EPCOT Food & Wine Festival display

Whether you’re a seasoned EPCOT Food & Wine Festival goer or new to the whole EPCOT festival game, we’re going to do our best to make sure you’re prepared. For starters, we’ll be getting you reviews for every single festival food booth, and outline all there is to see and do at the festival, too. But before we get into that, let’s talk about what you need to know if you’re going to the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.

The 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, which runs from August 27th through November 21st, will feature dozens of global marketplace food booths throughout World Showcase, as well as additional locations in the park. There are also some fun activities you can take part in during the festival, including Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll search for hidden Remys throughout World Showcase. Find them all, and you’ll earn a prize!

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak map

You can also indulge in a Cheese Crawl, called Emile’s Fromage Montage. You’ll be tasked with ordering five of the suggested cheesy snacks, and when you do, you’ll get a prize!

Emile’s Fromage Montage

There is also LIVE entertainment. Some of your favorite bands from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s will take to the stage at American Gardens Theater for the Eat to the Beat concert series.

John Stamos at the 2025 Eat to the Beat Concert Series

So, yes, there is a lot to eat, see, and do…so here are the procedures you need to follow for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Get there early

Because there is SO much to the festival, you’ll want to make sure you get to EPCOT early, especially if you have plans to sneak some EPCOT rides into your plans, too. We recommend taking advantage of rope drop, but it’s even better if you can use Early Theme Park Entry, which is available to all Disney World guests. This will get you into EPCOT 30 minutes before everyone else.

Food & Wine crowds

Now, the festival booths won’t all necessarily be open that early, but that gives you time to knock out a few rides, grab your festival passport, and be ready when the booths start to open. Lines can get long at the booths, so this will give you a head start.

Pick up a festival passport

The festival passport is your guide to the festival and includes all the food booth menus, information about all the activities, showtimes for the Eat to the Beat concerts, and more. The festival also includes what you need to participate in Emile’s Fromage Montage, too — when you eat an item on the list, you’ll get a sticker for your passport.

2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival

You can pick up a passport at a display just after you enter EPCOT through either of its entrances or at any of the festival food booths. If you have trouble finding one, just ask a Cast Member.

Map out your plan

Before you even GO to EPCOT, you should already have an idea of which food booths you want to hit, and which ones are your priority (don’t worry…we’ll help you with that). You don’t want to be running back and forth all over World Showcase and retracing your steps, after all.

Map Board at the Food & Wine Festival

So figure out which booths you’re going to visit and a strategic route that will get you to them without having to do any backtracking. We’ll drop a map of the food booths before the festival starts, so be looking for that!

Bring your appetite

Festival day is NOT the best day to visit an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, trust us. There is a LOT of food at the festival, and if you don’t arrive hungry, you might end up missing out on a lot of it. Have a small breakfast (if you must) or have a late breakfast at one of the food booths (there’s even a food booth dedicated to brunch food and drinks).

You need to bring your appetite

Likewise, don’t book any table service meals for the day. Make the festival your meals, and you’ll be able to try out more food and drinks.

Budget

The food and drinks at the festival are generally served in small portion sizes, so you will end up ordering a lot more than you intended, meaning you could spend a lot of money throughout your festival day. You should set a budget so you don’t go TOO overboard and stick to it.

All the food and drinks really add up

A good way to help you budget is to invest in a special festival gift card that you can put a certain amount of money on. Then you can just use that to pay for your festival food and drinks, and know when you’ve spent all the money you’ve allocated for the festival.

Figure out your merchandise strategy

Will you be wanting festival souvenirs? If so, figure out when you want to shop…do you want to do it early? Or do you want to do it after you’re finished eating and drinking everything? Do you want to do it in the middle of the day? Set aside some time for shopping.

2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Merchandise

You’ll also want to know HOW you’re shopping for merchandise. Which store (or stores) are you planning on visiting? There are also kiosks set up throughout World Showcase with festival merchandise, too. You don’t want to be running from one location to another, so make a plan.

Go multiple days

The best strategy to really feel like you’re getting the most out of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is to go multiple days, if you can. One day really isn’t enough time to try everything, or even everything that might be on your food and drinks list. Multiple days means you’re not rushing from one food booth to the next.

