The Diamond Horseshoe is closed!

The popular Magic Kingdom restaurant is changing up once again, as it will soon become a pop-up restaurant with a brand-new menu. We’re going to be able to make reservations soon, and although we’ve been getting lots of news on the restaurant, we were not expecting to hear this!

The limited-time pop-up is coming to The Diamond Horseshoe on October 4th, right in time for the middle of the Halloween season. Reservations for the pop-up will open on September 29th, and we’re sure it’s going to be an extremely popular spot!

The restaurant menu is still up

As soon as we saw it was opening in October, we had one question. Will this be available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is no; it will not be available during the party. However, that’s not the case for the other holiday party in Magic Kingdom.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026

That’s right, the new pop-up will be available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It was noted that all offerings are subject to change and availability, but we can expect to see the pop-up during the holiday party.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

The new menu just dropped for the pop-up, and these were some of the items we were most excited about:

• Charcuterie: Cured beef, candied bacon, smoked pork, green chile cheese, smoked cheddar, and pickles
• Glazed Sticky Ribs with cowboy beans and jalapeño crisps
• Queso Fundido with Barbecue Burnt Ends with warm tortilla chips
• Sweet Golden Corn Fritters with cilantro ranch dressing and red chili honey
• Chipotle Chicken Tostada with queso fresco, lime crema, and pickled cactus salsa
• Mini Hot Dog Platter: Wrapped in pastry, served with tortilla chips and a side of queso

©Disney

We can’t wait to try out all the new offerings that the pop-up will have, and we certainly can’t wait to see if there are any exclusive items at the restaurant during the holidays. For all the latest Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!

One of Our Favorite Gideon’s Bakehouse Flavors Is BACK at Disney Springs

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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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Are you excited for this pop-up restaurant? Let us know in the comments!

We love our Loungeflys

Maybe you want your giant water bottle within reach. Maybe you want a classic Loungefly that actually matches everything. Maybe you need enough pockets to organize sunscreen, chargers, snacks, and whatever mysterious tiny object your kid hands you at 10:43 AM. So, we went looking for Disney park bags for a few very different kinds of park people. And, well, we found them all!

BAGSMART Magnetic 40oz Water Bottle Holder with Strap

For the person whose first Disney packing priority is HYDRATION, allow us to introduce your new park sidekick. The BAGSMART Magnetic 40oz Water Bottle Holder with Strap basically turns your giant water bottle into its own little crossbody situation. So instead of cramming a 40-ounce bottle into a backpack, carrying it around by the handle all day, or discovering that your cute park bag’s side pocket was apparently designed for a glorified sippy cup.

BAGSMART Water Bottle Holder Bag

The holder is magnetic. That feature is probably more useful at the gym than while wandering around EPCOT, but we’re never going to complain about an accessory doing extra credit. This could be especially handy for travelers who otherwise pack light. Toss your phone, wallet, and charger into a smaller bag, sling your water bottle over your shoulder, and suddenly you’ve got a pretty streamlined park setup.

BAGSMART Water Bottle Holder Bag

Also, anything that makes it easier to drink water instead of realizing at 4 PM that you’ve consumed one iced coffee and half a Diet Coke gets a point from us.

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HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer Insert Small Shoulder Bag Divider

We have discussed this little organizer before, and we’re discussing it again because Loungefly chaos is real. A mini backpack looks extremely civilized from the outside. Inside? Charger. Lip balm. Sunglasses. Hand sanitizer. Receipts. Sunscreen. Two crushed granola bars. A rogue penny. Absolute anarchy.

HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer

The HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer Insert gives all those little park necessities actual places to live. If you love mini backpacks but hate sticking your entire arm inside one every time you need your FuelRod, this is the fix. It’s also particularly handy if you’re one of those people with multiple Loungefly bags in rotation. Instead of repacking every tiny park essential whenever you switch bags, you can move the organizer.

