Haunts looking to secure a new timepiece in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World are about to be happy, as a new Haunted Mansion wristwatch has materialized at the park. The watch blends much of the iconic imagery associated with the attraction and is available at Uptown Jewelers, which is located near the Magic Kingdom entrance toward the front of Main Street U.S.A.
Haunted Mansion Watch – $125.00
The 13-hour grandfather clock from the attraction serves as this watch’s centerpiece. The clock appears roughly midway through the ride, with its striking colors and backward-moving hands serving as one final scare before Madame Leota delivers her incantation (don’t worry, the hands on this watch do, in fact, move properly).
The watch piece features 12-hour indicators in addition to the “13” printed at its top. It’s the same bright shade of green as the clockface in the attraction and is surrounded by the same demonic creature-like detailing. The clock’s demon tail-like pendulum is printed on the black leather strap beneath the centerpiece.
More ride iconography is printed above the face. The floating candelabra from the Endless Hallway scene floats beneath a bell, which is itself perhaps a reference to the final line of Madame Leota’s incantation (“Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, give us a hint by ringing a bell”). A harp also appears, a reference to the instrument one of the members of the Phantom Five plays in the graveyard scene. All of the icons are a bright shade of blue with pink accents.
White stitching appears along the edges of the strap’s facade. The back of the strap is a natural leather color, with a “Genuine Leather” label indicating the material. The back of the centerpiece is stainless steel.
The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion has become one of Disney’s most iconic attractions since its debut at Disneyland in 1969 and on opening day at Walt Disney World in 1971. A near-clone of the Magic Kingdom attraction opened at Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, and the ride has even served as the inspiration for a number of Disney attractions across the globe (Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland).
The atmospheric ride strikes a delicate blend between funny and frightening that has charmed generations. The Disneyland version of the attraction received a major addition in 2015 when the Hatbox Ghost, an original effect removed from the ride due to technical difficulties, was re-added. The Hatbox Ghost is due to debut at the Magic Kingdom version of the Haunted Mansion in late November.
Walt Disney Studios recently released a Haunted Mansion-inspired movie, with “Haunted Mansion” hitting theaters on July 28, 2023. The movie fared relatively well with audiences but underwhelmed at the box office, failing to recoup its reported $150 million budget. The film will debut on the Disney+ streaming service on October 4.
Will the new Haunted Mansion watch be around your wrist the next time you ride the attraction? Let us know in the comments.
Some places go together perfectly. All our favorite malls have a Cheesecake Factory inside. Target and Starbucks seem to be pretty close friends, too. But the Orlando Airport and Disney World may be the ULTIMATE dream team.
The Orlando Airport has an ambitious new strategic plan for the next decade. The plan was created by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, a group that oversees the Orlando International Airport, according to Orlando Business Journal. There are two main goals laid out in the plan: 1.) To connect people, places, and environments and 2.) To facilitate the mobility of people, vehicles, goods, and more.
Southwest at Orlando International Airport
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority met on September 27th to discuss the 2023 strategic plan. Kevin Thibault, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority noted, “Now as we evolve into this 2023 strategic plan, it’s really all about leading change and developing the aspirational goals for this authority in the next 10-plus years.”
Orlando International Airport
So, how can the Orlando Airport accomplish its goals? Per Orlando Business Journal, there are four priorities and four strategic goals and objectives within each priority. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority plans to focus on connections, community, innovation, and people through a series of goals to improve the airport.
Terminal C at the Orlando International Airport
Most notably, there are plans over the next decade that involve “Partnering with theme parks to improve security checkpoint queues, install biometrics to increase throughput and provide family lanes,” according to Orlando Business Journal. Additionally, Orlando Airport hopes to work on “Becoming the first large airport in Florida to incorporate electric vertical take-off and landing technology within the next 10 years.” Talk about some big goals!
One of the best parts about Disney World is the FOOD!
But, they certainly don’t come cheap — and if you’re anything like us, you like to EAT. That means lots of snacks, meals, drinks, and of course, desserts. The costs can add up quickly, but it’s designed that way for a reason — which is why Disney World food just can’t be cheap.
Listen, we love Disney World food — it’s kind of our whole thing here. But we’re not going to lie, it ain’t cheap. Here’s why.
