In the mood for something new? Here’s your guide to all of the new TV shows and movies this week, spread across all networks, streamers, and a few nationwide theatrical releases. As always, this week kicks off with my personal top 5. Whatever you choose to watch, I hope you have a great week! Top […]
The post What’s New This Week – TV + Streaming + Theaters – March 26th – April 1st appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
Join us live tonight, Sunday, March 26th at 9:00 p.m. ET or watch ParksCenter anytime on our new home, WDWNT.TV.
Isn’t TRON Lightcycle / Run basically open at this point?
We’re back with more news and discussing the latest happenings in Disney Parks. Also, thanks for joining us live at our new time, 9 p.m. ET!
It’s been a busy week in Disney Parks news. Last Sunday, Toontown officially reopened in California after a year-long reimagining. We have thoughts on the food, the merch, and the changes to this iconic land. Also, we will take a look at the updates to the Indiana Jones reopening with new magic!
Back at Walt Disney World, Tron has soft-opened to guests and the new Energy Bytes snack stand is also open for business! Reservations are open for creating your own TRON Identity Program Personalized Action Figures and the virtual queue and Lightning Lanes are up and running!
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Andy has officially started welcoming guests to Woody’s Round-Up BBQ, and at EPCOT, more announcements and updates on several projects including Moana, Communicore Hall, and a look at the Mary Poppins project that was put on hold give us a lot to discuss.
Finally, as the News Tonight team argues down the top 64 Single BEST Food Items at Walt Disney World, we give a much more concise recap of last week’s results and a look ahead at what should win!
So much to cover, and we’ll pack it all into 90 minutes. You won’t want to miss this special episode of ParksCenter!
Also, our WIGS members receive a 30-minute interactive post-show each week, exclusive to our Patreon program.
Check out another episode of the show below.
ParksCenter is broadcast live on YouTube every Sunday, now at 9:00 p.m. ET!
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post WATCH PARKSCENTER —Tron Soft Opens, Roundup BBQ Opens, Toontown Reopens, and a Recap of the WDW Best Food Bracket! appeared first on WDW News Today.
Welcome back to another “Ranked” article here on Laughing Place. About a year and a half ago, I ranked up all the attractions of Universal Studios Hollywood. Since then however, we’ve seen a couple of mainstays leave the park (Animal Actors and the Special Effects Stages), and a brand-new land – Super Nintendo World – […]
The post Ranked: The Attractions of Universal Studios Hollywood – Including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
We’ve had an exciting week here at Disney Food Blog.
A Forky cupcake
A new restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, has officially opened in Disney World. We got to check it out a little early AND we were there on opening day! But we also spotted some menu changes at EPCOT’s Coral Reef Restaurant, updates when it comes to 50th Anniversary snacks, and more. Let’s take a look at everything that has changed this week when it comes to Disney food!
More 50th Anniversary snacks are disappearing from Disney World menus, although some have actually been replaced by similar snacks just without all the 50th Anniversary details (and we are grateful for that!).
For example, the Glimmer and Shimmer Blondie is now gone from the menus at Backlot Express and Fairfax Fare in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it’s been replaced with a Toffee and Coconut Blondie, which has the same description minus the 50th decorations.
Glimmer and Shimmer Blondie
The 50th Celebration Cookie at Rosie’s All-American Cafe in Hollywood Studios is now gone, but it’s been replaced with the Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwich and is getting a Fantasmic! chocolate piece added to it.
50th Celebration Cookie
The Glimmer and Shimmer Earl Grey Cupcake will stay on the menu simply as the Earl Grey Cupcake over at the Trolley Car Cafe at Hollywood Studios.
Glimmer and Shimmer 50th Anniversary Earl Grey Cupcake in Hollywood Studios
As far as other 50th items, go, the EARidescent Sip-a-bration and the Magical Beacon Cocktail have been removed from the following menus:
Magical Beacon Cocktail
In addition, 50th Celebration Bananas Foster has been removed from the menu at Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And the 50th Anniversary Glimmer & Shimmer Funnel Cake seems to have disappeared from Epic Eats.
