10 Ways For Tweens To Have Fun At Walt Disney World This Summer

Do you have a tween in your family that you will soon be bringing to Walt Disney World? You might be wondering what there is for kids this age to do, and most importantly, will they have fun so you can. Well, you’re in luck, because there are many things for your tween and the entire family to enjoy together this summer. Here’s a list of 10 unforgettable ways for tweens and their families to experience the magic, courtesy of Disney:


Families planning their next visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth are in for a real treat. That’s especially true for families with tweens. With roller coasters and thrill attractions of all kinds and so much more, tweens can explore new and classic experiences, soak up the sun and indulge in some tasty tastes. From the must-have family photo in front of Cinderella Castle with its new royal colors to character dining experiences with picture-perfect views, here are 10 ways for tweens and families to spring into summer while vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort this year:

  1. Blizzard Beach 4Splash into Fun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – This wintry-themed water park is celebrating the best summer ever in splashy style. It’s a great place to enjoy family fun together with big thrills for the kids and places for parents to relax.
  2. Discover Paradise at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The tropical oasis along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon is now accepting bookings for late July 2021. The reimagined guest rooms will surround guests with details, patterns and textures inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
  3. Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden FestivalThe Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Blooms Through July 5 The event combines the freshest flowers and flavors from around the world, featuring fun for the whole family from garden-inspired cuisine to lifelike character topiaries and new Orange Bird merchandise to complement any selfie. Guests who miss this festival have no reason to worry. On July 15, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will kick off and run through November 20, offering plenty of family-friendly fun.
  4. Check Out the Royal Makeover of Cinderella Castle – The treasured icon at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park now features bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting its royal status. It makes a great photo backdrop with family and friends.
  5. Earth Week Celebration at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme ParkCelebrate the Magic of Nature – Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. And from April 18 to 24, the park will connect guests with the magic of nature through Earth Week activities designed to educate, entertain and inspire the whole family.
  6. Find Disney Characters in New Places –From cavalcades to caravans to flotillas and even special “pop-up” appearances, guests of all ages can discover favorite friends at all four theme parks and occasional special surprise appearances at Disney Resort hotels.
  7. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway RailwayStep into an Adventure – At Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can step through a movie screen and into the cartoon world of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway They can also embark on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive, award-winning land featuring two thrilling attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
  8. Here for the Food – Foodie options are limitless at Walt Disney World, whether sitting for a family meal or snacking between attractions. Guests can enjoy a family-style meal at Chef Mickey’s with Mickey Mouse and his pals at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or visit Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort for a fun character dining experience during Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends and a beautiful view of Walt Disney World. EPCOT is another great place to grab a quick bite … or two … or three! The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival offers more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens where guests can sample tastes and sips as diverse as Avocado Toast and a Maple Popcorn Shake. Top off the experience with classic Disney Parks snacks – buttery popcorn and the classic Mickey Ice Cream Bar are Walt Disney World theme park favorites.
  9. Everglazed 4Stroll, Dine and Shop for the Perfect Gifat Disney Springs – Guests visiting this shopping, dining and entertainment destination have plenty of new options to satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Disney Style is the latest fashion-forward merchandise spot with a twist. Here, fashionistas find a curated assortment of trendy apparel and accessories inspired by beloved Disney characters and attractions. Tweens looking for a sweet treat can grab a handcrafted, photo-worthy donut at the newly opened Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.
  10. Relax Outdoors – Central Florida weather is traditionally gorgeous this time of year, and Walt Disney World offers special ways to enjoy outdoor recreation, including miniature golf, fishing expeditions, horseback riding and more.

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World with a tween?
What did they enjoy the most? Please leave a comment!

Gideon's Bakehouse

Gideon’s Bakehouse At Disney Springs

Gideon's Bakehouse 7In recent years, Disney Springs has quickly become one of the best spots in Walt Disney World to find delicious foods. With so many places recently debuting in this location, get ready to add another one to your list. Gideon’s Bakehouse has joined the ranks of dessert lovers must try options located in The Landing of Disney Springs. This place is famous for their one-of-a-kind specialty cookies like Peanut Butter Crunch, Triple Chocolate Chip, and Coffee Cake.

And if you’re more a cake person, no worries, Gideon’s Bakehouse has got you covered too with flavors like True Red Velvet, Double Frosted, Peanut Butter Cup, and Andes Mint Cookies & Cream.

Of course, you can wash it all down with one of Gideon Bakehouse’s delicious cold brews, classic milk, or a Blue Sky 100 percent Cane Sugar soda.

Gideon’s Bakehouse typically serves their cookies cooled, but if you love a warm cookie, you’ll want to stop by at 7pm each day to enjoy a Classic Chocolate Chip cookie straight out of the oven served with or without ice cream.

