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Travel Weekly
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Dispatch, Universal Orlando: Riding coasters new and old
ORLANDO -- Am I a roller coaster-loving person? This is a question I've been grappling with over the past two days while riding coasters in the new Epic Universe and ones in Universal's other parks. I'm being hosted at the resort as part of media previews for Epic, Universal's third theme park in Orlando. And up until this visit, I didn't think I liked high-intensity coasters. It's all rooted in the ill effects of a morning turn on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At the tender age of 12, that attraction left me, shall we say, green around the gills. (The Aerosmith theme for this coaster will eventually give way to the Muppets.) I've studiously avoided the most intense coasters since. Until, on a VIP tour for media on Tuesday, there arose the opportunity to skip the line and hop on VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure. I'll skip the velociraptor chase and cut to the conclusion: I loved it. I also loved Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (also at Universal Islands of Adventure). Celestial and mythological elements play into the design of Celestial Park. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada The thrilling Stardust Racers To my great surprise, I also loved Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster in Epic Universe's Celestial Park district. I think I might be a coaster person -- although I haven't only been riding coasters. On Tuesday, I experienced three of the five worlds that comprise Epic Universe. Celestial Park was designed to be a calming space for visitors to decompress, filled with gardens and water features, but it also offers one of Epic's biggest thrills. With a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, Stardust Racers is pretty intense. It goes as fast as 62 mph along its 5,000 feet of track. It reaches up to 133 feet. I am a huge fan, especially of the airtime (the sensation of being out of your seat) and the delightful downward corkscrew. The coaster has two tracks, yellow and green. While the two sides normally race, the green side was down when I rode. I heard Stardust Racers is best experienced at night, something I hope to do in the coming days. The sun rises on the Isle of Berk. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Swooping on Hiccup's Wing Gliders How to Train Your Dragon -- Isle of Berk is themed to its eponymous series, wherein the Viking boy Hiccup bucks centuries of tradition and trains the dragon Toothless. He convinces his people that dragons aren't enemies of the Vikings, and they can coexist peacefully and help each other thrive. Multiple animatronic dragons populate Berk. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada The world of Berk comes alive at Epic Universe. The attention to detail, and no shortage of animatronic dragons throughout, impresses from the get-go. It is home to three attractions and one show. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is a delightful coaster. It whips riders around the Isle of Berk, offering great views of the scenery and some fun dragon appearances (sheep, too). It's not too intense and only carries a height requirement of 40 inches. For the adventurous kid, this would be a great first coaster. For everyone else, it's a good time without sparking the nerves of inversions or too-steep climbs and drops. Drenched on Fyre Drill A warning to the water-averse: You will probably get soaked on Fyre Drill. This slow-moving boat ride offers a fun game for riders (there is no height minimum). Everyone gets access to their own water cannon they can shoot at targets, other boats and even people waiting on line. I was grateful for the poncho that Universal team members handed out at the entrance. Without it, I would have probably needed a wardrobe change. The ride is fun, especially when other boats get rowdy. Pack rain gear or do this last, right before you leave the park. Flip or don't on Dragon Racer's Rally Dragon Racer's Rally was designed to train Vikings in dragon flight. Its unique mechanics allow riders (minimum height of 48 inches) to take control of "dragon wings" to flip themselves over while in flight. Riders go high, so the height-averse should avoid it, but otherwise it moves in relatively gentle circles. Inversions are totally up to the rider. I avoided flipping myself and enjoyed the views of Berk and beyond. A rider in front of me flipped so much it made my stomach want to do the same. A can't-miss show in Isle of Berk "The Untrainable Dragon" is the Isle of Berk's stage show, and it's not to be missed. Hiccup and Toothless fly above the audience during "The Untrainable Dragon." Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Dazzling puppetry, costumes and animatronics accompany this tale of a dragon that seems untrainable -- that is, until Hiccup steps in. The music is catchy, the sets well designed and the puppets and animatronics impeccable. It's a surprise-and-delight moment when Hiccup and Toothless first take flight over the audience. Let's-a go to Super Mario World Super Mario World has brought to life some of my favorite childhood video games. From entering via Princess Peach's castle to punching question mark boxes for coins, this land is a delight for anyone that has ever enjoyed the Mario universe. It's best enjoyed with an interactive Power-Up Band, which lets players track their progress in collecting keys via games and coins throughout the world. They come at a cost of $45. The world is bifurcated into two lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. The entrance to Mine-Cart Madness in Super Mario World. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Mine-Cart Madness, a coaster in Donkey Kong Country, gets major points for creativity. Universal has employed an innovative coaster design that makes it appear riders are jumping across gaps in the track. While the ride is fun from any seat, front-row riders have a better view of gap jumping. There is at least one portion of the attraction where riders are jerked from side to side pretty intensely. I didn't love this effect but it wouldn't stop me from riding it again. Riders must be 40 inches tall or taller. A Power-Up Band costs $45. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Yoshi's Adventure is a slow ride through Super Mario Land designed for small children. The minimum height requirement is 34 inches. Riders board their own Yoshi in search of glowing eggs. While not a must-do, Yoshi's Adventure offers wonderful views of Super Mario World. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge was like walking into a dream because I grew up playing Mario Kart 64. Riders enter Bowser's Castle -- one of the most detailed queues I've seen -- and enter into a cart race. Yes, it includes the iconic Rainbow Road. The augmented-reality goggles are fairly comfortable to don, but if riders don't pay attention in the pre-show video, they won't understand the mechanics of throwing Koopa shells (use your eyes to aim). The attraction has a minimum height of 40 inches. Let's-a go!
