Dick Van Dyke becomes the oldest Daytime Emmy winner at age 98
Dick Van Dyke etched his name in television history on Friday night! At the ripe young age of 98, he became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever. The beloved actor took home the award for his guest role as the amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s “Days of Our Lives.”
“I don’t believe this. I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” he said. “I’m 98 years old. Can you believe it? This really tops off a lifetime of 80 years in the business. If I had known I would have lived this long I would’ve taken better care of myself.”
Dick Van Dyke’s historic win received a thunderous standing ovation. Leaning on a cane, the 98-year-old legend made his way to the stage, his wife Arlene proudly holding the Emmy aloft beside him.
“I brought this lady up because she was also on the show,” he said. “She played the cop who arrested me.”
Dick Van Dyke’s win wasn’t just history-making, it was a testament to his enduring talent. The beloved actor, already boasting four Primetime Emmys (including three for his iconic sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show” in the 1960s), triumphed over last year’s winner and other daytime veterans like Alley Mills (“General Hospital”), Guy Pearce (“Neighbours”), Linden Ashby (“The Young and the Restless”), and Ashley Jones (“The Bold and the Beautiful”). This Daytime Emmy win solidified his place as a legend who continues to shine across both primetime and daytime television.
Not to be Missed Food & Drink Options on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Having explored all that Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has to offer, it’s time to refuel! We’re taking a look at the food and drink options at Disney’s newest island destination.
When you’re ready for a tasty lunch, you can hop over to the shade of the beautiful dining pavilions for the delicious flavors of The Bahamas with views of the beach. At True-True and True-True Too BBQ (the main dining areas), and Serenity Bay BBQ (the adult dining area), you can sample menu items inspired by local recipes, including Bahamian pigeon peas and rice and Bahamian-style lime marinated grilled snapper.
Do you prefer more classic favorites? We’ve got you covered! Barbecue ribs, island-spiced rotisserie chicken and grilled cheeseburgers are served alongside a wide variety of sides and freshly prepared salads.
There are also ice-cold drinks at four bars, from the main beach locales, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar, to the Blue Hole Bar for adults, to Sandsational Smoothies, which serves specialty frozen drinks. And if you need a pick-me-up in the morning, Mangroves and Go should be your first stop for a tropical iced coffee.
The bars at Disney Lookout Cay serve a variety of locally sourced drinks, including Bahamas Goombay Punch soda, Bahamas Coffee Roasters coffee (locally roasted in Eleuthera) and Pirate Republic Brewing Company Long John Pineapple Pilsner.
The Disney Lookout Cay signature cocktail, Eleuthera Euphoria, is a blend of premium aged rum and pineapple smoothie, topped with pineapple-shaped candy.
Setting sail for a Disney Cruise? Let me be your magic-making navigator! As your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I’m an expert on all things Disney Cruise Line. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on sprinkling pixie dust on every moment of your unforgettable voyage.
Disney Lookout Cay: Where Sustainable Design Meets Wildlife Conservation
Disney prioritizes preserving the Bahamas’ natural splendor. They meticulously designed, built, and now manage Lookout Cay with minimal environmental impact.
Less than 16% of Disney Lookout Cay has been developed, leaving the overwhelming majority of land in its natural state. As you explore the island destination, try to spot Disney’s sustainable design and buildings like elevated walkways, and even an innovative, open-trestle pier.
Disney has also committed to sending zero waste to landfills, and 90% of the destination’s energy demand will be from renewable sources.
“Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is full of unique native animal and plant species, and I am proud of our conservation team who have been working for many years to help create this magical cruise destination where nature can continue to thrive,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.
“Disney Lookout Cay is another example of how Disney is taking meaningful and measurable action to protect nature and support a healthier planet for people and wildlife.”
Disney’s team of Bahamian on-site conservation experts continues to implement a variety of long-standing conservation initiatives like coral restoration projects, bird tagging programs, native plant preservation and more.
Ready to plan your next Disney cruise to visit Disney Lookout Cay? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.
Disney World Updates Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Webpage with More Details
Walt Disney World Resort has launched a new webpage for their upcoming attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!
Beyond the essential details like opening date, height requirement, and target audience, the new webpage for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on the Walt Disney World Resort website boasts a vibrant and stylish design, setting it apart from other attraction webpages.
While the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure webpage on the Walt Disney World Resort website bursts with colorful concept art, it keeps the thrill of the actual ride interior under wraps for now.
The webpage gives guests a sneak peek at the characters they’ll meet on their adventure! Look for a section called “See Familiar Faces” which showcases images of Princess Tiana, Louis the Alligator, Mama Odie, and Prince Naveen.
