When you are rich, you can have it all. With wealth comes nice homes and a sense of invulnerability. In Ransom, Tom Mullen is about to learn that because he is rich, he has a target on his back which includes his family. The Plot Tom Mullen is the wealthy CEO of Endeavour Airlines. With […]
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 […]
In a very special release, just in time to practice for Mother’s Day, José Andrés of Jaleo Restaurant in Disney Springs is sharing a family secret from his mother, Marisa. For those of you who will be in the Disney Springs area, be sure to visit Jaleo by José Andrés to enjoy this classic Spanish dessert served with ‘espuma’ (Spanish for foam) of Catalan cream. If you are celebrating Mom from home, try out this very special Spanish Flan dessert recipe combining custard and caramel.
“My Mother’s Flan” Recipe by José Andrés
Flan al estilo de mi madre (Spanish flan in my mother’s style) – Serves 6
Ingredients
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup half-and-half
To make the caramel, put 1/4 cup of the sugar in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan and add two tablespoons of water. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves, occasionally brushing down sides of the pan with a brush to prevent burning. Increase the heat and boil the syrup, stirring and swirling the pan, and you’ll see the caramel turning a light brown color. Continue to cook for five minutes until it becomes a dark amber color. Keep an eye on the caramel as it cooks — you don’t want it to burn. Working quickly, pour the caramel into six ramekins, coating the bottoms evenly. Set aside to let cool and harden.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar and eggs. Pour in the cream, half-and-half, and vanilla and whisk together gently so as not to incorporate air and over mix. Let the mixture sit until the sugar dissolves. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl with a lip or a pitcher. Set the caramel-coated ramekins in a roasting pan lined with a kitchen towel and divide the custard evenly among the cups. Carefully fill the pan with hot water to reach a little more than the middle of the ramekins. Cover the pan with foil, crimping to seal, and carefully place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Rotate the pan and cook until the custard is set but its center still jiggles when the dish is nudged; add another 20-25 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven, uncover, and let the custard cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Transfer ramekins to a plate to cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Let the custards stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. To serve, gently run a thin knife around the inside of the ramekin to loosen the flan. Cover with a plate and invert the ramekin onto the plate and allow the custard to come loose onto the plate. The caramel will pool around the flan. Garnish with orange segments, whipped cream, and fresh mint if you like.
Recently, we stopped in to Disney Springs and noticed that the outside of AMC Disney Springs had been given a Guardians makeover. Previously, there were decorations up for “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.“
The three movie posters hung in the front are identical. The tag line says “Once more with feeling.” This will be the final “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie.
On the left side of the front of the building, is a small billboard of the movie poster. It is different than the other three on the front center of the building.
This poster features the cast in space suits with the galaxy behind them. They all look ready to face the “final chapter.”
Groot, played by Vin Diesel, looks noticeably taller in this movie. In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” he was “baby Groot,” now he looks more like he did in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
There is also a photo op spot to the left of the movie theater. There is also two different movie posters featured here.
The larger poster features the main characters of the movie: Kraglin, Mantis, Peter Quill, Drax, Nebula, Cosmo, Groot, Rocket, and Gamora. This has proven to be a popular photo op spot as it makes the perfect backdrop for “Guardians of the Galaxy” fans.
The smaller movie poster features the cast in very dim light standing on a wing of their space ship, looking ready to take on the galaxy one last time.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” hits theaters Saturday, May 5.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
“Guardians of the Galaxy” focuses on a group of extraterrestrial criminals on the run who initially team up for just causes when they tangle themselves in a dangerous struggle between Xandar and Kree fanatical Ronan the Accuser.
“Vol. 3” is the long-awaited conclusion to a trilogy that began with 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” A relatively unknown team of superheroes to the general public before this film’s release, the franchise is now one of Marvel’s most popular and critically acclaimed, with the first two films grossing a combined $1.64 billion , as well as scoring a 92% and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively.
