If you love sweets, this latest edition of Sweet Treats will have you running over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to try out the latest and greatest indulgences. This spring, the chefs have whipped up some truly decadent items crafted especially for those sweet tooth extraordinaries, like us, to live out their own culinary adventures at the park. We don’t know about you, but we can’t resist a dessert when we see one. And trust us, these treats are not to be missed.

Starting today, all across Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll be able to get your hands on these delicious dishes to celebrate the fresh flavors of spring! We hope you and your taste buds are ready, because you won’t be able to resist this Sweet Treats roundup.

First off, let’s take a little trip over to Sunset Boulevard where multiple locations are serving up sweets. At Hollywood Scoops, the Orange Blossom Shake has everything you need to stay cool and, most importantly, satisfied. This orange and cream milkshake is absolutely beautiful (and tasty), topped with whipped cream and an orange-scented donut – how can you resist that? As an avid milkshake and donut connoisseur, I know I’ll be dropping into the Hollywood Scoops for this shake (likely more than once).

If you’re interested in a treat that’s inspired by a tale as old as time, the Beauty and the Beast Rose at Catalina Eddie’s will make you feel the love … or maybe that’s just your sweet tooth calling? This dessert is as beautiful as it is tasty – take a look for yourself! This dark chocolate mousse with a taste of black currant and Morello cherry sits atop a chocolate shortbread cookie, whipped cookies, and cream fluff, and is gorgeously topped with gilded chocolate-covered cocoa nibs.

At Rosie’s All-American Café, the S’mores Cupcake will light up your appetite. What could be better than chocolate and marshmallows on a cupcake? This fudge-filled chocolate cupcake, and yes, I did say fudge-filled, is topped with graham cracker buttercream, toasted marshmallows, and even a mini chocolate bar.

If you’re looking for a twist on a classic Mickey apple, The Trolley Car Café has got you covered. Here you’ll find the Chocolate-covered Apple, a dark chocolate and peanut butter crunch dipped Granny Smith apple with marshmallow ears. Not only is it absolutely adorable and a Disney treat staple, but it’s delicious too! Sounds like a win-win to me.

Next up, we have the ABC Commissary. This spot brought its best for this roundup because they have not one but two delicious desserts – one minty and one tropical-tasting!

First up, we have the Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. Enjoy this chocolate cheesecake topped with dark chocolate ganache and whipped mint chocolate chip cream. Few things go together quite as well as mint and chocolate, and when you throw in the fact that this is a cheesecake, it’s a must-try treat.

Also being served up at ABC Commissary is the Tropical Tart. This lovely dessert is a mango passionfruit curd-filled graham cracker tart topped with whipped raspberry vanilla bean panna cotta, toasted coconut, and dehydrated strawberry and passionfruit. With all these fresh, fruity flavors, this treat is a spring staple!

If you ever wondered what strawberries, cheesecake, and cannoli tasted like together, well you’re in for a treat. PizzeRizzo is joining in on the spring fun with the Strawberry Cheesecake Cannoli. This white chocolate and rainbow sprinkled dipped cannoli shell filled with whipped strawberry cheesecake is a must-try. Just look at how pretty it is!

And last but certainly not least, we venture over to where the toys hang out to find our final treat. If you stop into Woody’s Lunch Box, you’ll find the newest addition to their sweet selections – the Banana Fudge Lunch Box Tart. This peanut butter and chocolate fudge stuffed pastry is coated with banana fondant, banana chips, and rainbow sprinkles. I don’t know about you, but I think bananas and fudge are a great combo and I can guarantee I will be heading over for repeat tastings of this tart.

And there you have it – the Sweet Treats of spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I hope you and your tastebuds enjoy all these desserts. Let your sweet tooth adventures begin!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

It’s the first week of a brand-new year, are you ready to embrace 2022 with a focus on health and wellness?

On select Wednesdays and Fridays in Jan., Disney Springs will be offering complimentary group fitness classes to our guests, too. Each class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will take place in Town Center near Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. Interested in taking part? Here’s the schedule:

Wellness Wednesday Events:

• 1/5 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Fabletics
• 1/12 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
• 1/19 – HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour
• 1/26 – Orlando Power Yoga presented by Fabletics

Fitness Friday Events:

• 1/21 – Warrior One Yoga presented by lululemon
• 1/28 –  HIIT Workout Class presented by Under Armour

Registration is required for all events and space is limited. To register, visit the Fitness and Wellness page under the Experiences tab on DisneySprings.com.