There have been lunch and dinner changes at Coral Reef. Here’s what changed under Appetizers:
The Trio of Seasonal Dips
Here’s what happened with Entrees:
Shrimp and Grits
Coral Reef Restaurant
Under desserts, the Key Lime Tart used to have a 50th design with EARidescent Shimmer, Sprinkles, and Chocolate Garnish. Now, it simply has the toasted meringue.
Here’s what changed under the Kid’s Menu:
Coral Reef Restaurant
The wine menu has also changed:
Here’s what’s changed under Beer:
Cocktails at Coral Reef
The cocktails menu saw these changes:
There have been a few changes at Rose and Crown Dining Room in EPCOT. Under Entrees, the Savory Impossible Hot Pot has increased from $22 to $23. The Vanilla Gelato is now listed as Seasonal Gelato under desserts.
Here’s what’s changed under Ales, Lagers, and Stouts:
A souvenir glass of cider and black, with a pint of Guinness for scale.
The changes under Specialty Cocktails include:
There has been a bit of a menu shake-up on the dessert menu at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe:
Mini Mango Pie
The Five-Legged Goat Cookie is returning to Contempo Cafe. It’s a Citrus-scented Gluten-Friendly Sugar Cookie for $5.75.
5-Legged Goat Sugar Cookie
We saw this cookie return as part of the springtime offerings available here.
Many treats available!
That’s the only change here, though.
Ahead of its BIG menu change on April 1st, California Grill has already made a change to its current menu. The House-made Artisanal-style Duck À L’Orange Pizza has been replaced by the Black Truffle Pizza made with Salt-baked Marble Potatoes, Leek Fondue, Crispy Potato Chips, Spicy Honey, Shaved Black Truffle.
House-made Artisanal-style Duck À L’Orange Pizza
Also, the Pumpkin and Squash Bisque and the Saffron Risotto have been removed from the menu.
If you’re ordering coffee or tea at Raglan Road, there have been some changes:
Raglan Road
There have also been some changes with Desserts:
If you’re visiting Disney World soon, we always recommend checking restaurant menus before your trip on the Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app (sometimes the app is more updated than the website, so keep that in mind). We’ll also let you know when we spot any big updates or changes.
Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!
The 2023 DFB Guide to Dining in Disney World
We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip.
With more than 900 pages, the 2023 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!
You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! 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 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 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today!
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 
Which 50th Anniversary snack are you sad to see go? Let us know in the comments!
The post The 50th Anniversary Snack CHANGES You Need to Know About in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.
Now that the 100th anniversary has kicked off, Disneyland is the place to BE!
Disneyland
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the newest ride in Disneyland and the reimagined Toontown has fully reopened with a new restaurant and a new character! But what else has been going on around the parks lately? Well, we’re here to show you!
New Orleans Square has some construction going on with the addition of the Tiana’s Palace restaurant! We got a look at the scaffolding on the buildings.
Scaffolding
This is replacing the former French Market Restaurant and although The Mint Julep Bar is closed during this construction, it will reopen. But don’t worry — you can still get Mickey beignets at a couple of other locations!
We found some popular merchandise over in Emporium! This includes the Easter Bunny Ears ($34.99)…
There’s a lot going on here
…the Conductor Mickey Loungefly ($88)…
Loungefly Backpack
…the Three Little Pigs Plush Set ($44.99)…
Three Little Pigs
…and these Snow White Ears ($39.99). These are part of Disney’s Eras collection for the 100th anniversary!
Snow White Ears
We also spotted a Flounder Button Up Shirt here.
Flounder Shirt
This one is $59.99.
Eggstravaganza is back at Disneyland for the Easter season! You can purchase a board at Disney Showcase and look for character eggs hidden around the park. Once you find them all, you can turn in this board for a prize!
Eggstravaganza
Each board is $9.99.
Toy Story fans will want to see this! We found a new Toy Story Phone Case at the Little Green Men Store Command.
Toy Story
This case is $29.99.
Gearing up for May the 4th? Celebrate with the Leia Figurine.
Leia Figurine
The vinyl figure of this iconic character is $29.99.
If you’re looking for some new Disney home decor, head to Adventureland Bazaar! This is where we found the White Mickey Pillow for $39.99…
Cozy!
…Mug for $24.99…
A new way to drink your coffee
…Set of 4 Bowls for $44.99…
4 bowls in this set
…Coaster Set for $24.99…
Mickey coasters
…Ornament for $17.99…
Get ahead on Christmas
…Drinking Glass Set for $39.99…
Glassware
…Teapot for $39.99…
Tea anyone?
