Month: August 2024

Disney Issues Statement in Response to Motion for Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissal

Disney has released a new statement following recent reports of their seeking to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit regarding a woman who passed away due to anaphylaxis after a meal at Disney Springs.

Disney Issues New Statement on Wrongful Death Lawsuit

People entering and leaving Raglan Road restaurant, with a framed menu on a stand outside the entrance. Disney has released a new statement regarding the wrongful death lawsuit that was filed following a woman's death after eating at Raglan Road.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Disney stated late Wednesday night that it is “deeply saddened” by the loss of Kanokporn Tangsuan, who was a doctor at NYU Langone in New York City, but “stressed the [Raglan Road] Irish Pub is neither owned nor operated by the company.” Raglan Road is where Tangsuan had the meal that ultimately caused her allergic reaction.

Tangsuan’s husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, is the plaintiff in the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Tangsuan and her estate.

We are merely defending ourselves against the plaintiff’s attorney’s attempt to include us in their lawsuit against the restaurant.

Disney in an emailed statement to The Hollywood Reporter

Raglan Road did not respond to The Hollywood Reporter’s email request for comment. Great Irish Pubs Florida Inc. is also included in the wrongful death lawsuit.

While Disney does not own Raglan Road, it does own Disney Springs, the shopping and entertainment district where the restaurant is located. Disney leases out space in the district to other companies to operate their businesses. The original lawsuit also notes that Disney “had control and/or right of control over the menu of food offered, the hiring and/or training of the wait staff, and the policies and procedures as it pertains to food allergies at Disney Springs restaurants.”

On the Walt Disney World official website, a disclaimer regarding allergy-friendly requests is included at the bottom of menu pages, including that for Raglan Road’s dinner menu:

Guests must speak to a cast member about their allergy-friendly request. While we take steps to help mitigate cross-contact, we cannot guarantee that any item is completely free of allergens. Our allergy-friendly recipes may use highly refined oils, such as soybean oil, and/or ingredients that are processed in facilities that also process allergens. It is ultimately our Guests’ discretion to make an informed choice based upon their individual dietary needs. For more information about allergy-friendly requests, ask to speak with a Special Diets Trained Cast Member upon arrival at the location.

* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Our plant-based menu items are made without animal meat, dairy, eggs and honey.

New Hulu on Disney+ logo

This news follows the reports of Disney seeking to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit based on an arbitration waiver included in the terms and conditions for Disney+, as well as purchasing Walt Disney World tickets through the My Disney Resort app. Disney claims Piccolo reportedly agreed to the Disney+ terms in 2019 when he signed up for a one-month trial of the streaming service on his PlayStation console, and in September 2023 when he used the My Disney Experience app to purchase tickets to visit EPCOT. Tangsuan passed away before she and Piccolo could visit the park.

Disney stated in their motion that it is “immaterial” whether or not Piccolo actually reviewed the arbitration waiver in the terms he agreed to.

Attorneys for Piccolo called the motion “absurd” and “surreal,” and have urged the court to not enforce the agreement.

The original incident occurred on October 5, 2023. Tangsuan and Piccolo visited Raglan Road with Piccolo’s mother, Jackie. Tangsuan informed the wait staff at the restaurant of her severe allergy to dairy and nuts and was “unequivocally assured” that the food would be allergen-free.

Planet Hollywood entrance

Tangsuan ordered vegetarian broccoli and corn fritters, a sea scallops appetizer, a vegan entree, and a side of onion rings. Piccolo returned to their hotel room after the meal, but Tangsuan and her mother-in-law remained at Disney Springs. Later that evening, Tangsuan suffered an acute allergic reaction in Planet Hollywood, where she had difficulty breathing and collapsed to the floor. She self-administered an EpiPen and was transported to a local hospital soon after, where she later died.

