’s Patisserie.

Food/Restaurant Updates

We stopped by Pizza Ponte and shared a FULL review. Is this spot worth a visit? Click here to find out.

Rosé Sangria featuring house-made sorbet? We’re sold — find out why here!

We stopped by Raglan Road for some seriously memorable coffee cocktails and a few bites. We also enjoyed Brunch here to bring you a review. And we stopped by AGAIN to share a full review of dinner at Raglan Road.

Chicken Guy!? Yes, please! Find our latest full review here!

The Local Green Orlando food truck is now OPEN in Disney Springs! You can learn more about the eatery here. And click here to see our review.

AristoCrepes closed in March…but this closure made way for a new location totally dedicated to DOLE Whips served in many flavors and forms: Swirls on the Water!

Looking for bubble waffles? You can still find them at Marketplace Snacks and they’ve gotten a Disney makeover!

Don’t tell anyone, but…we tried the SECRET MENU at Paddlefish!

We also have a full review for you of Paradiso 37.

We tried the Brunch at Terralina Crafted Italian — see our review here.

Create your own treats are BACK at Goofy’s Candy Co. Learn all about it here!

If you needed some suggestions on where to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Disney World, we’ve got the BEST one here.

There is ONE thing that keeps us from loving Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, which we share in our full review here.

If you think you can handle the heat, check out our review of the Hot Chicken Sandwich at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill!

We all scream for Salt & Straw ice cream, which opened on April 20, 2022! This new location on the West Side is scooping up unique flavors of handmade, small-batch ice cream utilizing local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.

Find out how you can nab a spot in the virtual queue for this already-popular location if you decide to join the line (which we think you will!) after you read our FULL REVIEW!

P.S. We’ve already paid another visit to Salt & Straw to try the Flower Power Series flavors for spring! Oh, and we’ve been back for the DEVILED EGG and FRIED CHICKEN summer flavors, too, as well as some ice cream featuring BUGS.

Click here to check out our initial FULL REVIEW of Salt & Straw!

Dining Packages are now available to pair a performance of Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life with a meal at one of 13 participating Disney Springs restaurants!

8 NEW items have hit the day menu at Homecomin’, and new Brunch items have arrived as well.

Did you know you can get some limited-time bar bites at The Polite Pig? Reading about these might make you VERY hungry, so you’ve been warned!

Did you know about this SECRET Drink Reward program at The Edison? (PSSST… You can find our review of a High Roller cocktail here.)

D-Luxe Burger has revamped some of its menu. Click here to see whether the updates truly improve this spot’s dishes.

A NEW restaurant has been announced for Disney Springs! Look for Summer House on the Lake in 2023! We visited the Chicago location for a full review to get an idea of what might be in store in Disney Springs.

Wondering if House of Blues is a spot you should check out? We went and shared a FULL food review — click here to see it.

The Flavors of Florida tasting event returned to Disney Springs from July 5 – August 14, 2022, presenting over 40 Limited-Time eats and sips.

Enzo’s Hideaway will begin hosting Sunday Supper and Smugglers Series again this fall, and we got to sample some dishes and drinks on the way to these unique dining experiences.

Raise a glass of Sangria and… DOLE WHIP (?!?) at Swirls on the Water!

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante will offer Breakfast with Santa this winter!

All alcohol has been removed from the Coca-Cola Bar.

Disney Water Park Updates

Disney’s Blizzard Beach closed after January 1st, 2022 for refurbishment.

But we have GREAT news: this snow-themed water park REOPENED on November 13, 2022 with new food and drinks AND a refreshed Frozen-themed kids area!

Please note that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park closed for its own refurbishment on November 13, 2022.

At Typhoon Lagoon (prior to its closure for refurbishment) you could find a number of new (and returning) DOLE Whip creations and other snacks! Some of the snacks we tried at this reopened spot include the returning DFB-Favorite Hei Hei Cone, the Motunui Island Twist, a spicy DOLE Whip cocktail, a treat that covered us in blue ice cream, and more!

H2O Glow Nights returned to Typhoon Lagoon this summer.

Disney World Annual Passholders could get special perks at Typhoon Lagoon in October.

General Disney World Dining

Click HERE for our 50 ALL-TIME BEST Disney Dining Tips!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Updates — Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel

March 1st delivered the official opening of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

We were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser prior to the opening, and went back for another voyage on March 1st.

Click HERE to find the only COMPLETE GUIDE you will ever need for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser!

We’re breaking down the entire uniquely immersive experience through all of the posts linked below:

• THIS is the ONLY Complete Guide You Need for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser!
• Step INSIDE the Passenger Cabins for complete room tours HERE.
• Find out how the fireworks aboard the Starcruiser will — and won’t! — surprise you.
• The Starcruiser takes guests on an excursion on Batuu, and you can see all of the inclusions here. 
• Explore The Chandrila Collection boutique gift shop for space wear and MORE exclusive merchandise here. 
• Let’s talk about LIGHTSABER TRAINING here!

