Dirk Libbey
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Articles by Dirk Libbey
Latest Disney Peaceful Piano Release Offers Upbeat Tunes
Nothing can help transport you to another place quite like music. And perhaps no music is as good at doing that as Disney music. It's practically a genre unto itself, and it's been covered, transformed, and reinvented in so many different ways that there is Disney music for any mood you're in, or any mood you want to be in. What's Happening: Another addition to the Disney Peaceful Piano series has been added to Spotify and other music streaming services.
Lakeshore Lodge's DVC Preview Sells Out, Leaving Fans Frustrated
Lakeshore Lodge is Walt Disney World's newest resort. It's set to open to the public in July, and if you want to book a room, you can do so right now fairly easily. However, some of the biggest Disney fans hoping to be among the very first to stay in the new resort didn't have nearly as easy a time. What's Happening: Lakeshore Lodge, the newest Walt Disney World Resort, is set to open July 1, 2027.
ESPN's "Being Ben" Documentary Updated Following its Star's Season-Ending Injury
Ben Simmons was an NBA star with a lot of potential when his career began. Since then, he has had some strong highs, but also some difficult lows. A new E60 documentary, Being Ben, took a look at his career and his recent attempt to start fresh. Some bad luck has sidelined that attempt, but the documentary has now been updated to reflect that. What's Happening: Ben Simmons was named Rookie of the Year in 2018, indicating a strong career ahead of him.
She's Got Everything: Hulu's "All's Fair" is Celebrating Season 2 with "Divorce Haul" Activation
Hulu's legal drama All's Fair just premiered its second season, and the show is hitting the road. Three flatbed trucks will be on display today in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, in a promotion that's being called "She's Got Everything." What's Happening: All's Fair, the Hulu series from Ryan Murphy about female divorce attorneys who start their own firm, launched its second season on November 4.
Yvette Nicole Brown Brings Disney's "Hexed" to a Cleveland Cavaliers Game
Disney's new animated feature Hexed will be hitting theaters in just a couple of weeks. As the marketing for the film builds, you can expect to see it everywhere, including at NBA games, apparently. Disney mainstay Yvette Nicole Brown recently went to a Cleveland Cavaliers game, and she brought Hexed along to do some magic. What's Happening: The Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team shared a photo of Yvette Nicole Brown, who attended the team's game last night.
Photos: Max Power Celebrates Space Technology at the Kennedy Space Center
It's a big weekend at the Kennedy Space Center. This weekend the KSC is celebrating America's 250th birthday by highlighting both the past and the future of America's Space Program. Laughing Place went out to check out the event and brought back some pictures of what you'll see if you head out there this weekend. What's Happening: Laughing Place visited the first day of the Kennedy Space Center's Max Power event. It included numerous special demonstrations and presentations.
Adam Driver Explains Why He Finally Joined the MCU
At this point, it feels like most of Hollywood has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in one form or another. And yet there are some big names that Producer Kevin Feige hasn't been able to rope in quite yet. One name on his wish list, Adam Driver, is finally coming into the fold in the upcoming X-Men movie, and the actor recently explained why he finally said yes.
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Official Podcast Returning for Season 3
If your TV show doesn't have a companion podcast, is it even a real show? At this point, it seems that almost every high-profile streaming series has its own podcast, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians is certainly no exception. The show debuted a companion podcast alongside Season 2, and the show will be back for Season 3.
Marvel Will Launch New "Hulk" Comic for Free on Comics Giveaway Day
Comics Giveaway Day is a special day every spring when comic book publishers and retailers work together to literally give away comics. The event doesn't happen until May of next year, but Marvel has already announced their plans for Comics Giveaway Day, and they're big, as big as the Incredible Hulk. What's Happening: Comics Giveaway Day is set for May 1, 2027.
Magical New Decorations Have Arrived at Disneyland Paris for Christmas
The best part of the holiday season at a theme park may not be the attractions, or even the food. It may just be walking through the park and getting that festive feeling through all the amazing holiday decorations that surround you. The holidays have come to Disneyland Paris, including some amazing new decorations.