A hearing has been scheduled on Disney’s latest motion in the wrongful death lawsuit for October 2 in Orlando, Florida. Piccolo seeks more than $50,000 in damages under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

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“Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show” Round Up for August 13th

Welcome back to Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show! As Disney fans, we know there is so much Disney-themed merchandise out there that it’s impossible to sort through it all. But fear not fellow Disney lovers, we’re doing the searching so you don’t have to! (Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your purchase will […]

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“Sideways” Celebrates 20 Years With Anniversary Wine Dinners and Limited Release Bottles

According to Variety, Sideways is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and Searchlight and Hitching Post are celebrating with anniversary wine diners and unlimited release bottles. What’s Happening: This fall, Hulu will stream the 2004 comedy Sideways in honor of its 20th anniversary. Hitching Post is getting ready to celebrate this anniversary by hosting three Hitching Post + Sideways winemaker dinners and […]

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Security Testing Guest Bag X-Ray Machines at Disney’s Animal Kingdom & More: Daily Recap (8/14/24)

A reopening date has been revealed for Space Mountain at Disneyland, the old Monsters Cafe figures are on site at Epic Universe, and a new Timon and Pumbaa Annual Passholder magnet is available — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Hand holding a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder sticker featuring Timon riding on Pumbaa against a green background.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

A colorful mural featuring silhouettes of musicians playing instruments stretches along a wall in a sunlit lobby area with people sitting and walking nearby.

New Merchandise

Two hands hold new MagicBands with Mickey Mouse logos, one pink and one silver, in front of a lit marquee.

Disneyland Resort

A man sits on the edge of a desk in an office-like setup, with a map and windows depicting an urban scene behind him. The room, reminiscent of Disneyland attractions, features dark blue curtains and an audience is partially visible in the foreground.

Disneyland Paris

A castle illuminated by vibrant lights at night, with drones forming a ghost and bat shapes in the sky, part of the Disney Electrical Sky Parade.

Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Resort

Hand holding a plush toy shaped like a pumpkin with a sad expression, in a room decorated with Halloween-themed items, including signs and jack-o'-lanterns. This Lil' Boo Shoulder Pal is exclusive merchandise from Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Image of Universal Studios Hollywood Pass Member boxes with a Studio Tour tram design against a starry background. Text reads "UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD PASS MEMBER" at the top, capturing the magic and excitement of visiting Universal Studios.

WDW News Today

Walt’s Family Against Animatronic, Disney+ Free Trial May Dismiss Raglan Road Death Case

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

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REVIEW: Passholder-Exclusive Rafiki Wildberry and DOLE Whip Orange Float at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World is celebrating Annual Passholders and “The Lion King” this month with a limited-time, Passholder-exclusive float.

An empty ice cream and snacks stand named "Trilo-Bites," painted red with a wooden roof and surrounded by trees. A woman is seen walking past it.

The Rafiki Wildberry and DOLE Whip Orange Float is available at Trilo-Bites in Disney’s Animal Kingdom from August 14 through September 22. An exclusive photo op and Passholder magnet are also available at Animal Kingdom during these dates.

A sign promoting a "Rafiki Wildberry and Dole Whip Orange Float" at Walt Disney World, priced at $6.49. The sign includes an image of the dessert in a cup and specifies it's an exclusive for annual passholders.

Rafiki Wildberry and DOLE Whip Orange Float – $6.49

DOLE Whip Orange swirled into Fanta Orange with Wildberry Syrup and topped with a White Chocolate Character Medallion

A hand holds a plastic cup filled with swirled soft serve ice cream on top of a red-orange beverage, with a small slice of lime on the rim. The background is blurred with outdoor scenery.

This is good and makes for a refreshing treat on a hot day. It’s a tad sweet from the Fanta and tangy from the DOLE Whip. They complement each other well.

A swirl of soft serve ice cream with an orange hue in a clear plastic cup, topped with a thin circular garnish. A blurred person and building appear in the background.

The character medallion, a little hidden in the DOLE Whip, features Rafiki.

A hand holding a cup of layered orange and red frozen drink outdoors, with people in the background near buildings and trees.

There are a few pumps of wildberry syrup, adding a small berry note at the end. It’s not life-changing but it’s a fun offering. If you don’t like orange, definitely skip it. But most others will enjoy it.

Close-up of a soft-serve ice cream cone with a circular white chocolate disc featuring an animated character holding a staff. Background shows a path in a wooded area.

Once melted, it tastes like a giant creamsicle, which was tasty.

Rating out of 7: 5

Non-Passholders can still celebrate 30 years of “The Lion King” with other Disney’s Animal Kingdom offerings. Guests can enjoy meet and greets with Timon and Rafiki, special menu items themed to the characters, new Pandora charms, and new anniversary merchandise.

