Live with Kelly and Ryan has announced their special guests for the week of March 28th. Among those joining for a virtual or on location appearance are actors, authors, and lifestyle experts. What’s Happening: Every day millions of Americans tune in to ABC’s nationally syndicated, long running morning talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan for the […]
The post “Live with Kelly and Ryan” Guest List: Hugh Grant, Jennifer Lopez and More to Appear Week of March 29th appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
As we enter a new week of television programming, Good Morning America has announced their guests for March 29th-April 2nd. The show will welcome actors, musicians and authors who will discuss their current and upcoming projects. What’s Happening: Every day millions of Americans tune in to ABC’s long running morning news show Good Morning America or […]
The post “GMA” Guest List: Amanda Gorman, John Cena and More to Appear Week of March 29th appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
We think that Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew can pretty unique at times. Not only are the cold brews pretty yummy, but we’re big fans of the over-the-top donuts!
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Where else are you going to get a Grilled Cheese Sandwich ON A DONUT, after all? But the hits keep on coming, because Everglazed just announced a brand new donut, just in time for Easter.
And y’all — this new donut has a PEEP on it. A PEEP! You’ll soon be able to pick up the Rollin’ With My Easter Peeps (coolest donut name ever). It’s a yeast glazed donut dipped in vanilla frosting and topped with pastel candy decorations, green buttercream “grass,” a malted milk ball “Easter egg,” and a Peep.
We know lots of people love Peeps…we also know that there are lots of folks out there that can’t stand them. Luckily, it looks like the Peep will be easy to remove if you aren’t the biggest fan.
PEEPS! ©Everglazed
But honestly, there’s a looooot going on here and we’re not really sure how to feel about it. Are all these elements going to be too much? Is this just a huge green and sticky mess waiting to happen?! You know we will be trying it and giving you all the details on if it is a must-get as soon as it is released.
And you can even choose which color of Peep you want! You’ll be able to grab one from March 29th – April 4th. So if you’ve ever wanted to have a donut with a peep on it, your time has come! And we’ll let you know if Everglazed announces any other new donuts!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 
Have you tried Everglazed yet? Let us know in the comments!
The post The Most Divisive Springttime Candy Just Got Its Own Donut in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog.
Progress continues on the World Drive entrance to Walt Disney World Resort. The archway is undergoing a makeover with the 50th anniversary color scheme. The transformation is ongoing with new changes appearing this morning. The crew is hard at work painting the supports for the “Most Magical Place on Earth” sign. The supports are being painted gold to match the flag poles atop the arch. The eighth wonder of the world: the backside of…the archway! (Wait, that’s not the right […]
The post PHOTOS: World Drive Entrance Makeover Continues for 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.
Disney tends to be on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to theme parks.
Let’s Get Scanning!
Now, Disney World is testing an all-new facial recognition system for park entry that could replace finger scanners. The process is currently opt-in through April 23rd as it’s tested and Disney collects data (You know we gave it a try!). Some folks aren’t loving the idea of facial recognition, so we wanted to break down how it works!
So, why is Disney trying out facial recognition for park entry. According to the Walt Disney World website, “At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests’ experience — especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19.” The site notes that this tech has been developed “with the future in mind and the shift in focus to more touchless experiences.”
Disney Site Screenshot
Over the years, Disney has used a number of different methods to get guests into the parks. There were the old turnstiles and then touchpoints —and now facial recognition could be the next step.
It was prior to the mid-1990s that turnstiles were used. The finger scanners were introduced (first in 1996 and then expanded) to speed up entry and help the entrance to Magic Kingdom feel more welcoming.
Magic Kingdom Tapstiles
Fast forward to today and facial recognition could help to further speed park entry and increase how welcoming the park feels, PLUS reduce touch points which is a major priority in the current health climate.
This question is tricky considering Disney hasn’t released exact details behind what kind of facial recognition technology is being used. Based on their description, it may not be all that different from the finger scanners the parks have used for decades.
Facial Recognition Test Sign
Essentially, the way finger scanners work is they take a measurement of your finger (no fingerprint!) and convert that measurement into a string of numbers that is coded to your ticket. The first time you use a new ticket, a new measurement is taken and associated with your ticket until it expires or is used. Then, your measurement is discarded 30 days after. That’s why you always need to use the same finger when entering the parks! This method does not generate 100% unique numbers for each person. Someone with a VERY similar hand could technically generate the same numbers, but it’s statistically unique enough to make sense for a park entry application.
