Latest news with #StarWars:Galaxy'sEdge
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Map Shows America's Best Theme Parks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Travel guidance platform Tripadvisor has released its rankings for the best amusement and water parks in the U.S, and Dollywood in Tennessee has claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. Why It Matters Theme parks have long played a prominent role in American culture, offering visitors thrills, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Each year, America's top theme parks draw interest from millions planning vacations. Tripadvisor says its Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best rankings are determined by locations that receive a high volume of "above-and-beyond" reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor users over a 12-month period. What To Know Below are America's top 10 theme parks, according to the rankings, with insights drawn directly from this year's official list. Dollywood—Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Founded by country singer Dolly Parton, Dollywood fosters a "downhome" atmosphere, featuring "high-velocity" roller coasters, traditional crafts demonstrations, and two resorts. Singalongs, an on-site museum chronicling Parton's life, and authentic glassblowing and pottery make for a distinctive Smoky Mountains experience. The entrance to Dollywood is viewed on October 18, 2016 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The entrance to Dollywood is viewed on October 18, 2016 in Pigeon Forge, Kingdom Park—Bay Lake, Florida: Dubbed "The Most Magical Place On Earth," Magic Kingdom offers attractions such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and nightly fireworks, along with musical parades and character meet-and-greets. Knoebels Amusement Resort—Elysburg, Pennsylvania: The nation's largest free-admission amusement park, Knoebels boasts rides, a mining museum, swimming, camping, and even a golf course, all under longstanding family ownership since 1926. The resort jumped to third in 2025 from eighth last year. Disney's Hollywood Studios—Bay Lake, Florida: Featuring the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this park lets visitors pilot the Millennium Falcon or journey through The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Universal Islands of Adventure—Orlando, Florida: Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other rides like the Velocicoaster, a two-park pass also connects to Universal Studios Florida via the Hogwarts Express. Fun Spot America—Kissimmee, Florida: Affordable, family-owned Fun Spot provides classic amusement value, old-fashioned rides, and season passes at a fraction of the price of major theme parks. LEGOLAND California—Carlsbad, California: LEGOLAND features more than 60 rides and attractions centered around LEGO artistry. It also included a waterpark, aquarium, and an on-site castle hotel. Universal Studios Florida—Orlando, Florida: Known for movie-based attractions, this park features Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride, with easy transfer to Islands of Adventure. Silver Dollar City—Branson, Missouri: With an 1880s theme and Ozark Mountain scenery, Silver Dollar City features live shows, crafts, and rides for both thrill-seekers and families. Whale's Tale Waterpark—Lincoln, New Hampshire: Set in the White Mountains, Whale's Tale is known for its wave pool, surf ride, lazy river, and family-friendly ambiance. What People Are Saying In a statement shared with Newsweek, Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, said: "We don't provide the best guest experience in the country to try to win these awards, we do it because it is the right thing to do. Our guests have options on where they can spend their time, and when they choose to visit us, we want to give them a world-class experience. This award is humbling though, because it is derived from reviews left by our actual guests describing their time here at our parks and resorts. "We've earned a number of honors this year from national organizations, and it is all due to the hard work of our hosts who ensure our guests feel welcome and cared for while they are here. We feel—and these awards continue to show— the Dollywood Parks & Resorts experience truly is best in class." What Happens Next TripAdvisor releases its rankings annually.
New York Post
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Disney World fans puzzled by popular park shutdown with no warning after mysterious mishap: reports
Talk about a total ride-off. Guests at Walt Disney World were in for a shock Thursday morning when one of the resort's most popular parks wasn't fully open. Multiple Disney bloggers shared that they showed up to Hollywood Studios at the Orlando, Florida, theme park just to find that half of it was closed without any prior warning. 4 Half of Hollywood Studios was closed Thursday morning without any warning. Stefano – One blogger on Inside the Magic noted that crew members were seen cleaning up a 'mysterious liquid' in the vast area that was blocked off to visitors. 'Entire sections of the park, normally buzzing with life, were eerily silent and blocked off by Cast Members,' the blog said. 'Guests stood in clusters on Hollywood Boulevard, staring past the ropes with confusion and curiosity.' By late morning, park staff was seen pressure cleaning the ground surrounding Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show, specifically around the Oasis Canteen kiosk. 'It is assumed, but unconfirmed, that whatever they're cleaning is related to the closure,' Blog Mickey wrote. 'While Disney has not officially confirmed the reason for the shutdown, the cleaning activity suggests a maintenance or safety-related issue rather than a long-term closure,' Inside the Magic wrote. However, Blog Mickey noted that there didn't appear to be any immediate safety concerns as off-duty cast members were still walking through the area at the time. 4 Parkgoers were rerouted through Toy Story Land to enter Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Savvapanf Photo í© – The Post has reached out to The Walt Disney Company for comment. Half the park — including some of its most iconic attractions — was off-limits, frustrating patrons who didn't have a chance to prepare for the closure. Echo Lake, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, Grand Avenue, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway were all closed to guests. 4 Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios remained open. Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge technically remained open, but the usual way to get there from the entrance was cut off, so parkgoers were rerouted through Toy Story Land to enter from the other side. Fan-favorites on Sunset Boulevard stayed open, including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. At 10:30 a.m., two hours after the park opens to visitors, Blog Mickey said that the closed-off area 'reopened.' 4 Echo Lake, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, Grand Avenue, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway were all closed to guests. Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Disney's Hollywood Studios is currently in the middle of getting some major changes. The park recently announced that it will be replacing the Star Wars: Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation in 2026. The family experience will allow guests to interact with and explore takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters. A new Monsters Inc. Land — also known as 'Monstropolis' is currently being build at Hollywood Studios where the Muppet Courtyard used to be. The new land will have a roller coaster that 'will put you right in the middle of the monster action.' 'The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,' Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro said last year. 'You'll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We're doing that, too. And you're going along for the ride.'
