Magic Kingdom

Don’t look now, but we’re less than two months from the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney confirmed that an exclusive FREE perk will be coming back for the special ticketed event this year, and if you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, you’re going to want to hear about it!

DVC members who will be attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year can pick up a FREE Halloween keepsake. The giveaway will take place at Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House, which is a Member Lounge at Magic Kingdom, and is included with your party admission at no extra cost.

McKim’s Milehouse

The keepsake giveaway will run on every party night from August 7th through October 31st, between 6 PM and 10 PM. The lounge itself will be closed to regular members during those hours, and the standard lounge amenities and services will not be available while the giveaway is running.

McKim’s Mile House

To get the keepsake, you need to be an eligible DVC member who qualifies for Membership Extras benefits, and you and your accompanying guests must all have a valid Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket for the same night.

Magic Kingdom at night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Each member can bring up to four guests per Membership Card or the number of guests on their resort reservation. Just make sure you have a valid Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and a photo ID. The member listed on the Digital Membership Card must be present to receive the keepsake.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a VERY popular ticketed event, so you’re going to want to make sure you get tickets sooner rather than later. People go for the exclusive entertainment, scary good snacks, limited-time experiences, exclusive merchandise, and, of course, the trick-or-treating around the park.

Mickey and Minnie!

Entertainment is probably our favorite thing that MNSSHP has ot offer. We love seeing the Cadaver Dans, the Boo To You Parade, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooktacular Fireworks! Stitch will also be there this year, hosting a new dance party at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

We can’t wait for the Halloween party this year, and we’re happy to hear that the exclusive DVC perk is coming back. We’re sure more Halloween stuff is going to be coming out as we get closer to August, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog to not miss a thing.

It’s Almost TOO EASY To Enter To Win This $13,000 Disney World Vacation!

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Epic Universe

While Universal Orlando’s latest theme park has been acclaimed by both fans and critics since it opened last year, like anything else, it hasn’t been perfect. From issues as serious as a tragic on-ride death to more mundane theme park problems like weather and maintenance-related closures and a lack of shaded areas, Epic Universe has run into its fair share of issues. Now, a new technology policy is an issue.

Earlier this spring, Universal confirmed that its somewhat controversial Photo Validation system will be expanding to Epic Universe and its entrance portals.

The Portal to Dark Universe

Photo Validation at Universal is a system that scans your face upon park entry or at the lockers, and it’s used to confirm that you are the ticket holder. It eliminates the need for carrying a physical ticket or having to log in digitally. Now, when we say that Photo Validation is coming to Epic Universe, we aren’t just talking about the main entrance to the park (although that will be one spot). Instead, Universal stated that this new system will be used at each of the four portals.

Stardust Racers

Which brings up the question: Why do we need Photo Validation to enter portals when you don’t need a ticket to enter the portals? Well, Universal wrote on their website, “To keep your passage easy, you can use Photo Validation for Effortless Entry whenever Virtual Line return times are being used.” This could indicate that Universal is possibly expecting a spike in attendance that could require Virtual Lines to keep the portals and lands at a good crowd level.

Portal Entrance to Super Nintendo World

Or Universal may begin experimenting with the concept of opening Celestial Park to non-ticketed guests at a certain time of day, while the portals remain exclusive to ticket-holders. This system has been rumored for the park since it was under construction, and was tested with convention crowds in late May of 2025. It remains to be seen whether Universal expands this “open hub” concept.

Luna lights up the night in Celestial Park

Whatever the reason for introducing Photo Validation to Epic Universe, the potential privacy issues involved rub some guests the wrong way. Universal addresses some of these issues on its website, writing:

• This process is completely optional, and guests can choose to opt out if they’d like. Guests may opt out at the park entrance, Guest Services, or in Universal Express lines at select attractions during the technical rehearsal period before, during or after enrollment. If opting out, adult Guests will be instructed to present a valid photo ID, as well as their tickets and Universal Express Passes.
• Photos and Photo Templates will be securely stored for no longer than six months after the expiration of the associated ticket or admission product. This is consistent with our legacy finger scan biometric process that was in place for many years.
• Once a guest opts out of Photo Validation, any photos or Photo Templates created/stored are deleted.