Don’t forget the new friends you’ll make! The webpage features a section titled “Make New Friends,” introducing the Zydeco Band, the Rara Band, and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Band.
Instead of revealing everything, the webpage keeps the excitement building with a single photo! It showcases a group of guests splashing down the final drop, positioned above a playful warning to “Be Prepared to Get Wet.”
For those eager to dive in (literally!), the webpage also provides clear instructions on how to experience the attraction when it opens:
“A virtual queue will be in place when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on June 28, 2024. Guests will need to use the My Disney Experience app to enter this attraction. A standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days. Each Guest can request to enter this virtual queue no more than once per day during regular park hours. Learn more about the virtual queue for this attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure also features a Lightning Lane entrance that’s offered through Disney Genie+ service (subject to availability). Learn more about Disney Genie+ service.”
As your Disney World travel agent, I can’t whisk you away on a magic carpet ride, but I can help craft a dream vacation for you! Whether you crave front-of-the-line access to rides with Genie+ or scoring those hard-to-snag dining reservations, I’ll be your guide to navigating the must-dos and hidden gems of the resort, ensuring your Disney World adventure is truly unforgettable.
Calling All BFFs! Celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th with Citizen Celebration!
Quack quack! Get ready to celebrate the iconic Disney character – the one and only Donald Duck! Citizen Celebration is throwing a special sweepstakes and social media campaign in honor of Donald’s 90th anniversary. This is your chance to win a magical weekend getaway with your bestie to Walt Disney World Resort!
Donald Duck first waddled onto our screens in 1934’s “Wise Little Hen,” and the feisty feathered friend has been a fan favorite ever since! To commemorate his 90th anniversary, Disney and Citizen have collaborated on a limited edition timepiece – and there are only 1,934 available, making it a truly special collector’s item.
Spread the Friendship with #CitizenCelebration and #DonaldDuck90
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Citizen Celebration wants to celebrate the power of friendship alongside Donald’s milestone birthday. Share the magic with your bestie by posting a picture of you two together on Instagram. Tag your post with #CitizenCelebration and #DonaldDuck90 to show off your epic friendship and spread the Disney love!
While you’re entering the sweepstakes, be sure to check out all of the special Donald Duck collectible pieces! It’s the perfect way to commemorate this special occasion and add a touch of Disney magic to your home.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Disney history! With only 1,934 watches available, this limited edition Citizen timepiece is sure to become a treasured collectible.
Check out all the timeless pieces Citizen has to offer here! Don’t forget to enter the sweepstakes, share your friendship on social media, and celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary in style!
Ducky’s Back! Celebrate 90 Years with a New Donald Duck Short
Get ready to waddle down memory lane! To celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th anniversary, Disney is throwing a massive,multi-month party! It all kicked off with a surprise bash on Good Morning America, showcasing a brand-new animated short and a wave of Donald-themed merchandise.
But the festivities don’t stop there! Expect exciting experiences, dazzling products, and a brand-new commercial celebrating Donald’s enduring legacy throughout Walt Disney Animation Studios, consumer products, Disney parks, and more.
This campaign will look back at the journey of this iconic character and the role he has played in Disney’s unparalleled storytelling legacy. Donald’s relatable frustrations with everyday life and events have made him one of the world’s most famous personalities. His popularity and accomplishments both on and off screen have earned him numerous accolades, including a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame and having his webbed footprints immortalized in cement outside the famed Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Donald Duck has been featured in over 150 short films – more than any other Disney character – and today, June 9, The Walt Disney Studios Restoration and Preservation Team released two newly restored classic Donald Duck shorts directed by Disney Legend Jack Hannah, on Disney+.
In Crazy Over Daisy (1950), Donald attempts to get back at Chip and Dale for wrecking his bicycle while on his way to Daisy’s house. In Out on a Limb (1950), Donald discovers the tree home of the chipmunks – disrupting it with a tree pruner which they believe to be a monster.
Screenshot
Additionally, today, Donald’s adventures will continue in an all-new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios, D.I.Y. Duck, the Studios’ first Donald Duck-starring short since 1961. Debuting on Disney+ as well as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ YouTube, Disney Channel, and Freeform, this short finds Donald trying his hand at some home repairs which begin with the replacement of a light bulb and quickly turn into a series of comic catastrophes. His temper flares and his frustration grows as things spiral out of control and lead to an explosive finale.
Incoming Disney Legend and renowned animator Mark Henn wrote and directed D.I.Y. Duck as his last project before retiring from the company in December 2023. The short is produced by Emmy® Award-winner Dorothy McKim and was created by the hand-drawn animation team at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Jennifer Lee, Disney Animation’s chief creative officer, executive produced. The short also pays tribute to Disney Legend Clarence “Ducky” Nash, who originated the voice of Donald for his first 50 years, and who delivers the character’s vocal gestures and assorted wise quacks by way of archival voice recordings.
