Disney World News and Info

Read the latest news and information from Walt Disney World. To focus on a specific topic, select it from the drop-down list below and click GO! Feel free to ask questions or leave your feedback. I'd love to hear from you...

Magic Kingdom Counter Service

I'll admit it... I prefer to eat at counter-service restaurants at Disney World. Here is a sampling of low-cost, quick-service meals and snacks at the Magic Kingdom, found on the maps beginning on Page 18 of Mouse Map. Most of these meals cost less than $9, and the kid's meals are around $5. Read more

The Kids' Picks hamburger meal at Peco Bill's in Frontierland is my favorite! Add your own toppings. Save the applesauce for a snack.
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Kid's meal taco at Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland is just the right size for small appetites. You add your own toppings.
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Chicken noodle soup at Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland -- the perfect comfort food and budget-friendly.
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Mediterranean Salad at Pinocchio's Village Haus in Fantasyland is a cool change from typical fast food. You can even eat outdoors or on the balcony.
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Get a funnelcake from Sleepy Hollow Snacks in Liberty Square, then find a spot nearby to watch the afternoon or night parade.
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The Lobster Roll with homemade chips at Tomorrowland Terrace was interesting... and more expensive. This restaurant is open seasonally.
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Another version of the Kids' Picks hamburger meal, this time at Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland. This time, I chose carrots and bottled water.
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Grilled chicken sandwich from Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland with apple slices and small beverage is one of the most expensive meals at $12, but very tasty! I added lettuce, grilled onions and mushrooms from the Toppings Bar.
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Locate every counter-service easily by looking for the green circles on Mouse Map park pages. Order using the form at the bottom of the page.
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Fantasyland Update: Toontown Closing February 2011

When you look at Page 20-21 of Mouse Map, you'll see a note about the planned expansion of Fantasyland and this message about Mickey's Toontown Fair: "Enjoy these attractions while you can!"

There's now a deadline. The Disney folks have announced that Toontown will close on February 11:

That doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the Disney princesses will move to Town Square in the location currently known as Town Square Exposition Hall in spring 2011. Until that location is ready, they will continue to greet guests throughout Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, Tinker Bell will relocate to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and her other fairy friends will appear later in the spring at Epcot. The Walt Disney World Railroad will stay open, but the Toontown station will remain closed during construction.

I'm updating all of the relevant pages this week... That's one of the coolest things about how Mouse Map is published! We are constantly updating so that you get the most accurate map possible.

Now let's see... how many visits can I make to Minnie's house between now and February 11?  

How To Tour Fantasyland With No (Almost) Lines

 My No. 1 tip for touring the Magic Kingdom is to arrive 15 minutes before park opening and head straight to Fantasyland. You'll be able to enjoy all of the best attractions for the kids and "kids at heart" by 10:00 with minimal waiting. This photo guide shows you my preferred touring order. To see where the attractions are located, see Page 18-19 in Mouse Map, which you can order as a PDF download or spiral book to take with you to the park.

Cool Disney World T-Shirts

Over the past few months, the coolness level of souvenir T-shirts at Disney World has skyrocketed. Last week, I took these snapshots of some of the shirts that I thought were the most fun. Prices are around $25-35 each, depending on how embellished they are.

Click any image to start a slideshow of the new designs. To see where to find shops inside Disney World, check out Mouse Map, the only Disney World guide book that includes souvenir shops.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2010

One of my favorite celebrations of spring, the 2010 International Flower and Garden Festival runs at Epcot March 3-May 16. Here is a photo essay of my favorites at this year's festival.