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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

We’ve Tried Every Frozen Drink at Disney World and These Are Our Favorites!

Drinking around the World is one of our favorite pastimes, whether the sips are spiked or non-alcoholic!

Drinks

We’ve tried pretty much ALL of the frozen drinks in the parks. Although we love grabbing new things (and sharing them with you guys ;-D), we’ve found a few frozen sips over the year that have secured a special place in our hearts.

And, while you can still mix up some Disney margs at home, we’re taking you with us (virtually) to try our favorite frozen drinks in Disney World!

Fiesta Margarita

Before the original Mexico margarita stand was closed to make way for Choza de Margarita, the kiosk had the Fiesta Margarita (which was a PARTY IN A GLASS with a combo of the lime, strawberry, and mango margs available there). But, when the new location opened in 2017, they switched up the iconic drink just a little bit.

Choza de Margarita

The newer version has Classic Lime, Wild Strawberry with a bit of prickly pear puree, and Mango with some passion fruit as the flavors in the frozen drink.

Fiesta Margarita

And, while we just happened to have the very first Fiesta Marg EVER poured at Choza at its opening, we have to say that it’s just SO good!! There’s a lot of depth and richness to the flavors, which is satisfying AND sweet when you’re walking around the World Showcase.

Gata-Melon Juice

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort may seem like a trek to get to on Disney property, but this drink (and the Mickey Beignets) are WORTH IT. Although there are plenty of sips to try at the Muddy Rivers bar at Port Orleans Riverside and the Mardi Grogs bar at Port Orleans French Quarter, we’re big fans of the Gata-Melon Juice. The drink is mixed up with Midori Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Monin Banana, and Piña Colada Mix, and it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar

The bright green drink is not only perfect for an Insta photo, but it’s also basically like a trip to the tropics in a cup! Each of the melon, pineapple, and banana flavors stand out in the drink but blend together wonderfully with each sip.

All That Jazz with Gata-Melon Juice on Top

Plus, if you really like the Gata-Melon Juice, you can try it along with the Front Porch Freeze and Nola Cola in the All That Jazz slush!

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

The France Pavilion in Epcot is home to some of the BEST treats in all of Disney World (major heart eyes for Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie). And, while you might feel like you’ve stepped right into the center of Beauty and the Beast, you can make your way over to the Les Vins des Chefs de France booth across from Les Chefs de France for a very special treat.

The Grand Marnier Orange Slush is mixed up with Grand Marnier (of course), Rum, Grey Goose, and Orange Juice.

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

While this France drink is already super eye-catching served in a plastic martini glass, the flavors are AMAZING. It’s like drinking a grown-up Dreamsicle or a fancy frozen mimosa, but BETTER!!

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

Although it may taste fantastic, don’t be fooled — this drink is strong, so sip with caution!! Or, go back for another if you really want to. ? Not in the mood for orange? They have a lemony Grey Goose Citron Slush on the menu too!

Avocado Margarita

La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion is a BOMB spot in Disney World to get a drink since the menu items are made fresh with 100% agave tequila. And although we’ve had some amazing sips like the Black Magic Margarita, the Avocado Margarita has become a fan-favorite and one of our own top picks!

While we were able to take a sip of it as a Food and Wine Festival offering in 2009, it ended up permanently making itself a home on the menu of La Cava del Tequila!

Avocado Margarita

The Avocado Margarita is made with El Mayor Blanco Tequila, Midori Melon Liquor, Fresh Avocado, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar Syrup and served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim.

Although it may seem surprising, the drink is a creamy mix of sweet and tart (and super-refreshing). Honestly, it kind of tastes like bananas??? While you can’t visit the park right now to get one, you can still make the Avocado Margarita at home (thank goodness)!

Piña CoLAVA

Although the Piña CoLAVA has become a drink that’s very well-known across the property (you can find it in most standard Disney World bar menus!), it still reigns as one of the best sips available in Disney World!

Pina CoLAVA and Bahama Mama

You can find the drink blended with Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Piña Colada Mix, and Raspberry Purée at places like Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Trout Pass at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and MANY more spots all over the Disney World Resorts.

Pina CoLAVA

The flavors are very sweet, but taste INCREDIBLE with every sip. We love the raspberry twist on a regular piña colada, which makes for a unique Disney drink that you don’t want to miss on your next trip to the parks!

Spikey Pineapple

Spiked Dole Whip?! Count us in!! While Dole Whips may be a classic Disney treat, you can get a little twist on them with the addition of rum in a frozen Spikey Pineapple at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Spikey Pineapple

It’s perfect for those days you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring the resort! If you prefer to eat your boozy Dole Whip with a spoon, you can find different versions of spiked Dole Whips in a few locations around Disney World.

In fact, head to Pineapple Lanai just around the corner from the Tiki Terrace to find a few unique boozy Dole Whip options!

Night Blossom

After you’ve waited in a 2-hour line for Flight of Passage, sometimes you need a little pick-me-up to keep your day going in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pongu Pongu — located just outside the exit to the ride — has two versions of the Night Blossom for kiddos and parents alike!

Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu

The original happens to be one of the BEST non-alcoholic drinks we’ve ever had in Disney World made with limeade, apple, and prickly pear flavors with passion fruit boba balls on top.

But, the Pandora-based stop also serves an alcoholic version with Bacardi rum so you can add a little kick to your trip to the Valley of Mo’ara!

