IN DEFENSE OF LIVING WITH THE LAND

Let’s talk about the most misunderstood, most majestically mellow attraction in all of Walt Disney World. No animatronic pirates. No intergalactic battles. No rollercoaster catapult through a reverse wormhole narrated by Glenn Close.

Nope. We’re boarding a slow-moving boat and floating straight into agriculture.

Yes, I’m talking about Living with the Land—Epcot’s most humble hero. And I am here, microphone in hand and hydroponic lettuce in pocket, to declare it one of Disney’s greatest triumphs.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that the ride with the fish tanks and the cucumbers?” Yes. Yes, it is. And it’s glorious.

Originally opened in 1982 as Listen to the Land, the attraction got a refresh in the ’90s, a new narration, and a new name—but kept its beating heart: a journey through Earth’s ecosystems and into the future of farming. Sure, it doesn’t scream for your attention, but that’s because it doesn’t have to. It’s the cardigan-wearing grandparent of Epcot. Calm. Wise. Slightly humid.

You begin the ride in darkness, passing through a simulated rainforest, an arid desert, and a windswept prairie—all beautifully imagined with atmospheric lighting, weather effects, and sound design that gently whispers, “Hey… let’s save the planet.” No one’s shouting. No one’s dangling from a vine. It’s like ASMR for the environmentally curious.

And then, just when you’re lulled into serenity, bam!—science.

You glide out of the dark and into the greenhouse portion of the ride, and suddenly you're in a living, working laboratory. These aren’t fake plants. These are real tomatoes, real papayas, and real 9-pound lemons that could win a boxing match. Everything growing here is part of Disney’s Agricultural Sciences program, where researchers explore alternative growing methods like hydroponics (plants growing in nutrient-rich water), aquaponics (plants and fish working together like a buddy cop movie), vertical farming, and even “aeroponics,” which sounds like something Buzz Lightyear would use to grow kale.

And unlike most theme park sets, what you see here isn’t just for show. The produce is harvested and served at Epcot restaurants like Sunshine Seasons and Garden Grill. Yes, you could quite literally wave to your salad on the ride and then eat it for lunch. Show me a rollercoaster that does that.

There’s even a section where Mickey-shaped pumpkins hang triumphantly like produce-shaped trophies, as if to say, “We are fun. We are food. We are the future.”

Of course, Living with the Land doesn’t always get the love it deserves. People often breeze right by it on their way to Soarin’ or bolt to Frozen Ever After to watch Elsa defy the laws of thermodynamics. Living with the Land isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have a lightning lane filled with sweaty dads frantically refreshing My Disney Experience. It doesn’t have a princess. But it does have a room full of fish poop powering lettuce, and that, my friends, is innovation.

The reason people often “don’t get it” is because Living with the Land asks for something rare in a theme park: your attention. It doesn’t try to dazzle you with speed or spectacle. It invites you to pause, to listen, to learn—and maybe to quietly freak out at how cool hydroponic cantaloupe is.

And it’s not just science for science’s sake. This attraction is a living example of Walt Disney’s original EPCOT dream—a place where creativity, technology, and progress could make the world a better place. Long before “sustainability” became a buzzword printed on tote bags, Living with the Land was showing guests how we might grow food in deserts, in cities, even in space.

It’s not a ride about farming. It’s a ride about possibility.

So the next time you’re in Epcot, rushing from your virtual galaxy mission to your third pretzel of the day, I urge you to take a detour. Step aboard the boat. Bask in the warm glow of the greenhouse. Salute the banana trees. Tip your hat to the tilapia. And let yourself be transported—not to a fictional land far away, but to a very real, very hopeful future that just so happens to include Mickey-shaped squash.

Because in the end, Living with the Land isn’t just a ride. It’s a reminder that the real magic doesn’t always come with fireworks or CGI—it sometimes comes with floating gardens and a really excellent voiceover.

And that’s a kind of Disney magic worth defending.

DISNEY FOOD BLOG

If Walt Disney World is a kingdom of magic, then Disney Food Blog is the map, the compass, the friendly talking teacup guiding you through it all—with a churro in hand and zero judgment for how many snacks you plan to eat before 10 a.m.

