Walt Disney’s Childhood Home Opens to the Public

In today’s world, the Walt Disney Company is a name synonymous with magic. After creating the Walt Disney Company 100 years ago, Walt Disney went on to create magic for millions of fans all over the world.

Because of his influence, many fans feel emotionally attached to Walt’s legacy. His history is fascinating, and his story is incredibly inspiring. Now, fans can go back and see where it indeed started by visiting his childhood home.

walt disney with robot

Walt Disney’s childhood home, located in Chicago, Illinois, has recently opened its doors to the public, allowing fans and enthusiasts to step into the early years of this iconic figure’s life. This momentous occasion marks an opportunity for visitors to explore the place where Walt Disney’s passion for animation and storytelling was ignited.

The opening of his childhood home not only provides a unique glimpse into the humble beginnings of a visionary but also serves as a tribute to the man who brought magic and joy to the world. As you step through the front door, you are immediately transported back in time.

From the charming wooden exterior to the authentic furnishings inside, every detail has been carefully preserved to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era. It’s a truly immersive experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world that shaped the imagination of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. The home was built by Walt’s father for just $800. Who would have guessed that in 1901, this humble home would become the birthplace of a legend and innovator?

sherman brothers and walt disney

The tour takes you through various rooms of the house, each with its own story to tell. As you walk through the rooms, you can imagine young Walt Disney spending his days here, dreaming and creating. The unassuming bedroom where he slept, the cozy kitchen where his family gathered for meals, and the modest living room where they entertained guests all hold a sense of history and nostalgia. It’s as if time has stood still, allowing visitors to witness the roots of Walt Disney’s creative genius.

Walt was homeschooled, so this home served as his classroom growing up. It was in this humble environment that the seeds of Walt Disney’s imagination were sown, and the foundation for his future success was laid. As visitors explore the backyard, they can envision the young Disney brothers diligently working on their early animated creations, a testament to the determination and passion that would propel Walt Disney to greatness.

Rey Colon, the Walt Disney Birthplace project director, says,

“Walt Disney was an example that, you know, if you come from humble beginnings, if you work hard, you follow your dreams. You could change the world.”

the walt disney company original name roy o disney pixar animation studios bob iger mickey mouse lucky rabbit Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio alice comedies steamboat willie

For fans and admirers of Walt Disney, visiting his childhood home is a pilgrimage of sorts. It allows them to connect with the man behind the magic to understand the roots of his boundless imagination. It’s a chance to pay homage to a visionary whose creations continue to touch the lives of millions worldwide.

The opening of Walt Disney’s childhood home to the public is an invitation to step into the past, to witness the origins of a legend, and to be inspired by the enduring legacy of Walt Disney.

Dockside Diner: A Delightful Waterfront Dining Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, the Dockside Diner offers visitors a charming and convenient dining experience with a picturesque waterfront setting. This delightful quick-service restaurant is a hidden gem that combines the allure of Hollywood’s golden age with the magic of Disney storytelling.

The Dockside Diner’s design and ambiance capture the spirit of an Art Deco seaside cafe from the early 20th century. The restaurant’s maritime-inspired decor, vibrant colors, and outdoor seating provide a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal diner, with a vintage touch that transports diners to another era.

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Dockside Diner serves up a delectable menu filled with American comfort food favorites. From juicy hot dogs to indulgent macaroni and cheese, guests can enjoy classic dishes that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

The standout offerings at Dockside Diner are its specialty hot dogs. With options like the “Pretzel Dog” featuring an all-beef hot dog, crispy bacon, and spicy mustard, or the “Macaroni & Cheese Truffle Dog” with creamy truffle macaroni and cheese, the Dockside Diner offers a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of the handcrafted milkshakes available at the Dockside Diner. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to specialty options like the “Strawberry Banana Split Milkshake,” these cool treats are perfect for quenching your thirst and indulging your sweet tooth.

The Dockside Diner’s prime location along Echo Lake provides a charming waterfront view that enhances your dining experience. Whether you choose to dine under the shade of an umbrella or bask in the Florida sun, the tranquil setting adds to the charm of the restaurant.

The Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a hidden gem that offers a quick-service dining experience with a delightful waterfront view. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food, a lover of specialty hot dogs, or simply seeking a relaxing meal along the water, the Dockside Diner promises a convenient and enjoyable dining experience at Disney. It’s a place where you can take a break from your Hollywood Studios adventure, savor classic dishes with a twist, and enjoy the serene atmosphere by the water’s edge. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal or a picturesque spot to recharge, the Dockside Diner is a delightful dining destination worth exploring during your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Four New Dining Options Revealed for New Parkside Market, Plus More Coming to Downtown Disney District

More delightful and delicious things are coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! As we previously shared, we have so much for guests to enjoy now and even more distinctive dining and entertainment settings coming in the future. We’re committed to bringing fresh, new, innovative experiences to make every visit special. So, let’s take a look at the latest, including plans for the new Parkside Market, plus a new stage and lawn, and more!

Announcing Plans for Parkside Market!

We are thrilled to share about more innovative food and drink offerings coming to Downtown Disney in the future! Plans are underway for Parkside Market, a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts brought to life by Levy, with all four offerings under one roof as part of the expansion on the west end. 

Din Tai Fung at Downtown Disney District
Din Tai Fung

Seoul Sister is a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.

Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Guests in the district can expect to enjoy Sip & Sonder’s signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.

GG’s Chicken Shop, from Boka Restaurant Group, was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen. Affectionately named after Wolen’s mother Geri, the shop will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides.The first brick-and-mortar GG’s Chicken Shop opened earlier this year in Chicago and this new location in Downtown Disney District will be its first on the West Coast.

second story bar will be an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.

Later this year, Downtown Disney will open a new stage and lawn for special events, activities, musical entertainment and more on the west end of the district. In this brand-new area, guests will also be able to see a soaring new sculptural tower designed by Nikkolas Smith. This new tower will pay tribute to the sublime work of pioneering architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20th century with unique geometric patterns in the sculpture, evoking the famed mid-century buildings they created. We look forward to this beautiful new outdoor space!

Future plans for the district will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the popular California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. 

Guests will want to visit again and again, as it’s always an exciting time to eat, shop and explore in Downtown Disney District. 

Numerous New Food Items Coming Soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is getting some great new food and beverage items for guests to enjoy. There are a lot of new things coming!

Grab your appetite and take a walk on the wild side of flavor because Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is introducing quite a few new menu items to various dining locations throughout the park starting Oct. 11. The talented culinary teams have put their creativity to the test and put together a combination of dishes that will delight your taste buds with each and every bite.

From new breakfast items like the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich to dinner delights like the Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, and even a snack (or two) from Tamu Tamu, there’s something for everyone to indulge in. Once you see all these items, you’ll be roaring with excitement (and hunger).

I won’t keep you waiting anymore. Let’s see “what’s cooking” over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park starting Oct. 11!

We’re kicking things off over at Harambe Market, an open-air quick-service location that’s filled with African-inspired fare. This location is bursting with excitement, flavor, and fun – and the newest additions to the menu are no different. Starting this week, hungry visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of new rice bowls – the Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, Chicken Rice Bowl, and Shrimp Rice Bowl. Each dish features jollof rice with kachumbari tomato salad and tzatziki sauce and you can choose between chermoula-marinated chicken, peri peri-marinated shrimp, or both to top it off. There’s also a new kid’s version available – the Shrimp and Rice Bowl with peri peri-marinated shrimp, white rice, and a Cuties Mandarin Orange.

That’s not all. The new Beef and Lamb Kofta Pita is a must-try. It combines house-made beef and lamb kofta with a deliciously refreshing tzatziki sauce, chermoula, and house-made chips that you won’t be able to get enough of. If you’re interested in a plant-based option, the chefs have also created the IMPOSSIBLE Kofta Pita. This plant-based bite showcases IMPOSSIBLE kofta accompanied by a plant-based aïoli, chermoula, and house-made chips.

Salad fans will be more than pleased with the latest dish to join the menu. The Harambe Salad with Chicken perfectly combines chermoula-marinated chicken with quinoa, grilled corn, black-eyed peas, and crispy chickpeas topped with a tasty chermoula-herbed vinaigrette. You can also get this salad topped with shrimp if you prefer.

And don’t worry dessert lovers. The brand-new Mango Passion Fruit Cheesecake is refreshing, delicious, and beautiful. What could be better than mango and passion fruit in cheesecake form?