Walt Disney World Future Stays Are Available All Through 2027
If there's one thing that we all want after a trip to Walt Disney World, it's another trip to Walt Disney World. While those big trips often take planning, Disney would love for you to book your next trip as soon as the current one is done, and discounts on doing just that are available all through next year.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" Collector's Edition Dropping Next Month
It says a great deal about the Avatar franchise that it's been suggested the third film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, was something of a disappointment in that it only made $1.4 billion. The newest entry in the series was still wildly popular, so one expects that the new collector's edition 4K Ultra HD will be as well. What's Happening: While we wait for definitive news on the future of the Avatar franchise, a brand-new Collector's Edition of James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash has been announced.
"Big Hero 6" Director Don Hall has Reportedly Returned to Disney
Walt Disney Animation Studios has fostered some incredible talent over the decades, making the filmmakers there highly desirable to every other animation studio around. Don Hall won an Oscar while directing for Disney, so it was a big deal when he left the studio a couple of years ago. However, the word is he's back. What's Happening: A new report from Drew Taylor at The Wrap says that Don Hall, director of Big Hero 6, as well as co-director of Moana, has returned to Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Here's When Typhoon Lagoon is Reopening (and Blizzard Beach is Closing)
One of the reasons Walt Disney World was put in Florida is that the weather is pretty nice pretty often. That means that almost any day can be a water park day. What's Happening: This morning, Walt Disney World announced that the Typhoon Lagoon water park will reopen next year, on January 27, 2027. Stop me if you've heard this before, but the opening of one water park also signals the closing of the other.
A Dark Universe Roller Coaster is Coming to Epic Universe
Epic Universe is just over a year old at this point, but the park didn't even let that new park smell fade away before it began growing. Construction projects to expand the park are already underway, and today Universal Orlando Resort confirmed what one of them will be. What's Happening: In a post on Twitter, Universal Orlando Resort announced plans to build a new indoor roller coaster in the Dark Universe area of the park.
Disney Adventure World Reveals New Avengers: Doomsday Menu
Avengers: Doomsday is sure to be a global hit when it arrives next month, so it's no surprise that Disney Parks all over the world are getting in on the fun. There is a lot of Doomsday-themed food coming, both from Disney and from other places partnering with Marvel, but some of the best-looking items might be at Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris. What's Happening: A new collection of food has been announced for Disney Adventure World.
Shanghai Disneyland is Ready to Celebrate the Disney Winter Frostival
Holiday events are getting ready to roll in Disney Parks all over the world, and that's just as true at Shanghai Disney Resort. Shanghai Disneyland is getting ready for its annual Winter Frostival, with returning favorites and brand new experiences. Shanghai Disney Resort will celebrate the Disney Winter Frostival starting November 21, 2026, and running through February 20, 2027. A brand new show will debut this year at the castle viewing area, Star Squad: Join Olaf for a Cozy Celebration.
D23 Members Can Do Their Christmas Shopping at Mickey's of Glendale This Season
The holiday season is here, and that means it's time to do some shopping and buy some cool gifts for your friends and family. Luckily, if you're a D23 member, you can take advantage of a pretty exclusive shopping experience and get all the Disney fans in your life something truly special. What's Happening: D23, the Disney fan club, has announced D23 Presents: Mickey’s of Glendale Holiday Shopping Event.
Dave & Buster's is Becoming "Doom & Buster's" for New Avengers Promotion
At this point, it seems like every brand on the planet is involved in the promotion of Avengers: Doomsday. If they're not making specifically themed Doomsday products, they have some sort of tie-in.
LEGOLAND California Sets LEGO Tree Lighting Date to Launch Christmas Bricktacular
The first lighting of a Christmas tree is always a special occasion, but when that tree is three stories tall and made of LEGO, it's all the more impressive. LEGOLAND California is getting ready for its annual Christmas Bricktacular event that will begin with the official lighting of the LEGO Christmas Tree the night before. What's Happening: LEGOLAND California's Christmas Bricktacular holiday event officially gets underway November 21.
