Thomas Bezucha and Ali Selim Reportedly Tapped to Direct Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” Disney+ Series

Marvel Studios has tapped Thomas Bezucha and Ali Selim to direct their upcoming Secret Invasion series coming to Disney+, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bezucha is known for helming the crime thriller Let Him Go. He also directed the dramedy The Family Stone. Selim is best known for directing Hulu’s drama series The Looming Tower. Some of […]

The post Thomas Bezucha and Ali Selim Reportedly Tapped to Direct Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” Disney+ Series appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

PHOTOS: New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Loungefly Mini Backpack and Wallet Pull Into Disneyland Resort

runaway-railway-loungefly-wallet-1a

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway won’t pull into the station at Disneyland until 2023, but you can prepare your outfit for the grand opening now. New to the Disney Parks Loungefly Collection, a new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway mini backpack and matching wallet have arrived at Elias & Co at Disney California Adventure. You can also order them online at shopDisney. Friendly warning: this article may contain spoilers for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway […]

The post PHOTOS: New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Loungefly Mini Backpack and Wallet Pull Into Disneyland Resort appeared first on WDW News Today.

Disney Parks Blog Shines Light on Imagineering Sisters as Part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration

Every Imagineer has a unique story that brought them to their profession and eventually to Disney. For sisters Saryiah and Sirine the person that inspired their passion was their father. What’s Happening: In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Disney Parks Blog is highlighting the stories and talents of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cast […]

The post Disney Parks Blog Shines Light on Imagineering Sisters as Part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

Universal Orlando & Orange County End Outdoor Face Mask Mandate

It’s been a big week for Walt Disney World health safety protocol and rule relaxation news, and before Daniel Craig introduces the weekend, we have yet another significant development out of Orange County, Florida–and at Universal Orlando! This post we’ll cover the details and offer our commentary about the changes. Let’s start with a brief […]

The post Universal Orlando & Orange County End Outdoor Face Mask Mandate appeared first on Disney Tourist Blog.

Universal Orlando No Longer Requiring Guests to Wear Face Coverings Outdoors

Universal Orlando Resort will no longer require guests to wear a face covering in outdoor areas effective tomorrow (Saturday, May 15). This news comes after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced that the county has reached the 50% vaccination threshold. After the CDC announced yesterday that vaccinated individuals would no longer need to wear masks, Universal […]

The post Universal Orlando No Longer Requiring Guests to Wear Face Coverings Outdoors appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

ABC Puts in Series Orders for “The Wonder Years,” “Queens,” and More

ABC has ordered the reboot of The Wonder Years, the drama Queens, and two new comedies Maggie, and Abbott Elementary. What’s Happening: Deadline has reported that ABC has ordered multiple shows to series on the network. The shows included in the series orders include The Wonder Years, Queens, Maggie, and Abbott Elementary. About The Wonder Years Set in […]

The post ABC Puts in Series Orders for “The Wonder Years,” “Queens,” and More appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

What’s New at Hollywood Studios: BIG Menu Changes and the Return of One of Our FAVORITE Salty Snacks!

Welcome back, DFB friends! We’re here with another What’s New at Hollywood Studios!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

And, we’ve got plenty of updates to share with you! So, what are you waiting for?

Hollywood Studios Food Updates

Starbucks

If you’re craving something sweet during your day in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can pop over to the Trolley Car Cafe to sip on the Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino. The Starbucks drinks is mixed up with funnel cake-flavored syrup and strawberry purée that’s PERFECT for your theme park trip!

Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino

The Frappuccino is more of a dessert than a coffee drink as the funnel cake flavor is prominent while the coffee is practically nonexistent. Still, you can add an extra shot of espresso to cut down on the sweetness and add an extra boost of caffeine!

Pretty sweet, but still tasty!

You can pick up the Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino for $5.79 at Trolley Car Cafe or any other Starbucks in Disney World and beyond!

Read our full review of the Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino

Pretzel Palooza Cart

After we rocked out with the band members from Aerosmith at Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, we were SO hyped to see that the Pretzel Palooza cart reopened in the area! Even though you can find sodas and beers on the menu, it’s a hot spot for Disney’s amazing pretzels. And, one of our all-time favorites has officially returned!

Cheddar-Jalapeño Pretzel

The Cheddar-Jalapeño Pretzel is BACK again as one of the best savory snacks you can find in Disney World. PERIOD. The spiciness from the jalapeños isn’t too strong, but there is a TON of cheese to go along with the soft pretzel dough.