Wizarding Paris

Universal is introducing the controversial Photo Verification system to Epic Universe, and not everyone is happy about it. Stay tuned to DFB, as we’ll be keeping a close eye on everything Universe is planning to bring to Epic Universe.

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

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Wizarding Paris

But Universal just announced a major Epic Universe closure that will make our next Wizarding World visit a lot less magical, starting tomorrow!

​​

Universal just announced that Le Cirque Arcanus will temporarily close from June 21st to the 30th. Universal hasn’t announced a reason for the closure, but it’s likely routine maintenance now that Epic Universe is a year old.

Le Cirque Arcanus

Le Cirque Arcanus is a live, full-scale theatre experience featuring live performers and aerialists, amazing puppetry, brilliant special effects and more, taking you on a whirlwind journey where you’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before. The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – where Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves, and more reside – to try to bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory. It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever!

Le Cirque Arcanus

While Le Cirque Arcanus is closed, you can still catch other magical live entertainment throughout the land. Encounter other visitors, officials, and residents from the Wizarding World, including exchange Students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France who roams inquiring of suspicious characters, talking portraits of delightful wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée, and more.

Wizarding Paris

Plus, you can still ride Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. This thrilling adventure begins when you travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, you’ll enter the Ministry’s jaw-dropping grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place… until Umbridge attempts to escape. You’ll join Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a thrilling chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge – all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures, and more along the way!

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the Le Cirque Arcanus closure and any more closures that hit Epic Universe. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Universal Orlando news!

NEW Fireworks Show Announced for Universal’s Epic Universe

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©Xfinity

To get ready for the movie’s release, Xfinity is bringing out “mini attractions” all over the country, and you’re going to want to check them out!

Xfinity is turning over 700 retail locations nationwide into FREE Minions-themed pop-up experiences. The pop-ups are tied to Illumination’s Minions & Monsters to get people excited for the release of the next movie in the Minions franchise.

©Xfinity

Xfinity said to “think of it as a distributed, indoor “mini attraction” network families can drop into, no ticket required.” These attractions will be available from now through July 5th, and each location will offer a quick-hit, theme park-style experience.

©Xfinity

These experiences include:

• “A Portal into Mayhem” AR activation — an interactive, character-driven digital experience featuring the Minions
• In-store scavenger hunt — gamified exploration element reminiscent of interactive queues or lands
• Large-scale character photo ops — designed for social-first, shareable moments
• Limited-edition merch giveaways — including pins and tees (while supplies last)

©Xfinity

That’s not all the Minions & Monsters perks you can check out. All Xfinity Members will have access to a $5 Fandango Movie Cash offer and be able to purchase tickets for early access screenings of the film through Fandango. This will only be available while supplies last. Also, you’ll have the ability to download Minions & Monsters digital experience kits directly through the Xfinity app.

©Xfinity

Diamond members can also enter to win tickets to VIP screenings in Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco.

©Illumination

No, it’s not Universal Studios Orlando or the brand-new Bello Bay Club at Universal Kids Resort, but it’s a cool FREE Minions-based experience that’s worth checking out. It’s not every day you get to see attractions like this show up outside of theme parks. Xfinity describes it as something that is a “lighter, more accessible experience (and fully indoors, which is a plus this time of year).”

©Xfinity

We’re looking forward to the new movie, and clearly, fans can’t get enough of the Minions in their life. We’re always on top of all the latest Universal news, both theme parks and movies, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. We’ll make sure you don’t miss anything!

FULL GUIDE: Food, Shops, and Characters in Isle of Curiosity at Universal Kids Resort

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Il Mulino

This gorgeous restaurant is offering the Il Mulino’s Tour of Italy wine dinner series this summer and here’s everything you need to know about the event and how to secure a table.

One night a month from June through September, guests will be able to experience a 6-course culinary journey through Italy. They can enjoy a one-night-only chef-curated tasting menu paired with wines from two different regions per month.

Il Mulino

Here are the following dates the event is taking place each month:

• June 25 – Veneto & Tuscany at 6 p.m.
• July 16 – Umbria & Abruzzo time to be announced.
• August 20 – Campania & Calabria time to be announced.
• September 24 – Sicily & Sardegna time to be announced.