These New Holiday Novelties Coming to Walt Disney World Would Make Great Gifts (For Yourself)
Popcorn buckets, sippers, and other novelties have remained some of the most popular collectable items in Disney Parks. You can be sure Walt Disney World wasn't going to let the holiday season go by without offering some special items for fans. However, some of them will require a ticket to one of the resort's special holiday events. What's Happening: The Holiday Train Bucket is exclusive to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and will be available at select outdoor vendors starting November 8.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Greek Food Collaboration Arrives Ahead of Season 3
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3 is almost here. If you're excited for the premiere, Greek street food restaurant Nick the Greek knows exactly what you should eat while you watch. The show has a new food collaboration that's perfect for a watch party. What's Happening: Disney+ and purveyor of Greek street food Nick the Greek have announced a new collaboration for Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3.
Marvel & M&Ms Crossover Collection Available Online
Marvel is everywhere right now, and that includes inside your favorite candy. Marvel and M&Ms have been working together for a while now, and the latest expansion of the partnership has brought your favorite Marvel heroes not only to the packaging, but to the candy as well. What's Happening: It had previously been announced that M&Ms were planning some crossover products with Marvel. Some packaging that featured the M&Ms mascot characters as Marvel heroes has been available in stores since October.
Disney California Adventure's Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide is Here, and it Looks Amazing
Halloween is in the rearview, and that means that the winter holiday season is in full swing. Mariah Carey said so, so it must be true. While there are too many reasons to count to enjoy the holidays at Disneyland Resort, one of them is, without question, the food, and the full list of savory and sweet treats coming to the Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays is officially here.
Disney Adventure Cruise Deal Offers Up to 40% Off
The Disney Adventure is the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. If you're looking to take a trip on it, there may not be a better time than now to book. What's Happening: A brand new deal is now available for sailing on the Disney Adventure, the newest ship from Disney Cruise Line, which sails out of Singapore. The discounts are available on three- and four-night sailings and range from 20% to 40% off depending on dates.
"The Remarried Empress" Drops on Disney+ and Hulu a Day Early
One of the nice benefits of the world of streaming has been much easier access to content created for other countries. Sometimes these international shows become big hits domestically, and Disney has been hyping a brand new South Korean romantic drama, The Remarried Empress, that it clearly believes in. Now fans who have been curious can see what all the fuss is about, as the show has debuted earlier than expected.
Disney and WWE Announce "Avengers: Doomsday" Event with Ticket Info
Disney and WWE have become strong partners since last year, when the sports entertainment brand's Premium Live Events began to air on ESPN. However, that's not where this partnership is ending, as following last night's announcement of the John Cena Classic coming to Walt Disney World, a second event has been announced for the most magical place on Earth, and tickets will be available for both events very soon.
Walt Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Sees the Return of Some Old Friends
Big Thunder Mountain came out of a lengthy refurbishment earlier this year, and while the coaster is better than ever in a lot of ways, fans noticed that something was missing. If anybody was worried about the family of opossums that called Big Thunder Mountain home, they need not worry any longer. What's Happening: In a post to Instagram, Walt Disney Imagineering has announced that the "mom and dad" opossums have been added back to the tree where they were found before the refurbishment.
Disneyland Resort Travel Packages Can Now Include San Diego
If you're planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort but would like to spend a bit more time exploring Southern California, doing so is a lot easier, as hotels in San Diego are now available as part of Disneyland Resort travel packages.
What Happens if "Avengers: Doomsday" Isn’t a Mega-Hit?
We’re less than two months away from the release of Avengers: Doomsday and, without question, the film is the biggest theatrical release left in 2026. It seems to go without saying that the movie is going to make a lot of money. But I do have one question. What if it doesn’t make enough money?