Of course, we didn’t forget about DINING aboard the Starcruiser: 

• Find our complete review of Dinner on Night 1 aboard the Halcyon. 
• Dinner on Night 2 is different, and you can find our review of the Taste Around the Galaxy here. 
• The Sublight Lounge serves up great eats, fun drinks… AND Sabacc!!
• We reviewed the EXCLUSIVE Captain’s Table at the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. 
• Find out what to grab (and what to avoid) for Breakfast on the Halcyon here.
• We ate EVERYTHING for Lunch! Check it out here. 
• Boarding the Starcruiser with Younglings or other choosy eaters? We discuss options here. 
• BLUE SHRIMP? Yep… we ate it on the Starcruiser!
• Space SNACKS?? Find ’em here!

A few more tips and tools:

• We’ve received intergalactic transmissions about the FULL SCHEDULE for guests on the Starcruiser
• Star Wars Hotel exclusive clothing is now available online.
• You can even see a full map of the Halcyon Starcruiser’s deck plan here!
• And Starcruiser guests enjoy a BIG in-park perk.
• Here is the list of everything guests will pay extra for, and HERE is what you’re actually paying for. 
• How do you know if there is a real emergency aboard the Starcruiser? 
• Let’s talk TIPPING on the Starcruiser!

Want to take your Star Wars Hotel experience to the next level? Take a look at the face painting you can now get while there!

We’ve received — and have answered! — TONS of questions about the Starcruiser:

• We answer questions in a DFB VIDEO here. 
• We also answer your WEIRD QUESTIONS with MEGA SPECIFIC ANSWERS here.

And, of course, we discuss the NUMBER ONE QUESTION here:

• Is the Galactic Starcruiser WORTH the money?

LOOKING TOWARDS 2023, we already have some Starcruiser UPDATES!

• As of September 1, bookings will be open to the general public for 2023 Starcruiser voyages (through September 30, 2023). 
• The Captain’s Table (an exclusive dining upgrade at the Crown of Corellia Dining Room) will have a price increase for 2023 bookings.

Disney World Resort Hotel Updates

Disney World Resort Guests Benefits and Other Updates

Disney World’s Resort hotels are offering a new checkout feature on the My Disney Experience app.

Resort Housekeeping services changed upon the reopening of Disney World in the summer of 2020. We chat about what we’ve learned about the current Resort Housekeeping services here.

Early Theme Park Entry has been extended through 2023 for all Disney World Resort hotel guests, and Extended Evening Hours — which are available for select Disney World Resort Hotels guests — are a confirmed benefit through 2023, as well.

A change has come to the Booking Window for room-only reservations for Disney World Resort hotels.

These are the BEST Disney World hotels for 2023.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Did you know you can get a DOLE Whip smoothie in Disney World? Click here to see our experience getting one of these at All-Star Movies! (These have been around for years but we wanted to share.)

WOW! Check out the HUGE Director’s Cut SUNDAE at World Premiere Food Court.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Ever had groceries or a package delivered to your Disney resort? Well, things just got a lot easier for guests trying to retrieve their items thanks to the arrival of smart lockers at All-Star Music!

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

After some delays, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort hotel reopened in March of 2022.

Get a tour of a standard room at this resort by clicking here!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

We are SO excited to share that Jiko — The Cooking Place, the signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, reopened on February 17th!

You can find our FULL REVIEW of Jiko’s reopening here.

You can also click here to see our review of a plant-based item at The Mara that everyone can enjoy.

Newer menu items (and some menu changes) have arrived at Sanaa. You can find our review here.

A boozy coffee with a ZEBRA DOME on top?! Boma may have just created your new favorite drink, and we tell you all about it in our REVIEW.

LOTS of new — and YUMMY!! — eats have arrived at the Maji Pool Bar and The Mara!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Check out the new COLOR-CHANGING Minnie Ears — exclusively at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

We stopped at the food court here — Landscape of Flavors — and shared a FULL lunch review.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

We stopped by Beaches & Cream Soda Shop — one of the cheapest restaurants in Disney World — and got some delicious food. Check out our full review here.

HOORAY!!! The Kitchen Sink CELEBRATION is back at Beaches and Cream. See what all the fuss is about here!

You can find our full review of the Breakfast Buffet here, and the Dinner Buffet here. (Heads up, though: there has been a change to a VERY popular item at dinner…)

Buffet service returned to Cape May Cafe for both breakfast and dinner in February.