…and Serving Tagine for $59.99.
Serving Tagine
There were also a few Lion King-themed items including the Lion King BaubleBar Ears for $58…
New ears
…and the Lion King Easter Eggs.
Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa
This set features Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa and it costs $14.99.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is open in Disneyland and that means the new EngineEar Souvenirs shop is full of merchandise for the ride! We found the Chuuby Purse ($34.99)…
Chuuby!
…Chuuby Ears ($34.99)…
He’s on the ears too!
…Talk About A Story Twist Shirt ($39.99)…
Shirt
…Conductor Hat ($34.99)…
Match with Goofy!
…Runaway Railway Hoodie ($59.99)…
Hoodie
…Striped Hoodie ($64.99)…
Striped Hoodie
…Picnic Bag ($34.99)…
Perfect for a picnic!
…Picnic Blanket ($59.99)…
To go with the bag
…Toddler Runaway Railway Shirt ($26.99)…
A shirt for the kiddos!
…Whistle ($14.99)…
Whistle
…Runaway Railway Onesie ($24.99)…
Onesie
…Remote Control Trackless Train ($149.99)…
Remote Control Train
…Runaway Railway Figurines ($19.99)…
Perfect for play time!
…and this Toontown-themed Donald Water Game.
Water Game
The game is $19.99.
We checked out the Pacific Wharf area which is being reimagined into San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. We noticed that the bridge to this area of the park is now open!
The bridge is now open
The water in this area was previously drained, but on our latest visit, the water was back!
Water is back
We’ll continue to keep an eye on this project!
Need a spot to store your pressed pennies? Disney created this Princess Pressed Penny Book!
A book to store your pressed pennies
The book is $14.99.
Eggstravaganza is happening over at Disney California Adventure, too! The board is also $9.99 and you can search for eggs around Disney California Adventure.
Eggstravaganza
Also at Elias and Co, you’ll find the new Edna Mode nuiMOs!
Edna MODE!!
Take Edna home with you for $21.99.
There is plenty of 100th anniversary merchandise to go around, but now there is a 100 Years Art of Coloring Book!
Coloring Book
The book is $15.99.
Guess what? Eggstravaganza is ALSO happening in Downtown Disney! Pick up a board at World of Disney, find all of the eggs by placing stickers in the correct spot, and then head back to World of Disney to grab a prize egg!
Eggstravaganza Prizes
Those are all of the updates we have for you this time around at Disneyland Resort. We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates in all of the Disney parks, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime, check out our video on the best times to go to Disneyland in 2023!
What is your favorite thing to do at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!
The post What’s New at Disneyland: A Must-Have Mickey Loungefly Backpack first appeared on the disney food blog.
In 2022, we got some HUGE news about something exciting at one of Disneyland’s hotels: we learned that Paradise Pier Hotel would be re-imagined as a Pixar-themed hotel.
©Disney
It will be called Pixar Place Hotel, and be dedicated to ALL things Pixar and will “weave the artistry of Pixar into its comfortable, contemporary setting.” We haven’t had a lot of updates from Disney about the newly-reimagined hotel, but we visited the site recently to see its progress!
We managed to snap some photos of the latest progress for the construction of the hotel, and it looks like they’re currently doing a bit of renovation around the pool area.
Pool area renovation
It doesn’t look like the pool itself has been touched.
Pool has been left alone
But it does like Disney is adding or updating the splash zone, slide, and more.
This area is undergoing a lot of work
The area next to that also seems to be getting a serious update.
Also being renovated
We previously saw new stripes that were painted on the side of the hotel, which is already giving it a bit of that extra Pixar flare.
Pixar Place Hotel taking shape in January 2023
We recently learned that Great Maple will be opening a new restaurant on the first floor of the hotel, as well as operating all the other food and drink locations there. That restaurant will offer a comfort food twist on American classics like fried chicken, burgers, steak, seafood, pasta, and salads as well as sides like mac & cheese, maple bacon donuts, and thick-cut smoked bacon.”
Some of the Great Maple favorites could be on the menu at Pixar Place Hotel, including Pancake Pops which combines pigs in a blanket with pancakes. Brew Bear Lattes served in honey bear mugs could be on the menu.