Provence Frosé

When the Riviera Resort opened, we took you all over the hotel to try the eats, treats, and drinks at its counter-service and table-service restaurants. And, although the resort’s pool bar, Bar Riva, has an open-air environment, the quick-stop has some delicious snacks and drinks that are worth grabbing.

Provence Frosé

One of our favorites happens to be the Provence Frosé made with Provence Rosé Wine and Cîroc Vodka. While the imported wine is very smooth in the drink, the flavors are also light and yummy! So, if you’re looking for a drink to pair with that Baked Brie, check this out the next time you’re at the Riviera Resort!

Wonderland Slush

Although Cheshire Cafe in Magic Kingdom is home to that wonderful Cheshire Cat Tail, did you know that it has a super tasty frozen treat too? The Wonderland Slush is made with Minute Maid Frozen Raspberry Lemonade and Frozen Fanta Grape Soda with a candy-coated straw!

Wonderland Slush at the Cheshire Cafe

Trust us — if you’re a fan of grape soda, you’ll love this one!! While the flavors are sweet, they aren’t overwhelmingly so (but you still might get a brain freeze sipping on this one!).

While these have become some of our top picks, we love finding new things in the parks to continue adding to our list!! New drinks are always showing up in the parks, so be sure to check back on DFB for even more frozen reviews!  Cheers, friends!

What are some of your favorite frozen drinks in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. Here It Is! Our ULTIMATE GUIDE to EVERY SINGLE Arendelle Aqua Treat in Disney World and Disneyland (plus full reviews!)!
  2. These 15 HUGE Disney World Snacks Are Totally Worth Wearing Your Stretchy Pants!
  3. Confession: We’re Kinda Glad These Major Menu Bombs Are Gone from Disney World!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Polynesian Resort, Pop Century Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Riviera Resort, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge, Aguacate, alcoholic beverages, All That Jazz, avocado margarita, Bar Riva, Barefoot Pool Bar, Cheshire Cafe, Choza de Margarita, Disney, disney drinks, disney frozen drinks, disney news, Disney non-alcoholic drinks, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Riviera Resort, fiesta margarita, France Pavilion, gata-melon juice, Grand Marnier Orange Slush, La Cava del Tequila, les vins des chefs de france, Mardi Grogs, Mexico pavilion, Muddy Rivers, Night Blossom, Petals pool bar, pina colava, Pongu Pongu, Provence Frosé, Spikey Pineapple, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, Trout Pass Pool Bar, Wonderland Slush

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Disney Parks Disney Vacations Other

5 Rookie Mistakes You’re Making When You Book A Disney World Hotel

YAY! You’re planning a Disney World vacation and we couldn’t be more EXCITED for you! ::Happy dance! Happy dance!::

Magic Kingdom Sign

We’re betting you’ve already done some extensive research to figure out which Disney World resort hotel is best for you, but we want to share a few common pitfalls that trip up a lot of Disney World guests!

Which mistakes should you avoid? Let’s examine five BIG ONES!

Booking Your Disney World Resort Without a Discount

Trust us, we get it. Before we learned how things work, we overpaid for our Disney World vacations too. That’s why we want you to know there’s almost ALWAYS a discount you can apply to your trip, be it a park ticket offer, free dining offer, or room discount!

Free Dining

Always check the special offers tab on Disney World’s website before you make your reservation!

Cake Pop at Magic Kingdom

And if you forget (or already have a reservation when a new promotion or discount is released), you can usually call Disney and rebook your trip with the new discount applied!

Minnie Mouse at Hollywood Studios

Disney doesn’t normally advertise this service, but they’ll do it for you if the offer is still available for your requested room or package. Some promotions such as Disney World’s free dining offer book up VERY fast, so make sure you are signed up for our newsletter so you’ll be one of the first to know! 

Not Requesting a Room

Many Disney guests don’t realize what POWER they have! 

Lobby in Art of Animation

They show up at their Disney World resort, end up with a room they don’t like, and figure, “Well, that’s just the way it’s going to be!” This is NOT how it has to be!

Request a Room When You Book Your Reservation

Select Disney World resorts will allow you to note a room preference when you check-in online!

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

But if the resort you’re staying at doesn’t offer this feature, you can call Disney and a representative will make note of your preference on your reservation. You can request what kind of view you’d like, what building you’d like, what floor, etc (just bear in mind certain rooms will come with an added cost!).

Ask To Switch If You Don’t Like Your Room

If you realize you don’t like your room once you arrive at Disney World (maybe because it has a funky configuration or is too far from the lobby) check with the front desk. You can sometimes move to a different room IF there’s one available in the same price range. If not, you might be able to upgrade to a better room for an additional cost.

Coronado Springs Front Desk

It’s not always possible to transfer rooms or have your first preference, but we’ve found out it never hurts to ask!

Going Straight For a Deluxe Resort Without Considering Other Options

Depending on how much time you’re actually planning on spending at your hotel, a Deluxe resort might not be your best option at Disney World.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Sure, these luxury hotels have A LOT of bells and whistles including nicer rooms, fancier grounds, and loads of other amenities; but depending on how you plan to vacation, you might not get your money’s worth out of the facilities. Whether you’re looking to hit the parks all-day-every-day and won’t be at your resort much OR you’d like a bit more space without shelling out a ton of cash, consider the Value Resorts!

Larger Rooms and Access to Disney’s Skyliner

First up, let’s look at families that might want a bit more space than standard Disney rooms provide. You don’t HAVE to look to Deluxe accommodations to find more spacious rooms! One of our favorites is the Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

These larger guest rooms cost twice what standard rooms at Art of Animation run BUT they can hold up to six adults and have a separate sitting area, TWO FULL BATHROOMS, and lots of extra space. They even include a separate sleeping area for adults and kids! We think you might be quite drawn in by them!