Of course, exercise is just one component of a healthy lifestyle; it’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet. While Disney Springs is certainly known for some truly over-the-top indulgent foods, there are also plenty of better-for-you menu items to be found. Below are a few of my favorites … read on and maybe you’ll discover something new.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC – When Erin McKenna opened her original NYC location in 2005, she had two rules: (1) Create a bakery free of harmful ingredients. (2) Wear cute uniforms. Today, the Disney Springs location is doing just that, focusing on guests with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and those with allergies (especially kids!) who are often unable to indulge. Everything here is vegan, gluten-free and delicious!

Frontera Cocina – The Taqueria Ensalada is a staple in my Disney Springs dining repertoire. It features Arcadian lettuce, poblano rajas, carrot, radish, avocado, tortilla strips, Cotija cheese and an avocado-lime vinaigrette. I like to switch between adding the grilled chicken breast and the Mojo garlic grilled shrimp! They’re both amazing.

Planet Hollywood – The Hollywood Bowl is a standout salad that features Romaine lettuce, house-roasted turkey breast, hard-boiled egg, avocado, Roma tomato, and cucumber. It comes with bacon, swiss cheese and croutons, but you can omit those if you’re aiming for a lower calorie meal. While the recommended dressing is Thousand Island, feel free to swap in a balsamic vinaigrette if desired.

The Polite Pig – The Polite Caesar and Cobb Salads (without bacon) are satisfying bets, while the Chicken Salad Wrap is great for those who want a handheld option. You can also make a meal out of a few Market Sides; the Roasted Beets, Tomato Watermelon Salad, Grilled Street Corn and Polite Baked Beans are a few you might want to consider. Last, but not least, there are even healthier choices for little ones including the Roast Smoked Turkey Breast and Grilled Skinless Chicken Breast. Yum!

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Trying to cut down on meat consumption? Check out This Shepherd Went Vegan, a plant-based Shepherd’s Pie, or the Raglan Risotto, an outstanding vegetarian dish that spotlights wild mushrooms, glazed baby vegetables, tarragon and shaved parmesan. Raglan Road is also celebrated by those with gluten sensitivities as many of their popular menu items are gluten-free.

Yesake – The Tofu Power Bowl is a hearty mix of organic tofu, avocado, spinach, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, tempura crunch and wasabi ponzu. Best of all? You can modify it to your liking.

These are just a few of the healthier items you can find throughout Disney Springs. Ask your server for recommendations if you’re looking for other suggestions. And remember, you can always request modifications at most restaurants – asking for no butter, dressing on the side, or grilled chicken instead of fried, for example, can go a long way. Still not willing to give up your favorites? You can enjoy anything in moderation, so ask for a “to-go” box and plan to take half of your meal home. (The best part of that scenario? You get to enjoy something delicious twice!)

Speaking of home, a relaxing living space outfitted with products that evoke calm and support your wellbeing is also a key ingredient for wellness. Need inspiration? Here are a few ideas:

Basin – Self Care? Yes, please! Basin products are made with simple, nourishing ingredients that are safe and gentle for you and the environment. Whether you opt for shampoo and conditioner bars, bath bombs, or shower bombs, you’ll enjoy fresh, soothing aromas that add positivity and calm to your day.

L’Occitane – Looking for a refresher for your skin? The Overnight Reset Oil-In-Serum provides dual texture and one powerful effect via 3,000 micro bubbles of encapsulated immortelle essential oil with anti-aging benefits.

Fit2Run – Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the team at Fit2Run can help you find the perfect fit shoe to support you in your running journey. At Fit2Run they believe everyone is a runner … “if you put on your shoes and put one foot in front of the other, you are a runner!” No matter your speed, pace or distance, every runner matters to the Fit2Run Fit Experts, who will work with you to find the perfect fitting shoes. In under 20 minutes, a fit expert can take you through a customized fitting including a foot scan, gait analysis and assessment of your goals and preferences to find the best shoes for you. No appointment necessary and walk-ins are always welcome!

The Spice & Tea Exchange – For centuries, the health benefits of tea have been widely touted. Find an impressive selection of loose and bagged teas, and, this month, save 50% off 1-ounce tea bags when you purchase an infuser mug.