Are you ready to kickstart your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? If you weren’t sure, you will want to once you see this new bite. The salty-sweet combination has been taken to the next level with the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich. It’s filled with sausage, guava paste, egg, and cheese. If guava isn’t your thing, you can get this breakfast sandwich without it, so don’t worry. I don’t know about you, but this one is making my mouth water already. This new item will be available for breakfast at Drinkwallah, Pongu Pongu, Trek Snacks, and select outdoor vending carts.

Also serving up some new breakfast items and new snack bites is Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery. Whether looking for those early morning treats or midday cravings fix, the latest items here are going to impress. First up, joining the menu for breakfast is the Egg and Bacon Croissant Sandwich with Tomato Pepper Relish. This item features a croissant with a cheese omelet, crispy bacon, and tomato-pepper relish served with potato barrels. Also for breakfast is the Breakfast Totchos with Eggs, Bacon, and Cheese. It combines potato barrels, scrambled eggs, nacho cheese sauce, cheese curds, and crumbled bacon. I personally will be bringing my appetite for breakfast on my next outing to try everything.

But that’s not all for Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery – there are two more dishes on the way. The plant-based IMPOSSIBLE Gatsby fills a pita pocket with plant-based picadillo, tomato-pepper relish, and crispy potato sticks and tops it off with a plant-based aïoli. The Harissa Chicken brings together harissa chicken salad with vegetables and an avocado spread rolled in a spinach tortilla. Both items are served with house-made potato chips too!

In addition to the Stuffed Pancake Sandwich (which sounds incredible), Pongu Pongu will also have another item joining the menu. This fan-favorite spot nestled within Pandora – The World of Avatar serves up Na’vi-inspired refreshments and bites, like the Night Blossom. Starting Oct. 11, it will add a decadent new Cinnamon Roll. What a perfect sweet pairing to go with one of its tasty refreshments.

Barbecue lovers, are you (and your taste buds) ready for some exciting new bites? I sure hope so because Flame Tree Barbecue also has some additions on the way. The IMPOSSIBLE Burnt Ends are a can’t-miss plant-based dish whether you eat plant-based all the time or simply want to try something new. It’s paired with french fries and coleslaw on the side. If you fancy yourself a french fry fan, then I have the plate for you – the French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese. Need I say more?

We’re not done yet! Pizzafari is joining in on the menu updates. Here, you’ll find yet another plant-based item coming on Oct. 11. Add the Plant-based Italian Sausage to your list of things to try on your next Disney’s Animal Kingdom outing. This new offering is served alongside a side salad with Italian dressing. If you’re looking for another side option to pair with any of the tasty items already on the menu at this location, the Antipasto Side Salad will soon be available to complete your meal.

Last, but certainly not least, we’re trekking back over to Africa for one of my personal favorite snack spots at the park – Tamu Tamu Refreshments. Found in the heart of Harambe Village, those with a sweet tooth will rejoice at the options here. Joining the already delicious menu are four new snacks. First up, the DOLE Whip Orange Soda Float with strawberry syrup on top. Few things are as refreshing as pineapple, strawberry, and orange. Did you know you can also get the classic DOLE Whip Float at Tamu Tamu Refreshments already? This treat features DOLE Whip with DOLE pineapple juice for pineapple perfection. For those over the age of 21, you can enjoy the DOLE Whip Float with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum currently or the DOLE Whip Hard Cider Float featuring DOLE Whip and ACE Pineapple Craft Cider starting Oct. 11.

Wow! The culinary teams have clearly been working hard creating these incredible new delights for us to enjoy. No matter where you are, the foodie adventures are endless at Disney Parks! I can’t wait to see you all out there on Oct. 11 to try these can’t-miss eats and sips.

Ferry Boat Mishap at Disney World Sends Guest Flying From Scooter

The sheer size of Walt Disney World makes getting around property, or knowing how to get around property, an essential part of your Disney vacation. However, Disney has afforded guests means of travel throughout its 27,520-acre resort by way of Disney World bus service, monorails, the Disney Skyliner, and the Magic Kingdom ferry boat.

As the Orlando-based resort, known as the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” is home to four theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, as well as numerous resort rooms, golf courses, water parks, and much more; navigating the vast property can be overwhelming. For many guests, it’s best to simply park your car at your Disney resort and utilize Walt Disney World Transportation services instead.