And if you’re looking to try a limited edition treat, be sure to follow Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram and Facebook where they post about exclusive super secret specials only for their followers. These specialty items are off menu, will not be advertised in the store, and you will need the secret password promoted on their social media to score one of these unique desserts.

While you’re planning your visit to Walt Disney World, be sure to put Gideon’s Bakehouse on your list of must-try places, and I hope to see ya’ there real soon!

Gideon’s Bakehouse
Located in the The Landing of Disney Springs
Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily
Prices: Cookies $6+, Cake Slices $9+, Limited Specialty Items $12+, Beverages $3+

Are you excited to try Gideon’s Bakehouse?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew At Disney Springs

Everglazed 4In recent years, Disney Springs has quickly become one of the best spots in Walt Disney World to find delicious foods. With so many places recently debuting in this location, get ready to add another one to your list. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew has joined the ranks of tasty must try options in the West Side of Disney Springs. This place offers plenty of the classic donuts like glazed and chocolate iced, but they are most known for their one-of-a-kind specialty flavors like Maple Double Bacon, Peanut Butter Explosion, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

And if I’ve put you in a sugar coma just thinking about all of this sugary goodness, no worries…Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew serves up plenty of savory options too like breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and loaded waffle fries.

Of course, you can wash it all down with one of Everglazed’s traditional coffees, cold brews, flavored milks, or spiked coffees.

While you’re planning your visit to Walt Disney World, be sure to put Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew on your list of must-try places, and I hope to see ya’ there real soon!

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Located in the West Side of Disney Springs
Hours: 9am – 10pm Daily
Prices: Classic Donuts $4.50+, Specialty Donuts $5.50+, Sandwiches $8+, Fries $5+, Beverages $5+

Are you excited to try Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Epcot

21 Ways To Kick Off 2021 At Walt Disney World

Whew! We made it; 2020 is over, and 2021 is finally here! If you’re like me, you probably have big hopes and plans for this year. If that happens to include a trip to Walt Disney World, you’re in luck, because Disney has lots of magic planned for this year. Check out some of the festive fun on deck throughout the Walt Disney World Resort in early 2021 courtesy of Disney:


Walt Disney World Resort is ready to help guests make the new year magical. From new and classic attractions to culinary experiences to character interactions and more, The Most Magical Place on Earth has plenty to offer those wanting to immediately turn the page on 2020. Here are 21 reasons to be excited about a visit to Walt Disney World in early 2021:

  1. Explore the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Beginning January 8Through February 22, guests are invited to an expansive collection of visual, performance and culinary arts throughout the park.
  2. Gaze Upon the Reimagined Entrance Fountain at EPCOT – The new water feature in front of Spaceship Earth hearkens back to the park’s origins and highlights a greener, more open and welcoming entry experience for guests. The fountain is the most recent milestone in the historic transformation of EPCOT now underway.
  3. Step Inside the Cartoon World of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Guests go through the movie screen as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Engineer Goofy and Pluto take them on a trip through Runnamuck Park … where anything can happen!
  4. Embark on a Star Wars Adventure in a Galaxy Far, Far Away – Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive, award-winning land featuring two thrilling attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
  5. Check Out Cinderella Castle’s Royal Makeover – The treasured icon at the heart of Magic Kingdom Park now features bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting its royal status, making for a great photo with family and friends.
  6. Experience Classic Attractions at Magic Kingdom Park – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain … the new year is a great time for guests to reconnect with these classics loved by millions the world over.
  7. Watch for More New Residents on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – Nigerian dwarf goats now play like kids at the warden’s outpost near the end of Kilimanjaro Safaris.
  8. Bask in the Cuteness of Baby Animals – In addition to the Nigerian dwarf goats, guests can try and catch a glimpse of some of the animals born in 2020 at Walt Disney World while at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, for example, they may see young Masai giraffe now out on the savanna.
  9. Celebrate the Magic of Nature in Pandora – The World of Avatar – At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can travel to the Valley of Mo’ara to hike among the floating mountains of Pandora and experience two awe-inspiring attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
  10. Find Disney Characters in New Places – From cavalcades to caravans to flotillas and even special “pop-up” appearances, guests can discover favorite friends at all four theme parks and the occasional special surprise at Disney Resort hotels.
  11. Hop from Park to Park – Beginning January 1, guests who purchase a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day (with some new modifications).
  12. Gideon's BakehouseIndulge in Sweet New Treats at Disney Springs – Guests visiting the shopping, dining and entertainment district of Walt Disney World have plenty of new options to satisfy their sweet spots, including newly opened Gideon’s Bakehouse, along with the forthcoming M&M’S store and Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.
  13. Pick Out the Perfect Post-Holiday Gift – Disney Springs is also the place for guests to find a little something they may have missed on their holiday shopping list. From the massive World of Disney store to quaint boutiques and just about everything in between, Disney Springs is home to the latest Disney merchandise and on-trend accessories, apparel and gear from other top brands.
  14. Return to Favorite Disney Restaurants – As part of the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, restaurants continue to return to operation across The Most Magical Place on Earth. Recent reopenings include The Crystal Palace inside Magic Kingdom and the character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
  15. Make Some Time to Relax Outdoors ­– Central Florida weather is often gorgeous in the early months of the year, and Walt Disney World offers special ways to enjoy some outdoor recreation, including golf and miniature golf, fishing expeditions, horseback riding and more.
  16. Buzz Through the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Blooming in March – Beginning March 3, guests will find fresh cuisine, creative gardens and unforgettable topiaries as part of this annual festival.
  17. Soak Up the Sun at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – After remaining closed for all of 2020 due to the pandemic, this wintry-themed water park is planning to reopen in March and celebrate its 25th season in splashy style.
  18. Look for Some Fresh Pixie Dust at the Entrances to Walt Disney World – Guests can make new memories as they pass these iconic gateways to The Most Magical Place on Earth, which are receiving a refreshed color palette complementing the recent Cinderella Castle makeover.
  19. Add Extra Theme Park Magic to Vacations – Available to book beginning January 5, 2021, guests buying non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket packages at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights January 8, 2021, through September 25, 2021, will receive an additional two days of theme park tickets.
  20. Florida Residents Can Take Advantage of a Special Ticket Offer – Beginning January 4, 2021, the four-day Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket invites Floridians to visit any of the four Disney parks through June 18, 2021 (subject to blockout dates), for a special price of $199 (plus tax). 
  21. Get Excited for Even More Magic Later this Year – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the new family-friendly attraction coming to the France pavilion in EPCOT, will debut in 2021. And the new Cirque du Soleil show “Drawn to Life,” coming to Disney Springs, will be a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.

