Buzz Lightyear Ride Is Reportedly Closing

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

When it comes to all of Disney’s properties, the Toy Story series is undoubtedly one of the most beloved. The story of a group of sentient toys shaped an entire generation and continues to do so today.

So much so that Toy Story characters and attractions can be found in many Disney Parks. Not to mention, Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios has an entire area dedicated to the IP: Toy Story Land.

But one of the first examples of a Toy Story attraction in a Disney Park is none other than Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.

buzz lightyear featured image

Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters first debuted in Disneyland Park’s Tomorrowland, but it was so successful that it wasn’t long before the attraction was replicated in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Nowadays, this Buzz Lightyear ride can be found in Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and even Tokyo Disneyland. However, one of these international versions will soon be closing down…

According to a report by Inside the Magic, Tokyo Disneyland’s version of Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is temporarily closing beginning today. But there’s no need to fret for any Space Rangers out there because this attraction is scheduled to reopen on November 1.

Although there was little context accompanying this announcement, we can guess that this temporary closure is for the sake of refurbishment and nothing more.

However, it’s worth noting that Tokyo Disneyland itself hasn’t posted anything regarding the closure, and this could possibly be a hoax. Unfortunately, only time will tell in this case.

UPDATE: As it turns out, Tokyo Disneyland has released an official warning stating that Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters will be closed from May 11 to October 31!

A Heavenly Dole Whip Cupcake Recipe

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining

There’s no denying, Dole Whips are a cult favorite among Disney fans! Thanks to Delish we can now create an unofficial Dole Whip Cupcake treat! Enjoy the recipe below as shared by Delish.com:

Dole Whip Cupcakes

Yields: 24 / Prep Time: 20 Min / Total Time: 1 Hour, 40 Min

Ingredients:

  • FOR CUPCAKES:
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 c. crushed pineapple with juice
  • 1/3 c. vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • FOR FROSTING:
  • 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 4 c. powdered sugar, divided
  • 1/4 c. pineapple juice
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • Small pineapple wedges, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325° and line two cupcake pans with cupcake liners. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, mix cake mix with crushed pineapple, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared cupcake pans and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting. 

2. Meanwhile, make frosting: In a large bowl, combine butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth. Add remaining 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. 

3. Transfer frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Swirl frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Garnish each cupcake with a pineapple wedge and a decorative straw.

4. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cake with Molten Raspberry-Caramel Center Recipe from Disney’s Riviera Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Disney is sharing an incredible dessert from Topolino’s Terrace that we simply can’t get enough of. Check out the recipe for the Warm Chocolate Cake with Molten Raspberry-Caramel Center as shared by Disney. Happy cooking!

Warm Chocolate Cake with Molten Raspberry-Caramel Center

From Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Property
Serves 12 

Click here for a downloadable version of this recipe. 

RASPBERRY-CARAMEL CENTER 

  • 2 cups fresh raspberries 
  • 1 cup chopped milk chocolate 
  • 1 cup sugar 
  • 1/4 cup water 
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream 
  • 2 tablespoons butter 
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt 

CHOCOLATE CAKE BATTER 

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 
  • 4 cups chopped dark chocolate 
  • 6 eggs 
  • 6 egg yolks 

For Raspberry-Caramel Center: 

  1. Place raspberries in food processor and purée until smooth.  
  2. Melt chopped chocolate in microwave-safe bowl on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.  
  3. Combine sugar and water in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat and cook until golden brown.  
  4. Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream and puréed raspberries. Pour over melted chocolate and stir with spatula. Add butter and salt; stir until incorporated.  
  5. Set aside.  

For Chocolate Cake Batter:

  1. Sift powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt into small bowl.  
  2. Melt butter and chopped chocolate in microwave safe bowl on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.  
  3. Whisk eggs and egg yolk in medium bowl and add to chocolate mixture. Add in sifted powdered sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.  

For Warm Chocolate Cake with Molten Raspberry-Caramel Center: 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 1/2 cup muffin tins or aluminum baking cups with unsalted butter.  
  2. Add 1/4 cup of cake batter into each tin. Top with 1 tablespoon of raspberry caramel and another 1/4 cup of chocolate cake batter.  
  3. Bake for 9-10 minutes, until edges are baked but center is still soft. Rest for 5 minutes before removing from pan.   
  4. Serve warm. 