Disney World’s flagship park, Magic Kingdom, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Tens of thousands of guests visit the park each day, meaning its accessibility is of utmost importance to manage the flow of crowds. For this reason, Magic Kingdom, unlike Disney World’s other three parks, doesn’t have direct parking to gate service. Instead, visitors to Magic Kingdom must use a Disney bus, monorail, or ferry boat to access the park.

Although the monorail is as iconic as Cinderella Castle, many forgo the long waits and opt to use Disney World’s water transportation system instead to get to various locations, including Magic Kingdom. Disney’s water transportation system offers theme park and resort guests access to areas such as Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney Springs, the World Showcase at EPCOT, and travel across Seven Seas Lagoon.

The transportation system consists of many different styles of ferry boats; some, such as the friendship boats, which are smaller crafts, offering access to other areas within theme parks. However, some are designed to move large numbers of guests, such as the Magic Kingdom ferry boat that brings visitors across Seven Seas Lagoon from the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Guests to popular Disney World Resorts such as Port Orleans can also use Disney’s water transportation center to access fabulous dining and shopping like that found in Disney Springs. Although you’ll find several ferry boats around Disney World property, the main ferry that carries guests from the ticket center to the front door of Magic Kingdom definitely sees the heaviest traffic.

Pilots and captains of Disney’s transportation systems are highly trained. As safety remains the top priority at Walt Disney World, ensuring guests can get from point A to point B efficiently and without incident means that Disney spares little expense in preparing their Cast Members to escort thousands of guests a day.

However, this doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. A notable history of transportation problems has occurred on almost all of Disney World’s different systems. Guests a few years back found themselves shocked when their Disney Skyliner gondola collided with another ride vehicle just outside of EPCOT. There have also been several instances of bus accidents across Walt Disney World property, and sadly, even deaths associated with monorail accidents outside of Magic Kingdom.

Although Disney does everything they can to ensure that guests are safe, accidents do happen. However, whether you’re using their transportation to get from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom or to make your way across the World Showcase to the Morocco Pavilion, you should feel relatively confident that your complimentary ride will be event-free.

Liberty Square Riverboat

With so many buses running from Disney resorts, Disney Springs, and theme parks, ferry boats in waterways that alligators call home, and guests soaring high above Walt Disney World on the Skyliner or monorail, the unavoidable fact is that things will still happen. Recently, a guest at Walt Disney World learned this the hard way.

Despite the safety associated with industry-leading Disney transportation, a recent Reddit post by user u/careerpathlost suggests that a recent accident involving the Magic Kingdom ferry boat while docking at the TTC sent a guest tipping over from their motorized scooter.

We were on the ferry Saturday night around 10:30, and I said to my daughter as we were approaching the dock at the TTC, ‘We aren’t lined up, s**t brace yourself,’ and then we hit the dock sideways,” writes the user. “One lady toppled out of her scooter, almost everyone on the boat flew sideways. No cast members said a thing; they just waited for the admiral to correct (which took a couple of minutes) and then debarked everyone. That’s all, just wondered if any of you guys happened to be on the ship as well.

Surprisingly, many who chose to respond to the Reddit post also shared stories and experiences in which Disney World’s ferry boat system had also “crashed” into the docks. One specific corroboration stated that a water taxi collided with the ports at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Although not mentioned in the Reddit post, it’s safe to assume everyone in the ferry boat was fine after the reported incident. As we’ve previously stated, Disney goes to great lengths to ensure that their transportation offerings are a safe service for guests at Walt Disney World, or at any of their parks, for that matter.

Disney Skyliner

As the need for buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner remains high, transporting huge numbers of guests all over Disney World, the company often revisits its training and safety standards. However, if true, the latest report of a ferry boat colliding at the TTC dock raises concerns for future riders.

The Magic Kingdom ferry remains an excellent option for returning to the TTC or the parking lots at Disney World’s flagship park. It’s also a great place to enjoy Happily Ever After while beating some of the crowds that exit the park after the end of the nighttime spectacular. However, it can be a bit intimidating as the boats, during busy times, can become quite crowded. Despite complaints of mishaps such as this, guests can rest assured that Disney does everything to ensure their safety.