Disney has filed a construction permit for the Pirates of the Caribbean area in Magic Kingdom. This permit, which has been assigned to the Whiting-Turner Contractor Company, extends beyond the typical 12-month validity, lasting until August 31, 2025. This lengthy period suggests a substantial and extended project is in the works.
The specifics of the permit remain under wraps, but it is widely speculated to be related to the previously announced Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge. Announced in September 2023, this unique experience aims to extend the beloved story of Pirates of the Caribbean. We have not heard much about this lounge since D23, but it seems like work may be beginning soon!
The likely location for this new lounge is the former Pirates League makeover experience space. This area, once bustling with young pirates in training, has been empty since the experience closed back in 2020.
Are you excited to check out this new pirate tavern? Leave us a comment to let us know!
The Chip and Co team recently had the incredible opportunity to get an exclusive early look at the Epic Universe Preview Center, which is scheduled to open later this month at Universal Orlando Resort. Located in CityWalk at the location that previously housed the Universal Legacy Store, this Preview Center offers a glimpse into the adventures that await in Universal’s newest theme park, slated to open in 2025.
As you step inside the Preview Center, you’re immediately surrounded by a treasure trove of merchandise from the park’s themed lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
Each land is well represented, with an array of themed merchandise that makes it hard to leave empty-handed. Whether you’re a fan of Mario, a wizard in training, a dragon rider, or intrigued by the mysteries of the Dark Universe, there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout features of the Preview Center is the selfie-walls, designed for you to capture a memory from each land. You can snap a photo against the backdrop of the Mushroom Kingdom, pose with the streets of Paris that will call the Ministry of Magic land home, strike a heroic pose in front of Berk’s dragon-filled skies, or immerse yourself in the eerie ambiance of the Dark Universe.
At the heart of the Preview Center lies a detailed scale model of the entire park. The massive size of the park is well represented via this model, demonstrating the wonders and adventures that await in Epic Universe.
This model is a feast for the eyes, meticulously crafted to showcase all the theming and attractions that will be part of Epic Universe. As you gaze upon it, you can almost hear the sounds of the various lands coming to life.
Dark UniverseSuper Nintendo World and Celestial ParkA view of Stardust Racers which will be located in Celestial ParkLooking down on the streets of Paris in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
To enhance the experience even further, the Epic Universe app is a must-have. This app brings the map to life via some impressive augmented reality features.
Elements we noted while testing out the AR app ranged from watching Thestrals soar in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic to dragons flying above the Isle of Berk to Diddy Kong enjoying a wild ride on the Mine-Cart Madness roller coaster! There are some elements in Dark Universe and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic that are labeled as ‘coming soon’ in AR. We are assuming these elements will be updated after the land flyovers are released by Universal.
The Epic Universe Preview Center is an absolute must-visit for anyone eagerly awaiting the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park. It’s more than just a preview; it’s a gateway to the adventures that lie ahead. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to experience the magic and start planning your Epic Universe adventure today!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Located between two festival kiosks, the area boasts shaded seating, lush artificial grass, and refreshing fans, providing a welcome respite for guests.
With the completion of this project and tomorrow’s opening of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, EPCOT’s central area is now free of construction walls, marking a major milestone in the park’s multi-year transformation.
Starting June 10th, guests can visit Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in their brand-new home.
CommuniCore Plaza is set to host lively entertainment, beginning with a special “Encanto” sing-along show, “¡Celebración Encanto!”, running multiple times daily.
Don’t forget to grab a bite at Festival Favorites, a new quick-service spot serving up festival favorites year-round.
CommuniCore Hall, Plaza, and Mickey & Friends officially open tomorrow, June 10th, marking the completion of EPCOT’s multi-year transformation.
Product Review Villainous Sugar and Spite Expansion from Ravensburger
Ravensburger has once again delivered a captivating addition to their popular Villainous board game series with their latest expansion, “Sugar and Spite.” This expansion introduces two iconic villains from the Disney universe: King Candy from “Wreck-It Ralph” and Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book.” As fans of the Villainous series and Disney movies, we were excited to dive into this expansion and explore the unique mechanics and strategies that these new characters bring to the table.