Loungefly Organizer

Your Halloween Loungefly becomes your Christmas Loungefly in approximately nine seconds. This isn’t the glamorous purchase. Nobody is going to stop you on Main Street, U.S.A. and say, “Excuse me, WHERE did you get that backpack insert?” But when you find your Advil immediately instead of excavating your bag like an archaeological site? That’s luxury.

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Loungefly Disney Minnie Mouse Black Sequin

Sometimes the correct answer is simply Loungefly. The Disney Minnie Mouse Black Sequin Loungefly is one of those park bags that works because it isn’t trying too hard. You’ve got Minnie ears. You’ve got a red bow. You’ve got black sequins. It’s Disney enough for the parks without being so specifically themed that you need to coordinate your entire outfit around it. Wear it to Magic Kingdom. Wear it to EPCOT. Wear it to dinner. Wear it while slowly racking up credit card debt in World of Disney.

©Amazon

Black sequins are basically a neutral at Disney World.  And if you’re someone who wants the classic Disney mini-backpack experience, this is exactly that. Small enough that you can’t pack your entire house, but roomy enough for the park essentials you really need. Add the organizer above, and now we’re cooking.

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Itzy Ritzy Fanny Pack Crossbody Diaper Bag

Do not let the words diaper bag scare you away if you do not currently have a diaper-aged human in your traveling party. Parents have known something the rest of us are slowly figuring out. Bags designed for babies are designed by people who understand that humans carry an astonishing amount of stuff. The Itzy Ritzy Fanny Pack Crossbody Diaper Bag gives you the hands-free convenience of a belt bag or crossbody with the kind of organization you want during a Disney day.

©Amazon

This is the option we’d look at for somebody who wants easy access to everything. Phone? Grab it. Wallet? Right there. Sunscreen? No backpack removal ceremony required. And for parents, obviously, you’ve got a bag actually designed with your particular brand of park-day logistics in mind. But we can also see this working beautifully for the adult who simply refuses to carry a backpack in August.

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So, Which Disney Park Bag Is Yours?

The perfect Disney park bag does not exist. Or, more accurately, your perfect Disney park bag might be completely different from ours. If you’re committed to carrying enough water to cross the Sahara, grab the BAGSMART holder. If you’re already loyal to your Loungefly collection, make those bags approximately 600% less irritating with the HOYOFO organizer. If you want something unapologetically Disney, the black sequin Minnie Loungefly is hard to beat. And if pockets and easy access outrank mouse ears, that Itzy Ritzy crossbody might quietly win the whole competition.

©Amazon

Personally, we’re interested in whichever setup still has room for a snack. Preferably a Key Lime Pie on a Stick. Some priorities are universal. Keep following DFB for more Disney park essentials, Amazon finds, packing tips, and all the things we’re tossing into our suitcases before our next trip!

La Cava del Tequila

La Cava del Tequila is a fantastic spot over in EPCOT‘s Mexico Pavilion. It’s home to great drinks, and is easily one of the best hidden gems in the whole park. You’ve only got a few days to be able to snag this special drink to celebrate, so don’t wait!

This new Old Fashioned at La Cava del Tequila is not to be missed! It dropped on August 29th and will only be around for a few more days, so the time to act is now. This is made with Blanton’s Bourbon, LALO tequila blanco, Amaro liqueur, Ancho Reyes Barrica, Mole Bitters, and House-Made Cherry Syrup.

@lacavadeltequila on Instagram

It’s very rare that this spot lets us down, which is just one of the reasons we love it (and why it’s as popular as it is). Earlier this year, we got to try the Cafe Foster Margarita and loved it, and felt the same about The Vaquero’s Falsetto, sketched by Bret Iwan. If you’re looking for a great drink in the Mexico pavilion, you’ve got lots of choices, but if the line isn’t too long, you can’t pass up La Cava del Tequila.