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Glitter MagicBand+ Designs Released Early at Walt Disney World

The just-announced glitter MagicBand+ designs set for release on August 15 actually debuted in July at Walt Disney World.

Only one color is available at this time, but more will possibly arrive tomorrow for the official launch.

Pink Glitter MagicBand+ – $53

Hand holding a glittery Disney-themed MagicBand watch with a Mickey Mouse icon on the band in a store environment.

We found the pink band in Big Top Souvenirs at the Magic Kingdom. The Mickey icon puck is a pale pink with gray trim and the rest of the band is covered in pink glitter.

The teaser post by Disney also showcased a silver design.

The old MagicBand designs had glittery options, but these are the first of the MagicBand+.

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Universal Teases First Look at Stardust Racers Roller Coaster Coming to Epic Universe

Universal Orlando Resort has teased a first look at the Stardust Racers roller coaster coming to the new Epic Universe theme park next summer.

UOR Epic Universe CP Stardust Racers first look 1

The Ride Guys, a duo who host a series of attraction-focused videos for the official Universal Orlando Resort YouTube account, will air a video this Friday, August 16, featuring Stardust Racers.

Stardust Racers

Stardust Racers is a dual-track roller coaster that, as the name implies, runs cars on both tracks simultaneously to let the guests race one another, similar to the former Dueling Dragons at Islands of Adventure or the Gemini at Cedar Point. It will be located in Celestial Park, the main hub of Epic Universe, when it opens in summer 2025.

UOR Epic Universe CP Stardust Racers first look 8
A circular, illuminated portal with a blue star-shaped frame, surrounded by geometric patterns and lights, invites you into the thrilling world of Stardust Racers.

The front of the coaster car has a bright nose framed in blue, featuring a swirling light effect.

A close-up of a red and orange plastic object with circular patterns and speaker-like elements, reminiscent of the thrilling designs seen at Universal's Epic Universe.

A close-up look at the seats reveals the bright red coloring of the headrest. A speaker sits on either side, while a planetary-esque design encircles the Celestial Park symbol in the center. The logo has constellations around a large C with a small P in a circle to the right.

A large, circular, illuminated sign with radial white lights surrounded by blue lights is positioned in the foreground near the entrance of the Epic Universe. A smaller similar illuminated sign is seen above it, guiding thrilled guests towards the Stardust Racers roller coaster.
Close-up of two illuminated circular signs with radial patterns at Epic Universe. One has zigzag edges, and the other has straight line spokes. The lights are glowing brightly, reminiscent of the thrilling ambiance near Stardust Racers Roller Coaster at Universal.

More details previewed feature a light-up feature, possibly on the back of the coaster car, though its positioning was unclear in the teaser video. Bars of lights are arranged in two circles. Another circle to the top left depicts a sun.

Close-up of a purple surface with lit star-shaped lights and a translucent cylindrical rod, part of the futuristic decor for the Epic Universe's Stardust Racers Roller Coaster.
Close-up of a gold circular object with a white star in the center, reminiscent of symbols from the Epic Universe at Universal.

More starry details were highlighted, including the ones on the left that lit up in various colors. A closeup of another star detail against a golden embellishment was shown, though it wasn’t clear where on the car it is located. The light-up features are intended to create a special effect at night, while the track itself will not be lit to create an illusion similar to a comet.

Watch the teaser video below and check out this article for a look at Stardust Racers testing.

Stardust Racers was originally called Starfall Racers, but Universal had to change the coaster’s name following a lawsuit.

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.

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Disney Files First Permits for Cars & Villains Land Construction in Magic Kingdom

Imagineering has filed the first permits for the not-so-Beyond Big Thunder project encompassing Cars and Villains Lands expansions to Magic Kingdom. This post covers details about the permits, implications for the Walt Disney World Railroad, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island–plus speculation about a future in-park hotel and more. During the Parks Panel at […]

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Terra Cruentus Symbol & More Halloween Horror Nights 33 Theming at Universal Studios Florida

As crews continue setting up for Halloween Horror Nights 33 at Universal Studios Florida, we noticed an unexpected symbol on a set piece.

