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Black America Web
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Recap: A Beautiful Black Time At Disneyland
Olga Thompson It's not an exaggeration to say that Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth. Come in a grumpy mood, particularly following an exhaustive five-hour flight from the East Coast, and it's guaranteed to be replaced with joy the minute you step foot on the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, California. We recently took that magical journey to check out the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration, which introduces new merch, events exclusive to the occasion and virtually a nonstop assortment of ways to have fun with Mickey and the gang. During our stay at Disneyland Hotel, where lawn parties are daily and Tangaroa Terrace is the go-to hotspot for a torch-lit nightcap, we were pleasantly surprised at how much our culture is rooted in the whole experience. From the Creole-themed restaurant Jazz Kitchen and Black-owned coffee shop Sip & Sonder — more on them later! — to the strip between New Orleans Square and Bayou Country that leads to the grand attraction of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, let's just say we had ourselves one good ol' Black time. RELATED: Little Known Black History Facts – Pioneering Disney Exec Robert Billingslea MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images Tiana's Bayou Adventure in particular, which is less than a year old following its grand opening back in November 2024, proved to be a focal point in Disney's overall vision of inclusivity for the future. As some are aware, the log flume ride serves as a replacement for the once-popular Splash Mountain attraction (seen above). After 34 years of being in service at Disneyland, the ride was replaced in 2023 due to its historic ties to the racially-insensitive 1946 film, Song of the South . To put it in perspective a bit further, Disney has all but ignored the film's existence by never releasing it on home video or uploading it to the Disney+ streaming service. The ride still exists in its original form in Tokyo Disneyland, but recent reports suggest that Disney has been in serious talks with the park's owner, Oriental Land Company, to make similar reconstruction. However, as one might expect in a world still struggling with race relations, OLC isn't too keen on the idea of replacing cute critter animatronics with the melanated characters featured in The Princess & The Frog . However, there has been some pushback on the new design here in the States as well from those who simply can't understand the theme of it all. Take a look below at how Forbes broke it down in a report from last year: 'The new version remains colorful and adds expressive animatronics as well as video screens which are set into the scenery. This has gone down well with some fans but as WDWMagic points out, 'the overall sentiment has skewed negatively, with many YouTube viewers expressing disappointment in the new attraction's storytelling and overall experience. One of the most frequent criticisms centers around the ride's storyline. Viewers find the plot – centering on Tiana searching for party musicians – lacking depth and coherence. Many feel the story does not capture the magic of 'The Princess and the Frog' and misses an opportunity to include more iconic elements from the film.'' While everyone is entitled to their opinion, we're here to tell you from first-hand experience that Tiana's Bayou Adventure is all that jazz and then some. Pitch-black drops that feed your adrenaline, sing-song melodies that keep you smiling even with soaked socks and an impressive job in the overall design from characters to lighting all help make it a must-ride water attraction. Olga Thompson Handout Another dose of culture we indulged in during our time in Disneyland came by way of the aforementioned Sip & Sonder, spearheaded by two lovely Black businesswomen. To speak with Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas is to hear passion in motion. Each has a vivid perspective on what it means to be in their front-facing positions to directly represent for the community, with Amanda-Jane telling us, 'There's something about being seen that's important. We're oftentimes in the rooms and in the spaces, but overlooked. Having the opportunity to be at Downtown Disney and beyond that have such a visible space that's unapologetically Black is all very intentional. ' Shanita followed suit, adding, 'The word that keeps coming to mind is representation. I'm thinking about being in a place that's about joy and celebration, and also all the little Black girls coming here too! Seeing the new rides in the Bayou and a Black women-owned establishment that's integrated and part of the experience is seamless representation — it's incredibly powerful!' The ladies have been operating in California for some time now, and the recent expansion to Downtown Disney at the top of 2025 was just a testament of their hard work and determination to grow even bigger. 'We're founded in Inglewood in 2017,' confirmed Amanda-Jane, who went on break down the brand's history by adding, 'that's like our think-tank where we do a lot of our impact work. When we think of how to grow as a company, long-term contracts and sustainability are important. For us, it's determining how to do that with a mind partner while also remaining true to who we are. Being here [in Downtown Disney], it made so much sense.' It's true: little Black girls visiting Disneyland from all across the globe will feel very much at home this year. They'll see themselves at every corner of the park, be it the Paint The Night parade of lights to maybe even meeting Princess Tiana herself. For everyone else, well, your inner Disney kid will pop out at some point. Courtesy Take a look below at some highlights and bright lights from the Disneyland 70th Anniversary, and join the celebration yourselves by clicking here to plan a trip this summer: Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney Disney SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 Petite-Friendly Wedding Guest Dresses, Vetted and Photographed by a 5'2' Editor