What’s even better? Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast brought Character Dining BACK to Cape May Cafe in early October! Click here to see our full review of that character dining experience.

The Easter Bunny delivered a full display of Chocolate Caster Egg Sculptures to the Beach Club this year.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

We’ve got BIG NEWS about the BoardWalk! A new Table Service restaurant, The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, will open in 2023. (It will take the place of the now-closed ESPN Club.) This new eatery will serve savory items, but also (obviously) plenty of sweets…AND afternoon tea service.

Learn more about the woman behind the Cake Bake Shop right here… and HERE, in our DFB Exclusive interview with Gwendolyn Rogers!

And you can learn more about what we might be able to look forward to from The Cake Bake Shop with our REVIEW of one of the eatery’s Indianapolis locations HERE!

What was once Boardwalk Bakery, the previous sweet stop on the BoardWalk, has now become a sandwich shop. The NEW BoardWalk Deli opened on August 15th, and you can see our Breakfast review here, and our Lunch and Dinner review here!

The new Carousel Coffee opened just off the Resort’s lobby on December 28, 2022. 

Additional changes announced for the Boardwalk Inn include updates to the guest rooms and hotel lobby. 

Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk reopened on January 27th and we visited to bring you a full review.

Craving a classic Egg Cream or a summery-sip? BoardWalk Ice Cream has three new drinks to try!

Explore the NEW LOOK for Belle Vue Lounge with our photo tour. Oh, and we reviewed THREE new cocktails there, too!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

NEW themed rooms are coming to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort in 2023. The rooms will have subtle nods to “characters from under the sea,” and are expected to accommodate more guests and have some updated features.

Get an updated look at these Little Mermaid-themed rooms here.

Spyglass Grill — a Counter Service location at Caribbean Beach — reopened on April 14, 2022. You can check out our full review of this reopened location HERE.

Starting in 2023, the Pirate Rooms at Caribbean Beach will no longer be available.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

We stopped by Steakhouse 71 (again!) to try some secret menu eats! Check out our full review here.

The Disney Vacation Club member-exclusive spot, Top of the World Lounge, officially reopened on July 11th. We explored the lounge’s BRAND NEW Disney Villains theme, and brought you a FULL REVIEW, too!

We reviewed several new plant-based items at California Grill.

Traditional Buffet service will return to Chef Mickey’s on March 1, 2023!

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

We visited the Dahlia Lounge at the top of Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs and tried some cheese, croquettes, and more. Click here to see our full review.

And we also earned our DIPLOMA at Sangria University (held at Three Bridges Bar & Grill)! Check it out!

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Click here to see why you should STOP ignoring this unique hotel!

Exciting news! Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has officially reopened!

Click here to see our FULL review of Hoop-Dee-Doo, including a breakdown of the menu changes.

We moseyed on up to Crockett’s Tavern to bring you a full review of this spot’s vittles.

Exciting news for character meet-and-greet fans: Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long came back to Fort Wilderness on July 6th.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa reopened in late January with a refreshed look.

And the transformation of the Big Pine Key building to Disney Vacation Club Villas has hit a huge milestone. Some of these new Resort Studios here are officially open. See a full tour here!

There are also some refreshed Disney Vacation Club villas at the Grand Floridian. Click here to see a tour of those updated rooms.

The exclusive Victoria & Albert’s reopened on July 28, 2022.  Upon its reopening, a fresh design, new menu items, and additional changes were revealed. You can see and read our FULL REVIEW here. 

A new pop-up treat spot appeared at the Grand just in time for spring. See more about it here. And check out all the SWEET TREATS we got here.

Along with The Grand Cottage, the famous Grand Floridian Chocolate Easter Egg sculptures returned to the Resort for the season.

The gingerbread house (and treats) also returned to this resort in 2022.

Narcoossee’s has CLOSED for refurbishment. It is expected to return next year (2023) with an “enhanced table service experience.”

But the biggest refurbishment of all is yet to come… Disney has announced that the lobby of Disney World’s flagship Resort will undergo a renovation!

A new walkway has opened between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.

Want to try some NEW snacks? You can stop by the Beauty and the Beast-themed Enchanted Rose Lounge to check out new menu items including a Smoked Trout and Crab Dip, Charcuterie, and other dishes. See our full review here.

PSSST… Did you know that the Grand Floridian will celebrate it’s 30th Anniversary on July 1, 2023?

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

The conch fritters here have been switched over to shrimp fritters and we’ve got a FULL review of them right here!

And did we mention they’ve served up Key Lime Pie DOLE Whip at Good’s Food To Go?

Also at Old Key West, the brunch at Olivia’s Cafe is now being offered every single day, and you can find our FULL REVIEW — including our thoughts on some new dishes — here!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney Vacation Club has announced that new villas will be coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! They are projected to open in late 2024 and are “inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort,” according to Disney.

