food IS a theme park
Do you love keeping up with all things Disney World?
EPCOT
We do too! That’s why we’re in the parks every day, keeping our eyes peeled and ears open to see what changes are happening in the parks. Based on Disney World’s history, we can confidently say we’re going to be getting some major Disney news soon, and we’re sharing why we think so right here.
Holiday magic is supposed to feel exciting — not like a stress test.
Fireworks for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is one of Disney World’s biggest holiday events, and we usually look forward to it all year. But heading into the 2025 season, we’re feeling a little more anxious than usual. Between rising prices, minimal updates to the experience, and major closures across Magic Kingdom, this year’s party is shaping up to be more frustrating than festive. Let’s break down exactly why we’re worried about MVMCP this time around.
Attention potential Disney World travelers, if you’re planning on heading to the “Most Magical Place on Earth in the next year and a half, things may be a bit more expensive.
Magic Kingdom
While prices going up is normal, the company is taking a different approach than in the previous 6 years that I’ve covered Disney’s theme parks. Instead of raising prices across the board, Disney is further taking advantage of the dynamic pricing concept.
Every year we hope it’ll be different, but nope — it’s the same old sleigh ride.
Fireworks for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
We’re talking about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Yes, it’s magical. Yes, it’s festive. But at this point, it’s starting to feel like Disney is just coasting on nostalgia and sugar cookies. If you’ve been before, you already know what’s coming… and if you haven’t? Well, buckle up, because this holiday trend is officially out of control.
Disney offers a wide variety of dining options across the property’s hotels. However, in the many years I’ve been visiting Disney World, I’ve come across several that leave something to be desired.
Petals Pool Bar
From quick service poolside locations to a sit-down restaurant, each of these Disney World establishments needs some TLC to reach the bar set by many of the resort’s other hotel dining offerings.
We’ve been trying to keep up with everything going on in Magic Kingdom, but y’all, it’s a LOT. We’ve got construction walls around Rivers of America, which closed recently to make way for a Frontierland Cars expansion. We’ve got construction happening over at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad…and BEHIND Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We’ve got a closing date for a huge refurbishment for a ride in Tomorrowland.
There she is!
Over in Fantasyland, one ride, Under The Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid, closed recently for a short refurbishment. Now, that ride was supposed to reopen yesterday, July 26th, but didn’t. However, we’ve got great news: Under The Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid seems to be open today.
CHANGES are happening all over Disney World, and yeah, it’s a lot to keep track of. Magic Kingdom is in the process of getting an updated ride in Frontierland, a new EXPANSION in Frontierland, an updated ride in Tomorrowland, and…oh, an ENTIRELY NEW Land. Hollywood Studios is also getting an updated ride, an updated area, and a new land. Animal Kingdom is getting a new attraction in the Tree of Life, PLUS a new land. Whew — that’s a lot.
Japan Pavilion EPCOT
However, some changes are happening over in EPCOT, too, although they’re a little less massive. For example, if you visit the Japan Pavilion, you might discover that Garden House, the sake bar in the pavilion, has switched locations — so we’re going to tell you where to find it.
Meeting characters in Disney World is part of the fun, and for many, those character interactions are even better than rides because we’re making lifetime memories.
Hollywood & Vine
We bet EVERYONE can remember the first time they met Mickey and Minnie, right? One of the BEST ways to meet characters in Disney World is by booking a character dining experience, and for many, a character breakfast is the perfect way to start a day in Disney World. Well, for those who love the Disney Jr. character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’ve got some bad news. That character breakfast is changing soon.
I go to Disney World every day and I’ve tried dozens of handheld fans attempting to stave off the sun’s blazing rays. But I’ve got to confess I grossly underestimated the power of this tiny Mickey fan!
Mickey fan
When you’re out in the sun every day at Disney World during the hottest months of the year, the heat can be brutal. While I’m partial to a few of the hand held fans I’ve tried before, not one of them impressed me as much as this adorable tiny fan.
Sometimes saving money at Disney World feels like finding a hidden Mickey in plain sight.
Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight
If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom in early August, we’ve got good news. Lightning Lane prices are finally taking a dip on a few select dates, and we’ve got the confirmed list right here. Whether you’re budgeting your trip down to the last dollar or just trying to pick the best day to ride more for less, this post is for you.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