World of Disney – If comfy and cozy is your goal, then you’ll want to check out the Mickey Mouse Spring collection. Featuring calming pastels and soft fabrics, there’s something in the collection for every character in your family!

So … what healthy traits are you looking to embrace in 2022? Share in the comments below – I’d love to know!

If you’re like us, you have been craving a DOLE Whip® treat ever since reading the “Foodie Guide to All Your DOLE Whip Dreams” on the Disney Parks Blog. Well, we have even more mouth-watering news to share with you. Now at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, new Dole Whip soft-serve desserts are just the beginning to a summer of delicious treats.

Remember how Moana crossed an ocean of adventure to become a wayfinder, inspiring all of us to embrace the explorer in each of us? When traveling, we love exploring new and sweet culinary experiences. You don’t have to ask us twice to indulge our sweet tooth, especially when they come with a bit of Disney inspiration. Little ‘Opihi’s at Aulani Resort has plenty of options to satisfy your adventurous hunger for summer treats. The grab-and-go kiosk offers up a variety of beverages and sweet snacks that you can enjoy while dipping your feet in the sand on the beautiful Ko Olina beach.

Whether you are splashing down waterslides in the Waikolohe Valley pool area, snorkeling in Rainbow Reef or taking part in a scavenger hunt along the Menehune Adventure Trail, being an adventurous explorer at Aulani Resort definitely works up your appetite. To get you started on your summer treats to-eat list at Aulani Resort, here’s a sampling of some of the delicious desserts for you to enjoy:

The Moana Dole Whip Fresh Fruit Sundae features Dole Whip pineapple in a crispy waffle bowl topped with fresh pineapple, sprinkles and a white chocolate image of Moana.

Or have a Stitch Dole Whip Fresh Fruit Sundae with Dole Whip watermelon in a waffle bowl topped with sprinkles, fresh and a white chocolate image of Stitch.

You can also choose Mickey or Minnie Dole Whip treats or try them all during your stay.

Little ‘Opihi’s has a selection of treats for every taste bud. You can also choose a Chocolate Dipped Banana with Macadamia Nuts. I love this one because it features an image of Moana made of white chocolate.

My favorite singing turtle, ‘Olu Mel, has his own cupcake. You can find this adorably sweet confection at Mama’s Snack Stop.

Now, if you need one more treat to drench your Aulani Resort summer memories in, then definitely try a Mickey Shave Ice – Aulani Resort’s unique take on a refreshing local dessert with flavors like mango, pineapple, coconut, lilikoi, orange and guava. Just ask for three of the flavor options at the Pāpālua Shave Ice snack shop to create a magical rainbow of flavor.

For more information on Aulani Resort including the pools, recreation and dining options visit DisneyAulani.com. Reservations for Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa are now available through 2022. For information about Disney Vacation Club, visit the Disney Vacation Club website.

Hello, sunshine! Sweet, sweet summertime is here in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, where the vibes are cool, the trends are hot and the treats will have you smiling ear to ear! Here’s a handy list of some fan favorites created just in time for your next visit:

Eat! From innovative and delicious snacks to delectable meals, Downtown Disney District has got your cravings covered!

• Soak up the California sunshine dining al fresco at one of the welcoming outdoor patios including La Brea Bakery Café, Tortilla Jo’s, and recently reopened Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Splitsville Luxury Lanes is offering a refreshing Watermelon Smash cocktail and the Ninja Crunch sushi roll, while Tortilla Jo’s is featuring a Baja ceviche, a strawberry-mint margarita and pineapple mojitos. Catal has a Skuna Bay salmon dish and Naples presents a lovely caprese salad. And let’s not forget the Cuban sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. Delish!

Insider tip: Many locations offer dining reservations seven days a week including Naples Ristorante e Bar and Catal Restaurant. Check restaurant reservation availability on the Disneyland app or Disneyland.com.

• Snacking is kind of a big deal here! Sweet choices range from handmade ice cream from Salt & Straw, seasonal beignets from Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express, S’more cupcakes at Sprinkles, and the adorable watermelon caramel apple dipped with chocolate and marshmallows at Marceline’s Confectionery.

Most items are for a limited time, so you may just need to try them all!

Shop! Looking for the latest summer styles that are easy and breezy? Summer shopping is plentiful in the Downtown Disney District.