But while preparing to say “Aloha,” as in “HELLO,” we also must say it as “Goodbye…” as the Spirit of Aloha dinner show has permanently closed.

Kona Cafe closed for refurbishment starting August 15th, but the restaurant reopened — with a new look — on November 1st! Check out the new digs here, and some new EATS here!

Get ready to say “Aloha” once again to Lilo and Stitch. The Best Friends Breakfast has brought Character Dining BACK to ‘Ohana in the mornings.

A new walkway has opened between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian.

Hey Disney! is being tested in select rooms at the Polynesian.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Look at what POPPED up at Pop Century!

You can also see what we think of the Pop Goes Bananas Cupcake here.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Have you ever tried an Oyster Beignet Po’Boy at Scat Cat’s Club Lounge? Because we have. We tell you all about it here.

New drinks and eats came to both French Quarter and Riverside. Click here to see full details.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside has some SPECTACULAR new Minnie ears themed to the resort.

New drinks and eats came to both French Quarter and Riverside. Click here to see full details.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Dinner with a view of EPCOT fireworks: find our latest review of dinner at Topolino’s Terrace here!

And we joined Mickey and pals for Topolino’s Character BREAKFAST, too!

Over at Bar Riva and Primo Piatto, you can now find some NEW eats. These include a new Signature Cookie, a Burrata Salad, Salmon with Orzo, and more. Click here for our full review.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Turf Club Bar & Grill reopened at long last!

You can find our complete review of this hidden gem here.

Going golfing at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Saratoga Springs? Then check out our review of Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Cafe to see why you might want to grab the Ultimate Grilled Cheese while you’re there.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Check out our VIDEO to show you what it’s like to dine at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Missed those fun shenanigans at Whispering Canyon Cafe? Well, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re BACK! (Ridiculous amounts of ketchup bottles and all!)

We shared a full video review of Story Book Dining with Snow White. Click here to see if it’s something you should try.

A BUNCH of new eats arrived at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. We stopped by Territory Lounge to check some of these out, including bone marrow and hanging bacon! See our FULL review here!

Over at Roaring Fork, there are also a bunch of new items. During breakfast, you can pick up a new quiche, cinnamon roll, and more. Click here for our full review of the new breakfast items.

New lunch/dinner and dessert items have also arrived! There are some seriously gorgeous sweet treats, delicious BBQ, and comfort food dishes now available. Click here to check out our full review of these new items.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Guests at Disney’s Yacht Club can now enjoy lunch at Ale & Compass Restaurant again, along with a buffet featuring enhancement options during breakfast.

Click here to see our FULL REVIEW of the breakfast offering. And click here to see our FULL REVIEW of the lunch service.

We also stopped by Ale & Compass for dinner and shared a full review. Click here to see our thoughts.

Find our latest full review of Yachtsman Steakhouse (and its spectacular soup) here.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

A NEW Wedding Venue is available at the Swan Reserve. Take a Photo Tour here! You can also find our review of Amare at the Swan Reserve here.

The dates for the 2022 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic were November 11-12th, 2022. You can find our review of this terrific event here!

Ever wonder what eating at Shula’s Steak House is like and whether it’s worth it? See our full review here.

Have you visited Il Mulino at the Swan and Dolphin? If not, you might be missing out on one of Disney World’s BEST Italian restaurants. Click here to see our full review.

A NEW restaurant — Rosa Mexicano — is coming to the Dolphin Hotel in 2023.

Disney Springs Area Resort Hotels

A new hotel coming to the Disney Springs area is now accepting reservations!

Travel, Health & Safety, and Other Updates

Click here to see Disney World’s current health and safety guidelines for 2022.

Currently, Disney World no longer requires face masks in most places.

As of April 19, 2022, the policy has been updated to reflect that face masks are no longer required on any transportation in Disney World. Disney World has updated its face mask rules to note that face coverings are “optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as Disney transportation.”

The new policy does say that it is “recommended” that “Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters and on enclosed transportation.”

Please be aware that we have discovered that masks remain required in certain areas of First Aid Centers.

A second COVID-19 testing site opened at the Orlando International Airport.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season had been pretty quiet, but Hurricane Ian brought heavy rains and more damage to Florida, including parts of Orlando. Disney World closed temporarily due to the storm but has since reopened.

Hurricane season continued through November 30th.

These are the Big Changes Coming to Disney World in 2023

Looking towards 2023? Check THIS out…

The 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company will celebrate Disney 100 Years of Wonder next year! Find everything you need to know HERE!

We’ll continue to look for the latest news and update this page! Check back for new information and subscribe to our newsletter for more news.