Torture Faire Scare Zone

A painted barrier with colorful patterns and a flag design stands on an asphalt surface next to a wooden structure, with a few people in the background.

We spotted the symbol of Terra Cruentus on one of these themed barricades next to the stage in the Torture Faire scare zone. The symbol is red, painted against a purple background on a medieval-style wooden shield.

Colored shields with various designs leaning against a wooden fence.

Terra Cruentus is the land ruled by the Terra Queen, one of the icons of Halloween Horror Nights: Tales of Terror in 2005. The Terra Queen returned for Halloween Horror Nights 30 in the Gorewood Forest scare zone.

Colorful, shield-shaped signs hang on a wooden, outdoor display, featuring various designs including a red and blue symbol on a purple background.

The other other shields on the barricades are not familiar symbols. They look more like generic medieval/renaissance emblems.

Colorful wooden planks and a painted shield on sawhorses are arranged on a street, possibly for an outdoor event or display.

There are six barricades total in the area.

A stage set labeled "Torture Faire" with medieval-themed props, including stone pillars and wooden barrels. The backdrop has a red and yellow diamond pattern. Trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.

The appearance of the Terra Cruentus symbol led us to wonder if she is the figure depicted on the banner on the Torture Faire stage. The same or similar figure is shown doubled. We did wonder if this pair is supposed to be SINIST3R and/or SURR3AL, this year’s Icons, who will be featured in the Duality of Fear scare zone.

Two ornate wooden chairs are placed on a stage in front of a large red and gold tapestry. The sky is partly cloudy.

Also new to the scare zone is a pair of wooden thrones, sitting in front of the banner. There are gray steps to either side, leading behind the banner.

Two ornate wooden chairs with high, carved backs are set on a stage with a tapestry of a white and red dragon design hanging behind them.

Unfortunately, there are no special symbols for us to interpret on the chairs.

Torture Faire was the first scare zone Universal announced this year. It’s located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida. The description of the zone reads:

Come one, come all, to the renaissance faire with the devious theme of medieval torture. Brave the gloriously gory homemade torture devices ‘til you’re put out of your misery.

Swamp of the Undead Scare Zone

A camouflaged tarp draped over various objects is set up next to trees and vegetation on a sidewalk, with a blue container and greenery partially visible. A person is walking on the left side of the image.

Another new prop has arrived in the Swamp of the Undead scare zone. Set in “backwaters Louisiana,” this scare zone is located in the Central Park area of Universal Studios Florida, where guests will “unwittingly wander onto private property, where you’re swamped by zombies borne from the bodies of other trespassers who were killed and dumped in a nearby bog.”

A small shed covered with a camouflage tarp is surrounded by various plants and gardening tools, including large potted plants and fencing.

A camouflage tarp covers some props in an upturned boat. Visible at the bottom of the tarp is a small crate and fishing net.

A tree wrapped in a green protective covering and camouflage tarp stands amidst tropical plants in a garden with palm trees and white buildings in the background.

Just barely visible under the tarp is a body.

Close-up of a green tarp secured with a black zip tie next to a camouflaged tarp, partially covering a netted material at the bottom.

Though difficult to spot in photos, you can just barely see the edge of a leg and boot in this gap between the tarp and boat. The body is presumably one of the zombies’ victims.

The scare zone also features alligators and an airboat.

Food Booths

A stone-themed concession or information stand under construction at a theme park. A sign indicates "Pardon our dust." Nearby attractions and landscaping visible in the background on a sunny day.

Some of the themed food booths throughout Universal Studios Florida have gained cash wraps. These are located next to the booths. This castle-like booth has a cash wrap decorated with a panel of fake wood.

An empty wooden booth stands near a stone structure, with a futuristic building and green hedge in the background on a sunny day.

On the cash wrap and the booth are wooden frames for menus, but none have been installed yet.

A white tent with a pointed top stands on a paved area under a clear blue sky, flanked by two potted plants.

Nearby, at the end of the bridge near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is a white tent. Ferns in pots are blocking the sides.

A white, pointed-top tent is set up outdoors, surrounded by green potted plants on either side. The tent is closed and situated on a paved surface with trees in the background.