Art of Animation Resort

AND Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has a Disney Skyliner station (which it shares with Disney’s Pop Century Resort), meaning you can hop on a gondola and ride over to Hollywood Studios or Epcot SUPER FAST instead of taking a bus!

Many Guest Rooms Have Been Recently Remodeled

You may also want to consider staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort or one of Disney’s All-Stars Resorts — they have recently renovated many of their guest rooms!

All Things Groovy at Pop Century Resort’s Hippy Dippy Pool

For instance, all of Disney’s Pop Century Resort rooms have been completely overhauled and now feature new flooring, tiling, fixtures, giant flatscreen TVs, and all-new soft furnishings including linens and drapery! And don’t forget — it’s also a Skyliner resort like Art of Animation!!

Amenities

Amenities at some of the value resorts might not be as high-end as Disney World’s more luxurious resorts, but they can still be pretty amazing! Like we previously mentioned — both Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort share a Disney Skyliner station, making it super convenient to access two of Disney World’s four theme parks.

Other than Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you won’t find a resort that’s comparable in price with access to Disney’s Skyliner — and keep in mind Caribbean Beach’s room rates are higher since this resort is classified as Moderate and NOT a Value!

Disney Skyliner

Plus, we really dig the more playful-aspect of the Value resorts! Disney is more “present” in these resorts’ guest room decor as well as each Value resorts’ pool and play area. Kiddos (and adults too!) really seem to get a kick out of seeing larger than life representations of their favorite Disney characters, toys, musical instruments, and other crazy things sprinkled throughout the Values’ buildings and courtyards! Plus these resorts are just SO fun and colorful!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The style of Disney World’s higher-end Moderate and Deluxe resorts skews a bit quieter and subdued. Their guest rooms and courtyards aren’t as flashy while their decor tends to only have a hint of Disney.

Who knows — you might prefer being surrounded by the bigger ‘n bolder Disney stuff at one of the Value resorts because it will remind you you’re on a vacation AT Disney World!

Going Straight For a Value Resort Without Considering Other Options

Wait, didn’t we just say the opposite? But it’s true; you have to carefully weigh out ALL of your options and sometimes the best way to do this involves a little reverse engineering!

Luna Park Pool at Disney’s Boardwalk

That means taking a deep dive into what you’re expecting to get out of your trip to Disney World! This could equal spending a little bit more money on your room if you really want swankier Disney digs!

Higher Quality Vacation Experience

You know yourself better than we do — maybe a Value resort just doesn’t fit with your vision of what your vacation should be. As fun as Value resorts can be, you might need something less economical to be reminded you’re on a magical Disney vacation! We’re talking maximum relaxation in Disney World’s more opulent settings!

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

That’s why a Moderate or Deluxe resort might actually be best for you. You’ll find more amenities such as work-out facilities, more diverse and high-end dining options, business centers, and even salons and spas at some Deluxe hotels. Many of Disney World’s Deluxe properties are also closer to the parks, making them ideal if you’re hoping to avoid extended travel-times!

Better Location

Instead of hopping on a bus, you can get right over to Magic Kingdom via the Monorail if you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! And from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you can take a boat directly to Magic Kingdom!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort with Monorail Access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot

And don’t forget about the Epcot area resorts which include Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. You’ll be able to walk over to Epcot AND Hollywood Studios from all three of these resorts — or take a ferry boat as well!

Cresent Lake Ferry Boat

PLUS you’ll even have access to the International Gateway Skyliner station located in Epcot, giving you even MORE options to get to the parks!

More Restaurants and Variety

While the Value resorts have great food courts, Disney World’s Moderate and Deluxe resorts often offer the best range of dining options.

Texas Wild Boar with Elote and Salsa Verde at Victoria and Albert’s Restaurant in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Many Moderates and Deluxes have grab-n-go options for convenience while also providing a sit-down dining option, lounges or bars, and more. Some even have their own character meals, signature (meaning FANCY!) dining, and room service!

The Determining Factor

Here’s the thing: some people swear by Disney World’s Value resorts while others feel the exact opposite. The choice is ultimately yours to make!

Grand Floridian Lobby

If you think you’ll have a better trip at a Moderate or a Deluxe resort, don’t let your friends’ advice stop you from booking one of these options. Do what feels right for YOUR family.

How to Make It Work With Your Budget

If you’d like to stay at a pricier resort but having a hard time justifying cost, consider trimming a few days off of your itinerary to make staying at a Moderate or Deluxe more affordable! Not only will you be saving money on your room by staying fewer nights, but you won’t have to worry about purchasing extra food, park tickets, or additional parking costs if you’re bringing a car!

Disney’s Riviera Resort

That’s savings that can really add up quickly — which you can THEN apply to a nicer resort! Of course, the trade-off is you’ll have less time to spend at Disney World, but if staying at a pricier resort is a must-do for you it’s an option worth considering!

Not Thinking About Transportation and Proximity

Going off of what we’ve already mentioned a few times, you might really be surprised by the importance of your resort’s location. It could be the deciding factor for your whole vacation experience!

Art of Animation Entrance

If you’re planning on spending A LOT of your trip at a certain park, staying at a nearby hotel might be smart for your family.