Let’s be honest: planning a Disney trip today isn’t just about picking a park and packing sunscreen. It’s a strategic operation involving park reservations, mobile orders, Genie+, dining windows, rope drops, snack hacks, and more acronyms than your average government agency. And in the middle of this lovable chaos stands one unwavering guide: Disney Food Blog (DFB).

This isn’t just a website about food. It’s a Disney lifestyle manual, a theme park survival guide, and a daily dose of pixie-dusted practicality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor nervously booking your first dining reservation or a seasoned passholder who has opinions about the proper dough-to-glaze ratio on a Mickey beignet, DFB speaks your language.

So what makes Disney Food Blog the best of the best? Let’s dig in (pun absolutely intended).

1. Obsessive in the Best Way Possible

No one covers Disney food, parks, and planning with more thoroughness than DFB. Their team doesn’t just try the new cupcake—they try it, describe it, price it, rate it, photograph it from four angles, and compare it to the seasonal cupcake released in the same spot two years ago. That’s not content—that’s commitment.

They don’t just tell you what’s new. They tell you what’s worth it. Which restaurants are worth the reservation stress. Which snacks are overrated. Which limited-time treats are secretly just last month’s cookie in a different wrapper. You know—the stuff that matters.

2. They Make You Smarter (And Hungrier)

A lot of Disney content is either glittery fluff or spreadsheet-heavy stress. DFB strikes the perfect balance: fun, approachable, and actually useful. They explain the ever-evolving Disney dining plan, how to master mobile ordering, what to do if you miss a dining reservation, and how to find secret menus and hidden gems like a pro.

And their YouTube channel? A glorious rabbit hole. It’s not just “here’s a churro.” It’s “here’s how churros evolved in the parks, where to find the best one, and how to avoid the ones that taste like sadness.” It’s full of trip-saving tips, honest reviews, and “we tried it so you don’t have to” energy that’s both hilarious and heroic.

3. They’re Unapologetically Honest

DFB is not afraid to tell it like it is. If a $17 snack is dry and disappointing, they’ll tell you. If a beloved restaurant is slipping in quality, they’ll gently break the news. They love Disney, but they’re not blindly loyal—and that’s exactly why people trust them.

They’re the friend who loves the parks and warns you not to spend $40 on a Mickey-shaped cheese board that tastes like regret.

4. They Know It’s About More Than Just Food

Yes, food is in the name. But Disney Food Blog is really about making the most of your Disney experience. The menus are just the gateway. Once you’re in, you’re treated to smart planning advice, in-depth resort comparisons, park strategy tips, festival coverage, and even weather warnings and construction updates. They’ve grown into a one-stop shop for everything Disney fans want to know—with the food coverage remaining the gooey, delicious center.

5. It Feels Like a Friend, Not a Brochure

Perhaps most importantly, DFB has heart. Whether you’re scrolling the blog or watching AJ and the crew on YouTube, it never feels corporate or canned. It feels like someone who loves Disney and knows what it’s like to save up for years for that once-in-a-lifetime trip—and they want it to be everything you dreamed of (plus snacks).

They’re funny, relatable, and just self-deprecating enough to make you feel like you’re part of the club. The vibe is “We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. Also, have you tried this cookie?!”

The Bottom Line

The internet is full of Disney blogs, channels, and influencers—but Disney Food Blog stands apart because it blends deep expertise with joyful curiosity, clear-eyed honesty, and a genuine passion for helping fans experience the best of the parks.

They don’t just report on the magic. They enhance it. One snack, tip, and surprisingly helpful churro review at a time.

So next time you’re planning a trip, dreaming about one, or just craving some theme park escapism on your lunch break, do yourself a favor: head to Disney Food Blog.

Because whether you’re booking character breakfasts or chasing down the best festival booth, you’ll always be in good hands—and they’ll probably be holding a Dole Whip.

THE DISNEY ADULT

Let’s just say it up front: being a Disney Adult isn’t a personality flaw. It’s not a phase. It’s not a cry for help. It’s a lifestyle—and an unapologetically joyful one at that.

Yes, I am that person. I wear ears on airplanes. I have strong opinions about Dole Whip vs. Citrus Swirl. I know which bathrooms in Magic Kingdom are air-conditioned and which popcorn carts have the shortest lines. And guess what? I’m thriving.