Licensing and Distribution
Disney World does produce and make a lot of its food on-site, but a majority of the ingredients, snacks, and pre-packaged goods you’ll find in the parks and hotels don’t actually come from Disney. Instead, they’re sourced from outside companies.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Spread
Remember that delicious Dole Whip you had on your last trip? Well, despite being synonymous with the Disney name, it’s actually not a Disney product at all. It’s made by the Dole company (shocking, we know) which means you can find it in plenty of places outside the parks — maybe even at a grocery store near you!
Pineapple Dole Whip
Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars are another example. This iconic park treat is a must-get for lots of Disney-goers, and we certainly don’t blame them. Nothing beats eating a Mickey-shaped ice cream while you’re sitting on the hub grass looking at the castle. But, they’re actually made by Nestle!
Nothing like a good ‘ol Mickey Premium Bar!
These third-party companies are paid by Disney to make and distribute snacks like these and more, which means Disney hikes the price in order to turn a profit. If Disney pays Dole $1 to make each Dole Whip, they’re going to increase their price by at least that much so that they still make money.
Inflation and Supply Issues
Inflation has continued to impact goods and services across the United States and the food and beverage industry is no exception. Hundreds of price increases hit the parks year after year, and part of that is due to inflation. Prices went up on everything from water bottles and soda to prix fixe meals, and to combat these costs, Disney raises the prices you pay.
You’ll also find yourself paying more for food and drinks in Disney World than you would at your local Chili’s simply because of increased operating costs. Disney has high standards, and those need to be met in all areas of park operations — from maintenance to staffing and more. This, combined with immersive theming and a commitment to quality, adds up to more overhead than your typical restaurant.
Full spread
Ultimately, though, that’s exactly why so many people keep coming back to Disney World in spite of high — and ever-increasing — prices. Folks are often willing to fork up a little more dough if it means they’re getting wined and dined. You’ll find Disney World hotels full for the same reason. They might cost more, but the experience and convenience are often worth it.
Captive Audience
One of the biggest reasons why Disney charges you more for food, however, is simply because they can.You’ve been walking around a theme park in the heat for hours and are absolutely starving with your children following suit, what are you going to do? Schlep everyone all the way out of the park and to McDonald’s? Probably not.
Full Spread
Disney knows they’ve got you in their mousetrap and because of that they can raise their prices frequently — and people will still pay. In fact, it’s one of their main goals to make sure you stay on property, or in the “Disney Bubble” as we often call it. If you never leave the bubble, you never get the chance to spend money anywhere other than Disney World.
So, the next time you’re pulling out your wallet to pay for food in Disney World, keep these things in mind. And, don’t forget to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney World news and more!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Last night, The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards returned to New York City for the first time since 2020, and The Toy Book has a list of all this year’s winners. (Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your purchase will support LaughingPlace by providing us a small commission, but will not affect your […]
A lawsuit filed in Orange County, FL alleges that Walt Disney World Resort fails “to warn [guests] of the inherent dangers presented” on the Humunga Kowabunga waterslide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, a shortcoming that resulted in one guest’s “severe and permanent” injuries. The complaint filed by Emma and Edward McGuinness against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts details a 2019 incident in which Emma McGuinness suffered a “painful wedgie” on the slide; the couple is seeking $50,000 in damages.
Lawsuit Filed for ‘Painful Wedgie’ at Typhoon Lagoon
McGuinness and her family visited Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on October 14, 2019, according to the suit. She, along with her daughter and mother, rode Humunga Cowabunga, a waterslide that the document describes as “three, 214-foot, side-by-side enclosed body slides in which riders plummet down a near-vertical [five]-story drop in the dark, reaching speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.”
The complaint states that “at the top of The Slide, riders are instructed to cross their legs at the ankles.” Signs containing an icon of a rider with crossed arms and legs are hung between each slide at the ride’s peak. Visual warnings aside, the suit alleges that “riders are not told why their ankles need to be crossed, the importance of doing so, or the risks of injury if one’s ankles become uncrossed.”
Despite taking the appropriate position, McGuiness states that “her body lifted up [near the end of the slide], she [became] airborne, and she was slammed downward against The Slide — which increased the likelihood of her legs becoming uncrossed or otherwise exposing herself to injury in using The Slide.” McGuiness’ “impact into the standing water at the bottom of The Slide caused [her one-piece bathing suit] to be painfully forced between her legs and for water to be violented forced inside her,” resulting in “immediate and severe pain internally,” immediate bleeding, and “permanent bodily injury including severe vaginal lacerations, a full thickness laceration causing [her] bowel to protrude through her abdominal wall, and damage to her internal organs.”