The Guardians have also made appearances in “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Thor: Love and Thunder” — plus a roughly half feature-length Holiday Special on Disney+. They’ve spawned a series of video games, and are now featured in two Disney Parks attractions: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and Mission: Breakout at Disney California Adventure.
James Gunn, doubling as writer and director, has repeatedly expressed his profound desire to wrap the trilogy up with the utmost propriety, calling it “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Once I started doing the first “Guardians” movie, I felt drawn to it. I felt called to it, if that makes any sense. So I feel very good [about Vol. 3] because I feel like I did everything that I possibly could to make this trilogy as good as it can possibly be. And I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate that I had all these people around me making it. It’s the biggest blessing of my life.
Source: IGN
After the conclusion of his Marvel trilogy, Gunn will be almost exclusively focused on taking the helm over at Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Studios, where he has already been a creative force behind “The Suicide Squad” film and “Peacemaker” series for HBO Max.
This outing is intended to be a bit more emotional, with higher stakes than viewers have previously encountered. The entire cast and crew emphasizes the familial bond they share, and the difficulty it has caused as the time to say farewell arrives. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Karen Gillan expressed the obstacles and the profundity of the film’s finality:
It’s been a rocky road to get here. When it looked like we weren’t going to make the movie without James, it just didn’t feel right at all. You can’t make a Guardians movie without James…There’s a scene towards the end of the film that’s somewhat of an ending-of-an-era scene, and everyone was crying in the scene. When you see it, just know that none of us are actually acting. Like, everyone was very emotional. It did feel like a goodbye. And it felt real.
Watch the movie trailer for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” below:
Are you excited for this finale with the beloved group of ragtag galactic saviors? Who is your favorite Guardian? Let us know in the comments.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
If you’re heading to Disney World soon, you’ll want to stock up on summer attire and prepare yourself for the heat that’s on its way. One of our tried-and-true methods to cool off is sipping an icy beverage! Whether you’re visiting the McDonald’s on Disney World property or hitting up your local spot, we recommend ordering a nice cold drink this summer!
Speaking of McDonald’s, let’s run through some of our recommendations. Sure, Starbucks is known for its icy caffeinated drinks, but McDonald’s has anIced Latte that gives you that sweet boost of energy for a lower price than some of its competitors.
If coffee isn’t your thing, try a McFlurry instead! Nothing says “beat the heat” like ICE CREAM! From the new (limited time only) Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry. to the classic Oreo flavor, McFlurries are the perfect summer snack.
While the U.S. has some DELICIOUS icy drinks, there’s a NEWStrawberries & Cream Iced Frappé over in the U.K. that has us pretty jealous right about now. It’s a strawberry and vanilla-flavored drink blended with ice and topped with whip cream and pink sugar. Is anyone else considering a trip to the U.K. right about now? It sounds delicious!
Note that between the U.S. and the U.K., both new strawberry treats are available for a limited time only, so if this post has you craving a fruity treat, you should grab one ASAP!
Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
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.
First up, we have to point out that Mobile Orders have changed a little here. You now get your snacks in a sealed bag with napkins and plastic ware.
You get your snack in a bag now.
Now on to the treat: it’s a Caramel Cookie Butter flavored Square with Cookie Butter filling and Cookie Pieces. So, really, what’s not to love? When you bite into it, the cookie butter flavor comes through, followed by the delicious Werthers caramel that just melts in your mouth.
Doesn’t that look yummy?
The crumbles are also nice and we like how the cookie butter almost gives it a spiced Graham cracker-like flavor. Overall, the cookie butter and caramel flavors work SO well together.
Who’s feeling snackish? We grabbed the Cookie Butter Caramel Square from Karamell-Küche for $4.49 to satisfy those afternoon cravings! pic.twitter.com/kmrpt51ie4
Okay, so here’s our warning: this little treat is VERY sticky and you will end up finding it all over your hands after you eat it. Just make sure to have some wet wipes handy! Of course, some of the best treats ARE messy, so that just comes with the territory. We’ve had other caramels here before (and if you’ve ever eaten one, you know they are sugary and sticky), but this one seemed particularly messy compared to the others.