For too long, “Disney Adult” has been wielded like a punchline. We’re painted as Peter Pan types who can’t grow up, or worse, as cringey consumers who have mistaken a theme park for a personality. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Being a Disney Adult is not about avoiding reality—it’s about curating joy in a world that doesn’t always make space for it. It’s about nostalgia, creativity, community, and yes…a little pixie dust when the grind of daily life feels too heavy.

So when AJ Wolfe—founder of the Disney Food Blog and one of the most respected voices in the Disney fandom—announced her new book "Disney Adult", I nearly spilled my Mickey-shaped waffles in excitement. Finally, someone is giving this community the thoughtful, nuanced, and joy-filled treatment it deserves. If anyone understands the intersection of food, fandom, and feelings, it’s AJ. She’s spent years documenting every snack, sip, and seasonal festival Disney has to offer, but this time she’s going beyond the churros and into the why behind it all.

Why do we flock to Disney parks like they’re sacred spaces?
Why do we cry during fireworks shows we’ve seen a dozen times?
Why do we feel more ourselves walking down Main Street U.S.A. than we do in our own neighborhoods?

These aren’t questions of consumerism. These are questions of identity, belonging, and emotional connection—and "Disney Adult" promises to dig into all of it with heart, humor, and that AJ-level insight only a true Disney historian could bring.

So here’s my defense, plain and simple: Being a Disney Adult is about making space for wonder. It’s about saying yes to magic when the world tries to hand you cynicism. And if that makes me “too much,” then so be it. I’ll be “too much” with a churro in hand, a popcorn bucket strapped across my chest, and AJ Wolfe’s book in my Loungefly.

Because joy is serious business.
And we’ve got a lot to celebrate.

THE DISNEY SKYLINER

Let me be clear: I have talked about this at length. At dinner tables. In queue lines. Maybe even to strangers who didn’t ask. But I will say it again—and proudly: The Disney Skyliner is the single greatest mode of transportation on Walt Disney World property. Full stop.

Forget buses that mysteriously vanish from the app. Forget boats that stall or monorails that creak like your knees after four park days. The Skyliner floats above it all—literally and metaphorically. It’s not just transportation; it’s a ride, an experience, and—let’s be honest—a minor miracle of Disney logistics.

From the moment you step inside one of those vibrant gondolas, it’s like you're boarding a magic carpet with a Pixar wrap. The doors slide shut, the breeze picks up, and suddenly, you're gliding above palm trees, resorts, and water with the grace of a Disney daydream. No honking, no waiting, no aisle seat next to a stroller the size of a small sedan. Just the gentle whoosh of movement and views that could be postcards.

And the views! Oh, the views. You soar past Hourglass Lake, catch glimpses of Spaceship Earth glowing in the distance, and spot Art of Animation’s giant Ursula like she’s waving hello. The Skyliner isn’t just getting you from point A to point B—it’s showing you the story between the stops.

There’s also a flow to the Skyliner. It never really feels like it stops—because even when you pause for loading, it’s smooth, efficient, and oddly peaceful. You’re not crushed by crowds or left wondering if you should’ve just walked. It’s the kind of calm that’s rare in a park day full of Lightning Lanes, dining reservations, and rope-drop strategies. It’s your exhale in a world of Go-Go-Go.

And let’s talk connections. Need to get from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios? You don’t need to fold a stroller or herd your family onto a crowded bus. You float there. Want a midday escape from the parks to grab lunch at Caribbean Beach or Riviera? The Skyliner makes resort hopping feel like a treat, not a task.

Some say they worry about it stopping midair. Others mention Florida’s storms. And sure, weather happens—but buses break down, monorails go offline, and yet the Skyliner feels like it just keeps gliding, smiling politely through the clouds.

More than anything, the Skyliner feels like it understands the assignment. It doesn’t just move guests—it elevates them, both literally and emotionally. It’s fun. It’s beautiful. It’s efficient. And in a world where every minute counts, the Skyliner turns transportation into part of the magic.

So yes, I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it until they install a Skyliner directly to my living room: The Disney Skyliner is the best mode of transportation on Disney property. It flies, it delights, and it gives your feet a break.

Honestly? It’s the only commute I’ve ever wished was longer.