As a reminder, Walt Disney World continues to operate with enhanced health and safety policies so everyone can enjoy the magic responsibly. To manage attendance, guests are required to have valid theme park admission and make a park reservation for each day of their visit through the Disney Park Pass system. Please click here for more information.


501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this year?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Fall Treats At Walt Disney World

Even though we will not be celebrating the Halloween season with the family friendly Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, there will still be plenty of fall fun this year including lots of delicious foods! Check out some of the festive treats being served up through the end of October throughout the Walt Disney World Resort courtesy of Disney:


It’s spooky season again at Walt Disney World Resort, and that means it’s time for the highly-anticipated return of our yummy fall eats and treats! From pumpkin spice, apple, and cinnamon delights to sweet sips and fun novelties, each of our four parks is offering a wonderful assortment of autumn-themed items and you won’t want to miss them.

All offerings are available now unless otherwise specified. Happy snacking!

Magic Kingdom

  • Mickey Cinnamon Roll (Available at Main Street Bakery) – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing
  • Cinnamon Donuts (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container
  • Hades Nachos (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño
  • Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake (Available at Liberty Square Market) – Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe

  • Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae (Available at Sleepy Hollow) –Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles
  • Poor Unfortunate Souls Float (Available at Storybook Treats) – Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke
  • Pumpkin Spice Milkshake (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
  • Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Served as a sundae topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles

  • Mickey Monster Mash Burger (Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café) – Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli
  • Headless Horseman Rides Again (Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace) – Strawberry DOLE® Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw
  • Not So Poison Apple Cupcake (Available at Pinocchio Village House) – A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple
  • Orange and Black Sugar Churros (Available at Various Churro Carts and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café)
  • Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)

  • Jack Skellington Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations)
  • Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
  • Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
  • Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)

  • Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)
  • Madame Leota Sipper (Available at Sleepy Hollow)

EPCOT

  • Halloween Cupcake (Available on Halloween Day Only at Sunshine Seasons) – Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish
  • Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction (Available on Halloween Day Only at Coral Reef Restaurant) – Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish
  • Halloween Sugar Cookie (Available on Halloween Day Only at Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill) – Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles
  • Liquid Nitro Cake Pop (Available on Halloween Day Only at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace in World Showplace for EPCOT Taste of International Food & Wine Festival) – Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles
  • Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum)
  • Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Eats at EPCOT Experience and Mission Space Popcorn Cart)
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at all EPCOT Popcorn Locations)
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Scar Cupcake (Available at Creature Comforts, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus) – Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image
  • Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Flame Tree Barbecue and Isle of Java) – Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rock candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim
  • Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) (Available Flame Tree Barbecue) – Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Tamu Tamu, Trek Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts) 
  • Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Poison Candied Apple (Available at Trolley Car Café) – Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli (Available at PizzeRizzo) – Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell
  • Pumpkin Tiramisu (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café) – Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake
  • Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair (Available at Backlot Express) – Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones

  • Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
  • Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
  • Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Anahiem Produce, Hollywood Popcorn, and Animation Popcorn)
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Anaheim Produce)

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this fall?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!