• Make a splash with these cute charms from Pandora Jewelry, while you shop for the latest in footwear at California Sole, beachwear at Curl Surf and Resort fashion at The Disney Dress Shop.
• Discover an exciting array of PRIDE merchandise offered at Curl Surf, Sugarboo & Co. and World of Disney, or checkout the latest nuiMOs plush character release.

Explore! In search of an outdoor family-friendly activity or a photographic scavenger hunt? From anamorphic art installations to photo opportunities, there is a lot to discover!

• Come on down to see how things are “lining up” for Mickey Mouse and his pals. These popular anamorphic art installations have been updated and are back this year for guests to enjoy throughout the summer. Check out the pieces from certain vantage points and you’ll see the whole picture!
• Or, pop into the picture with selfie stops including Spider-Man celebrating the opening of Avengers Campus and “Love, Victor” celebrating PRIDE month. Both of these photo opportunities are located near Star Wars Trading Post. There is also a limited-time photo stop of the Cruella-mobile available through August 1, 2021 located toward the east end of the district.

Summertime brings so many great things to see and do in Downtown Disney District. Where will you eat, shop or explore first?

Walt Disney World Resort has even more reasons to get excited about visiting in May and beyond! You’ll be able to see beloved characters when Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort reintroduces an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner starring the Fab Five. Over at the EPCOT Resort area, you’ll be able to once again enjoy seaside meals when Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens, and, get your taste buds ready for the re-opening of Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Chef Mickey’s Dinner

Starting May 16, Chef Mickey’s will offer an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style dinner that will include “no touch” appearances like snapping a selfie or waving hello as Mickey Mouse and some of his favorite pals make surprising appearances in each of the dining rooms. Similar to other character dining locations, Guests will take home a souvenir with character signatures and colorful artwork.

Seeing your favorite characters isn’t all you can look forward to at Chef Mickey’s! The dinner menu will include items for the whole family, like starters of “Chef Mickey’s Caesar,” citrus-poached shrimp salad, and assorted breads; main courses of gnocchi, roasted garlic potato Gratin, plant-based faro wheat fried rice, prime rib, roasted turkey, and salmon; and an assortment of sweets to top off the meal. Little ones in your family can enjoy mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, turkey corn dog nuggets, and more!

Cape May Café 

If you ever dream of escaping to the beach and enjoying all the delicious food of an oceanside town, you’ll be happy that Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens on May 18! The New England-style restaurant is a perfect location to refuel before and after a day of adventure at Walt Disney World.

Guests returning to Cape May Café will find old favorites and new changes, along with its signature service and quality. The restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner, but Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast and the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet will not return at reopening.

That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of treats in store! The all-you-care-to enjoy family-style breakfast menu will feature popular staples like pastries (including the layered crispy, cream-filled “Lobster Tail”), omelets, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waffles. Highlights from dinner will include house-made Parker House rolls and corn bread, a seafood boil with a variety of fresh seafood, The Turf Platter with steak and chicken, and – my personal favorite – lobster mac and cheese.

Bookings for Cape May Café and dinnertime at Chef Mickey’s open on May 7.

Tusker House Restaurant

The guest-favorite character dining location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant, will reopen this summer! During the modified character experience, guests will enjoy delicious family-style entrees inspired by the flavors of Africa and can snap photos of Donald Duck and friends, dressed in their safari best as they promenade through the restaurant. We will share more about the menu and reservation information soon.

Disney looks forward to welcoming you back to Cape May Café and for dinnertime at Chef Mickey’s later this month. And they can’t wait for you to savor the delicious African-inspired fare at Tusker House Restaurant in the coming months. Stay tuned for more scrumptious details and foodie news in the coming weeks!

This Walt Disney World Resort edition of Best Bites is jam-packed with a new opening announcement, fun menu offerings, and, of course, all things to celebrate a favorite day of the year for fans of Star Wars – May the 4th Be With You! Read on for all the delicious details.

Counting down to May the 4th Be With You! Check out all the creative tastes and sips.

Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs

• The Child Mini Dome Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with cookies and cream mousse (available April 30-May 5)

The Ganachery at Disney Springs

• Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop – Milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls (available April 30-May 5)

Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft Serve Sundae – Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon chocolate accent piece (available May 2-5)

For guests that have reservations to Disney Hollywood Studios May 4 and 5, you can find these fun galactic treats!

