Theme Park and Entertainment Journalist. Film Critic. Semi-Pro Disney historian. Future Club 33 member. he/him Now @LaughingPlace, Previously @CinemaBlend
Articles by Dirk Libbey
Texas-Set "Grey's Anatomy" Spinoff Delayed Following Production Move
Earlier this year, it was announced that a new spinoff of Grey's Anatomy had been greenlit by ABC and put on the fast track to debut during the 2026-2027 season. The show was to be set in Texas, but there were no plans to actually film it there. Unfortunately, the series is being pushed back a year after location filming plans have had to change. The show is going to film someplace else that is also not Texas.
Former Netflix Exec Emily Feingold is the New VP of Communications at Disney
There have been a lot of layoffs at The Walt Disney Company in recent months, and reports indicate there will be many more before it's all said and done. However, that's not to say that new jobs at Disney aren't also happening, as a former executive at Netflix has found a new home at the House of Mouse. What's Happening: The Wrap reports that Emily Feingold, formerly communications head at Netflix, will be taking over as Executive Vice President, Communications, at Disney effective November 9.
Two Holidays Collide in a Special Walt Disney World Experience with Make-A-Wish
The relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish is one that has lasted for decades. Disney Parks have been the home to so many special memories for kids and their families. Many who visit Walt Disney World are there to go on all the great attractions, but one recent wish was for something very different. What's Happening: The Disney Parks Blog recently shone the spotlight on Wednesday, a six-year-old girl who recently saw her wish come true through the Make-A-Wish program.
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Cast Coming to New York for Season 3 Screening and Podcast
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3 is almost here. The new season debuts November 20, but if you're a fan living in New York, you can see the first episode of the new season of the series a day early and see the cast interviewed in what's sure to be a fun evening. What's Happening: A new event is coming to the famous 92nd Street Y in New York City: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3 Screening and Conversation with the Cast with Josh Horowitz.
Avengers: Doomsday is Going on a World Tour Ahead of Release
It's just over a month until Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters, but there's going to be plenty going on until we get there. The cast and crew are planning a pretty extensive media tour that will take the film to nine locations around the world before the film premieres. What's Happening: Marvel Studios has announced plans on Twitter for the Doomsday Global Tour. This will be a massive media blitz to promote the movie all over the world. The locations of the world tour have been revealed.
Universal Studios Hollywood Adds New Annual Pass, and it Has Some Killer Perks
While Bob Chapek may not have cared for annual passholders, theme parks in general clearly see them as an important element in the attendance picture. Most parks offer a variety of options that give guests different levels of access, and Universal Studios Hollywood has added a brand new premium pass that isn't cheap, but it might still be worth it for you. What's Happening: Today, Universal Studios Hollywood began selling a Diamond Annual Pass online.
Marvel's Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Podcast Returns with X-Men
We're just over a month away from the release of Avengers: Doomsday, and Marvel Studios is ready to continue its countdown. The Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Podcast debuted in August and, after a brief break, is back. What's Happening: Iman Vellani and Frank Alvarez host the Countdown to Avengers: Doomsday Podcast. The first five episodes saw the hosts discussing the key movies of the MCU Infinity Saga, the four Avengers films, and Captain America: Civil War.
"Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show" Round Up for November 2nd
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?
Disneyland Resort's Holiday Foodie Guide is Here, and it's Massive
There's no time at Disneyland Resort quite like the holiday season, and now that Halloween and the Oogie Boogie Bash are over, it's time to look forward to the festive time of year. A big part of the holidays is getting together with family to eat, and whether you're going to be visiting Disneyland with family, friends, or alone, the parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District have you covered with festive flavors.
El Capitan Theatre Hosting Road to the Holidays with "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and More
The holiday season is officially here, and that means it's time to enjoy your favorite holiday movies once again. Now, you could do that at home on the couch, or you could do that on a big screen with a big bucket of popcorn. Disney's El Capitan Theatre has a pretty good argument why that second choice is the better one. What's Happening: The El Capitan Theatre has announced Road to the Holidays, a special holiday event taking place at the theater over November, highlighting some holiday classics.
Immersive Museum Set to Open Not Far From Disneyland
Immersive experiences are becoming more popular all the time, and there are now a wide variety of options for fans looking for something new and exciting. teamLab, an art collective based in Japan, is one of the unique providers of immersive art in the world, and they're bringing their creativity to Orange County.
Disneyland Resort Makes More Transportation Changes as Part of Ongoing Construction
The entrance to Disneyland Resort is undergoing some big changes, and while it will still be some time before we see big differences, the ongoing work is causing a number of small changes for guests visiting the resort. What's Happening: Disneyland Resort has updated some details when it comes to pick-up and drop-off at different parts of the resort.