"Hexed" Looks to be Casting a Spell on the Box Office Already
Disney's Hexed opens in theaters in a little over three weeks. In a world where franchise filmmaking is king, any original movie comes to theaters at a disadvantage. However, things are looking good for Walt Disney Animation Studios' newest endeavor. What's Happening: BoxOfficePro is forecasting a solid opening weekend for Disney's Hexed when it opens November 25.
Is it Star Wars' Fault That Popular Video Game Studio Bioware was Shutdown?
A lot of video game fans are very upset right now following the announced closure of game developer BioWare by its parent company, Electronic Arts. Considering the studio's track record of popular game franchises, including the fantasy RPG Dragon Age andthe sci-fi-focused Mass Effect, gamers are frustrated they won't see more, and a new report claims much of the blame for it all going away falls on ... Star Wars?
"Phineas and Ferb: Halloween Hits" is Here Just in Time to Take Trick-or-Treating
The Christmas season is all about the music, but despite its popularity as a holiday, there aren't nearly as many Halloween songs. The good news is that if you're keeping a collection, Disney has you covered with five new additions thanks to a new Phineas and Ferb collection. What's Happening: A new album has hit Spotify and other streaming services entitled Phineas and Ferb: Halloween Hits.
Shanghai Disney Resort Second Park Plans Reportedly Shelved
Significant layoffs hit Walt Disney Imagineering this week, impacting around 200 people. While WDI is just the latest in a series of Disney divisions hit with layoffs, these cuts hit hard with many fans because of Imagineering's role in building and expanding Disney Parks. A loss of Cast Members in Imagineering means the parks will be impacted, and a new report claims one park, or at least one planned park, may be the hardest hit.
"Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show" Round Up for October 28th
Welcome back to Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show! As Disney fans, we know there is so much Disney-themed merchandise out there that it’s impossible to sort through it all. But fear not fellow Disney lovers, we’re doing the searching so you don’t have to! (Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your purchase will support Laughing Place by providing us a small commission, but will not affect your pricing or user experience. Thank you.) Didn’t catch our show live?
Disney+ Subscribers Have a Chance to Attend the "Avengers: Doomsday" Premiere
Having a subscription to Disney+ is great if you're a Marvel fan, as it's the place where you can watch almost the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe at home. However, having a subscription could also get you to the premiere of Avengers: Doomsday. What's Happening: Disney+ subscribers have access to several perks simply by keeping a current subscription. Some perks are available all the time, while others are special limited-time deals and access to contests.
Doom Takes the Throne: Regal’s New Avengers: Doomsday Popcorn Gear Revealed
Popcorn buckets continue to be big business at the movie theater, so you knew that Avengers: Doomsday was going to create something that would grab attention. It certainly has done that, as these new items that will be available in Regal cinemas prove. What's Happening: The Regal theater chain has unveiled the Avengers: Doomsday popcorn buckets and drink sippers that will be available alongside the film later this year. There are five different items that will be available.
Searchlight's "Wild Horse Nine" Has a Special Look on Disney+
Since its debut at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year, one of the most talked-about films has been Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine. The movie stars Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich and is already part of the Oscar conversation. Ahead of the film's wide release next week, interested movie fans can get a peek at what everybody is talking about right now on Disney+. What's Happening: Wild Horse Nine: A Special Look is now available on Disney+.
ESPN's Stephen Curry Doc Coming to Disney+ and ABC
Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry recently debuted on IMAX screens across the country, but if you didn't have a chance to get tickets, you won't need to wait too long before you can see it, albeit on a much smaller screen. What's Happening: Portrait of an Artist: Stephen Curry debuted on IMAX screens earlier this month. The new documentary followed one of the top players in the NBA on his journey to set a career milestone.
these Vintage Star Wars Halloween Costumes are Incredible (and a Little Creepy)
The Halloween costume is serious business for a lot of people. Many will put significant work into either buying all the right pieces to put a special outfit together or even making different pieces to get everything right. I don't really remember that being a thing when I was a kid. Instead, it was cheap off-the-rack plastic costumes, and Lucasfilm/ILM just gave me a blast from the past with these incredible, if not a little terrifying, costumes.