Churro Cart, Anaheim Produce, and Grand Ave. Cart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Lightsaber Churros – Red or blue churro lightsabers served with chocolate sauce for dipping (available May 4 and 5)

Epic Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Galactic Swirl Funnel Cake – Black and white funnel cake with strawberries, space dust, and candy rocks (available May 4 and 5)

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Oi-Oi Puff – Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (available May 4 and 5)

Hyperion, Animation, and Hollywood Popcorn Carts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Interstellar Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn (available May 4 and 5)

The Trolley Car Café, PizzeRizzo, and Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Dark Side Chocolate Creation – Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse topped with slivered almonds sitting on a chocolate shortbread cookie (available May 4 and 5)

Oasis Canteen, Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Sunshine Day Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Cosmic Rum Punch – Coconut rum, rum, pineapple juice, Minute Maid Lemonade, and grenadine served with a glow cube (available May 4 and 5)

Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Jettison Juice – Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon beverage syrup served with a glow cube (available May 4 and 5)
• Darth Vader Stein served with fountain drink (available at all locations May 4 and 5. After May 4, Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American will continue to offer)

They have two new over-the-top shakes you have to try! One comes with a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cake and another with three cake pops! What???!!!

Hollywood Scoops at Disney’s Hollywood Studio

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Explosion Shake – Chocolate ice cream layered with peanut butter sauce topped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate peanut butter crumbles and a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cake

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

• Wildberry Shake – Wildberry shake striped with pink and purple marshmallow and topped with whipped cream and three cake pops

The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues through July 5, and the food is fabulous … and the flowers are beautiful, too! Hard to pick favorites, but right now, folks are craving these delicious bites from the Festival.

• Fleur de Lys (France) – Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel
• EPCOT Farmers Feast (World Showplace) – Herb-crusted spring lamb with marble potatoes, spring vegetables, and red wine-butter sauce
• Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco) – Moroccan seafood couscous with shrimp, mussels, olives, preserved lemons, and anchovy breadcrumbs
• Northern Bloom (Canada) – Griddled maple pound cake with warm peach compote and sweet corn gelato

Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has not one but two “hidden Mickeys” in their Kids’ All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Breakfast Skillet! This hearty and delicious kids’ breakfast skillet includes a Mickey-shaped waffle AND, new to the skillet, Mickey-shaped scrambled eggs! In addition to the Mickey-shaped scrambled eggs and waffle, the kids’ skillet also comes with:

• Country potatoes
• Hickory-smoked bacon
• Breakfast sausage links
• Buttermilk cheddar biscuit
• Sausage gravy

Check out two new offerings at Disney Springs – one savory and one sweet. The best of both worlds!

D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs

• Double Bacon Stack Burger – Two-pressed signature blend patties, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and grilled onions on a house-made Parker House roll

Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs

• Orange slushy topped with vanilla soft-serve

Head over to the Banana Cabana Pool Bar at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, to try the Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding with caramel sauce and ice cream. The best kind of bread pudding – delicious!

We have some sweet goodness to announce! A new gelato location is opening in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT – Gelateria Toscana. Opening in May, this walk-up window will offer gelati, sorbetti, gelati floats, and much more!

• Gelati in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, cookies ‘cream, stracciatella, strawberry, or tiramisù
• Sorbetti in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Lemon, raspberry, mixed berry, or mango
• Gelati Floats – Fior di Latte gelato with your choice of root beer or Coca-Cola
• Coppa del Nonno – Fior di Latte, chocolate, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and amaretti cookies
• Coppa Amicizia – Fior di Latte, cookies ‘n cream, and strawberry gelati with whipped cream
• Coppa Delizia – Fior di Latte, strawberry, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with strawberry sauce and whipped cream
• “Affogato” Espresso Gelato – Fresh Italian espresso poured over Fior di Latte gelato with an amaretto cookie
• Cannoli al Cioccolato – Crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied orange
• Zeppole –  Soft fried Ricotta cheese fritters dusted with powdered sugar
• Mocha Tiramisù – Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, savoiardi biscuits, and chocolate
• Specialty non-alcoholic beverages along with cocktails, beer, and wine are also available

Dustin and I get asked all the time “how do you do Disney with Kids?” It’s simple – we don’t, we leave them with Grandpa and Grandma…ok, ok. When we do take the monkeys with us we do have a few tips to make “Traveling to Disney with kids” more enjoyable! 