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The 8 irritating 2025 NBA playoff ads that won't stop airing, ranked
The 8 irritating 2025 NBA playoff ads that won't stop airing, ranked On some level, I understand why a league like the NBA would want to keep a tight rotation of commercials for the playoffs. In the same fashion that a head coach of an NBA team keeps a tight playoff rotation, you want your best players (commercials) getting as many minutes as possible to maximize your chances at winning (getting revenue). That doesn't excuse the fact that the NBA has somehow managed to piece together the most annoying possible commercial rotation for the playoffs ... for the second straight year! And the worst part is, if I weren't writing this article, I wouldn't have even been sure about what products were being sold to me in these ads. So, while making me gradually lose my mind, are they having the intended effect of making money for these companies? I have my doubts about that. Let's take a look at the heart of the NBA's 2025 playoff commercial package and rank them by how irritating, frustrating, and utterly grating they all are. 8. Charles Barkley and "ChuckGPT" for FanDuel I guess I find this one technically less objectionable than the others on this list because Barkley is a magnetic personality. At least he's entertaining. At least he's got charisma. And when you watch this ad the first few times, it is actually kinda funny. But integrating some Barkley-centered generative AI that is somehow accurate about everything concerning the Chuckster? Are we sure that's an accurate portrayal of generative AI? Sure. 7. Draymond Green finds a loose ball for Kia This commercial actually debuted in 2024, but that hasn't stopped the NBA or Kia from drilling it into our heads during this postseason. It's not even really all that annoying compared to some of the top choices above. Still, I tire of watching Draymond Green stare at and confront a wolf. What does that have to do with a car? Someone explain it to me like I'm five. Don't worry, I'll wait. 6. Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" used as THE tentpole song Look, I understand. I know Aerosmith is an incredibly popular band. But whose idea was it to make one of the most famous songs of a group that peaked roughly half a century ago the seeming theme song of these entire NBA playoffs? Who is this for? Does the NBA even care about catering to a younger audience anymore? Are we really leaning into nostalgia that much? It's so silly and cringe to me. I didn't include a specific video example because there are just so many different versions with different NBA stars. 5. Wingstop's "Million Dollar Baby" Again, here we have another older ad that didn't debut during this postseason. Which, at this point, I wish the NBA hadn't recycled it. So, let's be clear. Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby" song is a banger. It is decidedly NOT a banger when I have to hear it seemingly countless times during every playoff game. This commercial has ruined the song for me. I need a cleanse from it. 4. The Thunder accidentally wore the same outfit for AT&T At this stage, it's apparent that the Oklahoma City Thunder and AT&T might usually make one of the year's most irritating commercials if they get together in the spring. One year after the disaster of "What a Pro Wants," we have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren mistakenly not coordinating the same outfit together. And you guessed it, they were "Thunderstruck" about it. If only they had AT&T, this wouldn't have happened, apparently? Mhmm. 3. Will Ferrell "Pay Your Own Way" I love Will Ferrell. I still use PayPal on occasion. I do not love them together here with Ferrell singing a high-pitched parody of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way." And I particularly dislike how this commercial features various people getting frustrated about Ferrell's singing, as if it were a tacit acknowledgement of how annoying people find this commercial in real life. Is that supposed to be funny? How meta. 2. The NBA's Villanova Guys finding a way to connect (Exasperated, gathering the words) WE GET IT. THEY WERE TEAMMATES IN COLLEGE AND IN THE NBA AND NOW THEY'RE NOT. STOP USING THE CORNY CHARLIE PUTH SONG FROM A VIN DIESEL MOVIE. SO FUNNY. (Exhales) Gah. OK, I feel better. 1. Jalen Green is apparently the biggest and the largest This commercial in itself isn't necessarily the most annoying, even though I'd love to not hear BigXthaPlug's "The Largest" for a while after this. It's more about the timing and who's featured. For the life of me, I cannot believe that Jalen Green, an overrated shot-chucker propped up by some corners of NBA media because he was a No. 2 overall pick, got this prominent of a spot for the playoffs. Who did Wingstop think Green was when they booked him for this ad? Do some people really think Green is a "star," instead of a flashy offensive black hole? I've learned so much during these playoffs.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 8 irritating 2025 NBA playoff ads that won't stop airing, ranked