Another, similar tent is near the Fear Factor stage, where “Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus” will be performed.

A narrow alley with brick buildings, signage for various businesses, and a green lamppost. A flight of stairs leads to an upper level, and a single pigeon stands on the red brick path.

Another white tent is up in Sting Alley, part of the streets of New York.

White pop-up tent set up in an alleyway next to a brick building with a sign for "Solomon & Sons." A weathered wooden box is placed nearby on the cobblestone ground.

The tent is situated in a corner right next to some stairs. There’s a large crate nearby.

An outdoor scene with a deli and grocery store facade named "Ivan's NYC Deli & Grocery," with signs and a pedestrian brick walkway. Trees and adjacent buildings are in the background.

The two “Ghostbusters”-themed booths have new cash wraps. One booth is Ivan’s, named after Ivan Reitman, the late director of the first two “Ghostbusters” films. The second looks like an ice-covered New York building from “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”

Yellow and orange sign for "Ivan's NYC Deli & Grocery" with a left arrow, located on a sunny brick street near trees and a building.

The Ivan’s cash wrap features a sign for the booth reading “Ivan’s NYC Deli & Grocery around the corner.” An arrow points towards the booth.

A large yellow sign reads "Ray's Occult Books" and "Ivan's NYC Deli & Grocery Around the Corner" with a left-pointing arrow. A small logo in the corner says "The Melody Diner.

The sign also features ads for Ray’s Occult Books, Ray Stantz’s bookstore, and Melody Diner, which appears in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”

An outdoor scene featuring a decorative food stand with a blank sign, surrounded by plants, and adjacent to a display with the text "Deli Grocery.

The other cash wrap is simpler. It looks like it is made of stone, with icy details around the edges.

A colorful, closed food stand named "Twisted Tater" with a black sign in front and an adjacent empty green and brown booth. Trees and a statue are in the background under a clear blue sky.

The Twisted Tater food booth has a matching cash wrap, too.

Colorful wooden kiosk with empty display panels and a bold X design on the front, situated on a paved walkway with trees and buildings in the background.

It features a mishmash of colors on fake wood planks. The empty menu sign has a green frame.

A small, decorative building labeled "Twilight Tavern" at an outdoor event. A sign in front reads "Pardon our dust, Halloween Horror Nights," indicating construction or preparation for an event.

The Twilight Tavern’s cash wrap is covered in faux brick paneling.

A brick-patterned kiosk with an empty display stands on a sunny sidewalk. People walk in the background near trees and buildings.

It has green edges, matching the fake brick and green-paneled booth.

A theme park attraction setup for "Insidious" featuring a red door, black and white signage, and a chalkboard sign about Halloween Horror Nights. Roller coaster track visible in the background.

Lastly, the “Insidious” food booth has gained a cash wrap.

A signboard with the word "INSIDIOUS" in bold letters is placed outside a building. Green plants and a blue sky are visible in the background.

Like the booth, the cash wrap features the “Insidious” wordmark with “SI” highlighted in red.

Outdoor ticket booths with multi-colored canopy tops, empty of people. The pavement is sunlit, and a few palm trees and flags are visible in the background.

Theming has also gone up for the food booth outside Animal Actors on Location! This venue is covered with colorful shades.

Image of a snack bar with a yellow brick front and the words "Snack Bar" and "Carey" on the front signage. The area is covered by a teal and white roof with fans.

Under the shades is the Carey Drive-In Snack Bar. Carey, Ohio is a recurring location at Halloween Horror Nights.

Image of an empty, brightly colored drive-in food stand with signage reading "Carey Drive-In." The counter and walls are primarily blue, yellow, and red.

The snack bar’s theming incorporates red, yellow, blue, and white. There are mid-century-style four-pointed stars.

Image of a brightly colored snack bar with a red, yellow, and blue color scheme. The sign reads "SNACK BAR" with stars on either side and a ceiling fan overhead.

Different elements look like cement bricks or tiles.

Empty concession stand with yellow brick walls and colorful awnings. Signs indicate "Now Showing" and "Snack Bar." Electric fans are mounted on the ceiling.

An empty menu board is under a “Now Showing” sign.

Halloween Horror Nights begins on August 30 and runs on select nights through November 3, 2024.

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