Yum!

It’s definitely a shareable snack or filling enough to count as your lunch for $7.25. Buuut, if you’re looking for a more hearty lunch…

Take a look at the returning Cheddar-Jalapeño Pretzel!

Fairfax Fare

…you might want to head to the newly reopened Fairfax Fare! The quick-service restaurant reopened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a brand new menu, filled with awesome hot dogs. The menu here has evolved a LOT over the years with everything from tex-mex to barbecue, but this is a nice change.

That’s a lot of mustard!

Although the updated menus weren’t put up at the restaurant when it first reopened, we noticed that the new menu items were finally featured at Fairfax Fare when we passed by.

Fairfax Fare Menu

Welcome back, old friend!

Check out our review of Fairfax Fare’s new menu!

Hollywood Brown Derby

We LOVE visiting the Hollywood Brown Derby for a drink or two and one of those AMAZING Cobb SaladsBut, there are a few new additions to the entrée and dessert portions of the menu! You can try the Halibut Veronique or the Wild Mushroom Risotto

New Hollywood Brown Derby Menu

…before indulging in the new “Decadent” Flourless Chocolate Mocha Cake, an updated version of the peppermint treat that was there previously!

©Disney

We’re already making our next reservation for a mini feast at the Brown Derby when we’re in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will be back with our review SOON!

Take a look at the full updated Hollywood Brown Derby menu here!

Hollywood Studios Merchandise Updates

Dark Room

We know you love The Goofy Movie series with hit music from Powerline and the X-Games where Goofy shows off. But, you also might remember that Goofy graduates from college in the sequel film! So, the Dark Room is carrying a special 2021 pin for all you graduates out there!

Graduation Pin

Max looks thrilled to con-grad-ulate his dad on his awesome achievement! And, we’re sending a HUGE congrats to you too!

Toydarian Toymaker

There are SO many small details in the expansive universe that is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And, we spotted a small friend just hanging around near the Toydarian Toymaker stall!

Um, What’s Hanging, Pal?

One of the Shoulder Porgs was just hanging about, greeting guests as they waltzed through the market area. We couldn’t help but wonder if we felt dizzy hanging upside down for so long!

Porg Just Chilling

We let him know if he needed an actual shoulder to lean on, that we had his back! 😉

Droid Depot

Close by at the Droid Depot, we found a whole line-up of NEW merchandise on the shelves! We spotted shirts designed with our favorite droids in a navy blue color

Droid Depot Shirt

…and a teal color for $39.99 each!

Droid Depot Shirt

You could also find the matching jacket featuring BOTH colors on the design…

Droid Depot Jacket

…with the Droid Depot’s logo on the sleeve for $54.99.

Droid Depot Jacket

If you’re looking to accessorize with your outfit, the Droid Depot Wallet is the perfect thing to tote around your credits in Galaxy’s Edge…

Droid Depot Wallet

…as it actually lights up for an extra special feature!

Droid Depot Wallet

There’s plenty of space inside too, so you can keep everything you need in there for $39.99.

Droid Depot Wallet

You can also add the finishing touches to your outfit with the Droid Depot Bow for $14.99

Droid Depot Bow

…and the Droid Depot Backpack for $74.99!

Droid Depot Backpack

But, that’s not ALL the Star Wars merchandise we spotted!

Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

Sometimes we just find merchandise in the parks that really make us excited. And, the NEW Rey Legacy Lightsaber Hilt was making us feel the balance in the Force this week! Over at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can find the hilt from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in the case.

Rey’s Lightsaber is Right in the Center

At the end of the film, Rey buries Leia and Luke’s lightsabers together before she reveals her own new lightsaber. The hilt appears to be made from her scavenger parts from her time on Jakku with cloth wrappings around the center.

Would You Buy This Lightsaber?

And, you can officially become “The Last Jedi” when you take home the Rey Lightsaber hilt for $139.99 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Take a look at all the details on the Rey Lightsaber here!

Hollywood Studios Construction Updates

Parking Lot

After months of delays, Marvel’s Black Widow prequel film will FINALLY be debuting on July 9th. Ahead of the movie’s premiere, we noticed that a poster for Black Widow has replaced the previous Soul poster in the parking lot!

Black Widow Poster

Even though the poster definitely has us extra excited for the new film, you can begin counting down the days for yourself until Black Widow is released on Disney+ (as part of a premium offering) AND in theaters.