MagicBand Scanner at Magic Kingdom
Of the new facial recognition tech, Disney says, “The technology we’re testing captures an image of a Guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry.” This language sounds very similar to the tech behind finger scanners. Instead of capturing an image to associate with your ticket, this tech is likely capturing measurement to convert into a number (think head width, eye distance, forehead length, etc.)
Say Cheese!
Now, Facial recognition is not totally new. Your smartphone probably has an option to use facial recognition to unlock your screen. For Apple, this is called Face ID. Apple explains, “The TrueDepth camera captures accurate face data by projecting and analyzing over 30,000 invisible dots to create a depth map of your face and also captures an infrared image of your face. A portion of the neural engine…transforms the depth map and infrared image into a mathematical representation and compares that representation to the enrolled facial data.” Unlike Disney’s tech, Face ID can work with sunglasses and hats — but not with masks.
©Apple
It is interesting that Disney’s technology works with face masks. This likely means it was developed to focus on the top half of the face for measurements. That’s very neat considering that means the tech was developed or at least reworked in the last year!
One thing you’ll note is that Face ID, and likely Disney’s facial recognition, create a depth map of the face. That means your measurement number reflects the way your face is shaped on a 3D level. So your smartphone AND Disney’s entry terminals wouldn’t be able to be tricked with a 2D picture.
©Apple
This “map” of your face might be a little bit different in Apple’s tech, but the concept is likely the same. Disney pulls the different measurements it’s seeing in your face and turns them into a figure, just like Apple’s tech.
Facial Recognition Test
Disney World isn’t the only theme park company to introduce facial recognition this week. According to blooloop, theme park company Miral’s Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates announced their new FacePass for entry AND contactless payments. Could this be the future of park entry? Maybe.
Disney calls your face number in this instance “unique” which might mean that the facial technology DOES have the ability to make sure every guest has a different number — even if they have strikingly similar faces.
Here’s Where to Stand
Remember though, this tech is in TESTING. So, Disney is looking for pitfalls at this time. Once testing concludes, we can consider facial recognition a “foolproof” method for matching tickets to guests — just like finger scanners. If they continue to use it, of course.
From a cybersecurity perspective, facial recognition is as safe as the other data that Disney keeps on you. Just like with the finger scanners, any imagery or numbers will be deleted 30 days after the end of the test (and presumably ticket use if this system is fully launched).
Train Station
Still, Disney acknowledges that “despite our best efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.” Disney has teams that work hard on the security of data, but (just like with finger scanners) an image and unique number are stored electronically. Anything stored electronically is subject to security threats. The same is true for your credit card numbers, phone numbers, and more.
It’s an unfortunate reality. Cybersecurity breaches are rare in Disney World, but they can happen. Recently, a few Disney Springs restaurants were targeted — but they were third-party and not a part of Disney’s system. No system is TRULY foolproof when it comes to cybersecurity, but a company like Disney has a LOT of weight behind fortifying data.
Scan Away!
Plus, it’s possible that Disney already has your face on file. PhotoPass pictures taken on and off attractions are linked to your account and MagicBand. These are deleted after some time, but depending on how often you go to the park, you’re supplying updated photos. On Disney cruise ships, photos are sorted through facial recognition to identify the people in the photo, per Consumer Reports. So again, your face might already be temporarily stored at times.
Pluto and a PhotoPass Photographer
Plus, the entry method in Disneyland has involved an actual photo taken of your face by Cast Members (and the same is true for kiddos who have hands that are too small for the scanners in Disney World). A Cast Member then reviews that photo linked to your ticket when you return on the same ticket. It might seem like facial recognition is radical and big brother-y, but it’s really similar to a PhotoPass photo or picture at the gate — which folks have been okay with for years.
That’s hard to say! If the tests don’t yield the results that Disney is looking for — no. If they do, though, it’s entirely possible facial recognition would replace finger scanners. Once Disney determines that the tech is functional and secure, they may seek to expand it as the new main entrance method to help reduce touchpoints. It’s up in the air at this time as Disney gauges the technology and determines guest reaction (which per our readers is split right down the middle).
Here’s what YOU said!
Overall, Disney might be looking at a shift to facial recognition to reduce touchpoints, speed entry, and make the parks feel more welcoming. Plus, if facial recognition CAN create a totally unique personal number, then it’s more accurate than the finger scanners too.
We’ll, of course, be keeping a close eye on facial recognition as it continues testing so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates.
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.
What do you think of facial recognition in the Disney parks? Tell us in the comments!
The post How Disney World’s New Facial Recognition Technology Actually Works first appeared on the disney food blog.
When’s the last time a Disney character like Meeko got any love? Or Mrs. Potts? Or Lumiere? Or Flounder?