Set aside multiple days for the festival

Now, we know not everyone can make room in their vacation for multiple days in EPCOT, but if the festival is your priority, you should really consider it. If you can’t, though, you’ll want to make a list of priorities. For example, pick three food booths that are your top priorities, and then have another list of your secondary priorities if you manage to get through your first three.

Stay for a show

Remember that Eat to the Beat concert series we told you about? You might want to stick around for the show! They usually happen several times in the afternoon and evening, so you have plenty of chances to see some of your favorite performers LIVE.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

In the past, we’ve seen John Stamos with the Beach Boys, Mercy Me, The Fray, Hanson, Bowling For Soup, and other major acts. If you want guaranteed seating, you might also want to consider an Eat to the Beat dining package.

Get the DFB Guide

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is the largest EPCOT festival of the year, and it can be tricky to navigate, even if you’ve been before. Well, we’ve put together our best tips, tricks, resources, and advice in one handy guide that you can pre-order right now so you can handle the festival like a pro.

Our guide includes every festival food booth with information on all the food and drinks, as well as details about everything else the festival has to offer.

We’ll be covering everything about the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

I’ve Tried Every EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Hack in Disney World, and I’m Sharing the 7 That Work Every Time

IT'S WINE & DINE TIME!

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Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience.

If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!

Food and Wine Festival 101
Eat to the Beat Concert Updates
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Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details
Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival

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Will you be going to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival this year? Let us know in the comments!

Target!

Oh, wait…speaking of Toy Story, you can relive your 90s childhood memories with some fun t-shirts from Target. If you want to keep up with that retro vibe, we also found some fun Star Wars shirts that go all the way back to the 70s and 80s with the original trilogy. Oh, and if you love Pooh…keep reading!

Get the Jessie Graphic Tank Top

©Target

Jessie first made her appearance in 1999’s Toy Story 2, but she’s become as popular as Woody and Buzz — and for good reason. This rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl is the start of this tank top that’s PERFECT for a summer visiting Toy Story Land in Disney World.

BUY FROM TARGET

Buy the Winnie the Pooh Graphic Tank Top

©Target

Winnie the Pooh is going to be popular, no MATTER the decade, and that silly old bear is starring with all his Hundred Acre friends on this pretty yellow tank top with red trim. Rep your Pooh love with this fun summer shirt.

BUY FROM TARGET

Get the Star Wars Character Drawing T-Shirt

©Target

If you love the original trilogy, all your favorite characters are on this fun character drawing tee that includes Greedo, a Stormtrooper, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, a Rebel Pilot, R2-D2, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia. If you’re visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, this is the PERFECT shirt to wear now that the original trilogy characters are walking around there.

BUY FROM TARGET

Buy the Death Star and Millennium Falcon Tee

©Target

Two of the most ICONIC structures in all of Star Wars are the Death Star and the Millennium Falcon, and here they are on one shirt, battling it out, Empire vs. Rebellion. You can almost hear the “pew pew” on this shirt.

BUY FROM TARGET

We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more!

Soarin’ Across America

Disney World Annual Passholder previews will take place soon on May 19th and 20th, so soon more guests will be able to experience the ride, but after sharing our experience on social media, we’ve already heard some things from fellow fans that we can’t help but agree with after riding. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that after riding only a few times, there are three major problems that have been unveiled with this new version of the ride.

The Transitions Are Incredibly Important

One of the biggest differences between Soarin’ Across America and the two prior versions, Soarin’ Around The World and Soarin’ Over California, is that the transitions aren’t as dramatic, so it means you don’t feel like you move as much in the ride vehicle. While that doesn’t sound like it would be a big issue, the truth is that many Disney fans are in agreement that the lack of transitions makes the ride feel less immersive. 

Soarin’ Across America

This version of the ride is quieter and more peaceful by nature, which we think is totally fine, but the lack of transitions really throws us. If you’ve ridden Soarin’ Around the World, you’re likely used to things like a plane flying right by you to change the scenery, or a wave of the ocean coming up to wash us into the next scene. There isn’t as much of that in this version, and it made some Disney guests feel like the ride was a little disjointed at times.