NZ Herald
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Disneyland Resort Anaheim: Five must-try food and drink items to tantalize your tastebuds
Blue Milk is the ultimate thirst quencher in a galaxy far far away. Photo / Mitchell Hageman Nestled in a discreet corner of the Black Spire Outpost (Disneyland Park's Star Wars-themed land) is a place that can provide you with the perfect thirst quencher for a hot California Day. Don't let the blue colour put you off, this coconut and rice milk-based drink teases hints of vanilla and bubblegum, with its icy texture making it instantly more drinkable when temperatures reach the 30s. Besides its obvious appeal as a thirst quencher, Blue Milk is also part of the world-building that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge does so well. Rocking up to the small stand, you'll see the tanks full of blue (and green) milk just like they've been pumped straight out of a Bantha (the large woolly creatures with spiralling horns that Tusken Raiders ride in the first film). Sipping on the delectable drink makes you truly feel like a tourist on an otherworldly planet, experiencing the Black Spire Outpost like the locals (and perhaps your favourite smuggler, scoundrel and hero, Han Solo) do. Not So Little Chicken Sandwich (From Pym's Test Kitchen at Avengers Campus) People can eat like Ant-Man at the Pym Test Kitchen. Photo / Mitchell Hageman Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be Ant-Man? Well, now you can, by stepping into Professor Hank Pym's notorious test kitchen and trying some of the best oversized and undersized food you'll ever eat. One of the best is the Not So Little Chicken, which is the perfect mix of gimmicky Marvel superhero fun and fantastic taste. The sandwich, which is served on Pym Laboratories branded paper, is essentially a large fried chicken breast between a tiny brioche bun, lashed with teriyaki and red chilli sauces and pickled cabbage slaw. It's tangy, the chicken is tender, and the bun is super fluffy to the point you could eat one of them on their own. There's also some crispy tater tots thrown in there for good measure. Not only is this meal very fun to eat, but it's also very fun to watch others eat. There is an ongoing conundrum as to whether you should pick up the knife and fork or just go full Hulk on it and use your hands. Dole Whip (From the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland) A Disneyland staple, Dole Whip is a must-try on a hot summer's day. Photo / Mitchell Hageman One of the OG Disney treats, and one linked perfectly to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, this tropical frozen yoghurt/ice-cream textured delicacy is another perfect foil for a hot day at the parks. Spanning flavours like pineapple (original), strawberry, and mango, your tastebuds will immediately be transported to a tropical isle the moment you take the first spoonful. As a bonus, the Tiki Juice Bar is situated right next to the famous Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland, so you can watch the boats come in from their river journeys as you eat. For those wanting to get even more into the adventure spirit, try a Dole Whip Float, or one featuring chunks of pineapple or other seasonal toppings. Classic Cinnamon Churro (from churro stands) Nothing beats a classic cinnamon churro. Photo / Mitchell Hageman The reality is, Disneyland churros just hit differently. A far cry from the dry, over-sugared ones you get at the Auckland Royal Easter show, these fluffy delights are supersized and extremely edible to the point you'll probably want to go back and get another one later in the day. While there are variations on the classics (e.g. Lightsaber churros and chocolate churros), nothing beats the sweet taste of a classic cinnamon. The other really handy thing about these treats is they are what Disney calls 'walking food', and be purchased from multiple locations around main thoroughfares and eaten while walking around the parks. Just remember to wash your hands after, as they will likely be caked in sticky sugar goodness by the end of it. Celebration Cocktail (from the Hollywood Lounge) Celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday with this delectable adults-only cocktail. Photo /Mitchell Hageman A perfect end-of-day refresher for those over 21, this limited-time 70th Anniversary adult beverage not only comes with added 'fairy dust' sparkles (glittery blue raspberry lemonade) but also packs an exciting punch with splashes of tequila, rum and vodka. Yes, you may have a blue tongue after, but it's worth it for this easy-to-drink cocktail that's bound to get you celebrating happy. You can buy this tasty tipple at the Hollywood Lounge, which is a 1950s-style, quick-service diner located in Disney California Adventure's Hollywood area. New Zealand Herald Travel visited courtesy of Disneyland Resort.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara steps out with boyfriend Elijah Cooper — Disneyland date goes viral amid engagement rumours
Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt was recently seen enjoying a sunny day at Disneyland with her boyfriend, actor Elijah Cooper—just days after engagement rumours set the internet on fire following a sparkly ring sighting. The 20-year-old, whom Jolie shares with ex Brad Pitt, appeared fully in the moment with her beau, looking relaxed, happy, and completely unbothered by the cameras. Zahara Jolie-Pitt's Disney outing with her beau On June 20, the 20‑year‑old Spelman College student and Cooper, a Morehouse College attendee and actor, were photographed strolling hand‑in‑hand around Anaheim's Disneyland. They embraced the park spirit, donning matching Minnie and Mickey ears while exploring attractions like Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Zahara Jolie-Pitt and boyfriend seen at Disneyland as engagement rumors swirl — Buzz Nova (@BuzzNova163093) June 21, 2025 How did Zahara's engagement rumours begin? Engagement buzz first took off earlier this month when Zahara was photographed wearing a sparkling diamond ring on that finger during a dinner date with Elijah at the celeb-favourite Craig's in West Hollywood. The ring's placement on her left hand immediately raised eyebrows, with fans and tabloids speculating that the 20-year-old might be quietly engaged. However, during her recent Disneyland outing with Elijah, the ring was noticeably absent. Whether it was a simple accessory switch or a sign that there's nothing romantic to read into remains unclear, but the mystery has only fuelled more online chatter. Some believe the couple could be keeping things private, while others think the ring might've been just another fashion statement. Zahara drops 'Pitt' from her last name Zahara, who recently made headlines for dropping 'Pitt' from her last name, has been carving out her own identity both socially and academically. Now going by Zahara Jolie, she's an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College, where she's become known not just as the daughter of Hollywood royalty, but as a thoughtful student leader in her own right. Photo Credit: X Her bond with her mother, Angelina Jolie, remains strong and rooted in shared values. The two have been spotted together at various philanthropic events, and Zahara has taken on a more public-facing role in activism—most notably as a keynote speaker at a Mother-Daughter Brunch hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha. She's also been involved in humanitarian causes, including initiatives focused on climate issues and wildfire recovery, areas Angelina has long championed. So, are the engagement rumours true? While neither Zahara nor Elijah has said anything about being engaged, the combination of that diamond ring, cosy dinner dates, and their Disneyland day out has definitely set off speculation. Still, official or not, the two seem genuinely smitten, enjoying each other's company and making the most of a carefree summer together.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MrBeast says he spent $500K to rent out Disneyland for date with fiancée
YouTube's most-subscribed-to content creator has once again made a larger-than-life purchase by paying $500,000 to rent out an entire Disneyland theme park for a "romantic date" with his fiancée. In a new YouTube video, MrBeast, the social media persona of Jimmy Donaldson, takes his fiancée Thea Booysen on six dates that range from $1 to $500,000, concluding with what he says was an evening at Disneyland all to themselves (in addition to a handful of friends and crew, of course). The group rode Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Pixar Pal-A-Round (the 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel); played several carnival-style games; and built custom lightsabers at Savi's Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. "There are no words to describe how special it is to have Disney all to ourselves," Donaldson said in the little over 17-minute video. "I think we all made memories that are going to last a lifetime." .oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;} Birthdays at Disneyland: Duchess Meghan, Prince Harry take Archie and Lilibet to Disneyland for birthday On Feb. 27, 1992, actress Elizabeth Taylor rented out all of Disneyland to celebrate her 60th birthday. The entire park shut down for the birthday bash, which required extra security. Hundreds of celebrities attended the party, which proved to be a successful marketing promotion for Disney. Theme parks: New report finds Disneyland, Disney World contribute $67B to US economy Disney did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on MrBeast's video or consumers' ability to rent out an entire theme park. However, several Disney-centric blogs like Magic Guides say it is not possible. "Closing down the resort for a day would be a public relations nightmare and would severely disrupt how guests could plan and book their trips," Magic Guides' author Joshua Powell wrote. Disneyland does offer some private and after-hours experiences, though, like Disney After Hours, in which customers can purchase tickets for three extended hours after the park's traditional closing time. The theme park also offers Disney's Fair Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, which allows couples and their family to rent various venues, including The Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt and Small World Mall. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MrBeast says he rented out Disneyland for fiancée, paid $500K