Tower of Terror

We noticed recently that the Hollywood Tower Hotel was looking a bit different than usual with flags that were windblown and twisted around the poles from one of Florida’s regular storms. But, they were fixed and looking as great as ever at the Tower of Terror during our recent visit!

Hollywood Tower Hotel Flags

When’s the next time you’re dropping by?

Hollywood Studios Entertainment Updates

Hollywood Brown Derby

After our trip to see the new menu at the Hollywood Brown Derby, we also spotted Chip ‘N Dale hanging out in the lawn area across from the lounge in the afternoon!

Chip ‘N Dale

What cuties, right? Since then, we’ve spotted these two (and Daisy and Donald!) on the balcony near the entrance to the park as well!

Hollywood Studios Crowd Updates

Wait Times

It was a busy week in Disney’s Hollywood Studios when we were visiting! The lower wait times we saw were at Alien Swirling Saucers at 30 minutes

Alien Swirling Saucers

…and Toy Story Mania at 35 minutes, which both had longer queues than we usually see at the attractions.

Toy Story Mania

Right after Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster opened for the day, the wait time already hopped up to 30 minutes and continued to grow.

Rock ‘N Roller Coaster

Plus, we also saw high waits close by at the Tower of Terror at 55 minutes

Tower of Terror

…and the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run nearby at 50 minutes.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Well, that’s all for What’s New at Hollywood Studios! We’ll catch you next time for more updates. And, if you have any questions about your upcoming Disney trip, let us know so we can help you find the answers!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

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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.

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What are you looking forward to seeing at Hollywood Studios the most? Let us know in the comments below!

The post What’s New at Hollywood Studios: BIG Menu Changes and the Return of One of Our FAVORITE Salty Snacks! first appeared on the disney food blog.

BREAKING: Masks Will No Longer Be Required Outdoors at Universal Orlando

Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen a number of updates announced when it comes to COVID-19 and safety precautions theme parks had implemented as a result of the pandemic.

Face Masks at Universal

Recently, Disney announced that it would be phasing out temperature checks and reducing social distancing. Universal Orlando Resort also made some changes in their parks. Now, Universal Orlando has announced a big change when it comes to their mask policies.

As News 6 reported, Universal Orlando recently stopped temperature screenings and reduced social distancing requirements from 6 feet to 3 feet at their parks. Now, Universal Orlando has announced another change.

Note that all of the changes below will become effective tomorrow, May 15th.

The Universal Orlando Resort website has now been updated to indicate that guests will no longer be required to wear masks outdoors (except in certain situations, more on this below). This update in policy is not specific only to guests that have been vaccinated. All guests, whether they have been vaccinated or not, will fall under this new policy.

Universal Orlando

Guests, including those who have been vaccinated, will, however, still be required to wear masks while at indoor locations, indoor hotel public areas, and all attractions.

©Universal

Face coverings will be required in all attractions as well as all attraction queues — whether those experiences or queues are indoors or outdoors. 

©Universal

While at indoor dining locations, masks will be required until you are seated at your table.

©Universal

Face masks will not be required for any outdoor character photo opportunities, but they will be required for any indoor photo opportunities.

Additionally, Universal’s Volcano Bay Themed Water Park will no longer require masks at all.

©Universal

This change is being made shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their updated mask guidanceRecently, the CDC updated their mask guidance to indicate that fully vaccinated people may resume many indoor and outdoor activities without a mask. The CDC still recommends, however, that unvaccinated people wear a mask in many situations, including when attending a crowded, outdoor event like a live performance, parade, or sports event.

©CDC

So far, Disney has not announced any changes to their mask policy. Disney continues to require all guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated, to wear masks both indoors and outdoors at all times (except when specifically allowed to be removed, like when eating and drinking while distanced and stationary). Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek has, however, made some comments about the CDC’s updated mask guidance and its potential impact on the parks.

Face Mask

We’ll continue to look for more updates and let you know what we find.

Click here to see the CDC’s updated guidance for mask wearing for vaccinated people.

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

The post BREAKING: Masks Will No Longer Be Required Outdoors at Universal Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog.

Another Indoor Attraction Now Loading at Full Capacity

Socially distancing is being adjusted throughout Walt Disney World. Check out this indoor attraction that is now loading at full capacity. Full Capacity Attractions Many attractions are now loading at full capacity. Check out the review of the following attractions that are now loading at full capacity:  Barnstormer, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train,  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Expedition Expedition […]

The post Another Indoor Attraction Now Loading at Full Capacity appeared first on KennythePirate.com.