@lacavadeltequila on Instagram

Right now, La Cava del Tequila hasn’t listed an official end date for this drink’s availability, but we know it won’t be around for long. Don’t miss your chance and grab it now!

We’ll be sure to bring you all the latest Disney World news and reviews, so stay tuned to DFB!

REVIEW: You’re Telling Us THIS Replaced Deep Fried Cheesecake at Disney’s BoardWalk??

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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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What’s your favorite drink at La Cava? Tell us in the comments!

©BoxLunch

BoxLunch just released six new Disney bags that we truly can’t get enough of. We think once you see them, you’ll totally agree!

Hercules Pottery Figural Crossbody

BoxLunch

This BoxLunch Exclusive is SO cool! It literally looks like a piece of pottery with paintings of Hercules characters along the sides. The top has a drawstring to keep all your items secure, and it would look incredible with any outfit, especially a subtle Hercules one.

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The Rescuers Down Under Mini Backpack

BoxLunch

This is another BoxLunch Exclusive! BoxLunch does so great with representing some more niche movies, and this is no exception. It’s also part of the BOGO 30% off sale, but we’re totally obsessed with this backpack’s style, and the inside fabric has more of the characters.

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Ratatouille Scenic Allover Print Mini Backpack

BoxLunch

Remy fans, this one is for you! The front flap has Remy embroidered on it, and the rest of the bag features a gorgeous red print of iconic scenes and moments from the movie. Remy just looks so happy on the bag that we can’t help but smile.

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The Nightmare Before Christmas Lovers Mini Backpack

BoxLunch

Jack and Sally look totally stunning on the front of the bag. The embroidered details really bring it to life (or…to death?) and it’s so sleek and perfect for a day around Disney World. We love the size of mini backpacks because they hold all our essentials without being too big,

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Haunted Mansion Singing Busts Mini Backpack

BoxLunch

Not only is this backpack glow-in-the-dark, but it also has lenticular features that make it look like the busts are actually moving around. The outline of the mansion glows, and we just can’t get over the details. Every Haunted Mansion fan will need this, and it’s exclusive to BoxLunch.

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Cars Patches Mini Backpack

BoxLunch

Obviously, Cars lovers need this one. The patches all represent different parts of the movies, and this backpack is a little bigger to hold more items. We love the top flap and how it buckles down. It would look really great with the new Piston Peak in Magic Kingdom being built.

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Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of the best Disney finds you don’t want to miss!

Happy Fall!

Halloween decorations are up, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has begun, so it’s safe to say that spooky season has arrived. It’s time to start looking at the Halloween decor and souvenirs you can have, and we’re starting with this countdown calendar!

Check out this Halloween Countdown Calendar!

©Disney Store

We’re obsessed with this Mickey Mouse and Friends 13-Day Halloween Countdown Calendar! Not only is this a countdown calendar from October 19th to October 31st, but it’s also a mystery pin set. Each day, when you open up a compartment on this limited edition calendar, you’ll be surprised with a surprise pin that you can add to your Halloween collection.

©Disney Store

The pins are costumed character pins against a full moon backdrop. You’ll get a tease of six pins, as they are shown on the box. However, seven pins remain a mystery! The pins we do know so far are of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Daisy, all dressed in Halloween costumes.

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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!

Flat Plug Power Strip

We’ve been traveling to Disney World for DECADES, so it’s safe to say we’ve picked up a tip or two. Over the years, we’ve found ways to maximize our stays at Disney hotels, and there are a few Amazon essentials currently on sale that we can’t recommend enough!

Keep your devices charged with this first essential

Flat Plug Power Strip

Available on Amazon in several lengths and colors, this white, 6-foot-long Flat Plug Power Strip is currently 20% off! We really like its sleek design, and all of the options that come with it accommodate so many different types of devices. Your hotel room may not have a ton of outlet options, but this nifty extension comes with three outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports.