Eggplant at Il Mulino

It will cost $175 per person, and you can visit here if you’re interested in booking a reservation! This event was recently announced by a Swan and Dolphin Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

This event looks incredible, and we know that spots are sure to sell out quick, so make sure to reserve your spot now if you are interested in attending this special dining event.

Il Mulino Menu

We will make sure to keep you informed of any Disney news and events, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything!

11 BIG Changes Are About To Hit Disney World Hotels in July!

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New ride vehicles

So, let’s say you’re visiting Disney World as a party of three. Obviously, you can ride any of the resort’s attractions, but certain ride vehicles make it much easier to ride together — sometimes as the only party in the vehicle — better than others.

The Haunted Mansion

The iconic attraction’s Doom Buggies are ideal for most parties of three, making for a comfortable fit with their overhang, providing an isolated way to experience the Mansion’s “hot and cold running chills.”

Haunted Mansion

The Doom Buggies, which run on the continuous motion Omnimover ride system, might also be Disney’s second most famous ride vehicle, behind only the iconic Dumbo ride vehicles (it’s tough to beat something that’s in the Smithsonian after all). Think about how many toys, souvenirs, Christmas ornaments, yard decorations, pet beds, and other collectibles have been modeled after the all-black shells. 

©Disney Store

3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Leaving Magic Kingdom

Test Track

The aforementioned Test Track uses vehicles based on test cars, with two rows of three seats in each. meaning that a party of three is guaranteed to sit together in the same row.

©Disney

Test Track’s vehicles received a literal and figurative new coat of paint in recent years as part of the massive renovation that fans have dubbed Test Track 3.0. The latest vehicle design features a subtle design with a darker wrap that “helps the vehicles blend in better with the environment and lean more into the feel of a research & development prototype,” according to Disney. 

Test Track

Ignore the Haters and Do This First in EPCOT

Soarin’

Currently in its special Across America variant, Soarin’ uses one of Disney’s most unique ride systems. Designed like a massive erector set, the ride uses benches that lift riders up against a massive screen to mimic the feeling of hang gliding. Each “bench” features 10 seats, meaning that any party of three will be able to sit together.

On Soarin’!

The Most Popular Ride in EPCOT You Should SKIP (and What You Should Ride Instead)

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Not only will parties of three be in the same ride vehicle on Smugglers Run, but they’ll each have a specific job in the cockpit of the “fastest ship in the galaxy.” Of course, they’ll likely need to share that cockpit and responsibilities with either a party of two or a duo of single riders.

New missions on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Speaking of those specific jobs, while the pilot has always been the in-demand role, these days, many guests want to be the Engineer. See, on the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission, those in the Engineer position can click a button and have direct communication with Grogu! In this version, the Engineer also gets to decide which mission you will be completing. We love that the Engineer position now gets to take a more active role in the story.

Hi Grogu!

4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book

Boat Rides

While any of Walt Disney World’s boat rides could technically count here, the vehicles on Navi River Journey, Living with the Land, Pirates of the Caribbean, and “it’s a small world” are particularly pleasant for parties of three, as they’ll be able to get their own row together but also sit comfortably for their respective cruises, be it the happiest that ever sailed…

“It’s A Small World” boats

…learning about the crops grown at EPCOT…

Living with the Land

…listening to the Shaman of Song…

This is fine

…or marauding with pirates! 

Pirates of the Caribbean

If you’re heading to Disney World as a party of three, each of these rides will allow you and your compatriots to ride together comfortably. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips.

Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out

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©Variety

The deal between Disney and OpenAI included a $1 billion investment in OpenAI, but now that that has fallen through, Disney has been thinking of other ways to make use of AI regarding their IP. Now, there’s been an update in the saga, as Disney has begun using Adobe’s Firefly Foundry, which is the commercial version of Adobe’s AI model.

