Disney Tourist Blog

Blog offering news, planning info, strategy & tips for Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando, Disneyland, plus international parks.

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

Black Friday is less than two weeks away, and early deals are starting to arrive. Only a scattering of truly scorching savings right now, in particular on Disney LEGOs, books, and travel gear. Here's a rundown of what we've found... https://t.co/qhosTfYAoE

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: It's nice to see Disney responding to guest feedback & demand (or lack thereof) by adding an a la carte menu at Napa Rose--much better than only serving $200+ prix fixe! Now let's do the same at California Grill and Be Our Guest at Walt Disney World!
https://t.co/LLlQ0MYqdq

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

Unfortunately, the year-plus quasi-AP does not include Epic Universe, but that's not a surprise given the low price. Here's a rundown of UOR deals, including multi-day tickets that do include Epic, plus other discounts Disney has revealed are coming soon. https://t.co/CO2HFBfwJb

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

We love Early Entry, but Animal Kingdom has become our least-favorite park for the perk at Walt Disney World for a few reasons. Here's why it's arguably counterproductive to be at the front of the pack as of late 2026, as opposed to just rolling up later.
https://t.co/3ByZFoJp1w

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Thanks to the massive crater where Piston Peak and Villains Land will be built, walls lining two lands, ride refurbs & towering crane, there's a lot of construction in Magic Kingdom. Here's a comprehensive look, and just how "bad" it is for guests...
https://t.co/xlwzLQfwqg

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Like Toy Story Land, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a great idea that was poorly executed. The recent enhancements are little things that make a big difference, helping the ride come close to its full potential and guests to suspend disbelief!
https://t.co/6bL3qtPkwT

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: In a surprise visit to EPCOT today, Bryan Cranston revealed the reimagined Carousel of Progress reopens in May 2027. He also shared his personal history with the ride, which predates Walt Disney World. Full details and our take on when CoP returns.
https://t.co/Tn50MCnFhe

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Walt Disney World and Disneyland will get "reimagined" offerings for Star Wars 50th. Here are the most likely changes, from sure things like scenes in Star Tours & Season of Force to Starcruiser stuff, WDW timeline shift, characters & soft reboot...
https://t.co/pMAsQXgVB5

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: This looks like the best-ever food lineup for EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, with a healthy mix of ambitious & comfort cuisine. Obviously great to see a Figment Christmas popcorn bucket, but as explained, we're mixed on the design.
https://t.co/rdamI4lIYI

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

This is a pleasant surprise for Walt Disney World, which historically resisted new movie marketing budgets. That was changing even before this, and WDW has really started to do characters right...  

https://t.co/OIr2kXUKrp

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

Walt Disney World released dates & details about the performer lineup, CommuniCore Hall addition, and when ADRs will drop. Here's everything you need to know, including when we do & don't recommend splurging for the dining package...
https://t.co/JOND1t0gat

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Against all odds, the Christmas version of Walt Disney World's viral ice cream sandwich is better than the OG. And unlike past holiday editions, it's actually majorly different. Here's our review, plus other new 'teases' of Tropical Americas food...
https://t.co/06vT3pZL8w

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Walt Disney World's Military Salute ticket & resort deals return for 2027. The deeply-discounted "Disney Celebrates America" year-long ticket that costs less than half the price of an actual AP is back, plus the first-ever deal on Lakeshore Lodge!
https://t.co/tjWdm0QoN5

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

The week’s biggest news in the Bricker household. We were worried this wouldn’t be back for another year given its low uptake, and are relieved it’s returning. Here’s why this is actually “Disney’s Best Kept Secret,” and an upcharge we endorse…
https://t.co/A5OYdbMvfa

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Disney has revealed the first (hopefully of many) ticket deals of 2027 at Disneyland, and it's for everyone! We do NOT expect this to replace the SoCal deal--but we were wrong in predicting a deal that never materialized last summer, so who knows...
https://t.co/n01ctrzBpy

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

We've been tracking special offers since before 2015, and 50% off rack rates for this timeframe absolutely was not the standard then for the general public. Even AP discounts maxed at 40% off (save for a couple post-COVID anomalies).

Maybe during the Great Recession--I don't have a good record of then.

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Walt Disney World is offering an unprecedented general public room deal with savings *over* 50% off for some dates & $99 starting rates! Here are full dates & details, our discount analysis & resort picks! https://t.co/FBfwFZNJp3

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: One big complaint of Disney fans is too much screen time in the parks. Last year, Imagineering shared a desire to 'break the spell' of guests being glued to their phones; one counterintuitive way they'll do that is via a new lab app launching soon.
https://t.co/tj4yQ9xvSn

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

Big win for families with these two Indiana Jones-adjacent additions. As parents who are actively involved in play time, we have a lot of thoughts about Walt Disney World adding more immersive areas like these. We're honestly baffled by the fan criticism.
https://t.co/OJi3WvZbda

[Disney Tourist Blog @DisTouristBlog]

NEW: Resorts are Walt Disney World’s biggest asset, and we love every single one. Even the weakest has strong points, and although it’s far from our top choice or recommendation for first-timers, it’s still great in some ways. Here are pros & cons…
https://t.co/MxGjQdziHp