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Fall asleep easier with this small device

Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine

The Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine is currently discounted in many different colors! This tiny device is great for anyone who wants a truly peaceful sleep or nap away from home. It’s so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand but still features 35 different volume levels and 16 different sounds — such as white noise, birds, and waterfalls. It also comes equipped with a timer button and USB-C charging capabilities.

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Save on this well-regarded bag

©Amazon

Depending on the color you choose, you can save on the BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag! We feel like this bag’s quality is superb, and it can fit so much! It offers a great amount of storage, especially for makeup and skincare products, and it makes organization so easy. This bag comes with a large main compartment, two mesh pockets, and a zippered visual mesh.  It’s also made with a waterproof PVC fabric.

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 And there you have it! For more Disney World packing tips, be sure to keep it posted right here at DFB!

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

There has been a ton, and we mean a TON, of construction taking place at Disney World in 2026. From hotel refurbishments to ride changes to expansions, Disney World has been in a constant state of change lately. Now, a NEW refurb has hit Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

The tennis courts at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are currently closed for a refresh. Disney is resurfacing the two clay courts, and they’ll be closed from late August through November 2026. Disney has not shared an exact reopening date.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

The refurbishment is just for the tennis courts, so it’s nothing you will need to worry about during your stay unless you want to use the courts.

Saratoga Springs Resort

That’s not all that’s happening at Saratoga Springs, as the Turf Club Bar & Grill is now officially closed for refurbishment. Currently, Disney hasn’t listed a reopening date, so it’s unclear when the refurbishment will be complete. The restaurant should open back up in mid-September if Disney decides to stick with their originally announced schedule from March.

The Turf Club Bar & Grill!

Yes, there are two closures at Saratoga Springs, but it’s not all bad news at this popular resort. The Turf Club Lounge has finally reopened at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort after being closed since late April 2026! Disney staggered the closures of the lounge and the restaurant, so now that the restaurant has closed, the lounge has reopened.

Turf Club Lounge

The lounge has a completely new look, with new tables and chairs, new carpeting, and a brand-new menu! We wasted no time checking out the refurbished lounge, and we recommend going to try it out, too!

New bar!

We’re always keeping an eye out for the latest Disney news and updates. A lot is going on in the second half of the year, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog to not miss anything!

6 NEW Permits Filed Across Disney World Parks & Resorts

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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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Do you have a Disney World trip coming up? Let us know in the comments!

Beach Club Resort

However, if you’re staying here this week, there’s something you need to know about that may affect your nighttime routine — especially if you’ve got littles. There’s fireworks testing happening tonight, and we’ve got all the information you need to know.

If you’re staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or any of the EPCOT area hotels, you’ll likely find these warning signs in your hotel lobby today. Tonight, September 1st, from 10 PM to 1:30 AM on September 2nd, there will be fireworks testing happening nearby. This means it’s very likely you’ll be able to hear at least some of the testing from your hotel room.

Fireworks testing

Fortunately, this is only happening tonight, but it’s very important that you know ahead of time so you can plan. We recommend using some earplugs, if you have them, and checking your hotel’s gift shop if you’re concerned that the sound will disrupt your sleep or others in your party. If you happened to pack a sound machine, tonight will be a GREAT time to bump it up a few notches to cover the sounds.

Stormalong Bay

Looking for more recent Disney World hotel news? Check out our posts below!

We’ll be sure to keep a close eye out for all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB!

The One Thing Every Disney Adult Adds to Their Cart in September

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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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What’s your favorite Disney World hotel? Tell us in the comments!

Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Crumb Cookie

We check the menus every month (okay, we check them every day, but we know what we’re looking for when the calendar switches over), and Gideon’s Bakehouse releases a new menu for Disney Springs every month. As one of our favorite cookie spots in all of Disney World, you know we have to check it out. Just wait till you see the menu this month!

The limited-time flavor for September is Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Cookie! It’s made with a pumpkin spice blend, a little chocolate on the inside (but not too much), and plenty of pumpkin butter crumbs on top. It will be available every day of the month with a limit of two per person. We’ve tried this cookie before and totally fell in love with it. It’s the perfect combination of pumpkin and chocolate without there being too much of either.