On some level, I understand why a league like the NBA would want to keep a tight rotation of commercials for the playoffs. In the same fashion that a head coach of an NBA team keeps a tight playoff rotation, you want your best players (commercials) getting as many minutes as possible to maximize your chances at winning (getting revenue). That doesn't excuse the fact that the NBA has somehow managed to piece together the most annoying possible commercial rotation for the playoffs ... for the second straight year! And the worst part is, if I weren't writing this article, I wouldn't have even been sure about what products were being sold to me in these ads. So, while making me gradually lose my mind, are they having the intended effect of making money for these companies? I have my doubts about that. Let's take a look at the heart of the NBA's 2025 playoff commercial package and rank them by how irritating, frustrating, and utterly grating they all are. I guess I find this one technically less objectionable than the others on this list because Barkley is a magnetic personality. At least he's entertaining. At least he's got charisma. And when you watch this ad the first few times, it is actually kinda funny. But integrating some Barkley-centered generative AI that is somehow accurate about everything concerning the Chuckster? Are we sure that's an accurate portrayal of generative AI? Sure. This commercial actually debuted in 2024, but that hasn't stopped the NBA or Kia from drilling it into our heads during this postseason. It's not even really all that annoying compared to some of the top choices above. Still, I tire of watching Draymond Green stare at and confront a wolf. What does that have to do with a car? Someone explain it to me like I'm five. Don't worry, I'll wait. Look, I understand. I know Aerosmith is an incredibly popular band. But whose idea was it to make one of the most famous songs of a group that peaked roughly half a century ago the seeming theme song of these entire NBA playoffs? Who is this for? Does the NBA even care about catering to a younger audience anymore? Are we really leaning into nostalgia that much? It's so silly and cringe to me. I didn't include a specific video example because there are just so many different versions with different NBA stars. Again, here we have another older ad that didn't debut during this postseason. Which, at this point, I wish the NBA hadn't recycled it. So, let's be clear. Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby" song is a banger. It is decidedly NOT a banger when I have to hear it seemingly countless times during every playoff game. This commercial has ruined the song for me. I need a cleanse from it. At this stage, it's apparent that the Oklahoma City Thunder and AT&T might usually make one of the year's most irritating commercials if they get together in the spring. One year after the disaster of "What a Pro Wants," we have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren mistakenly not coordinating the same outfit together. And you guessed it, they were "Thunderstruck" about it. If only they had AT&T, this wouldn't have happened, apparently? Mhmm. I love Will Ferrell. I still use PayPal on occasion. I do not love them together here with Ferrell singing a high-pitched parody of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way." And I particularly dislike how this commercial features various people getting frustrated about Ferrell's singing, as if it were a tacit acknowledgement of how annoying people find this commercial in real life. Is that supposed to be funny? How meta. (Exasperated, gathering the words) WE GET IT. THEY WERE TEAMMATES IN COLLEGE AND IN THE NBA AND NOW THEY'RE NOT. STOP USING THE CORNY CHARLIE PUTH SONG FROM A VIN DIESEL MOVIE. SO FUNNY. (Exhales) Gah. OK, I feel better. This commercial in itself isn't necessarily the most annoying, even though I'd love to not hear BigXthaPlug's "The Largest" for a while after this. It's more about the timing and who's featured. For the life of me, I cannot believe that Jalen Green, an overrated shot-chucker propped up by some corners of NBA media because he was a No. 2 overall pick, got this prominent of a spot for the playoffs. Who did Wingstop think Green was when they booked him for this ad? Do some people really think Green is a "star," instead of a flashy offensive black hole? I've learned so much during these playoffs. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Ranking the 8 incredibly annoying 2025 NBA playoff ads that won't stop
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rylan Clark is set to return to the music industry as he 'flies to LA studio to record with legendary songwriter' - 13 years after his stint on The X Factor