The Smells Are Lacking

In this version of the ride, we only counted three smells: grass while in the prairie, the smell of the swamp in Louisiana, and a beautiful hibiscus floral scent in Hawaii. While these are wonderful, it’s a big step down from how many smells are in the other versions of the ride, and that’s another thing that some guests feel takes you out of the experience.

Mount Rushmore in Soarin’ Across America

The lack of smells helps to make this version the most lowkey, which again, if you’re expecting that going in, it won’t be as shocking, but if you want to be as impressed as you’ve been when seeing the other two versions, you may leave feeling a little let down. To be fully immersed in something, especially in Disney World, it needs to appeal to all of your senses, especially with how overstimulating the parks are in general. It needs to capture your attention in each way, and from a scent standpoint, many people feel this one falls a little flat.

Nothing Can Top Soarin’ Over California (Which Is A Little Concerning)

All across social media, we’re seeing Disney guests saying that they 100% believe that Soarin’ Over California still comes out on top as the best version of Soarin’. Normally, that wouldn’t be an issue at all, but when you realize that it was an opening day attraction in Disney California Adventure all the way back in 2001, 25 YEARS AGO, and yet more recent versions still can’t top it? Yeah, that’s where we throw a little side eye.

Soarin’ Across America

Now, this does come down to personal preference, of course, but we’ve yet to see a large number of people saying that Soarin’ Across America is their favorite, or even comes close to the other two. Considering technology has advanced so far in 25 years, especially in Disney theme parks, and yet this one still doesn’t come close? It makes us wonder just how much work went into this version.

We can’t wait to hear more guests’ opinions when the ride officially opens on May 26th, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news. Stay tuned to DFB!

Where Disney World’s NEW Afternoon Ticket Actually Works (and Where It Fails)

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

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How do you feel about this new version of the ride? Tell us in the comments!

Epic Universe

However, there’s one purchase that guests can’t take home from Epic Universe, but may end up changing the shape of their day for the better!

Epic Universe offers lockers that guests can rent for the whole day to store their belongings or their souvenirs. Located near the park’s main Entrance in Celestial Park, the park offers two sizes:

• Medium Lockers measuring 11” x 11.75” x 17.7”, available for $15 for the day.
• Large Lockers measuring 11” x 17.75” x 17.7”, available for $20 for the day.

Lockers

These lockers provide several benefits. For starters, you can use them to store a change of clothes, which can come in handy at the park for a few reasons. Some guests may want to pack themed outfits to wear in each portal, and swap between, say, Nintendo, Universal Monsters, Harry Potter, and How to Train Your Dragon t-shirts before entering each property’s respective portals, you can.

Epic Universe Lockers

You can also change clothes for more practical reasons. For example, during a visit, one of our team members rented one of the park’s large lockers to hold her belongings. She brought an extra change of clothes because she knew she wanted to ride Fyre Drill in Isle of Berk and did not want to stay soaked all day. It also poured rain that day, so having an extra change of clothes that she didn’t have to lug around with her all day was a big help!

Lockers

For whatever reason you want to change clothes, there is a bathroom located right next to the lockers, making a quick change convenient.

Celestial Park

Beyond changing clothes, the lockers can also be used to store your souvenirs picked up throughout the day, so you don’t need to carry bags through each portal.

Mario Motors

Of course, these lockers aren’t the only ones you’ll encounter during your Epic Universe day. Riders will need to use standard-sized lockers (11.8 in x 11 in x 13 in) for small loose articles while riding select rides. These free lockers are available in the queues of the following attractions:

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
• Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Stardust Racers

Dark Universe Lockers

Next time you make your way to Universal’s Epic Universe, consider renting out a locker at the start of your day. From our experience, it’ll be $20 well spent. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Epic Universe.

Why Fans Are Still OBSESSED with This Universal Orlando Ride 18 Years After It Closed

Are you planning a trip to Epic Universe this year? Tell us in the comments. 