The suit states at several points that, due to their anatomy, women are at an increased risk of suffering painful and potentially life-altering wedgies on rides such as Humunga Kowabunga. It alleges that Walt Disney World Resort “does not warn women of their increased risk of injury while using The Slide,” also stating that the company has “a duty to warn . . . guests of latent or concealed dangers in using The Slide.”
The complaint argues that “the risk of injury to a rider’s genitalia and internal organs can be eliminated by using shorts or other protective clothing,” something that Walt Disney World does not offer to guests. McGuinness states that she would have worn protective clothing had it been offered, and that she would not have ridden Humunga Kowabunga and she and her party been warned of the potential dangers.
Lawsuits Filed Against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
The McGuinness lawsuit is one of several guest injury-related suits to be filed against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in recent months. In early August, a man seeking at least $50,000 in damages filed a lawsuit after he suffered “severe and permanent injuries” after falling while trying to board Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. A lawsuit filed against the company in mid-September alleges that a young child suffered whiplash while riding Peter Pan’s Flight in May.
In July, a woman sued Disney after alleging that she was “badly injured” after the monorail doors at Walt Disney World shut on her. Disney denies the incident ever occurred.
The brand-new nighttime show, “The Heartbeat of New Orleans – A Living Mural,” debuted last night along the Rivers of America at Disneyland, serving as a temporary replacement for Fantasmic! What’s Happening: Debuting last night, September 29th, this new limited-time nighttime entertainment offering lights up the Rivers of America multiple times a night, adding some […]
Today — Saturday, September 30, 2023 — marks the end of one of the most significant developments in themed entertainment history. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has seen its final guests, and the Halcyon ship has been retired from service.
I’m not going to sit here and wax poetic about why the Galactic Starcruiser “failed,” the exorbitant prices, or what they could/should do from here. I’m not going to spend hours pouring over every detail in the theming, the technology, the storylines.
It’s all been discussed before and certainly will be again. But not today.
Reflecting on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was ambitious. It embodied one of the core elements of The Walt Disney Company and Imagineering: storytelling. How often does Josh D’Amaro stand on stage, or Bob Iger get on the phone with shareholders so they can preach that what makes Disney special is storytelling?
I am, admittedly, nearly the target market for whom Imagineering created the Starcruiser. A lifelong, passionate “Star Wars” fan with my head perpetually in the clouds. I’m not the tax bracket they prefer, and while I’ve played tabletop games, I’ve never gotten much into the roleplay aspect nor attended a LARP. As an introvert, this was way out of my comfort zone. But I knew, given the impending closure and the amount of money I had to invest, that I wanted to “live my Star Wars adventure.”
For that reason, I pushed aside the themed entertainment nerd inside of me and steadfastly ignored my curiosity for the “hows” and the “whys.” I didn’t think about the gamemasters, the algorithms, or the technical tricks. But at the finale that second night, I couldn’t help but notice the grand social experiment, the true key to the heart of the Halcyon. A team building exercise combined with a Choose Your Own Adventure novel underscored by the powerful Cast and Crew.
What the Imagineers and Cast accomplished by bringing complete strangers together in service of not only the story, but for one another, was incredible.
Choosing Your Own Star Wars Adventure
Amid the flashing red lights and eerie siren stand the Saja. Strong and tall amid the buzzing crowd as bastions of hope, they gather passengers into their muster stations. With set jaws and squared shoulders, you get the feeling they would jump in front of a blaster for you. And they might need to — the First Order has taken the bridge.
A palpable tension presses on us. A hush falls over the crowd as Captain Keevan and Cruise Director Lenka Mok explain our situation and the danger we are in. It’s not real — we were trained on the difference between a real and fake emergency alert. But it feels real. Someone yells, “Ignite the spark!” in the face of the Order, and despite the circumstances, the threat of the Supreme Leader, the Stormtroopers who put very little space between you and their blasters, we answer.
Light the fire.
For the Resistance.
We’d been together for less than 48 hours. On the first afternoon, things were as you’d expect. Everyone stuck to their own groups as they explored the ship. When it was time for muster, everything still felt, well, a little silly. Here we all were, about 60% of us dressed up, watching who we knew were actors playing characters we didn’t know.
It’s one of the more common complaints about the Starcruiser, but also Galaxy’s Edge. Why should we care about these people we don’t know anything about on this ship/planet we’ve never heard of?