Stay Closer to Where You Want to Spend the Most Time

Earlier we mentioned Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, along with Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort,  have access to Disney’s Skyliner — and therefore Hollywood Studios and Epcot are just a short ride away.

This makes travel to these two parks SUPER convenient, but this also means their buses to Epcot and Hollywood Studios run less frequently. This is something to consider if you have a fear of riding the Skyliner — you might have VERY limited bus access to those two parks!

Art of Animation Skyliner

If Magic Kingdom is your MUST-DO park and you plan to spend a good chunk of time there, the (pricier) Monorail resorts might be worth it to your family. Plus, these resorts often offer views of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon, if you want to feel right next to the magic.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks From Disney’s Contemporary Resort

And like we said before, Epcot’s resorts are awesome because you can literally walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. If you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time at one of Epcot’s annual festivals, these resorts have an optimal location so you can pop into Epcot as you please!

We hope we helped you make a little more sense out of the tough decision you’ll be making soon and as always, we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Which Disney World resort are you thinking about staying at? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. The BEST 32 Disney World Snacks You’ll ONLY Find at the HOTELS!
  2. The BIGGEST Time Wasters in Disney World — And How To Avoid Them!
  3. When Does Disney World Start Putting Up Its Christmas Decorations?

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, amenties, beginner’s guide to disney world, better access, bus transportation, deluxe resorts, dining, dining options, discount, Disney World, disney world hotel, disney world resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, disney’s grand floridian resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, disney’s skyliner, disney’s yacht and beach club resort, Epcot, family suites, first time, first trip to disney world, food courts, free dining, Hollywood Studios, how to pick a hotel, location, magic kingdom, moderate resorts, proximity to park, remodeled guest rooms, remodeled rooms, restraurants, rookie mistakes, room discount, skyliner, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, theming, transportation, Value resorts

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Disney Business Disney Financials Disney Parks Disney+

7 Super Weird Ways the NBA and Disney Are (Strangely) Linked Right Now

When you think of Disney, the first thing that pops into your head probably isn’t “basketball.”

NBA Experience

Still, Disney actually has a pretty close relationship with the NBA in more ways than one. You might have heard about the NBA Experience in Disney Springs or maybe you’ve watched basketball on Disney-owned ESPN, but those aren’t the ONLY ways these two companies are linked.

Come with us down the strange, winding rabbit hole of seven weird ways that Disney and the NBA are connected right NOW!

1. The NBA might use Disney World as a potential playing site if the 2019-2020 season resumes.

The big NBA/Disney news right now is that IF the NBA 2019-2020 season is able to resume, they’re considering using Disney World as a potential venue for (fan-less) games. They’ve even already gotten the “OK” from Disney!

Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The NBA has been looking at the logistics of sequestering the entire league. If play could resume at one centralized location, the league could create a “bubble” to keep the players safe.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

If such a situation came to pass, it would be pretty unique to see Disney help get the NBA back up and running.

2. An NBA Player ended up in possession of some stolen vintage Disney World items.

There was a theft case over some missing vintage Disney items a few months ago. Interestingly enough, the stolen items ended up in the possession of mega-Disney fan and Milwaukee Bucks center Robin Lopez.

©ESPN

According to the Orlando Sentinel, authorities found some vintage Disney clothing that used to belong to the Buzzy animatronic from the old Cranium Command attraction in Epcot in Lopez’s possession. The player claimed he did not know that the items were stolen, but he had purchased them from a former Disney employee who had stolen them from Disney property.

©D23

The case has since been settled with the perpetrators taking a plea deal. The situation was pretty high profile, partially because of Lopez’s involvement and because the entire Buzzy animatronic that was stolen still remains missing! The perpetrators claim to have no knowledge of the missing animatronic.

3. Disney is taking a major financial loss due to the suspension of the NBA season.

Remember how we said that Disney owns ESPN? Well, they are taking a significant loss due to the fact that the NBA season has been suspended. According to The Motley Fool, the NBA’s media rights deal with ESPN is worth $2.6 billion per year. Right now, that worth is taking a hit with downgrades to stock and losses in ad revenue.

NBA Experience Store

Some analysts are suggesting that the loss could culminate in a multi-million dollar drop in income due to the NBA alone. It’s interesting to think about how the two businesses have such a dramatic effect on one another!

4. The NBA is looking to Bob Iger for guidance on reopening.

Even though the NBA is completely separate from Disney, the league is reportedly looking to Disney’s executive chairman Bob Iger for some business guidance.

Bob Iger ©Disney

Iger was invited to advise the Board of Governors of the NBA and he addressed how the Disney parks have been making decisions saying, “It’s about the data, and not the date.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appears to agree with this sentiment noting, “We’re just not ready to set a date yet in terms of how long we could wait before we no longer would be able to continue this season.”

Basketball Minnie Ears ©Disney

The two companies are both MASSIVE entertainment-based organizations that notably require people to come together for their business models to work.

5. The NBA Experience opened in Disney Springs in 2019.

Though temporarily closed right now, the NBA Experience opened up in Disney Springs last year. For several years, Disney Springs had a major indoor interactive attraction in the same space called DisneyQuest, but as technology advanced, the experience grew stagnant. So, ultimately, the plug was pulled on DisneyQuest and replaced by a new immersive experience — one that’s b-ball-centric.

NBA Experience

NBA Experience has been open for almost a year now and offers a unique sports experience. The two-story attraction features a bunch of immersive activities designed to make the guest (that’s you) feel like an NBA star. This attraction is a cool option for sports fans!