It’s sticky
So be sure to check it out if you’re in EPCOT soon. You’ll find Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Just follow your nose — you can smell that wonderful caramel as soon as you get close!
WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them!
DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle
Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks!
Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
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.
We’re focusing on the top three great changes that Disney World has made so far this year. When we first sat down to talk about this one we really started spitting off some great changes and a few of those rang louder than the rest. Here’s what we narrowed down as our top three.
#3: Roundup Rodeo BBQ FINALLY Opened!
This. Was. BIG!
Round Up Rodeo BBQ
We’ve been talking about Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening at Hollywood Studios for what seems like ages, and the first few days it was 0pened seemed surreal. So now that we’ve had a chance to actually try it out for its full experience, we definitely consider it one of the best things that happened at Disney World this year.
That is a LOT of meat
Everything from the atmosphere, to the themed menu, to even the all-you-care-to-enjoy dining option really fits in well with the aesthetic of Toy Story Land, and gave us a great new indoor dining experience that really calls to individuals and families alike.
Everyone trying out Roundup Rodeo BBQ
This space has really embodied the vision that was originally presented to us and has been met with praise from almost every review we’ve encountered. The only lingering criticism we hear most about dining here is how folks really would like for characters to be part of the meal, and we think there may be room for that to come. However, judging the current offerings and price tag to dine here alone has made it an exceptional addition.
The end of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration ushered in a whole new set of shake-ups in entertainment.
Many guests were happy to see the return of the Happily Ever After fireworks show
With the announcement of Disney Enchantment ending, it didn’t take too long for Disney to announce that the beloved Happily Ever After fireworks would resume in its place. This nightly fireworks show was the current performer before Enchantment took over for the 18-month-long celebration and was met with criticism by fans that felt very strongly that Happily Ever After should return.
Happily Ever After
Well, it seemed like Disney put their ear to the ground for this one and gave the people what they wanted — but brought it back with a few enhancements! Happily Ever After is now a new, improved version of itself complete with projections down Main Street USA and high-powered lasers from the castle itself, just like we saw in Enchantment. So far, fans have been loving having Happily Ever After back and we are certainly glad to see its epic return.
But Magic Kingdom wasn’t the only park to see the return of its former fireworks. EPCOT has also seen the return of EPCOT Forevernightly fireworks.
EPCOT Forever
While the news of EPCOT Forever wasn’t met with as much excitement as Happily Ever After’s return was, fans certainly reveled in the fact that the barges in EPCOT’s World Showcase would finally be dismantled. EPCOT had been running Harmonious for the past 18 months for the 50th celebration as well and was met with fierce criticisms of their installation way back in preparation for the nighttime show’s debut.
If you’re not totally keen on keeping EPCOT Forever as the nightly fireworks display, don’t worry too long. EPCOT is set to debut a brand new fireworks show this Fall, and we’re eagerly awaiting it.
When Disney World hotel overnight parking fees were first added years ago, that decision was met with a resounding roar. Disney fans were beyond happy when it was announced in January that the fees were going away immediately.
Hotel parking fees had gone up to $25 per night, adding hundreds of dollars to many families’ trips. This coupled with what they already had to account for in costs per person and per day for Genie+ left people feeling like the company no longer valued them as consumers. This change helps many Disney travelers feel like they haven’t been priced out of their favorite resorts.
It’s been quite the eventful year already at Disney World! For the most up-to-date Disney information, keep following DFB!
We went to check out the Monsters, Inc. meet and greet area at Walt Disney Presents in Disney’s Hollywood Studios where visitors can normally meet Sulley, and the location was closed. A Cast Member confirmed it was now closed to make way for a new character.
However, don’t worry. Sulley isn’t gone forever. He’ll be relocated over to a reimagined Pixar Place, which will be reopening soon. You’ll also be able to meet other characters in that area, including Edna Mode, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and more.
