food IS a theme park
Craving some cookies?
PB Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Then you may want to head over to Gideon’s Bakehouse! This Disney Springs spot has been bringing it with their cookie, cake, and cold-brew game since they opened just a few months ago. But if you’re planning on getting through those tall doors, you’re gonna have to seriously plan ahead. Gideon’s has implemented a virtual queue to manage demand, and now, there’s been an important change to that process!
ICYMI, Disney is redoing Jungle Cruise at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and giving this iconic, pun-filled boat ride a BRAND NEW storyline with new characters and scenes to replace some culturally insensitive depictions.
Jungle Cruise
There’s an interesting part of this reimagining, however. Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom is going to STAY OPEN, so we’ve gotten some insight on how this ride is being altered! So far, we’ve seen some BIG changes (goodbye, Trader Sam!) and some more subtle changes.
Here at DFB, we keep you updated on any changes that could affect your Disney vacation.
Mexico Pavilion
That includes hotel renovations, ride closures, menu tweaks, and SO much more. And if you’re planning a trip to EPCOT, you’ll want to be aware of some changes at La Hacienda de San Angel, which seems to be gradually reducing its hours.
We have seen Disney taking steps to help the environment in many ways. Recently, we have seen special trash cans in the park and a new reusable collection.
Saving the reefs! ©Disney
Now, Disney has partnered with several organizations to open the LARGEST coral reef rescue center of its kind!
Disney World is a pretty fun place to hang out.
Okapi
That’s part of the reason why we’ve spent the last few days exploring the theme parks to bring YOU updates on all the latest changes. So, here’s a check-in on everything NEW in food, construction, and merchandise in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Ah, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Don’t let them know you’re with the Resistance!
The most popular attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has seen a LOT of changes to its boarding groups — which, in case ya didn’t know, are required to get on the ride! You can snag a spot at 7AM from outside of the park, or at 1PM from inside Hollywood Studios…or so you thought. A change to how these boarding groups work just made that 1PM queue way easier for you!
Disney desserts are pretty darn good, and we definitely have our favorites.
Orange Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie
A SUPER tasty dessert spot is still on the newer side in Disney World — Gideon’s Bakehouse. This spot has been serving up HUGE cookies for a few months now and we’re BIG fans. But it seems we’re not the only ones who get those cookie cravings… .
We’ve seen some pretty cool new Disney tech lately.
Facial recognition!
And recently, we’ve seen a lot of that tech go hands-free! Guests can use the new MagicMobile service on their phones instead of MagicBands, and they can enter Magic Kingdom using facial recognition instead of tapping a park ticket (wild right?!). But while browsing the gift shops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we spotted a sign that a new kind of technology might be on the way.
One of the many things we love about Disney World is that everything is somehow just more magical there.
Hollywood Tower Hotel
And it’s not just the beautiful castle (which is getting glammed up at the moment), or even the Cast Members who do what they can to please guests. It’s also things like spotting some cute ducks, seeing baby animals, and noticing details we hadn’t ever seen before!
We’ve got some new MagicBands to show you!
MagicBands
Earlier this year, Disney stopped offering free MagicBands to hotel guests. Since then, we’ve seen some tech-y other options for those who don’t want to pay for MagicBands — like the new MagicMobile service! But if you’re still a MagicBand fan, there have been LOTS of options (in addition to the normal MagicBands up for grabs) exclusive to resort guests and Annual Passholders. And now, a new collection is here!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