©Great Maple
During the construction, though, Paradise Pier Hotel has remained open to guests, although check-in has moved to the Pacific Ballroom and guests are required to enter the hotel from its rear entrance.
We can’t wait to see even more of Pixar Place Hotel, and we’ll be sure to share all the details with you when we get them, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
What do you think of Pixar Place Hotel so far? Let us know in the comments!
The post UPDATE on Transformation of Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog.
It’s time to talk about candy! We’re talking about those rows and rows of candy bars and candy that line the aisles at grocery stores.
Skittles
Do you have a favorite? Maybe it’s M&Ms (and if so, you should DEFINITELY visit the M&Ms Store in Disney Springs). Or maybe the combo of peanut butter and chocolate in Reese’s makes you happy. Perhaps your favorite candy is Skittles, but if that’s the case, we could have some bad news.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a new bill was introduced in California that would ban selling, manufacturing, and distributing foods containing certain chemicals that can be found in food. These chemicals have been linked to health problems in a number of studies like decreased immune response, increased risk of cancer, and even hyperactivity in kids.
Skittles Fudge from Main Street Confectionery
These chemicals are found in common foods, including Skittles, which could mean that if the bill passes, the candy could be banned in the state of California.
Skittles sugar cookie
The chemicals include red dye no. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. Skittles uses titanium dioxide as a colorant. There was even a lawsuit filed in California last year against Mars, the company that makes Skittles, claiming that the candy was “unfit for human consumption” due to the titanium dioxide in it.
Marshmallow wand with Skittles
However, California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who introduced the bill, says that banning the candy isn’t the point of the bill. Instead, he hopes to encourage Mars to manufacture Skittles without the chemicals. He said, “I love Skittles. I love Wild Berry Skittles. I eat them all the time.
“What we’re really trying to get them to do is to change their recipes. All of these are nonessential ingredients.”
We even got free Skittles in Disneyland once
The chemicals the bill would ban have already been banned in Europe, where Skittles are also available, so it’s something Mars has already done in at least one part of the world. So although it could mean Skittles would CHANGE, they wouldn’t be completely banned.
Skittles can actually be found as an ingredient in several treats at Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom, including the Kernel Kitchen, where guests can mix and match ingredients to make their own popcorn blends.
Skittles
We’ll continue to keep an eye on the situation and update you when we have more details!
With more than 900 pages, the 2023 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!
You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! 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 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 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 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 pay attention to candy labels? Would you like to see these chemicals banned? Let us know in the comments!
The post Could Skittles Be BANNED Soon? What You Should Know. first appeared on the disney food blog.
Wizards and witches rejoice! A special 2023 collector’s edition wand is channeling all of the magical “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” vibes at Ollivander’s Wand Shop inside Universal Studios Florida.
As wizards and witches visit Universal Studios Florida, fans of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can’t seem to get enough of the unique, interactive wands that help bring the magic of the franchise to life throughout the park. We stopped by Ollivander’s Wand Shop along Diagon Alley for a first-hand look at this limited-edition collector’s series wand, inspired by the magical world created by J.K. Rowling and especially commemorating 2023.
This well-crafted wand is a realistic and fun collectible seemingly identical to the powerful tools used by our favorite Hogwarts students. A golden dome rests on the end of a pearl-colored handle. Ornate silver details and more gold separate the wand’s handle from its long, black core.
Just above the handle. ridged edges add more detail along the black core of the wand. The straight and narrow wand is elegant looking, with none of the carvings or curves featured on many of the specialty wands available at Ollivander’s Wand Shop.
Wizards of all ages will be able to use the wand around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As with any other wand, this edition includes a detailed map of the interactive spots in which the environment can be manipulated with the correct movements across Universal Studios Orlando. The map covers Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
We first found the limited edition interactive wand at the Ollivander’s Wand Shop along Diagon Alley, but expect to see it pop up at both parks soon.
This wand is the latest in a series of annual wands debuting as part of the Collector’s Edition wand series. Last year’s wand was was full of unique carved details and is still available for guests, should this be the wand that chooses them. In 2021, a wand inspired by potion-making made its debut— read more about the cauldron wand here!