©Gideon’s Bakehouse

You can also grab the Pumpkin Caramel Double Frosted Cake. This cake is covered in a layer of caramel buttercream, then topped with another full layer of pumpkin cream cheese buttercream. There’s also a unique vanilla cinnamon swirl cake that is soft and crumbly. It’s available by the slice every Wednesday and Saturday in September.

©Gideon’s

Don’t forget to grab the Pumpkin Chai Nitro Cold Brew!

©Gideon’s

The menu features Dr. Tobias Brimstone this month, marking the first time since January 2022 that this character has been brought back. You can grab a collectible menu when you visit Disney Springs. Hmmm, doesn’t he look like a pretty popular Disney Imagineer?

©Gideon’s

You’ll also be able to grab

Dr. Tobias Travel Stamp Sticker⁣
• Dr. Tobias Morsels Pin⁣
• Dr. Tobias Morsels Beverage Sleeve ⁣
• Dr. Tobias Adventurers T-Shirt⁣
• All Hallows Scented Candles

©Gideon’s

Gideon’s also promised that they’re working on a huge project! It’s the 10th anniversary of their East End location, and it sounds like they’re going to have a celebration.

©Gideon’s

We love Gideon’s, and we’re so excited to try the new flavors! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news along with tips and tricks about how to make your Disney World trip the best one yet.

READ MORE ABOUT THEIR SECOND RESTAURANT, SIX RAVENS, HERE!

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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 these flavors sound to you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. 

Swan and Dolphin

There’s a massive reason everyone is booking this hotel in November, and you’re going to want to join in. Good food, great drinks, and a whole lot of fun can only mean one event is almost here!

The Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is perfect for foodies and anyone looking to spice up their Disney World trip. The festival is packed with dishes and drinks from different chefs and restaurants, giving you a chance to try a wide range of great offerings.

2025 Live Entertainment

For the event, they’re offering a special room rate! If you buy a Food & Wine Classic ticket, you can call the hotel (888.828.8850), and if you mention the Food & Wine rate, you get in on a discount. The rate depends on the length of stay, room style, and dates.

Swan Reserve rooms

You can grab this discounted room rate for up to 4 days pre- and post-event. The event runs on November 20th and 21st, each night from 5 PM to 9 PM, giving you plenty of time to eat and drink.

The Dolphin Hotel

Looking at rooms, we saw some from $383, and that’s without the discount. Once you add that in, you’re ready for a full trip to Disney World! There’s so much to do in November, including the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Jollywood Nights.

There’s so much to eat!

We go to the Food & Wine Classic every year, and it’s not one to miss. The menus have been announced, and along with some of our favorites, there are new ones to try! The ticket includes unlimited food and drinks throughout the night, so it can be a great deal if you love trying everything.

CHECK OUT THE FULL MENUS HERE!

So much to try

We loved the Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib from Bourbon Steak…

Bourbon Steak Dish

…and we had the Burnt Ends and Pimento Melt from The Fountain last year. This year, they’ll have a Mini Smash Burger and a French Dip Grilled Cheese, and we’re going to need both because they sound so good.

Burnt Ends and Pimento Melt

One thing we really love about the festival is how everything is included. It can be exhausting to constantly pull out your card and see the transactions add up, up, up. Everything is included in this flat rate. While we use it to try tons of food, if you find your favorite, you can grab more!

Let’s eat!

There’s also live music and entertainment, which turn the whole area into a lively event. Wine, music, and burgers? Say less!

We’re so excited about this event, and you won’t want to miss the room rate discount if you’re planning to visit. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your next Disney World trip.

5 NEW DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2026 SWAN AND DOLPHIN FOOD & WINE CLASSIC

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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

Are you going to the Food & Wine Classic this year? Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments.