Free Disney Dining Returns to Disney World in 2026
Disney Visa Cardmembers can start packing their appetites! An exclusive early access window has just opened for the highly anticipated Free Dining Plan offer at Walt Disney World. From now through March 11, 2026, cardmembers get the first pick of dates and resorts for arrivals throughout the summer and fall seasons.
To qualify for the free dining plan, you must use your Disney Visa Card to book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) vacation package. This package must include a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option.
Eligible Arrival Dates for 2026:
June 28 to October 3
October 19 to October 31
December 6 to December 21
Which Dining Plan Do You Get?
The type of dining plan included in your package depends on where you choose to stay.
Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts: Includes the Disney Dining Plan (perfect for those who love Table-Service meals and Character Dining).
Disney Moderate or Value Resorts: Includes the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan (ideal for families on the go).
Important Terms and Exclusions
As with most Free Dining offers, availability is limited and certain room types are excluded, such as 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, campsites, and the Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
You must use a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit, and the cardmember must be one of the guests staying in the room. Since these are date-based tickets, no park reservations are required, giving you even more flexibility to enjoy your prepaid meals and snacks across the parks!
If you aren’t a cardmember yet, you can apply today and take advantage of this early access window immediately upon approval.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Permit Extension Hints at Later Spring 2026 Reopening
The wait to ride the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” may stretch a little longer than expected. A newly amended permit tied to the refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom suggests the attraction’s reopening could arrive later in spring 2026 than previously hoped.
According to the updated permit, the construction timeline for the project has now been extended through August 31, 2026. The original permit was set to expire on March 13, 2026. While permit extensions do not always mean work will continue until the final date, the update hints that Disney is allowing extra time to finish work on the Frontierland coaster.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for more than a year while crews refresh and enhance the classic attraction. When it reopens, guests can expect several updates throughout the ride, including refreshed Audio-Animatronics and new gold mining props that further build out the story of the runaway mine train.
One of the biggest changes will be the transformation of the opening Rainbow Caverns scene. Concept art reveals that riders will enter a glowing cavern filled with hundreds of bats, phosphorescent pools, and shimmering stalagmites and stalactites. As the train rolls deeper into the mine, thunder begins to rumble and the environment becomes increasingly menacing as the mountain itself seems to “fight back.”
While Walt Disney World’s spring season typically wraps up at the end of May before the start of the resort’s Cool Kids Summer promotion, the extended permit suggests Disney wants to ensure the Frontierland favorite reopens in top shape rather than rushing the project.
For now, fans of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will have to keep waiting just a bit longer before the trains start racing through the wilderness again.
Robert Downey Jr. Tours New Disney Adventure Cruise Ship
The Marvel Cinematic Universe met the high seas this week as Robert Downey Jr., the official godparent of the new Disney Cruise Line ship the Disney Adventure, stepped aboard to tour the vessel ahead of its inaugural sailing from Singapore.
In a video shared by Disney Cruise Line, Downey Jr. can be seen exploring several areas of the massive ship, including pausing to admire Iron Man artwork displayed along one of the staircases. The moment felt especially fitting given his long-standing connection to the Marvel hero Tony Stark.
During the visit, Downey Jr. also shared a warm reunion with Disney CEO Bob Iger and incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro, greeting them with hugs while chatting about the ship and its upcoming debut. At one point during the tour, the actor also met Spider-Man, who jokingly told Downey Jr. that he “reminds him of Mr. Stark,” a fun nod to their on-screen mentor relationship in the Marvel films.
The Disney Adventure recently arrived at its homeport in Singapore ahead of its inaugural sailing on March 10. The ship will be based at Marina Bay for at least the next five years, giving Disney Cruise Line a major presence in one of Asia’s busiest cruise hubs, which offers direct flights from more than 160 cities worldwide.
While the ship carries design elements familiar to other Disney Cruise Line vessels, its origin story is a bit different. The Disney Adventure began life as the Global Dream, a ship originally commissioned by Genting Hong Kong’s Dream Cruises. After the company filed for bankruptcy, Disney Cruise Line acquired the partially completed vessel and transformed it into its newest ship.
Now the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Adventure can accommodate roughly 6,000 passengers. Guests sailing during the inaugural season will enjoy three- and four-night cruises packed with Disney storytelling, including the Storybook Castle in the Imagination Garden atrium, a Captain Jack Sparrow stage show, a Duffy and Friends show, and several Marvel-themed attractions.
With Robert Downey Jr. officially blessing the ship before its first voyage, Disney Adventure is nearly ready to begin its next chapter on the seas.
Gertie the Dinosaur Gets a “Band-Aid” as Echo Lake is Drained for Repairs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of Disney’s most charming prehistoric residents is currently getting a little extra TLC. Gertie the Dinosaur, the beloved ice cream stand at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has temporarily received what looks like a scrim “band-aid” after part of her tail broke off.
The issue began in mid-February when a noticeable crack appeared along Gertie’s tail. The damage became easier to spot after nearby landscaping was removed following Florida’s recent cold snap, exposing parts of the structure that are normally hidden from guest view. Crews initially attempted to repair the crack by patching and repainting it, but the fix didn’t hold. By February 27, the crack had reopened, and shortly afterward, the damaged section of Gertie’s tail fell off completely.
To address the problem, Disney has now placed construction scrim over the area on Gertie’s back where the tail once connected. The broken end of the tail can still be seen protruding from the ground nearby while work continues. From a distance, the scrim covering the repair area is clearly visible to guests walking around Echo Lake.
As part of the repair process, much of Echo Lake has also been partially drained. The lowered water level now reveals sections of Gertie that are normally hidden beneath the waterline, including an unpainted portion of the structure and the visible stripe marking where the water level usually sits.
Despite the tail trouble, Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction remains open and serving guests as usual. The giant dinosaur-shaped building is inspired by the 1914 animated short film “Gertie the Dinosaur” by Winsor McCay, widely considered one of the earliest animated characters ever created. Over a century later, this iconic dino still greets guests in Echo Lake, though right now she’s taking a brief moment for a little structural “prehistoric surgery.”
Magic Kingdom Closing Early May 13 for Private Event Featuring Dave Matthews Band Concert
Guests planning a visit to Magic Kingdom on May 13, 2026, may want to adjust their plans because the park will be closing early for a private buyout event. The park will shut its gates to the general public at 5:30 p.m. that day as part of a special evening hosted for attendees of the SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference.
The conference, taking place May 11 through May 13 at the Orange County Convention Center, will wrap up with an exclusive after-hours celebration at Magic Kingdom. The private event is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the highlight of the evening will be a live performance by Dave Matthews Band staged directly in front of Cinderella Castle. While private park buyouts are not unheard of at Walt Disney World, a major concert on the castle stage is certainly a memorable finale for conference guests.
Magic Kingdom will still open to the public earlier that day at 9 a.m., with Early Entry beginning at 8:30 a.m. for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Visitors should just keep the earlier closing time in mind when planning rides, dining reservations, and fireworks expectations.
If Magic Kingdom was on your itinerary that evening, the good news is the other Walt Disney World parks will operate with their normal hours. EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will both be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Disney’s Animal Kingdom will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Animal Kingdom will also offer Extended Evening Hours that night for guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving guests plenty of alternative options if their Magic Kingdom plans are cut short.
Private park buyouts like this are rare but not unprecedented at Walt Disney World. When they do happen, they often transform the park into an exclusive playground for event attendees complete with entertainment, dining, and unique experiences that regular guests don’t typically see.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Raglan Road Fatality Dismissed
A wrongful death lawsuit connected to a tragic allergy-related incident at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs has been voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff, according to a recent court filing. The case centered on the death of Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan following a meal at the popular Irish pub in October 2023.
Jeffrey Piccolo, Tangsuan’s widower, had filed the lawsuit in February 2024 against Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and Raglan Road, alleging negligence related to food allergen safety. Court documents dated February 27 show that Piccolo and his attorneys requested to withdraw the case. While no official settlement has been publicly announced, voluntary dismissals like this often occur when parties reach a private agreement outside of court.
The lawsuit alleged that Tangsuan, who had documented peanut and dairy allergies, repeatedly informed restaurant staff of her dietary restrictions before ordering. According to the complaint, the meal included items such as broccoli and corn fritters, scallops, onion rings, and vegan shepherd’s pie, which staff reportedly assured were allergen-free. Some dishes allegedly arrived without allergen markers, but the family was reassured they were safe to eat.
After leaving the restaurant, Tangsuan began experiencing breathing difficulties while shopping. She used an EpiPen but later passed away at a hospital. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was anaphylaxis linked to elevated levels of dairy and nuts.
The lawsuit gained national attention early in the case when Disney initially attempted to move the dispute into arbitration, citing terms Piccolo had agreed to during a Disney+ trial subscription. The company later withdrew that effort following public scrutiny and allowed the case to proceed in court.
During the litigation process, Piccolo’s legal team sought detailed documentation about the meal’s preparation and ingredients. Leftovers from the meal, which Piccolo preserved, were reportedly tested for allergens, though the results were never publicly released. Disney had attempted to keep those findings confidential, and the plaintiff’s attorneys also raised concerns about alleged discovery violations and prior incidents involving allergens at the restaurant.
By late 2025, several scheduled depositions were canceled, suggesting that settlement discussions may have been underway. With the case now dismissed, the matter appears to have concluded without further court proceedings.
Groundbreaking First Look at the All-New, Massive Disney Adventure
Yesterday marked a historic milestone as Disney Cruise Line prepared for the official christening of the Disney Adventure! Designed to be a masterpiece where the ship itself is the destination, this vessel is the very first Disney Cruise Line ship to call Asia home. Drawing from over a century of Disney storytelling, the Adventure seamlessly blends beloved characters and iconic worlds into a one-of-a-kind seafaring experience.
Disney Imagination Garden
Inspired by a century of Disney storytelling, Disney Imagination Garden is the heart of the Disney Adventure. The open‑air courtyard centers around a prominent Garden Stage, where large‑scale performances, character moments, and celebratory events unfold during the day and throughout the evening on the voyage.
Guests can also savor global flavors at two quick-service eateries, Gramma Tala’s Kitchen and Mowgli’sEatery, which offer a blend of Pacific and Indian inspired menus.
Town Square
A celebration of Disney Princess characters, Town Square welcomes guests into a world of timeless elegance and classic Disney storytelling. Designed as a central gathering place, this beautifully detailed area invites guests to write their own fairy tale with regal makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and whimsical dining and lounge venues, including Spellbound and Enchanted Summer Restaurant.
Nearby, families can attend Broadway-style shows at the Walt Disney Theatre. The ship’s world-class lineup of live performances includes “Disney Seas the Adventure” and “Remember,” an all-new production created exclusively for those sailing aboard the Disney Adventure.
Not far from Town Square, guests will find two of the ship’s signature restaurants: Navigator’s Club and Hollywood Spotlight Club.
San Fransokyo Street
Fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Big Hero 6 are in for a treat as they step into San Fransokyo Street, avibrant urban market featuring themed entertainment and shopping experiences for guests.
Family fun awaits at the Big Hero Arcade, a dynamic gaming lounge; Baymax Cinemas, a four-screen movie theater; Alley Cat Café; and a myriad of all-new signature shopping experiences including Duffy and Friends Shop and the National Geographic Store.
Marvel Landing
Guests can unlock epic legends from the Marvel universe at Marvel Landing, where experiences inspired by fan-favorite Super Heroes come to life. This action‑packed area is home to thrilling attractions for heroes of all ages including Ironcycle Test Run, the longest rollercoaster at sea, Pym Quantum Racers, and Groot Galaxy Spin.
Wayfinder Bay
Families can look for the line where the sky meets the sea at Wayfinder Bay, a sun-drenched retreat on the ship’s stern inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film, Moana. This relaxing outdoor oasis offers a serene palace to unwind by the pool, take in sweeping ocean views, and enjoy live entertainment.
Disney Discovery Reef
At Disney Discovery Reef, guests can dive into a world inspired by beloved underwater tales from Disney and Pixar and discover a collection of themed eateries, bars, and cafés.
From Palo Trattoria and Mike & Sulley’s Flavors of Asia, two of the ship’s signature fine dining restaurants, to Bewitching Boba and Brews, a wickedly delicious bubble tea shop, and Taverna Portorosso, a sports bar styled after the coastal Italian village featured in Disney and Pixar’s Luca, there’s something for everyone at Disney Discovery Reef.
Toy Story Place
Designed for kids and kids at heart, Toy Story Place is a dedicated water play area that celebrates the colorful world of Pixar’s Toy Story films.
Located on the ship’s upper decks, this lively area invites families to explore several playful water features inspired by the films, including a large family pool, multiple whirlpools, towering water slides, and interactive splash pads.
Aerosmith Branding Disappears as Muppets’ Electric Mayhem Takeover Hits Sunset Blvd Limo
Aerosmith is out! Work has already begun on the iconic upside-down limo stationed at the entrance of what is now Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. This landmark centerpiece at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the latest piece of the puzzle to receive a “Mayhem-approved” makeover as the Aerosmith era speeds into the rearview mirror.
The makeover is shifting into high gear! The side of the iconic limo facing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has already been sanded down, making way for a fiery new look: vibrant red flames outlined in bright orange paint.
While the official concept art has kept the final look of the limo a bit of a mystery, we know the rest of the courtyard is going full “Electric Mayhem.” The legendary giant guitar is set for a psychedelic transformation, complete with a clever tribute to the band’s frontman—one of the piano keys at the base will be painted gold to match Dr. Teeth’s famous golden tooth.
The transformation is currently a tale of two sides! While the side of the limo facing the Tower of Terror is already rocking new orange-outlined flames, the side facing the attraction entrance remains in its original state—for now.
Fans won’t have to wait long to join the band, as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is slated to headliner Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer! In this star-studded reimagining, guests will head to G-Force Records to join Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang.
Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ Leaps to Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
Critics are flipping for Pixar’s latest adventure! Hoppers is officially leaping into theaters this Friday, March 6, and the early buzz is nothing short of spectacular. As of now, the film boasts a stellar 97% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling another massive creative win for the legendary animation studio.
Early critical reviews are pouring in, and the initial consensus is overwhelmingly positive! While the Popcornmeter audience score is still waiting for its debut alongside the film, the critics’ 97% Tomatometer is already making waves.
In an impressive feat, Hoppers is currently outperforming the final 91% score of the massive 2025 hit Zootopia 2. Considering that the Zootopia sequel was a record-breaking juggernaut—becoming Disney’s highest-grossing animated film of all time—this high critical praise puts Pixar’s newest original in elite company!
While the score may fluctuate slightly as more reviews land (it sat at a near-perfect 98% just yesterday), Hoppers is firmly on track to be Certified Fresh and could very well maintain its lead over some of the biggest animated blockbusters in history.
The creative force behind Hoppers is an animation dream team, directed by Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears) with a screenplay by Jesse Andrews. Produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, the story follows Mabel Tanaka (voiced by Piper Curda), a 19-year-old animal lover who embarks on a mind-bending journey by transferring her consciousness into a high-tech robot beaver!
The invention comes courtesy of Dr. Sam, voiced by the legendary Kathy Najimy, and the rest of the cast is a true “who’s who” of Hollywood talent:
Royal Critters: Featuring Bobby Moynihan as King George, Dave Franco and Meryl Streep as the Insect King and Queen, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. as the Bird King.
Wildlife Wonders: Steve Purcell as the Amphibian King, Ego Nwodim as the Fish Queen, and Nichole Sakura as the Reptile Queens.
Wild Cards: Melissa Villaseñor as Ellen the bear and Vanessa Bayer as the fierce Diane the shark assassin!
Are you going to see Hoppers in theaters this weekend?
Construction Walls Go Up at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The stage is being set for a sensational, inspirational, Muppet-tational transformation! Following the permanent closure of Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith on Sunday night, March 1, the iconic giant Stratocaster is now officially surrounded by construction walls. These barriers mark the first step in Disney’s exciting reimagining of the high-speed coaster, which will soon feature The Muppets taking center stage for an all-new rockin’ adventure.
The transformation is officially underway! While the iconic giant guitar is currently shielded by construction walls, the surrounding courtyard remains open, allowing guests continued access to Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.
Work has already begun on the exterior landmarks: the original Aerosmith lettering has been carefully removed, and the classic ride poster is now tucked behind a beige scrim. This space will soon debut a vibrant new poster featuring The Muppets! Fans will be happy to know the legendary guitar isn’t going anywhere—it’s simply getting a rockin’ Muppet makeover with a fresh coat of paint and brand-new, dazzling light-up lettering to welcome The Electric Mayhem.
The construction walls are now alive with color, showcasing vibrant new concept art that offers a first look at the Muppets’ high-octane takeover! The reimagined design draws direct inspiration from The Electric Mayhem’s iconic tour bus, promising a psychedelic and rockin’ new aesthetic. In a clever nod to the band’s frontman, the piano keys at the base of the giant guitar will soon feature a single gold key, perfectly matching Dr. Teeth’s famous golden grin!
Fans of the area’s classic snacks and experiences can breathe a sigh of relief—Rock Your Face painting, KRNR The Rock Station, Shop ‘n’ Roll, and Pretzel Palooza all remain open and operating normally as of March 2. While we’re still waiting to hear if these fan-favorite kiosks will get their own Muppet “glow-ups,” the courtyard is already buzzing with Electric Mayhem energy
Sunshine Seasons Sizzles with the Return of the Orange Cream Shake and a New Mickey Macaron
Two menu specialty menu items have arrived at Sunshine Seasons for Flower & Garden! The Orange Cream Shake and a new Mickey Macaron. We recently tried both!