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Recently, Disney gave us an incredibly in-depth look at the new pre-show, including what some of the new animatronics (like Scooter!) are looking like, as well as the news that Statler and Waldorf have made it into the ride as well! It was in the video highlighting the grumpy duo that we noticed something else that Disney hasn’t directly commented on, but now we know to be true since we’ve seen it with our own eyes — the paint has changed on the iconic limos!

In the video Disney released on their social media revealing Statler and Waldorf, you can see the limo going by right below them, indicating to us that they’re right at the loading area of the ride. Right at the tail end of the limo, it’s higher than the actual ride carts, meaning we can see it more clearly in the video. From that brief glance, it’s now been confirmed that the color of the limos has changed!

View this post on Instagram

You might have to watch it a few times to see, like we did, but yes, it’s clear that at least one of the limos is now red. Since it’s been weeks since we all got to ride the original version of the ride, as a reminder, the limos on the prior version of the ride used to be all gray, as you can see below.

The original color of the limos

It’s not a surprise to us that the ride vehicles have gotten a new color, considering this version of the ride is MUCH more colorful than before (hello, it’s the MUPPETS!). The guitar outside is now multi-colored, and the limo right at the entrance is also now multi-colored, to match the vibe of The Electric Mayhem’s van, and the new limos look pretty similar.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets

We’ll be sure to take note of what colors the limos are when we ride soon, as well as bring you all the other details so you know what to expect going in. In the meantime, check out more Hollywood Studios news below!

Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news!

Disney Just Made 6 HUGE Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Announcements

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What are you hoping the new limos look like? Tell us in the comments!

©Disney

All across Disney, things are changing, and we just got a look into how much one of those changes is costing, so let’s head over to the grave of DinoLand U.S.A and see how much it is costing for Disney to build the Tropical Americas expansion. 

This new area is going to include Pueblo Esperanza, which holds a large hacienda as well as a play area and a fountain. Guests can also expect an Indiana Jones ride, an Encanto ride, as well as a carousel featuring animals from Disney stories!

©Disney

Now this is an extremely large expansion, and we just got an insight into some of the costs of building this new land. Records show that the demolition cost $143,000, electrical installations cost around $1.1 million, and the building structures and the new playground cost around $3 million.

Puebla Esperanza model

This adds up to a $4.25 million investment, and does not include all of the costs for the entire project. This is a part of the proposed $17 billion investment that Disney has planned for the Orlando theme parks over the next 10 to 20 years.

Model of Madrigal’s Casita

Tropical Americas was announced back in 2024 and is currently set to open sometime in 2027. We are so excited to see all the changes coming to Disney World.

©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom

On May 26th, guests can expect to experience the all-new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Soarin’ Across America, Bluey’s Wild World, and Walt Disney Studios.

BIG News!

So even though we have to wait a little longer to experience those large expansions, there are lots of changes we can experience in Disney World very soon!

Soarin’ Across America

We will continue to update you on all Disney news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything!

Disney Just Dropped Three HUGE Announcements!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What Disney World expansion are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

Cinderella Castle at night

Sometimes, rope drop to fireworks just doesn’t feel like enough time at Disney. While Magic Kingdom may officially close at a certain time, there are a few little-known tricks that can help you stretch out the magic after the clock strikes closing time. If you plan your evening the right way, you can enjoy a calmer, quieter version of Magic Kingdom that feels extra special.

One of the biggest secrets to staying in Magic Kingdom after it closes is getting in line for an attraction right before the park officially shuts down. As long as you enter the queue before the posted closing time — yes, even one minute before — Disney will still allow you to ride. That means if Magic Kingdom closes at 10PM and you hop in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain at 9:59 PM, you’re good to go! Cast Members will close the line at the official park closing time, but anyone already inside the queue can still experience the attraction, pending mechanical or weather issues.

Space Mountain

This strategy can seriously maximize your park day, especially if you save a high-wait attraction for the very end of the night. Not only do you squeeze in one more ride, but you’ll often exit the attraction to a much emptier park. There’s something incredibly magical about walking through Fantasyland or Tomorrowland with fewer crowds around, and it can make for some unforgettable photos, too.