But isn’t that how all stories start?
Here’s where the real magic of the Starcruiser lies. Not in replicating scenes from the movies, but in writing your own story. You don’t know the people, place, or plot, because you haven’t written it yet. The core “Star Wars” elements are there to jumpstart your journey, and to make it your own.
This should be somewhat familiar to long-time “Star Wars” fans, as this is how the Extended Universe (now known as “Legends”) was born. Fans and writers broke the galaxy down to its building blocks and constructed their own stories. Sometimes they crossed over into the canon storyline, sometimes they didn’t. Almost like a communal worldbuilding exercise.
Deeper than that, the design of the Starcruiser ensured that no one person became the main character. No matter the path you chose or how involved you were, you became part of the larger story.
Together… As One: Creating Community Through Immersive Storytelling
Raithe Kole and Ouanni are in the atrium before muster, mingling. People who knew what they wanted from this adventure before they boarded are already shaking hands and making deals. I marvel at Ouanni and get a selfie with her but generally feel unmoored in the crowd, milling about, waiting.
Muster felt like the first day of school. Everyone is in their new outfits, surrounded by strangers, participating in awkward rituals like shouting our muster station names in a made-up language, and the authority figures are overly friendly.
The first jump to hyperspace breaks the tension, a moment of held breaths making way for whoops and cheers. The crew mingles and gives everyone a chance to make connections.
With spoilers being an unavoidable part of my job, I had a pretty good idea what path I wanted and what needed to be done. But since I knew this was my only voyage, I was determined not to lose anything to FOMO. There’s simply no way to do and see everything, and I was going to be happy with whatever journey I ended up on.
That didn’t stop me from beelining straight to Captain Keevan. She was greeting and taking photos with passengers, cordial if not a little cold. Cautious. But every so often, she’d pull someone to the side and whisper. I would be one of the lucky ones.
After I introduce myself, we begin immediately talking about the beautiful Halcyon, but I know I’m in when telling her “I” am a historian, there to document the 275th anniversary voyage.
She drops her voice and steps back a bit from the crowd. She asks me how I feel about certain… groups trying to take control of the narrative. I assure her my loyalties lie with the truth and the people. She invites me to meet her and others to discuss the current occupation of the Halcyon, as she and the crew are trying to find a way to keep everyone safe.
I didn’t play a starring role or do anything special. Some passengers were chosen to put the ship into hyperspace or bring secret crates back from Batuu. But, like that moment with Captain Keevan, every interaction felt like you were really part of the story.
Excited but still feeling a little silly, we head to the Lightsaber Training Pod to meet the Saja. Not everyone does Lightsaber Training on the first day, but it was here that the sense of community would blossom. But it started as awkwardly as I feared it would.
I am acutely aware of being a grown adult in a room of grown adults holding fake lightsabers while practicing weird poses and chants.
It’s here that we learn the call and response motto of the Saja. “Together,” they prompt, and we dutifully respond with “as one.”
When we’re ready to move beyond the basics, we’re divided into small groups to rotate positions, with one on shield duty, one with a saber, and the rest practicing. A steady rhythm falls into place as we pass our proverbial batons back and cheer on our fellow trainees. By the end, we’re exhilarated, breathlessly and instinctively answering the call as one.
The feeling of unity is infectious. The cast effortlessly makes everyone feel important, individually, but also to each other.
All the activities put us in teams that interconnect — for bridge training, we split into groups of four that are further split as pairs at each station. Partners are scored against the other pair, but the whole team’s performance is set against the others. But those are just training groups. Suddenly, something happens that turns the practice round into reality, and those teams are tossed aside immediately in favor of the safety of the Halcyon. Each station is important, and every element is essential to achieve the goal.
Getting invited to secret meetings with your fellow conspirators, no matter the path, furthered that sense of self-importance, but there was an undeniable (if only budding) bond. In an age of entitlement at the parks, with people throwing punches over fireworks viewing spots and more, I witnessed kindness and compassion on the ship.
On the second day, after returning from Batuu, the stakes have risen. SK-620 is trapped by a restraining bolt, Croy is contacting higher-ups in the Order, and Captain Keevan and Lenka Mok are in high gear, trying to get one step ahead. Fellow Resistance sympathizers and I respond to a call for aid from Mok in the engineering room. A lot is underway to regain control of the Halcyon, but despite the urgency and commotion, there was a genuine effort from the passengers to make sure no one was left out.