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Of course weddings are mostly about the bride. But they're also the best-ever excuse for guests to dress to impress. But what if you—like me—are 5'2' or shorter? Finding cocktail attire that sparkles but doesn't leave you swimming in fabric can be a serious challenge. That's why I called in the big guns: PureWow's own fashion editor, Abby Hepworth, who met me in Soho, New York to help me sift through my options for an upcoming Philadelphia wedding in mid-May. We visited a range of shops (Sézane, ME+EM, Banana Republic, Never Fully Dressed) and tried on tons of dresses. Here, our favorite picks for petites like me. Dasha Burobina/Sézane When I tell you I was delightfully surprised by this dress, I mean it. It was the first style I tried on and, while I was hopeful given how much I love the mustard yellow hue,I was unsure about how it would fall. (Maxi dresses like this can quickly overwhelm a smaller frame.) But both Hepworth and I oohed and aahed over this style and felt the delicate necklace and straps on the back added visual interest and drew the eye up. The cut was also voluminous, but not too baggy, with mostly hidden side seams that result in a tailored fit. I was, of course, in a fitting room without access to shoes or accessories, but can't you just picture this with strappy heels and glimmering earrings? $295 at sézane Dasha Burobina/Sézane A little black dress is a fail-safe—even for a spring/summer wedding. On a petite frame, the adjustable shoulder straps, each tied in a bow, are elegant and eye-catching, drawing the eyes up, which helps give the illusion of length. The leg slit, which isn't too high or overly revealing, also helped to make my 5'2' self appear taller. With its mid-calf fit, this is definitely a winner and checks the box for a cocktail dress code wedding invite. $215 at Sézane Dasha Burobina/Sézane Separates for the win! I absolutely loved the movement of this coordinated set which pops in emerald green with interesting details like the braided neckline and waist. While I could bring the skirt to a tailor to take it up above ankle length, I also didn't mind just hiking it up to hit at my natural waist. TBQH, the pics don't do this style justice. Add a gold earring (for example, the Tiana, also from Sézane and pictured here) and it pulls it all together. $210 at Sézane $160 at Sézane Dasha Burobina/Banana Republic Fun fact: Banana Republic offers in-store tailoring for free! That's what led me to check out this particular dress, which I could tell from a single glance was far too long for my shorter frame. The flutter sleeves were stunning and the big, bold color created visual interest that helped elongate. (Now, just imagine the final result after tapping the in-store tailor to make this dress ankle-length.) $250 at Banana Republic Dasha Burobina/ME+EM I've said it before and I'll say it again: ME+EM is a brand that is made for petites. There's actually no greater feeling than being 5'2' and knowing you can walk into a store and everything from the dresses to the pants will work for your frame. (The brand actually includes extra fabric in most of their styles so that women can lengthen and adjust as needed.) Hepworth plucked this particular style off the rack for me to test, thinking the intricate empire waist and inverted 'V' shape would help me appear taller. And she was right. The dress hit exactly at the ankle, no tailoring required, and I am a huge fan of the bold orange hue. (It also comes in pink). $675 at ME+EM Dasha Burobina/ME+EM As a petite gal, the perfection of this fit! The keyhole neckline was my favorite detail, not to mention the pretty ruching and slight puff of the sleeve, which once again draws the eye up. This felt like a design that could be easily dressed up with fancy hair and a heel. And the tailored flounce made this fit interesting, but not overwhelming, on my 5'2' frame. $495 at ME+EM Dasha Burobina/Never Fully Dressed Never Fully Dressed offers a whole petite line, and this dress (though not this exact colorway) is available in petite lengths. Even without the petite sizing which they don't carry in-store, I didn't mind the length. The empire waist was extra flattering, and I love that the Elodie style is meant to be reversible. Hepworth and I liked the elegance of the higher neck and the sexiness of the deeper V. 'You could switch it around as the night goes on,' she joked. $265 at ASOS 22 Spring Wedding Guest Dresses That Will Have You Celebrating in Style, Starting at $36
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Boden shoppers get 15% off 'beautiful' summer dress that 'hides stomach bulge'
Hailed as 'flattering' and 'comfy' by fans, the Anna midi dress is 'selling fast' on Boden's website - it has 15% off for a limited time Boden has slashed the price of a 'perfect' summer dress ahead of Britain's next heatwave. Shoppers who have bagged the midi number say it's 'flattering' and 'doesn't show your bra', making it easy for them to wear. The Anna Linen Tiered Midi Dress is currently reduced from £136 down to £115.60 when customers apply the code: PQ4D. This discount takes 15% off the popular frock, along with other full-price styles, but it's only running for a limited time. With petite, regular and long lengths available in sizes four to 22, the Boden piece has been from soft linen material. It features shoulder smocking that gives way to puff sleeves, as well as a tiered skirt with side pockets. The fit and flare shape of this dress provides structure without being bulky. Boden's Anna dress comes in an impressive seven colours, including buttermilk yellow, foxglove purple and poppy red, allowing fans to brighten up their wardrobes with ease. Another high-street brand offering puff sleeve dresses this season is New Look, with this red midi dress delivering a similar look to Boden's at £29.99. Many shoppers have praised its versatility, but one person who found the sizing on the big side said: "You could probably go down a size." Elsewhere, Nobody's Child has an up to 30% off sale running on heaps of items, including this Red Linen Puff Sleeve Tiana Midi Dress. Now reduced to £120 (was £150), it has short puff sleeves like the Anna dress from Boden and flares out from the waist. Boden's 'beautiful' linen frock has been designed in an effortless midi length that falls at mid-calf, meaning fans fan style it a number of ways. It has racked up more than 60 reviews on the retailer's website. One satisfied customer said: "Beautiful dress and colour is lovely. Very well described and an all day to night dress." A second added: "Flattering as it cinches in below the bust - hides any stomach/hip bulges. Plus pockets. It's a "take you anywhere" dress. Dress up with heels and jewellery to a fancy restaurant, dress down with a denim jacket and trainers/flats to the pub." Someone else wrote: "I love that the dress is just low cut enough cut to be feminine but still practical (doesn't show your bra!) Very flattering sleeve shape and very comfy." One person, however, returned the Anna dress as they found it 'too short and stiff'. Their two-star review reads: "The lower half of the dress has lots of material and so I felt rather frumpy in it. I ordered my usual size 10 and my arms are not massive, but the sleeves felt really tight so the dress has been returned." But another reviewer hailed their Boden purchase as 'perfect in every way', adding: "Another beautiful dress from Boden. It's a great fit, made of lovely fabric, and the perfect length."