Variety has reported that, months after the deal with OpenAI fell through, Disney’s Imagineering Research & Development team is beginning to use Adobe’s Firefly Foundry, the commercial version of Adobe’s AI model that is designed to protect a brand’s intellectual property. That’s a big deal for Disney, as they’re currently still pursuing AI companies like Midjourney and MiniMax in court over copyright infringement. The idea behind using the tool is to “help Imagineers design and visualize elements of Disney’s upcoming parks and attractions.” So far, the Firefly models have been trained on franchises like Frozen, Cars, and Lilo & Stitch, and have also helped Imagineers “turn sketches into fully rendered 2D concept art along with turning 2D renderings into 3D prototype models.”

©Disney

In a recent statement about using the technology, Kyle Laughlin, Walt Disney Imagineering’s senior vice president of R&D, technology, and engineering, said, “At Imagineering, we’ve always believed technology and human creativity can work together responsibly. Our work with Adobe lets us bring Disney stories and characters to life in our Parks faster, and with the emotional quality our guests expect.”

©Variety

Hannah Elsakr, Adobe’s vice president of GenAI New Business Ventures, added onto the statement, saying, “Storytelling is in Disney’s DNA. Empowering creators with the latest AI innovations is in ours. As the teams at Imagineering build new experiences for fans around the world, our tools and workflows will provide a creative foundation to explore bolder ideas and make the best ones a reality.”

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this, as well as all other Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB.

Real Disney Fans Will Be GLUED to Their Screens on June 24th

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Happy Ice!

Well, a brand-new snack stand just opened at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, and this might be the spot to cool you down this summer. We had to check out this new stand, and we’re bringing you our full review. Is this worth going out of your way for? Let’s find out!

The new snack spot at Downtown Disney is called Happy Ice. The brand sells Italian ice, and it’s known for its fruity flavors and frozen desserts. Did you know that this is the first permanent Black-owned dessert company in the shopping and dining district at Disneyland Resort?!

Happy Ice!

They had so many flavors to choose from! We’re warning you, you might stand there for a while trying to figure out which flavor is speaking to you.

So many flavors!

We ended up getting two frozen treats, starting with the Time Machine for $12.00. The treats do come in different sizes, and we ended up going with a large.

Time Machine

This tasted like an elevated DOLE Whip! It’s so incredibly refreshing and tasty. The texture is like a smooth gelato with a slight crunch like shaved ice and a tang like a sorbet. It’s popular for a reason, and the flavors just go so well together.

This is delicious!

You can taste each of the flavors separately, yet altogether, if that makes sense!? A large is deceivingly huge and a perfect shareable size…or you can keep it all to yourself! We’re giving this a perfect 5/5, and we would definitely get this flavor again!

This was amazing!

The other flavor we got was the Rainbow Gelati for $15, also in a large. This one had a scoop of Joy-Lati, which is the ice cream you can get on top of any of their flavors. Rainbow is their signature flavor because it has all their fruit flavors in one!

Rainbow Gelati

It’s absolutely delicious and refreshing! The texture is smooth and creamy, and the Joy Lati ice cream on top adds a milky flavor. It wasn’t necessarily our favorite combo, but if you like Paletas, you would love it! The rainbow flavor itself was a 5/5, but it drops a little to a 4/5 with the Joy-Lati.

This was really good!

You can never go wrong with a frozen treat, and these ones are TASTY! While you’re visiting Disneyland Resort this summer, we highly recommend you stop by here and try out some of their flavors. For more Disney food reviews, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog.

This NEW Disney Popcorn Bucket Is Every Toy Story Fan’s DREAM

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Our chopsticks

In the original 2001 Pixar film, Harryhausen’s — named after legendary Hollywood special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen, whose creature designs inspired the Monsters, Inc. design team — is a sushi restaurant in Monstropolis. Its head chef is a six-armed octopus. Why six instead of eight? Because the character is a reference to the 1955 film It Came from Beneath the Sea, which features a similar six-armed creature created by — guess who? — Ray Harryhausen. Disney fans have long hoped that the company would recreate the restaurant at one of its theme parks.

So, how will Disney translate Harryhausen’s into the real world? Well, we already have a partial answer.

Mike & Sulley’s

Earlier this year, Disney debuted a new restaurant on the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure, Mike & Sulley’s Flavors of Asia. If the name doesn’t give it away, the restaurant is inspired by Harryhausen’s, both in menu and architecture. The atmosphere really felt like Harryhausen’s had been brought to life as an upscale dining experience.