6. The NBA and Disney theme parks announced closures within one day of each other.

Like we mentioned, the Disney parks and the NBA are both in a state of temporary closure right now. What’s interesting is that they actually started their closures within one day of each other! The NBA suspended their season on March 11th and Disney announced the closure of many of their theme parks on March 12th.

Disneyland Main Entrance

Both companies noted a growing concern in the global health crisis and were some of the first large organizations to close or suspend operations to protect their employees and patrons.

7. The new Michael Jordan documentary is the most-watched ESPN documentary EVER.

And our last interesting link to note is related to the Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance. This ESPN docuseries has been on the channel for a few weeks and, according to the Disney earnings call the other day, it’s the most-watched ESPN documentary EVER. Woah.

©ESPN

What’s crazy is that this is making ESPN (and therefore Disney) some serious money despite the fact that there aren’t a lot of sports going on. In fact, April brought a rise in primetime viewership per CEO Christine McCarthy.

So there you have it! It certainly shocked us how intertwined Disney and the NBA are with each other! We love finding interesting things like this to share with you guys and we’re interested to see what ends up happening with a few of these situations.

Were you surprised about the different ways that Disney and the NBA are linked? Tell us in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. “It’s About The Data, And Not The Date” Says Disney Chairman Bob Iger to NBA Owners
  2. Get Ready for the NBA Experience Coming to Disney Springs in Summer 2019!
  3. Disney Springs Construction Update: NBA Experience and City Works Eatery and Pour House

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, bob iger, disney springs, Disney World, espn, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Documentary, NBA, NBA Experience, NBA Season, NBA season Suspension, The Last Dance

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Disney Parks Other

The 16 Things We’re Eating FIRST When Disneyland Reopens

There is a lot of food that West Coast Disney fans would LOVE to see come to Disneyland (can the West Coast just borrow Epcot for like, a week please?).

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

But Disney World foodies, be prepared to have some major FOMO when you take a look at some of the incredible food Disneyland has to offer! Both West Coast parks have some pretty spectacular food items that Disney World could only DREAM of serving up. Well…consider this your opportunity to dream away, and maybe one day our dreams will come true! 

Fried Chicken at Plaza Inn

If there’s one quick-service meal that Disneyland has a monopoly over, it’s the Fried Chicken from Plaza Inn. Plaza Inn is a sit-down character buffet breakfast in the morning, but for lunch and dinner it switches over to a counter service location that serves up one of Disneyland’s most beloved entrees.

You can smell this dish from a mile away and it has been a long-standing favorite for Disneyland enthusiasts. Just look at it in all its glory:

Plaza Inn Chicken: Just Gaze Lovingly for a Moment

This iconic dish is a healthy (meaning: LARGE) serving of crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, seasoned veggies, and a biscuit. If you haven’t tried Disneyland’s fried chicken yet, MAKE IT A PRIORITY next time you go! You won’t be disappointed. You can grab a plateful of heaven, aka Plaza Inn Fried Chicken, for $18.49.

Corn Dogs and Cheese Sticks

Okay, remember when we said Disneyland has a monopoly on fried chicken? Well it turns out there are some other quick-service meals that the West Coast has MASTERED, and it’s time they share with Disney World! Behold: the hand-dipped corn dog.

Hand Dipped Corn Dog in Disneyland

Yes, something SO simple can really be life-changing. If you even remotely enjoy a good corn dog, one bite of these will ruin all others for you. The batter is slightly sweet and super crispy on the outside, and warm and moist with a juicy dog on the inside. Plus, it’s MASSIVE.

Inside the Corn Dog

Now, in Disney World, The Fantasy Faire Food Truck that made an appearance at Disney Springs a few years back served up what they claim to be a Disneyland Hand-Dipped Corn Dog (spoiler alert — they were VERY good, but not the exact same!). Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom also had a pretty close version for a while, but it’s since been replaced by a longer, skinnier dog.

Comparison of Both Coast Corn Dogs!

This simple dish always steals the show when you visit Disneyland, and West Coast fans will move heaven and Earth to get ahold of one. There are a few places throughout the resort you can pick up one of these beauties: Little Red Wagon (aka “the corn dog cart”, right by Plaza Inn), Stage Door Cafe in Frontierland, and at the Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure!

But Disneyland doesn’t leave vegetarians out of the mix on the dipped goodness. Their incredible Hand-Dipped Cheese Sticks are a thing of beauty as well!

Cheese Stick Corn Dog

This is basically a big ol’ hunk of cheddar cheese, dipped into the same corn dog batter, and fried up so that the cheese gets all gooey inside! It’s absolute indulgence!

Disneyland Cheese stick

Now this one you can ONLY find at Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure, so know before you go!

Funnel Cakes

Disneyland is representing pretty strong in the sweets department as well. Between their out-of-this-world churros and, of course, those specialty Mickey beignets at the Mint Julep Bar, it was hard to choose which sweet treat we would want to steal and bring over to Disney World! We decided on one of our faves: the funnel cake.

Stage Door Cafe Funnel Cake with Strawberry Topping

Disneyland funnel cakes are anything but boring. They’re usually LOADED with toppings! Like the corndog, there are a few places you can grab this delicious dessert: Stage Door Cafe and Hungry Bear Restaurant are our go-to’s.

And if we could have it our way, the FIRST funnel cake we would dig into when we get through the gates would have to be the to-die-for Apple Pie Funnel Cake.