The Space Mountain queue

Another way to enjoy extra time in Magic Kingdom is by shopping on Main Street, U.S.A., after the park closes. Many of the shops near the front of the park remain open for up to an hour after official closing time, giving guests time to browse, pick up souvenirs, or make those last-minute snack purchases before heading out. This is especially helpful if you don’t want to spend valuable ride time shopping earlier in the day.

Magic Kingdom at night

Shopping after the park closes can actually make your exit much less stressful. Instead of fighting the immediate crowds rushing toward the buses, Monorail, or ferryboats, you can take your time browsing the Emporium while transportation lines thin out a bit. Plus, Main Street at night has a completely different atmosphere once the crowds begin to clear. The music, lights, and Cinderella Castle glowing in the distance make it one of the most peaceful times to be in Magic Kingdom.

The Emporium

Dining reservations can also help extend your evening in the park. Booking one of the latest reservation times available at a Magic Kingdom restaurant can buy you extra time inside the gates after the park officially closes. Restaurants like Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, The Plaza Restaurant, and Liberty Tree Tavern often offer reservations close to park closing, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely meal while most guests are already heading home.

Cinderella’s Royal Table Fireworks View

There’s an added bonus to late-night dining reservations, too. When you finish your meal, you may get to stroll through a mostly empty park on your way out. While you won’t be able to hop on attractions after your meal unless you were already in line before closing, you can still soak in the atmosphere for a little longer.

Main Street, U.S.A.

Of course, there’s one important thing to keep in mind when using these “after-hours” tricks: always be respectful of Disney Cast Members. While Disney does allow guests to finish rides, shop, or dine after official park closing, Cast Members are working hard to safely close down the park and finish their shifts. Don’t intentionally linger far beyond closing time or ignore directions from Cast Members when it’s time to exit. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping the Disney magic alive for everyone.

Cinderella Castle

3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Are you someone who likes to rope drop the parks early or stay until the parks close? Tell us in the comments below!

©Disney

He talked about the future of Disney Cruise Line and international ports, park expansions, and how travel prices are impacting visitors coming to the parks, among many other topics. Something that really piqued our curiosity, though, was his discussion on Disney creating an all-in-one app in the future. This isn’t the first we’ve heard of this idea, but thanks to the recent interview, we got a bit more information about what it could look like.

Currently, there are numerous Disney apps out there. For being in the parks, you’ve got the My Disney Experience App, the Disneyland App, as well as the Play Disney Parks app if you’re looking for some extra fun while you’re wandering around. Then, for entertainment, we’ve got the Disney+ app, plus the Hulu and ESPN apps (though the Hulu app will be gone by the end of this year, and all content will be integrated into Disney+), which are also owned by Disney, but are their own separate apps to download. That’s a lot of apps if you’ve got all of them!

©Disney

Not every Disney fan out there needs every single app, but as Hugh Johnston doubled down on in this recent interview, Disney is looking into the possibility of creating an all-in-one app in the near future. This app would be EVERYTHING Disney, all in exactly one place. Yes, that means you’d potentially use the same app to watch your favorite movies and shows, as well as book your Lightning Lanes and dining reservations in both Disneyland and Disney World

My Disney Experience app ©Disney

What’s the main idea behind doing this, though? Well, Hugh Johnston said that the company sees it as a significant competitive advantage that’s hard to replicate. Johnston continued to say that the company feels the all-in-one app would give them the ability to compete successfully and “win with that set of assets.”

We’ll be sure to keep you updated with all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB!

CONFIRMED: ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 Coming to Disney+ In 2027

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

How do you feel about the possibility of an all-in-one app? Tell us in the comments!

They’re already hard at work

From dining closures and refurbishments to special offers and even FREE access to two in-demand Disney World parks, a lot is going on at Disney World’s on-property hotels in June.

The Polynesian Resort

Let’s begin at arguably Walt Disney World’s most legendary resort, the opening day favorite Polynesian. The resort’s boat dock has been undergoing routine maintenance since May, which will last all the way through late June. In fact, boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom will still be unavailable until June 6th.

The dock is closed!