We are assigned stations and have to man a number of tasks, some more interesting than others. But there was no mad scramble to claim a task for oneself. Instead, there was a pointed effort to take turns and ensure everyone got a chance to participate. I see this kind of compassion daily from my toddlers at home but rarely from adults in the parks, who seem to feel the amount they spent grants them privilege beyond that of others (who likely spent the same small fortune).
Despite spending the last day and a half working toward conflicting, sometimes opposing goals, there came a moment of unity when all hope was lost. Kylo Ren decided the Halcyon and her passengers were to be destroyed. There would be no rescue for the First Order affiliates; they were simply collateral for the greater good.
But the crew of the Halcyon made one last stand. And as Sammie and Chewie cornered Croy, the Captain urged the Saja to handle the Stormtroopers, and led the crowd to unite against the First Order. “Together,” she yelled, and we, throats hoarse from the booing and hollering during the final battle, answered — as one.
A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
It’s a bittersweet moment. We know it’s the end. There are a few more boxes to check, and then it’s off to bed, back to the real world. But they let us down gently.
Every path had a conclusion. Every choice led to the same final moment. First Order supporters had their loyalty to Croy upheld when he tried to save them from Kylo Ren’s wrath. Those who followed the Saja had their hard work pay off when Rey was able to take the Holocron they protected back to Leia. Gaya’s fans got her, the Coaxium, and the Hayananeya off the ship safely. Sandro Alimander and Ouanni set off for their own superstar spotlight. And those with the Resistance (or just loyal to the Captain) saw the ship and her passengers safe and her mission complete.
No matter your choices, you could turn the page and close your Star Wars story, satisfied. Your adventure joins the hallowed halls of tales from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Now, the Halcyon has returned to port for the last time. And we here at WDWNT just want to express our immense gratitude and appreciation to the incredible Cast and Crew. What you brought to life has been so special.
Now, another series will not return for a new season after reports indicate that ABC has canceled one of its comedies.
So far this year, Disney has canceled a few upcoming projects, like The Spiderwick Chronicles and Nautilus. Neither of these stories will move forward on Disney+, though their fate remains to be seen. Now, ABC(also owned by Disney) has canceled another TV series.
After a three-season run, ABC has canceled its comedy show Home Economics, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The sitcom was reportedly in limbo as part of the network’s 2022-23 slate for a while, but it seems like ABC made its decision to end the show.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Home Economics had the “smallest Nielsen-measured audience among the five ABC comedies that aired during the regular September-to-May season in 2022-23.” The show followed three siblings and their families as they live at “vastly different levels of financial security.”
ABC’s crime drama High Potential has also been moved to a later debut. The change shifts the premiere from this season to fall 2024, per The Hollywood Reporter. As the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, we may see more movies and shows impacted in the future.
In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
If you’re looking for spooky fun themed to Halloween in the special episode of Hailey’s On It!, you might be a little out of luck. That said, it is full of autumn-themed fun with a bit of a fright-filled undertone. Beta’s Gonna Hate As Hailey and Scott are ready to set forth on their next […]
While Disney World is home to all sorts of transportation options, from the Monorail to the Skyliner, sometimes it makes more sense to just walk.
The Monorail
In many scenarios, walking to the parks from the hotels is faster than taking the bus, Monorail, or Skyliner. In other scenarios, it takes the same amount of time, but taking the scenic route is worth it. However, there’s one walking path that we try to avoid as much as possible — especially when it’s super hot or cold. (Yes, there have been moments when it’s super cold and windy and we’ve been stuck on that path and it was MIS.ER.ABLE.) Let’s talk about it!
This path takes half an hour or more to get to Magic Kingdom, whereas by staying at the Grand Floridian or Polynesian, you’re granted the luxury of not only taking the Monorail, but also boat launches if the Monorail lines are particularly long.
Boats!
If you enjoy walking and are hoping to take that longer route, then that’s totally okay! But for those readers who are on a time crunch and are trying to figure out the fastest route from Point A to Point B, walking just doesn’t make sense.
Here we go.
The only times that we would consider this path worth it is if you’re actively seeking a longer and more scenic route, are trying to get in extra exercise, or are trying to get a baby to sleep in a stroller. It’s GREAT for that. Otherwise, it’s a skip from us.
We’ll continue to provide you all with Disney news and advice, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