Apple Pie Funnel Cake

The funnel cakes are always HUGE and crisp, but then they’re topped with warm apple pie filling, streusel crumbs, caramel, and whipped cream. This seasonal specialty comes and goes from the Hungry Bear menu and was most recently seen this past Halloween season.

Whenever it does pop up we make sure to grab it because we never know when it might vanish again! So hopefully it finds its way to Disney World soon so East Coast Disney fans can get in on this sweet, sweet treasure.

Meat and Veggie Skewers at Bengal Barbecue

If you’re on the hunt for a smaller-portioned lunch that packs in a ton of flavor, head over to Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland. Right across the way from Indiana Jones Adventure and Jungle Cruise, this is a great pit-stop as you trek across the park.

Bengal Barbecue Menu

You smell Bengal Barbecue long before you see it. Why? Their menu is loaded with delicious grilled meat skewers! They also occasionally have a seasonal item or two to indulge in.

Banyan Beef Hot and Spicy Skewer

The meats are wonderful, but the standout menu item for us has got to be their Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus, called the Safari Skewer.

Bacon-wrapped Asparagus Safari Skewer

Look, we’re the first ones to say that calories don’t count when you’re in a Disney park, but we will gladly eat all of our veggies if they come lightly charred and wrapped in bacon!

What better to wash this all down than with Bengal Barbecue’s signature Jungle Julep! This fruity slush combines pineapple, grape, lemon, and orange into one mega fruity and refreshing drink. Plus it’s VERY pretty!

Loaded Baked Potatoes at Troubadour Tavern

We’re heading into Fantasyland next for some loaded baked potatoes from Troubadour Tavern!

Troubadour Tavern

If you’ve frequented Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in the past, you may remember a similar menu item at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments and Liberty Square Market in Liberty Square. Unfortunately, these have disappeared, but they’re still going strong at Disneyland!

Loaded Baked Potato from Troubadour Tavern

These are massive soft baked potatoes loaded with all the goodies you’d expect — bacon, butter, cheese, chives, and sour cream. BUT you can also get more unique stuffed potatoes like the BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potato!

All Things LOBSTER at Harbour Galley

Wait a minute, are we in Disneyland or New England? Did you know that you can get a Lobster Roll in the Happiest Place on Earth? Harbour Galley is nestled between Critter Country and New Orleans Square, right across from the Haunted Mansion exit.

Harbour Galley

You can find a variety of East Coast-inspired dishes, like Clam Chowder and even a Shrimp Salad, but today, we’re talking all things lobster.

Their menu regularly includes both Lobster Rolls and Lobster Mac and Cheese (YUM), and they’ve even served up specialty lobster dishes like this Lobster Pot Pie Soup!

Lobster Pot Pie Soup

If you’re a fan of lobster (or really, seafood in general) this out of the way spot is serving up some real gems.

Fritters from Royal Street Veranda

Travel deeper into New Orleans Square and you’ll happen upon Royal Street Veranda. This is one of the places in Disneyland where you can get a cup of their delicious Gumbo!

Royal Street Veranda

But what we would REALLY love to see come to Disney World are their fritters! These bite-size marvels are seasonal offerings and typically switch up several times throughout the year.

We’ve tried their Bacon, Cheddar, and Green Onion Fritter, their crunchy pimento cheese fritters, and their Blue Lump Crab Fritters, just to name a few!

Bacon Cheddar and Green Onion Fritter

We’ve seen the full range of fritters, from savory to sweet, including the most recent Berry Cheesecake Fritter!

Cheesecake Frosting Dip

We’re down with anything they want to fry up in fritter form! Just about every variety we’ve tried has been FANTASTIC.

Loaded Onion Rings from Hungry Bear

Up next is Hungry Bear Restaurant. This dining location used to be considered a ‘dead end’ in the park, but is now connected to one of the entrances to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so it gets much more foot traffic than it used to!

Hungry Bear Restaurant

Loaded fries seem to be a dime a dozen these days. But loaded onion rings? Sign us up!

Loaded Onion Rings from Hungry Bear

These gorgeous rings are fried up fresh then covered in a creamy cheese sauce, bacon, green onions, and a cilantro-lime crema. These need to hop on a flight to Disney World STAT. They’re crunchy, they’re flavorful…they are HEAVENLY.

All the goodies (and Loaded Dole Whip) from Tropical Hideaway

Our last stop in Disneyland Park is Tropical Hideaway! This counter service location opened up last year just outside the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Tropical Hideaway

We’ve been obsessed with trying all their new menu items from their lumpia to their yummy baos!

Pork Lumpia

Tropical Hideaway’s claim to fame, however, is their specialty Dole Whips and LOADED Dole Whips. As in love as we are with the Dole Whip Floats from Magic Kingdom, some of these loaded Dole Whips at Disneyland could give that Kakamora Float a run for its money!

Recently we’ve tried the Twisted Ambush Loaded Dole Whip topped with fruit, crystalized hibiscus, and more…

Twisted Ambush Loaded Dole Whip

…as well as the specialty Indiana Jones Adventure Loaded Dole Whip!

Indiana Jones Adventure Specialty Loaded Whip

While there’s no shortage of Dole Whip specialties on both coasts, we would love to see Disney World incorporate some of Tropical Hideaway’s unique menu items!

Cheese Fries and BBQ Crunch Dog at Award Wieners

We’re hopping over to Disney California Adventure and straight to Award Wieners!

Award Wieners

Hot dog lovers will be in heaven when you check out the wide variety of dishes to choose from!