His music career sadly faltered in its early days when his run on The X Factor ended with an early elimination. But 13 years later, Rylan Clark is reportedly having another shot at singing and is flying to Los Angeles to record in a studio with a successful songwriter. The star, 36, took a break from his successful radio and TV career last month to head to California to work with music icon Diane Warren, according to The Sun. Diane has been behind a string of huge hits including I Don't Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith, Cher 's If I Could Turn Back Time and Rhythm Of The Night by DeBarge. Rylan now looks set to join the prestigious list of greats who have worked with Diane, from Beyonce and Taylor Swift to Britney Spears and Whitney Houston. An industry insider told The Sun of his new project: 'His first love has always been music. 'He has been writing songs for years, so when the chance for him to get into a studio with Diane came up he couldn't say no. 'He was out in Los Angeles for four days and they had a great time together.' Last year, Rylan revealed that he had been secretly writing music under a pseudonym. He said: 'I write music. So I've done quite a lot of songs. Some have been released, but not under "Rylan" and they've done well, which is fun. 'I've released a couple of tracks that I'm happy with.' The star appeared on the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012, sporting blonde hair during the auditions which are a sharp contrast to his slick black locks these days. Rylan's foray into the music world comes after he gave his fans a glimpse at his natural hair colour in a YouTube vlog as he filmed himself between touch-ups. The TV presenter has been dying his reddish-brown locks and beard a darker shade for years and rarely shows his natural colour. However, in a video clip of him speaking to his beloved mum Linda from Panama, his roots could be seen to be growing back in, revealing a gingery tint to his sideburn. In what appeared to an attempt to hide his non-dyed tresses, Rylan wore a black baseball cap. The star previously revealed he is open to getting more cosmetic procedures, despite admitting he has gone 'too far' with tweakments in the past. The bubbly presenter has been open in the past about what work he's had done, previously admitting he spent £25,000 on veneers in 2013. He has also had lip filler, Botox and underwent another procedure for his teeth so they would look more natural. Appearing on the cover of July/August issue Attitude magazine to celebrate Pride month, he acknowledged he had gone a bit overboard with getting work done, but added he never had any regrets because he saw it all as a learning curve. Rylan explained: 'I don't regret anything I've done. I'll probably still have more things done. 'I think if you're in a position where you want to change something, and you think it will make you feel better, and you can do that, then do it. I don't think you should be judged for that. 'Do I think sometimes in the past I've gone a bit too far? Yeah. Do I realise now that I don't have to go as far as that? Yeah, so, I don't.'
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Rylan secretly recording with chart legend amid speculation he's eyeing up a return to music
HE kicked off his singing career 13 years ago on The X Factor but failed to hit the big time. But now Rylan Clark is having another shot at music after carving out a career as a TV and radio presenter. 2 2 I can reveal he flew to Los Angeles last month to spend time in the studio. Rylan was working with music legend Diane Warren, who has written a string of huge hits including Cher's If I Could Turn Back Time, Aerosmith's I Don't Want To Miss A Thing and Leann Rimes' How Do I Live. Over her career, Diane has also worked with Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston. . . and now Rylan's the latest diva on her list! A music insider said: 'His first love has always been music. "He has been writing songs for years, so when the chance for him to get into a studio with Diane came up he couldn't say no. 'He was out in Los Angeles for four days and they had a great time together.' Last spring, Rylan revealed he had been secretly releasing music under a pseudonym. He explained: 'I write music. So I've done quite a lot of songs. "Some have been released, but not under 'Rylan' and they've done well, which is fun. Gawky teen to 'millionaire' camgirl & the singer who's surgeries went 'too far' - all of the X-Factor's biggest transformations 'I've released a couple of tracks that I'm happy with.' Despite his secret success, the Radio 2 DJ said he was cautious about jacking in his day job to pursue pop full time. Rylan added: 'I've been really lucky over the last 12 years, I've been successful in my career. I've done really, really well. 'And this hand is telling me, 'Don't tell people it's you because they'll prejudge'. 'But then there's this sort of curiosity killed the cat hand going, 'Could you do it all again, like from scratch?'.' He made quite an impression on the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012, and was seen with long blond hair in the auditions stage, a far cry from his slicker look today. Next week Rylan will be in Basel, Switzerland, providing the commentary on the Eurovision semi-finals. He joins Scott Mills from 8pm on BBC One on Tuesday and Thursday. If his music career takes off, you never know, Rylan could be our entry next year.