Furthermore, two of the resort’s most popular restaurants are under refurbishment. Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace has been closed since mid-April thanks to refurbishment work at the Grand Ceremonial House, with a scheduled reopening in late June.

Closed for now

Meanwhile, at Wailulu Bar & Grill in the Island Tower, refurbishment work on the roof has the restaurant offering walk-up service only until 5:00 PM, with seating from 5:00 PM until closing through late June.

Wailulu Bar & Grill

Old Key West Resort

During early June 2026, the resort’s Hospitality House (AKA the resort’s lobby and central hub) will undergo exterior maintenance work, during which guests may see or hear work during daytime hours and at times may be directed to take alternate paths of travel.

Old Key West Lobby

Saratoga Springs

The Turf Club’s lounge over at Saratoga Springs has been closed since April for a refurbishment scheduled to last until mid-August, while the full restaurant remains open. This is actually the first of three Turf Club closures to come this year, as the Turf Club Patio will have a brief closure from early through mid-August, and then the full Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed from August into September, with the Turf Club Lounge remaining open.

Lounge area

Yacht Club

The resort’s New England-themed Yachtsman Steakhouse closed in May for a refurbishment running through August, meaning it will be unavailable for the entirety of June.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

In addition, the following long-term hotel projects will be going on through June:

• Fort Wilderness Meadow Swimmin’ Pool Construction: Through Mid-2026.
• Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas Refurbishment: Through September 2026.
• Boardwalk Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2026.
• Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2026.
• Yacht Club Exterior Maintenance: Through Late 2026.
• All-Star Movies Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027.

Cool Kids’ Summer

While Cool Kids Summer technically begins May 26th, the event’s hotel perks will continue through June, including the free water park perk for hotel guests, which gives each member of a guest’s party admission to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day.

Blizzard Beach

Furthermore, the following perks will be available at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation Resort, and Pop Century Resort:

• Scheduled Character Appearances: Meet some favorite Disney pals—like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—during scheduled appearances.
• Special Libraries: Little ones can celebrate Disney stories in libraries provided by Disney Publishing, where the magic of their imaginations can come alive with tales of princesses, heroes, and more.
• Pajama Party: Wind down with your family during story time! Participate in a “create your own bedtime story” activity, where the magic of a good book comes to life with the arrival of a favorite Disney Character.
• Pool Party: Make a splash at a high-energy poolside experience with games and music for the whole family.
• Campfire: Gather ‘round for a celebration filled with marshmallows and Disney-infused entertainment.

Pop Century

Guests staying at these Walt Disney World hotels this June should prepare to encounter — and perhaps have to plan around — some closures, but they’ll also be able to enjoy some PERKS! Stay tuned to DFB for more on everything going on at the resort in June.

6 Maps That Show the Best Rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

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Disney Adventure

He also shared some information on Disney Cruise Line, which showed us we should expect to see more international ships in the future. Let’s get into everything we learned from the presentation.

Disney has been rapidly growing their cruise line presence over the past several years. Including the Disney Destiny, which opened last year domestically, and the extremely popular Disney Adventure, which made its maiden voyage out of Singapore earlier this year.

Disney Adventure

Johnson noted, “Our fill rate on the ships is just as high this year as it was last year, despite all of the new capacity that we’ve added in.” Meaning that even with all the new ships entering the fleet, the fill rate has remained high across the entire fleet.

Disney Adventure

And Johnson believes this is in large part due to the expansion into international ports, “One of the things that I think is beneficial to what we’re doing right now is we’re starting to put ships outside of our traditional ports. Obviously, the Adventure is in Singapore, and it’s a massive ship. It’s double the size of anything that we’ve done before. And we really sold out a season of that ship in just a handful of days.”

San Fransokyo Street

Johnson believes the key to continued growth for Disney Cruise Line is to continue to provide international Disney experiences where the demand is extremely high.

Let’s go to the tavern!

While he did not leave any clues as to where these additional international ships could be, this presentation did make it extremely clear that we should expect to see more international Disney Cruises in the future.

Adventure!

We will continue to update you on all Disney Cruise Line news, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

What do you think about this Disney Cruise Line news? Let us know in the comments!