Award Wieners Menu

Two items, in particular, have stolen our hearts. First up: the Filmstrip Fries with Beer Cheese!

Beer Cheese Fries

You guys know we are SERIOUS about our cheese here at DFB — so much so that we made our own cheese crawl for Disney World! If this item were to find its way to the East Coast, it would surely join ranks with our other beloved cheese dishes. If JUST cheese won’t do, they often have a limited time flavor of loaded filmstrip fries on the menu as well!

The other must-have dish from Award Wieners is that yummy BBQ Crunch Dog.

Barbecue Crunch Dog at Award Wieners

This tasty dog (cheddar sausage, actually!) is loaded with sweet barbecue sauce, cheese, and fried onion strings on a toasty potato bun.

Bread Bowls at Pacific Wharf Cafe

Pacific Wharf Cafe is known as the go-to destination in California Adventure if you want your meal served in a fresh-baked bread bowl. From soups to salads, you can get just about anything in their sourdough bowls, which are made right there (the smell inside is AMAZING, by the way).

Pacific Wharf Cafe

But what could possibly make freshly baked sourdough bread even BETTER? Mac and cheese, that’s what!

Macaroni and Cheese in a Sourdough Bread Bowl!

This menu item was an on-again, off-again Secret Menu item at Pacific Wharf Cafe, but as long as the Mac and Cheese is on the kids’ menu, you can have them throw some in a bread bowl for ya. It seems as though it has now made its way as a regular menu item for adults, too! The secret’s out!

And when you’re ready for dessert, Pacific Wharf Cafe serves up some seriously incredible bread pudding. They switch up quite frequently, so we’ve had the pleasure of trying MANY Bread Puddings over the years. Let’s take a trip down memory lane looking at some of our favorite bread puddings! There was, of course, the Oreo Cheesecake Bread Pudding…

Oreo Cheesecake Bread Pudding

…and a seasonal cheesecake bread pudding with cherries…

The Cheesecake Bread Pudding at Pacific Wharf Cafe

…there was the Apple Fritter Bread Pudding…

Apple Fritter Bread Pudding

…the Maple Bacon Bread Pudding…

Maple-Bacon Bread Pudding

…and who could forget the stunner that was the Lemon-Blueberry Bread Pudding…

Lemon-Blueberry Bread Pudding at Pacific Wharf

…they even had a lovely Rainbow Bread Pudding last year for Gay Days!

Rainbow Bread Pudding

We think we’ve made our case. These are usually served warm and we’ve enjoyed them ALL! Disney World, get hold of these Bread Puddings ASAP!

Bacon Mac n Cheese Cone at Cozy Cone Motel

Now we’re heading to Carsland for one of California Adventure’s most iconic counter service meals. Cozy Cone Motel serves up a variety of food items, and, not surprisingly, they’ve committed hard to the cone-shaped theming, even in the food!

Cozy Cone Motel

Cozy Cone changes up their offerings quite a bit, usually having a seasonal cone on the menu. But of the year-round staples, one of our favorites is the Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone.

Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone at Disneyland’s Cozy Cone Motel

Anytime you combine bacon with mac & cheese is a good idea, but serving it in a portable, EDIBLE container? Ever BETTER. Disney World has seen a few food-in-cones pop up over the years, and — for those of you die-hard Disney food historians — the bacon mac and cheese cone actually DEBUTED in Disney World way back when; but these fun items usually don’t stick around long on menus on the East coast. So let’s hop on this and make it stick in Disney World!

Caramel Corn!

Our last food item that we’re including in our list isn’t exactly a counter service meal. Then again, anything can count as your meal in Disneyland. It’s the Happiest Place on Earth, after all, so if you want those beignets to count as your dinner then good on you! ?

Disney California Adventure’s Caramel Corn

So we’re keeping it simple, straight, and to the point here: California Adventure serves CARAMEL CORN. While you can get some legit caramel corn at Karamell-Küche in Epcot, THIS is basically DISNEY popcorn…coated in caramel. So if you’re a Disney popcorn devotee, then it’s a must- must- must-try. Next time you’re in California Adventure, head to the popcorn stand near Elias & Co. and Carthay Circle and order up a serving!

Well, that’s our food tour of delicious eats we loooove in Disneyland. While Disney World is always on the cutting edge of theme park snacks, there’s still TONS of edible magic happening in Walt’s original park! We’d love to see some of these goodies make a trip to the East Coast to see how they’d fare!

What’s your favorite snack from Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Categories
Disney Parks Other

8 Reasons You Should Definitely Consider A Disney World Value Resort Hotel

You have a LOT of options when it comes to choosing your Disney World Resort hotel.

All Star Movies Resort

We know how daunting the decision of accommodations can be when you’re planning your Disney trip. It’s a SUPER expensive part of your trip, and you want to get it right!

So, we’re breaking down a few of the options for you! Trying to decide between a deluxe, moderate, or value resort? Here’s why you should DEFINITELY consider a Disney World value resort. 

Disney World has more than two dozen resorts, five of which are considered the value resorts (not counting The Campsites at Fort Wilderness). Today, we’re talking about Disney’s All-Star Resorts — Sports, Music, and Movies — Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

They’re called “value” for a reason.

First off, they’re called “value” for a reason. If you’re headed to Disney, odds are you’re already dishing out a lot of cash on park tickets and travel. Your Disney World resort hotel can be a great way to cut down on costs.

All-Star Sports

Most value resorts will have room rates of $100 to $200 per night. On the other hand, moderate resorts see prices of $200 and up, and the deluxe resorts get even MORE (like, a LOT more) expensive. So staying at a value resort can: Save. You. Money. Plain and simple.