Tip One 

Invest in a good travel backpack. The one we take happens to be a hiking one, but the purpose is similar. Look for something lightweight, lots of storage capacity, and a plus for us is dual mesh pockets on the sides for water bottle storage. 

Tip Two 

Speaking of water bottles, you’re going to need ‘em. Between the Florida heat and the amount of walking you’ll be doing, you’ll want a good water bottle. Lots to choose from a high-end Yeti that keeps everything cool and crisp to a filtered one that helps remove that (ahem)  unique to Florida flavored taste 😉 

Tip Three 

Snacks! Lots of them! Our kids seem to always be hungry –  like all.the.time. Mom and Dad would go broke if we bought Mickey bars and popcorn every time a mini-Checketts is hungry. So we bring each of our kids their own gallon size ziploc baggie filled with their favorite treats. Think – uncrustables, fruit pouches, string cheese, goldfish crackers, etc. I love that Disney is so family-friendly on this issue and allows outside food & drinks into the parks. 

Tip Four 

Rent a stroller! Not the crappy one from the parks. But a top of the line “City Mini” from our friends at Kingdom Strollers. I can’t tell you how much I love Kingdom Stroller! They have the best selection, excellent customer service, and are just an all-around great company to work with! Easy scheduling on their website or over the phone, then set up a time to meet at your hotel or MCO for pick up & return. 

Tip Five

This one is a no-brainer for us, but we practice what we preach and use MouseDining to get ALL of our Disney dining reservations. It only takes a moment to set a dining alert and saves so much time and all the hassle of checking back, over and over, hoping to find an opening.  Give it a try and you’ll become a believer!

A Disney vacation is truly one of the most memorable things you can do with your family! I hope a few of these insider “Checketts Family” tips come in handy and help make for a magical stay! 

X0X0

-Emily 

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Guests planning ahead for their next Disney Springs visit will not want to miss these sweet new additions!

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Celebrating its grand opening just last weekend, Gideon’s new flagship location is already a popular destination at Disney Springs. Nestled in the heart of The Landing is where Guests will find this incredible bakery packed with handmade, almost half-pound cookies, double frosted cakes, and delicious iced coffees. Not only is the menu amazing, but the dark and mysterious atmosphere themed to an old bookshop creates an unforgettable experience as soon as Guests walk through the door including some interactive elements inside. (Not to give too much away!) Gideon’s Bakehouse carries the same popular menu from their original East End Market location with a few Disney Springs exclusive offerings like the ever-popular Coffee Cake Cookie (previously only available one month a year) and hot cookie hour each evening. Due to popular demand, Gideon’s does offer a virtual queue each day so we recommend that Guests arrive early so they can grab their spot in-line and do a little shopping while they wait.

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Open for just a few weeks now at Disney Springs West Side, there is no better foodie destination for any and all donut-loving fans. The menu boasts an impressive selection of both classic donut flavors and over-the-top gourmet creations like Peanut Butter Explosion, Maple Double Bacon and Oreo Supreme just to name a few. And what’s a donut without an awesome cup of joe? Everglazed also specializes in cold brew coffees and even spiked coffees. Other noteworthy items on the menu include their hand-crafted flavored milks, savory breakfast sandwiches, and loaded fries.

Wondermade

Guests will have to make room for “s’more” treats at the new Wondermade pop-up shop located in The Landing just outside of Paddlefish. A local Central Florida brand, Wondermade specializes in hand-crafted marshmallows including flavors such as S’mores, Key Lime Pie, Birthday Cake and Salted Caramel.  Guests ready to indulge in some real luxury can ask about their Gold Champagne flavor hand-covered in 24 karat edible gold.

Coming Soon — M&M’S

As we enter 2021, Guests can get ready to play in a whole new world of color at M&M’S opening soon at Disney Springs West Side! This beloved brand is a guest-favorite and we’re thrilled to share there’s even more to love about M&M’S. Be on the lookout for new Mickey and Minnie Mouse M&M’s designs and packaging sold exclusively at Disney Springs. If that’s not exciting enough, the new store will be filled with their signature chocolate wall and feature a vast assortment of whimsical merchandise, including apparel and accessories.