Unboxing Experience
From the moment we opened the “Sugar and Spite” expansion, it was clear that Ravensburger had maintained their high standards for production quality. The packaging is visually appealing, featuring vibrant artwork of King Candy and Shere Khan. The attention to detail is immediately evident, setting the stage for an immersive gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the Villainous series has always been the quality of its components, and “Sugar and Spite” is no exception. The player movers, which represent King Candy and Shere Khan, are nothing short of spectacular. These movers are intricately designed, capturing the essence and silhouettes of these infamous Disney villains. King Candy’s mover is particularly striking, with its playful yet menacing design that perfectly encapsulates his dual nature as a deceptive ruler of Sugar Rush.
The villain boards and decks of cards are equally impressive. Each villain board is adorned with high-quality art that transports players into the respective worlds of “Wreck-It Ralph” and “The Jungle Book.” The cards are sturdy and well-printed, featuring beautiful illustrations that bring each character and action to life. The consistency in art style across the Villainous series ensures that “Sugar and Spite” seamlessly integrates with previous expansions, providing a cohesive and visually stunning gaming experience.
Ravensburger has done a commendable job of making the game accessible to both new players and seasoned veterans. The instructions are clear and concise, providing step-by-step guidance on how to set up and play the game. We found the rulebook to be well-organized, with helpful diagrams and examples that made it easy to grasp the new mechanics introduced in this expansion.
Our gaming group thoroughly enjoyed the “Sugar and Spite” expansion. The new villains added fresh layers of strategy and excitement to our sessions. While both characters were fun to play, we found ourselves particularly drawn to King Candy. Perhaps it’s our affinity for “Wreck-It Ralph,” but King Candy’s gameplay felt especially dynamic and entertaining.
Replayability and Integration
One of the strengths of the Villainous series is its high replayability, and “Sugar and Spite” continues this tradition. Each villain offers a unique gameplay experience, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and approaches. The integration of this expansion with previous ones is seamless, allowing for a diverse and varied gaming experience. Whether you’re mixing and matching villains from different expansions or focusing solely on “Sugar and Spite,” the game remains fresh and exciting with each playthrough.
Overall Impression
Ravensburger’s “Villainous: Sugar and Spite” is a stellar addition to an already fantastic series. The high-quality components, captivating art design, and well-crafted gameplay mechanics make this expansion a must-have for fans of the Villainous series and Disney enthusiasts alike. The inclusion of King Candy and Shere Khan brings new strategic possibilities and thematic richness to the game, ensuring hours of entertainment and engagement.
We were particularly impressed with the balance between accessibility and depth. The clear instructions make it easy for new players to jump in, while the intricate gameplay ensures that experienced players will find plenty of challenges to keep them engaged. The thematic consistency and attention to detail in the design and mechanics are commendable, enhancing the overall immersion and enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, “Villainous: Sugar and Spite” is another slam dunk from Ravensburger. The expansion lives up to the high standards set by previous installments, delivering an exceptional gaming experience that will delight both new and returning players. Whether you’re plotting to glitch Vanellope as King Candy or hunting Mowgli as Shere Khan, the new characters and mechanics provide endless fun and strategic depth.
If you’re a fan of the Villainous series or simply love Disney villains, this expansion is a worthy addition to your collection. Ravensburger has once again proven their expertise in creating captivating and high-quality board games, and “Sugar and Spite” is no exception. Dive into the world of Disney villainy and experience the thrill of being bad with this outstanding expansion.
Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this summer are in for a refreshing treat with the return of FREE beer*. For a limited time, the Tampa theme park will offer one complimentary beer per day to all guests and two complimentary beers per day to Pass Members. Guests can savor their ice-cold beer daily at Orang Café in the Jungala area, with a variety of rotating options including classic domestic brews and artisanal craft beers. This refreshing perk is the perfect complement to a day filled with thrilling roller coasters and up-close animal encounters.
This summer, Busch Gardens introduces the all-new Phoenix Rising roller coaster. Inspired by legend, this fiery, family-friendly ride in vibrant Pantopia takes guests soaring above the Serengeti Plain at speeds up to 44 miles per hour. With a height requirement of just 42”, Phoenix Rising offers fun-filled twists and turns, making it an ideal adventure for families to enjoy together.
Extend your day into a fun-filled evening with Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights. Gwazi Plaza comes alive with the all-new Gwazi Rocks, featuring vibrant dance and percussion performances. The Stanleyville Theater hosts Cirque Electric, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and gymnastic feats. At the Dragon Fire Grill, guests can sing along to tunes from favorite artists during the Icons performance, featuring mesmerizing dance and vocals inspired by musical legends. Each evening concludes with the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, illuminating the skies over Busch Gardens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with special shows on the Fourth of July.
With an array of new attractions and events, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers the ultimate summer experience. Don’t miss out on the excitement and the chance to enjoy free beer in this unforgettable season of fun!