Super Bowl LXI Disney Mickey Mouse Repeat Print Clear Crossbody Bag - $46
I don't know if you've heard, but Disney is bringing the Super Bowl to the world next year. Of course, I don't know how you couldn't have heard, considering Disney has been celebrating next year's game coming to ABC and ESPN since the whistle blew on the last Super Bowl. Everybody at Disney is getting ready for the game, and that includes Mickey and Friends.
Disney Legend Joe Rohde as a Pumpkin is the Best Thing You'll See Today
Joe Rohde has been one of the most recognizable members of Walt Disney Imagineering. He's so recognizable that his look can even be parodied, as somebody recently did, via a gourd. What's Happening: Disney Legend, former Walt Disney Imagineer, and published author Joe Rohde recently shared some hilarious pictures on Instagram. The images introduce the world to Joe Gourde, a pumpkin version of Rohde, complete with an ear sporting his trademark dangling earring.
Layoffs Reportedly Hit Disney Experiences, Including Imagineering
Layoffs have become a common refrain at the Walt Disney Company in 2026. It seems every month, usually near the end of the month, a new batch is announced. Last month, it was Cast Members in the tech and H.R. departments getting the ax. This month it is reportedly Disney Experiences, including Walt Disney Imagineering. What's Happening: A report from the Los Angeles Times indicates that between 100 and 200 people from within the Experiences division of TWDC are being laid off.
"Inside the NBA" Host Ernie Johnson Jr. will Leave Show After 37 Seasons
For many fans of basketball, there simply has never been an NBA without Inside the NBA. And there hasn't been an Inside the NBA without host Ernie Johnson. This season is his 37th behind the desk. It will also be his last. What's Happening: The 2026-27 NBA season just got underway, and with it came the return of Inside the NBA with Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O'Neal.
ESPN's Hannah Storm Will Miss New York City Marathon Following Major Surgery
Hannah Storm has been a fixture during ESPN and ABC coverage of the New York City Marathon over the last several years, but the veteran sports reporter won't be there this year following major surgery as part of cancer treatment.
Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs Adding New Cocktail and Souvenir Cup
The souvenir glass is a popular way for restaurants at Walt Disney World and other theme parks to offer guests something simple they can take from their trip as part of a drink they're going to drink anyway. Now, guests at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs can get their own souvenir lantern cup. What's Happening: Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs has revealed a new cocktail coming in November that will be available in a souvenir cup.
Former Lucasfilm Chief Kathleen Kennedy Has Found Her Next Gig
Earlier this year, Kathleen Kennedy officially stepped down as the head of Lucasfilm, a position she had held since Disney bought the company in 2012. While the 73-year-old producer certainly could have walked away from the industry, it appears she's not quite done with the entertainment industry yet, as she has officially taken on a new role for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Walt Disney World Fire Knife Performer Brings his Talent to Live-Action "Moana"
For many, working at Walt Disney World is a dream; for others, it's a family affair. One Walt Disney World performer has even taken his skills to the big screen. What's Happening: A new post on the Disney Parks Blog spotlights the life of Cast Member Alema Vaiaoga. He is currently a performer at Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom, but his career and history with Disney is far more extensive.
Two Long-Time ESPN Producers Among Those Taking Disney's Early Retirement Offer
A lot of changes continue inside The Walt Disney Company when it comes to personnel. We've seen multiple rounds of layoffs hit the company this year, but one way Disney has tried to thin its ranks is through offering early retirement packages, and two longtime ESPN producers have decided to take the deal. What's Happening: Back in August, Disney announced a Voluntary Early Retirement Offer (VERO) to some executives at the company.
Take A Peek Behind the Scenes of "Inside Out" with Pixar
Inside Out is without question one of Pixar's masterworks. While the sequel is the movie that made all the money, the original is something truly special. Now, in a new video on YouTube, the brain trust behind the film talks about some of the decisions that led to making the film work. What's Happening: Pixar's Set the Scene is a YouTube series that has Pixar filmmakers take a look back at some of their projects.
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