But there’s more to consider than just the obvious.

You might be in your hotel room a lot less than you think you’ll be.

It can be tempting to splurge on that gorgeous pricey deluxe hotel room with the nuanced theming and tons of amenities, but the reality is that you might be in your room a whole lot less than you think you’ll be! For many guests, their goal in Disney World isn’t to have luxurious sleep-in sessions or the best room service ever — it’s to GO TO DISNEY WORLD and spend time at the theme parks. If that’s you, then your room becomes a space that’s really only for resting and getting ready to GO GO GO.

Pop Century Resort

If you think you’ll tend to spend most of the time in the parks when you go, then spending extra money on a hotel may not be a good decision for you! The value resorts will do just fine .

You’re getting a lot of the same perks for way less!

Plus, while paying less, it’s not like you’re passing up on all the great Disiney hotel perks! Sure, you might not be steps away from a signature restaurant, and getting around on Disney transportation might be a little bit longer of a trip depending on which resort you choose, BUT some of the best Disney hotel perks are still available to you.

Art of Animation Skyliner

Staying at a value resort will still net you access to Extra Magic Hours (extra hours in the park JUST for resort guests) during your trip, access to Disney transportation (including the SKYLINER at some resorts. More on that soon!), and the ability to book 60 days out on your Fastpass+ reservations window as opposed to the standard 30 days out for non-resort guests. That means you have the exact same access to booking the most popular rides as those folks dropping $500 a night at the deluxe resorts!

The food courts are pretty awesome.

Ok, so there aren’t any crazy table-service restaurants in the value resorts, but the food courts are actually pretty awesome. Disney’s All-Star Sports features End Zone Food Court, Disney’s All-Star Music features Intermission Food Court, Disney’s All-Star Movies has World Premiere Food Court, Disney’s Pop Century features Everything POP Shopping & Dining, and Disney’s Art of Animation has Landscape of Flavors!

Sorcerer Mickey Cupcake

These locations offer a lot of variety and family-friendly options. They also happen to be the home to some of the best hidden gem snacks in Disney World depending on when you go! We ALWAYS make sure to check out the All-Stars for any new cupcakes (because they have had some COOL ones) and you can even get SELF-SERVE DOLE WHIP in World Premiere Food Court sometimes!

They’ve got great options for large families or groups.

We actually love the value resorts for large families or groups. If you want to opt for a few rooms, these resorts will offer the cheapest options. Plus, several of them offer family suites that are perfect for those bigger groups.

Art of Animation has family suites in the Finding Nemo, Cars, and Lion King sections of the resort that include two bathrooms, a common space, and a separate bedroom. Plus, they sleep up to six people!

Finding Nemo Suite at Art of Animation

All-Star Music has deluxe family suites as well. These rooms are going to be a little bit pricier than a regular value room but they tend to be LEAPS and BOUNDS cheaper than staying in the other suites on property.

They’re a lot of fun!

This one might not be something you’d usually think about when you’re deciding on a place to stay, but it can make a big difference. The value resorts in Disney are a LOT of fun, TBH. These resorts have really unique energy because they have a lot more guests. With more kids and families, the resorts really feel alive — even at slower times of the year. Plus, these resorts just tend to be more colorful and fun to look at!

Art of Animation Big Blue Pool

Plus, some of the best-themed pools are at the value resorts! We LOVE Hippy Dippy Pool at Pop Century Resort and the Finding Nemo themed Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is probs one of the best pools in all of Disney World!

You might have an extra easy way to get around.

Remember earlier when we mentioned the Skyliner? This brand new transportation option runs to both Pop Century AND Art of Animation and makes getting to certain parts of Disney World a total cinch.

Skyliner Gondolas Are The Latest Form Of Disney Transportation

Just hop into a gondola and you’ll be in Hollywood Studios or Epcot within MINUTES. Forget those buses! Plus, they’re a great way to visit the other Skyliner resorts — Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. And if you head to Epcot, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn are just a few steps away from the station!

You can always check out the moderate and deluxe resorts for FREE!

Plus, if you feel like you’re missing out on some of the entertainment options or vibes from the moderate and deluxe resorts, you can still pay a visit for free! Take a resort day and hop around to some of the other resorts! You could even make some Advance Dining Reservations at some of the best resort restaurants in Disney World and soak up the deluxe vibes, without paying the steep prices to stay there.

Riviera Resort Skyliner Station

Some of our favorite resort activities include taking free kitchen tours of the restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, listening to live music at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and strolling through Disney’s Riviera Resort to see all the wonderful artwork.

So, is a value resort right for YOUR family?

So ya see? There are a lot of great reasons to spend your Disney trip in a value resort room. To conclude, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of a value resort!

You SHOULD stay in a Disney value resort if…

  • You’re looking to do Disney on a budget without sacrificing perks.
  • You’re traveling with a larger family or group.
  • You’re expecting to be out of the room a lot.
  • You’re a total cupcake fanatic!

You SHOULDN’T stay in a Disney value resort if…

  • Table-service or signature dining in your resort hotel is a priority for you.
  • You want to be able to walk to a theme park.
  • You’re scared of heights (and nervous about the Skyliner!).
  • A primary goal of your Disney World trip is luxury and relaxation.

Take these factors into consideration and don’t forget to at least think about booking a Disney World value resort! It could be right for you’re family!

Are you a fan of staying at the value resorts? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com