Mike & Sulley’s Flavors of Asia

There’s even a recreation of the facade of Harryhausen’s, which, according to the Monstropolis concept art, is also going to be recreated in full at Hollywood Studios.

Harryhausen’s (gray building, near top left)

There are Monsters, Inc. details all over the restaurant.

Look at this artwork!

Some are quite obvious, while others are a bit hidden, and you’ll want to look closely to spot them all.

Look at those silhouettes!

As far as the menu goes, Mike & Sulley’s Flavors of Asia offers up four distinct Japanese dining experiences, including From Sushi to Steak and Beyond (similar to hibachi style) and A Taste of Harryhausen’s.

We were so thrilled to step foot into this new spot, and let’s just say, it very much took us by surprise! We tried several items during our dinner, including:

Tarabagani for $30, which is King Crab Tartlet, Muskmelon Pearl, Yuzu Agar, and Caviar. The crust on the outside was light and crispy, and the filling was absolutely incredible! Not only does it look gorgeous, but there’s plenty of the meaty, fresh crab in abundance, the yuzu agar was jelly-like and on the sweeter/floral side, which was interesting, but worked well. The caviar added bites of extra saltiness that we adored, and the pearls added the most amazing crunch to the dish; those edible flowers were stunning.

Tarabagani

Kale for $15, which is Curly Kale, Pea Purée, Pine Nut, Puffed Rice, Yuzu-Chia Seed Vinaigrette. Our waiter described this as only the healthy thing on the menu, but that was okay with us! The kale was perfectly massaged and not bitter at all, and we loved that the pine nuts were mild and nutty and added a great texture. The pea puree was so intriguing with its classic pea/natural, subtle flavor, and made the kale even lighter somehow. The puffed rice was fun, airy, and added even more texture to the dish. We also noticed some pieces of dragonfruit that added some sweetness we loved! Each bite was earthy, light, subtly sweet, and we couldn’t get enough.

Kale

Asparagus for $12, which is made with Beni Sloga Hollandais and Bonio Flakes. Our waiter recommended these, and we didn’t really understand why, but these were VERY surprising. The asparagus was cut into bite-sized pieces and PERFECTLY cooked, making them super soft but not mushy. The hollandaise was thick, but the main flavor was ginger, and the sauce was creamy and so fragrant. The flavor was refreshing and slightly sharp, which made it a very unique way to dress up a traditional side.

The full spread

The PURE BLACK AUSTRALIAN Striploin was our $45 entree. This was so tender, it cut like BUTTER! It was cooked perfectly medium rare with a warm pink center. It had several accompaniments like grilled onions, a tomato, fried garlic, a sesame sauce, and seaweed salt. It was genuinely an amazing cut of meat that didn’t have too much fat and only had one tough spot. It was also the cheapest steak on the menu, which makes us wonder how delicious the others are, if this one is as solid as this!

Pure Black Australian Striploin

For dessert, we grabbed the Basque Ube Cheesecake for $12, which is served with blue butterfly pea flower crème and matcha tuile. This was incredible! The ube base made it super creamy while being sweet and earthy. The top was the blue butterfly cream, which didn’t have a ton of flavor (that was okay by us), but the Cast Member told us that the blue color comes from the butterfly pea flower. We also loved the charred, almost caramel-flavored layer on top, which was notable, and we could have eaten 14 more of these with no problem.

Basque Ube Cheesecake

Between the upscale Japanese menu and the Monsters, Inc. vibes, we really loved our experience at Mike & Sulley’s Flavors of Asia, and certainly hope that the upcoming Harryhausen’s at Hollywood Studios follows in these footsteps. The menu would especially be a welcome addition to the park’s offerings, as there’s nothing else quite like it at Hollywood Studios. That being said, there is one major thing that we want to see added for the upcoming Harryhausen’s: A MASSIVE ANIMATRONIC OCTOPUS CHEF!

©Pixar

Disney has essentially confirmed that more information about Harryhausen’s will be revealed at this summer’s D23 Ultimate Fan Event. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest on Disney World’s upcoming projects!

4 Disney’s Hollywood Studios 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.

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What are you hoping to see at Harryhausen’s? Let us know in the comments below.