We got our hands on the adorable new Mickey-shaped Lemon-Violet Macaron, available for $6.29! This treat is a visual showstopper, featuring a delicate cookie with a subtle, refreshing hint of lemon that keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
The filling offers a unique twist, leaning toward a rich, decadently firm cream cheese texture that provides a satisfying bite for those who prefer a sturdier dessert. While the violet notes are incredibly soft and airy, it’s a great pick for anyone looking for a mild, beautifully crafted snack that isn’t overly floral. It’s almost too cute to eat.
Sunshine Seasons is bringing the sunshine indoors with the return of the Orange Cream Milk Shake! For $10.99, this non-alcoholic festival treat comes beautifully topped with whipped cream, a buttery shortbread-style orange cookie, and a vibrant citrus macaron.
The shake offers a unique and zesty profile, leaning into a bright, refreshing orange juice base that provides a lighter, more fruit-forward alternative to a heavy dairy shake. The real stars are the premium garnishes: the soft, punchy orange macaron delivers a concentrated burst of citrus, while the rich shortbread cookie adds a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth crunch. It’s a multi-textured treat that’s as photogenic as it is fun!
Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils Ride Vehicles for “Hollywood Drift”
Universal Studios Hollywood is shifting into high gear as it reveals the full lineup for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Joining the iconic 1970 Dodge Charger are three newly unveiled ride vehicles that complete each high-speed train. This reveal marks a major milestone as the park puts the finishing touches on its first-ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster, which is officially set to roar to life this summer!
The attraction serves as a high-octane tribute to the franchise’s legendary stunt choreography, allowing guests to strap into one of four ride vehicles modeled after the iconic cars driven by their favorite characters. By mirroring the edge-of-your-seat driving sequences from the films, the coaster invites riders to experience the raw energy and adrenaline of street racing firsthand.
The excitement begins right at the loading platform, where the ride vehicles are positioned against a massive, original mural by world-renowned artist Tristan Eaton. This freehand, spray-painted masterpiece covers an interior brick wall, capturing the heart-pounding finale of the original film. The artwork features a montage of the airborne Dodge Charger and Toyota Supra racing against a speeding train, perfectly setting the stage for the high-speed drift ahead.
This stunning visual tribute also includes a nod to Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, fueling a sense of pure adrenaline. It’s the ultimate thematic transition, transporting guests directly into the exhilarating Fast & Furious universe before they even leave the station.
At a glance, here is a look at the design inspirations for the four “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” ride vehicles:
Dodge Charger. This iconic ride vehicle is inspired by Dominic Toretto’s signature car featured throughout the film franchise. With its sleek black frame, this souped-up, 900-horsepower, 1970 Dodge Charger is considered the ultimate American muscle car.
Mazda RX-7. This ride vehicle is inspired by the 1997 model car driven by Han Seoul-oh. Featuring 19-inch wheels, racing seats, upgraded suspension and custom interior detailing, the Mazda RX-7 is considered one of the most iconic cars in the Fast & Furious film franchise.
Nissan Skyline GT-R. This ride vehicle is inspired by Brian O’Conner’s 2002 blue Nissan Skyline GT-R which was enhanced with extensive performance and styling modifications and is renowned for its unique appearance.
Toyota Supra. This ride vehicle is inspired by Brian O’Conner’s orange 1994 car featuring the legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine. O’Conner owed Toretto a “10-second car,” and this one more than delivered on that promise. It is recognized as one of the most memorable cars in the film franchise.
Housed in an expansive red brick structure designed to look like a high-tech tuner garage, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to dominate the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. The attraction features groundbreaking 360-degree rotation technology, allowing the ride vehicles to spin in motion and create a seamless drifting sensation. Riders will careen at speeds up to 72 mph along 4,100 feet of elaborate aerial track—nearly the length of 12 football fields—winding directly over park landmarks like the multi-level Starway escalator.
This ambitious project leverages Universal Destinations & Experiences’ decades of expertise in revolutionizing roller coaster development. By blending high-speed thrills with sophisticated engineering, Universal is setting a new global standard for contemporary attractions, bringing the adrenaline of the Fast & Furious universe to life like never before.