Cook’s Note: Serve with vanilla gelato or fresh berries. 

Disney Theme Park Expansions Are coming

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney CEO Bob Iger had some very exciting things to say at Disney’s earnings call.

At today’s Q2 earnings call, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger teased the development of future theme park expansions. “And we have a number of other growth and expansion opportunities at our parks… and we are closely evaluating where it makes the most sense to direct future investments,” stated Iger.

You heard it from the man himself, Disney is “closely evaluating” where to expand next, and we could not be happier to hear this news!

Obviously, these statements are quite vague, but it’s incredibly exciting to hear Iger talk about future expansions. In other Q2 earnings news, the Disney theme parks brought in over $7 billion in revenue, beating estimations by a considerable amount.

At last year’s Disney D23 Expo, Disney teased several exciting projects, including franchises and brands like Marvel and Avatar. Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, informed audience members that Disney was toying with the idea of completely overhauling DinoLand U.S.A. at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. This land allows Guests to take a trip back in time and learn about prehistoric life.

Concept art of the overhaul showed an entirely new land featuring Moana and Zootpia-themed experiences, rides, and attractions. We would be incredibly sad to see this opening-day land go extinct, especially when considering this overhaul may mean the permanent closure of DINOSAUR, one of Disney’s scariest and most adrenaline-pumping attractions.

However, as a Disney Parks fan, you have to be prepared to say goodbye in order for them to grow, change and evolve.

Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out on Disney Lawsuit

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Scarlett Johansson is one of the most famous and iconic actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her work in the role of Black Widow helped her become a household name. Unfortunately, what was once a perfect partnership has become a rocky relationship between Johansson and the Walt Disney Company.

In 2021, Johansson decided to sue the Walt Disney Company over the way they handled the mid-pandemic release of her movie, Black Widow. Johansson ended up walking away with a settlement of around $40 million. Now, the actress has decided to open up about what that process was really like for her.

Johansson Breaks Her Silence on Her Brutal Disney Lawsuit

Back in 2021, Scarlett Johansson, the star of Black Widow, took legal action against the Walt Disney Company over a breach her of contract. The Hollywood actress has accused the company of failing to honor their contract by releasing her movie Black Widow on Disney+ alongside its theatrical release. She alleged that this cost her millions of dollars in potential earnings.

Now, Ms. Johansson has shared her thoughts on the matter, stating that the move to release Black Widow on Disney Premier Access was “sad and disappointing.” She has been an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, playing the iconic role of Natasha Romanoff, which she has now stepped away from.

black widow

In an interview with Variety, Johansson decided to speak out about what this situation was like for her. She says;

“I was sad and disappointed. But mostly sad. It was such a surreal moment because we were all isolated and just sort of emerging a little bit. I was also really heavily pregnant, too, which in a weird way was amazing timing. Suddenly, your entire attention is drawn to this miracle of life. So, I had the most wonderful distraction in the world and soon after had a beautiful baby.”

Disney Stabbed One of Their Biggest Starts in the Back

The decision by Disney to mess with one of its biggest stars has been deemed bizarre by many, especially since Ms. Johansson has been a loyal ambassador of the Walt Disney brand for several years.

Johansson’s agent, Bryan Lourd, was a fierce advocate for the actress during this process. He explained how furious he was over the way that Disney representatives were speaking of Johansson during the lawsuit, even going as far as to say she was showing a “callous disregard.” He says;

“I lost my mind and said, ‘How dare you make it seem like she’s not worth this money or that she somehow hasn’t earned it?’ She and I were very much in lockstep about what this was. And she had the conviction to let me fight back. A lot of people wouldn’t do that. And part of the reason she did it is because she thought, in the position she’s in, she had a responsibility not just to herself but to other people who were being confronted with this change.”

black widow

Ms. Johansson’s court case brought attention to the already existing problem faced by actors and studios. Actors have contractual agreements that stipulate monetary compensation based on the movie’s box office performance, which is difficult to measure when it is released on Disney+ or any other streaming platform. The lawsuit has raised important questions about how artists and filmmakers are compensated in the new world of digital streaming. These conversations need to be discussed in this new world.