Dooneys
Let us tell you — it doesn’t happen often! Yes, we have seen SOME merchandise with rare characters, including a MagicBand with Bunny and Ducky from Toy Story, a backpack with characters from Raya and the Last Dragon, and an entire collection dedicated to Disney animal friends. But it’s still not enough.
Well, these sidekick characters’ time has come! Because Dooney & Bourke have just released their brand NEW Sidekicks collection, which features some characters we rarely see on merch, including Rajah, Scuttle (!!!), Meeko, Flounder, Lumiere, and more! ALL our faves! And you can buy it all online, including a Tote.
Tote
This tote features a pattern with all these characters on them, along with some cute quotes about them. TOO cute. And it’s available now for $268.
There’s also a Satchel Bag in a different style with the same pattern. This one is a good size for everyday use if you’re headed out and about.
Satchel Bag
This bag is available now for $298.
And if you need a MagicBand to round out your collection, there is one available! And it’s got those characters on it, too!
Take all the sidekicks with you to the parks!
The MagicBand is $48.
As these are rare characters, we expect this collection might go fast. So if you’re looking to grab it, you might want to do so now! And as always, we’ll let you know if we spot it elsewhere.
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.
Do you collect Disney Dooneys? Let us know in the comments!
The post Would You Pay 0 For a Bag With Rare Disney Characters On It?! first appeared on the disney food blog.
One STAPLE of a Disney vacation is a solid souvenir.
Popcorn Bucket at EPCOT
For many, the best Disney World souvenir is a brand new refillable souvenir popcorn bucket. Typically, we see new buckets released every few months or so to commemorate one event or another. But we have to say, the buckets are FEW and FAR BETWEEN this year. We might go so far as to say we’re in a drought — The Great Disney World Popcorn Bucket Drought of 2021.
Okay, maybe you think we’re being dramatic but we most certainly ARE NOT. We spotted a new Mickey and Friends Popcorn Bucket the other day and it made us realize just how LONG it’s been since we last spotted a new popcorn bucket in Disney World.
Magic Kingdom everywhere!
Seriously, before we spotted the Mickey and Friends Bucket, the last “new” one we spotted was the Yellow Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket in JANUARY. And that one wasn’t even new (!!!), we spotted it in Disneyland way back in 2018. Other than that and the one from this week, we haven’t seen ANY OTHER new popcorn buckets in Disney World in 2021. What gives???
Yellow Popcorn Bucket
Remember the holiday season? We were seeing new and returning buckets left and right (as we tend to around Christmastime). We dream of the days we could spot ACTUALLY NEW buckets like the White Christmas Tree Popcorn Bucket or the Happy Holidays Popcorn Bucket.
White Christmas Tree Popcorn Bucket
Hopefully, this new Mickey and Friends Popcorn Bucket is a sign of change because we’re not sure we can live like this. You know what they say, “You never truly know what you have until it’s gone.” Did we think that statement would ever apply to Disney World popcorn releases? No, but it DOES.
Our pals are havin’ LOTS of fun!
Will this Mickey and Friends Bucket be the only new one we see for another three months? 2021, come on. We’re coming off of 2020, cut us some slack here and run us our popcorn buckets!
Another Mickey Mouse detail’s on the lid!
If you don’t have the same frustrations, we envy you. If you DO have the same frustrations, know you’re not alone. Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye out for any signs of new buckets (PLEASE), and we’ll make sure you know about them as soon as we do!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.
How do you feel about the Popcorn Bucket Drought? Tell us in the comments!
The post The Great Disney World Popcorn Bucket Drought of 2021 — Where the Buckets At?! first appeared on the disney food blog.
Two brand new pairs of Minnie Mouse Ear Headbands have arrived at the Magic Kingdom. Both pairs are iridescent and full of sequins and would make the perfect Disney Parks accessory this spring. Purple & Pink Polka Dot Minnie Mouse Ear Headband — $29.99 This pair of ears is the perfect springtime addition to the Disney Parks as it reminds us of classic pastel Easter colors. The ears are covered in iridescent purple sequins with a bright pink bow. The […]
The post PHOTOS: Purple & Pink Polka Dot and Hydrangea Minnie Mouse Ear Headbands Arrive at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.
The latest ESPN Cover Story launches today featuring Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto. What’s Happening: ESPN Cover Story has published its latest feature covering Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto. The feature has debuted on digital and social platforms, with a video feature airing on SportsCenter throughout the day on Sunday, March 28. ESPN Cover Story is a monthly […]
The post Latest “ESPN Cover Story” Out Today Features Washington Nationals Outfielder Juan Soto appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