CBS News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Why more couples are choosing a life without children
Why some couples are choosing a life without children Why some couples are choosing to be "child-free" Why some couples are choosing to be "child-free" As the oldest of the Baby Boomer generation turns 80 next year and the youngest become eligible for Social Security, President Trump is pushing for a second baby boom amid declining birth rates. The Trump administration even floated a proposal for a $5,000 "baby bonus" to offset the costs of child rearing. But for many young couples, there is no amount of money to change their minds. Tiana and PJ Morales got married seven years ago, and as newlyweds, they traveled the world. Before too long, they say, relatives would ask if they planned to have children. But the Florida couple says they're not having kids — not now, not ever. Tiana, now 37, says when she was younger, she assumed she'd be a mom, but after spending her early twenties as a nanny caring for four kids at once, that assumption changed. "It just dawned on me, is this what I would want to do every single day?" Tiana said. The U.S. fertility rate has plummeted in the last two decades and now sits near record lows, according to CDC data released last week. Some young adults say high costs are holding them back. Others fear climate change. Some are putting their careers first. But many say they simply don't want kids. "We are raised to believe that it is our destiny to become parents," said Amy Blackstone, a University of Maine sociology professor who has published a number of studies on those who call themselves "child-free by choice." It's a personal issue for Blackstone and her husband, Lance, who decided years ago to be a family of just two. "Child-free person will say, 'I valued my relationship with my partner so much that I didn't want another party changing that relationship,'" Blackstone said. "A parent will say the imagined relationship with a child is so important to me that I want that relationship." When Tiana's friends began having kids, she started organizing occasional get-togethers for others who want to be child-free. Their reasons range from lifestyle factors to what's going on in the world and climate change. While Tiana Morales is mostly confident in her decision, she says a small part of her wonders what things will look like in the future. "I grew up in a big family and the holidays were always surrounded by a large family. It's fun. And so as I age, what will holidays look like? Will they be just as fun? I don't know," she said. But it was a choice — theirs and only theirs — that was made with careful thought.
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Alaska Airlines unveils new aircraft livery inspired by Disney theme-park attraction
There's magic in the air. Alaska Airlines has unveiled an 'enchanting' aircraft livery inspired by The Princess and the Frog and new log flume rides at Disneyland Park in California and Walt Disney World. The design, sported by a Boeing 737-800 with the tail number N596AS, is a 'celebration' of the classic Walt Disney animation starring Princess Tiana and the 'immersive' Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction, which opened at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in June and November 2024 respectively. The intricate graphics, which took artists more than 2,000 hours to paint, feature Disney characters Princess Tiana, Louis the Alligator splashing among water lilies on the bayou, Mama Odie and Prince Naveen on the winglets and a trail of fireflies stretching from the aircraft's nose to tail. Alaska Airlines unveiled the new design at Portland International Airport ahead of its maiden flight to Santa Ana, California, last week. The colorful aircraft, nicknamed Tiana's Bayou Adventure Flyer, is the carrier's ninth Disney-themed plane and its first to feature a Disney princess. Tiana's Bayou Adventure Flyer arrives in time for Disneyland Resort's 70th celebration, which begins on 16 May and runs until summer 2026. Passengers will be able to fly on the aircraft throughout Alaska's route network for 'the next several years', while junior fliers can look forward to a Tiana's Bayou Adventure snack pack onboard from this summer. 'For more than 25 years, Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort have collaborated to bring magic and happiness to the skies,' said Sybil Crum, vice president of marketing and commercial strategy at Disneyland Resort. 'As Disneyland Resort prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, this latest addition honours our legacy and looks ahead to a bright future with Princess Tiana leading the way.' Walt Disney World have increased for 2026. Prices for one-day tickets to the popular Florida attraction will rise next year by approximately $10 (£7.50). Visitor numbers to Disney attractions have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, though Walt Disney World and Disneyland remain the two most-visited theme parks in the world, with around 34 million annual visitors between them.