An all-new collection of interactive wands, including a Universal Studios Orlando exclusive, also arrived at Ollivander’s inside the park’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter this past December.
Will you be picking up the 2023 collector’s edition wand or does another wand draw more on your personality? Let us know what you think about the latest collectible to hit the Wizarding World in the comments below!
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
The post PHOTOS: New Limited-Edition Collectible Wand Channels 2023 Wizarding World Magic at Universal Studios Florida appeared first on WDW News Today.
TRON is truly seeing a resurgence now, with the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run at Walt Disney World, and the upcoming release of the all-new TRON: Identity game. We were able to talk with Mike Bithell (Bithell Games, Creative Director) and Heidy Vargas (Walt Disney Games, Producer) about the latest addition to the world of TRON. […]
The post Interview: The Creatives Behind “TRON: Identity” Discuss Inspirations for New Game in the World of TRON appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
Disney World is constantly CHANGING.
BoardWalk
From changes with Genie+ to adjustments on Annual Passholder perks and park map updates, there’s a lot going on. But now we’ve got some clues about potential other changes coming to Disney World, particularly at its resort hotels. Let’s dive into them right now!
These clues are all based on permits (technically notices of commencement) Disney has recently filed in Florida. These often do not have a lot of detail but can signal the start of potential work in certain areas, so let’s take a look at what’s going on.
If you’ll be staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas soon, beware! There have been a number of changes going on here. For a while, we saw the main pool’s slide was closed. Some updates are also being made in the lobby, and the resort is set to get updated rooms as well. But it seems more work could be coming to the hotel soon.
©Disney
Recently, Disney filed a number of permits all related to the BoardWalk. One permit was filed for “general construction” for an address that matches the BoardWalk hotel in general (rooms 1201-5311 and villas rooms 1001-5095). This is not set to expire until June 30th, 2024, so there could be some general construction in the area for a while.
Another permit was filed for an address that matches the restroom and pool building. This is also for “general construction” and doesn’t expire until June 30th, 2024.
BoardWalk
But wait, there’s MORE. Check out some of the details on the other permits Disney has filed lately all related to the BoardWalk:
Bathrooms in the Lobby are Under Construction
Most (but not all) of the permits were filed by Disney Vacation Club Management Corp. and it appears the contractor for all of them is Poli Construction Inc.
These projects could be relatively small — Disney hasn’t really shared details about them yet. But the filing of these notices of commencement may indicate that work could begin in these areas soon, so be on the lookout for that if you’ll be staying at the resort soon.
Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds, it looks like some upgrades are on the way. One permit filed recently indicates that there will be fiber optic installed at each campsite.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
The contractor on this project is Green-Chip Services Inc. According to their website, they help with the design and installation of fiber optic and copper communication systems.
So while this isn’t a big outward change you may readily notice when there, it could help in the future to transfer data faster while at the campsites. And you may spot some contractors working there to get this all installed, so that’s something to watch for.
Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, some construction could take place soon in an outdoor area. A permit was recently filed that seems tied to the address for the hotel’s marina.
Contemporary Resort Boat Rentals
It doesn’t give a lot of details in terms of what will be happening, but only notes that the improvement is to “provide labor, material and/or electrical for construction.” So if you’re planning to be around the marina, just be mindful of any construction that may take place nearby.
And finally, it looks like Disney is getting ready to do some work over at the recently re-closed Blizzard Beach Water Park. Blizzard Beach closed just as Typhoon Lagoon Water Park reopened, so it makes sense that Disney would get to work making some updates and doing some refurbishments there.
Blizzard Beach
The permit we spotted is for “general construction” at an address that appears to be for a building right near the front of Blizzard Beach, by the parking lot. The contractor here is “Environmental Painting Alternative” so it looks like the building could be looking nice and fresh soon.
And that’s a look at some of the changes that could be coming to Disney World soon. Again, not much detail is revealed in these notices of commencement, but they could indicate work that is to come so we’ll keep an eye out for updates.
Three slides
For more Disney construction news, click here to see construction changes at Disney Springs, and click here for construction updates from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
With more than 900 pages, the 2023 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!
You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! 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 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 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 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 changes do you hope Disney World makes soon? Tell us in the comments.
The post 4 CHANGES Could Hit Disney World Soon first appeared on the disney food blog.