Where’s my super suit?
So Sulley is only gone for a little while until Pixar Place reopens. We’re keeping an eye out for that reopening, too, so we’ll keep you updated! In the meantime, we’re looking to meet the live-action Ariel when she takes over Sulley’s old space (and we’ll let you know when she’s available for meet and greets, too). So stay tuned to DFB for more!
When are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out!
Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
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.
Essentially, you can book another Lightning Lane 2 hours (120 minutes) after reserving a previous one if the return time for the first Lightning Lane is more than 2 hours away.
OH BOY
Let’s say that at 9AM you booked a Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane with a return time of 2PM. You don’t have to wait until 2PM to make another Lightning Lane reservation. Instead, 2 hours after you made that reservation, you can make another one. So at 11AM, you can choose another attraction AND you’ll still have the 2PM Haunted Mansion reservation.
Modify Your Selections
When you want to keep the Lightning Lane train rolling, sometimes you have to make a selection that isn’t really your first choice. The good news is that the available selections change all day long. We often see extra ride times pop up throughout the day — which is why it’s so important to keep checking the My Disney Experience app, refreshing the page, and crossing your fingers.
Kali River Rapids LIghtning Lane
Not only that, but you can modify your Lightning Lane reservations WITHOUT having to cancel them completely! So, even if you modify your Lightning Lane for a different return time or a different ride entirely, you still won’t lose your 120-minute countdown! Modifications are super easy to make. Just tap on your current Lightning Lane selection to pull up a box of options. You’ll find one of the listed options to be “Modify Plans.” (See? Told ya it was easy.)
You Can Skip Lines at MORE Than Just Rides
Sure, you can skip the standby lines at most major rides in the parks, but did you know you can use Genie+ at shows and character meet and greets too?! Here’s a list of ALL the different non-ride attractions that offer Lightning Lanes.
The Lightning Lane comes in handy on a busy day!
Magic Kingdom
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
*See Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theater
*See Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
*See Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
*Meet The Little Mermaid at Ariel’s Grotto
*Reserved Viewing for Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
Tower of Terror Lightning Lane sign
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
MuppetVision 3D
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage
Disney Junior — Live on Stage
*See Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
EPCOT
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Turtle Talk with Crush
Lightning Lane sign at Ariel’s Grotto
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Festival of the Lion King
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
*Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
The Animation Experience
Character meet and greet
This can be a great use of your time if you’re looking for something more chill to do during your park day.
Pay LESS for Lightning Lanes
Disney Genie + STARTS at $15 per person, per day, but depending on the circumstances, that price could surge WAY higher. We’ve seen prices reach $35 per person, per day. The same goes for Individual Lightning Lanes. Prices per person might be as low as $7-$10 per ride, but they could also peak around the $22-$25 price range too for popular attractions.
Spaceship Earth Lightning Lane
Since you’re dealing with surge pricing for Lightning Lanes, you won’t know the price you’ll be paying for Genie + or ILLs until the day of your visit. We’ve been tracking the price changes, and you can always try your best to plan your trip during non-peak times.
Lightning Lane sign reinstalled
Ultimately, there is a learning curve when it comes to using Genie+, and you might not be used to it the first time around. Hopefully, these tips and tricks help you the next time you’re at Disney World. For the latest news and planning tips, stay tuned to DFB.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Okay, who wants to know about a BIG sale on Disney stuff?
Disney 100 display
Because we love telling you about all the discounts, deals, and sales we find, both in the parks and online. So we’ve got another one to remind you about, but you’ll have to shop FAST because this one ends SOON.
These and a TON of other items are eligible for the extra 25% off. All you have to do is use code EXTRA25 when you checkout. But you’ll need to do it fast — this sale ends TONIGHT. Also, don’t forget that you can get free shipping on all orders of $75 or more by using code SHIPMAGIC (you can use both codes, by the way).
While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store!
Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
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.