SeaWorld San Diego is Celebrating the Holidays with Baby Shark and More
SeaWorld San Diego is getting in the Christmas spirit. The park is getting ready to celebrate the holidays with several special events, including four brand-new experiences for this year. What's Happening: SeaWorld San Diego has announced its plans for this year's SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, which includes returning favorites and brand new experiences.
Smirnoff Planning Super House Party for "Avengers: Doomsday"
At this point, every major brand under the sun is getting ready for Avengers: Doomsday. The massive MCU movie is sure to be a box office smash when it comes out in December, and Smirnoff wants you to celebrate (responsibly) with vodka. What's Happening: Smirnoff has announced a new collaboration in advance of the release of Avengers: Doomsday. The vodka brand is holding an online giveaway which will include 1,800 movie tickets (via Fandango codes) to see Doomsday. You can enter to win here.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is Offering Great Deals for Next Spring
If you're planning your next vacation but aren't sure where to go, Disney may have the perfect answer. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is offering some solid deals on rooms for the early part of 2027 that you may want to call your travel agent about right now. What's Happening: A couple of brand new vacation deals have opened up for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
Searchlight Pictures Marketing EVP is Leaving After 20 Years
The dominoes continue to fall at The Walt Disney Company. Between layoffs, departures, and new hiring, a lot is changing at Disney, and that includes some longtime executives departing the organization. Searchlight Pictures EVP for Marketing is the latest departure to be revealed. What's Happening: Deadline reports that Michelle Hooper, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Searchlight Pictures, has left the company. Hooper joined the company in 2006, when it was Fox Searchlight.
Disney AI Could Turn Your Memories Into Songs
The Walt Disney Company has made no secret of its plan to leverage emerging AI technology in essentially any way and every way that it feels would be beneficial. The only question now is just how these technologies will manifest for the average person. A recent patent application provides at least one intriguing way we could see AI used: in creating songs based on favorite memories.
Disney's Super Bowl Plans are Reportedly Frustrating Traditional Broadcasters
Super Bowl LXI is a big deal for Disney. It's the first time ABC has aired the game in two decades, and the company has been promoting next February's game since this year's game ended. There are a lot of big plans for the game itself, but it turns out that some of those plans are frustrating the traditional broadcasters who see Disney cutting the game's audience into smaller and smaller segments.
"Marvel Rivals" Recreates "Avengers: Endgame" Finale for New Game Mode – Watch the Trailer Now
All corners of Marvel Entertainment are on the path to Doomsday, and that includes the Marvel Rivals video game. It has announced a brand new game mode that will take players back to the events of Avengers: Endgame in a massive battle against Thanos on its ongoing Path to Doomsday. What's Happening: Marvel Rivals has released a brand new trailer for an upcoming PvE mode called Path to Doomsday - Avengers: Endgame.
Disney's "Hexed" is Planning a Major Fan Event for the El Capitan Theater
Tickets for Disney's Hexed went on sale today, but if you're looking for something more than just a ticket to a show, you'll want to check out the event planned at the El Capitan Theater for the movie's premiere. What's Happening: A special Hexed Fan Event has been announced for Disney's El Capitan Theater. The event will take place at 7:00 PM on November 24, the evening prior to the film's official release date.
Tickets are Now on Sale for Disney's "Hexed"
We're just over a month away from the next theatrical release for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Hexed has big shoes to fill after the stunning success of Zootopia 2, and the film now has the chance to start making back some money, as tickets are on sale now. What's Happening: Walt Disney Animation Studios has officially announced that tickets have gone on sale for Hexed. The announcement came along with a new trailer for Hexed, featuring some new scenes that you may not have seen before.
Photos: New Tower of Terror Merchandise Drops at Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror remains one of the most popular attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you're visiting the Hollywood Tower Hotel soon, be sure to visit the gift shop as some new items are now available. What's Happening: If you're checking in to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and are able to check out, when you exit through the gift shop, you'll find a few new items on display.
"Hoppers'" Viral Lizard was Initially Rejected by Disney
We live in a franchise-focused movie world where it seems like original movies are constantly struggling. This makes Pixar's recent film Hoppers a strange anomaly that, while it didn't completely own the box office, made some solid money and, perhaps more importantly, became a cultural moment, however briefly. The film has a tiny lizard to thank for at least some of its success, a lizard which Disney apparently initially rejected.
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger to Appear on GMA Next Week
Bob Iger stepped down as CEO of The Walt Disney Company back in March, but one gets the impression that he just can't stay away for too long. Only a couple of months after receiving a major Disney Award, the former boss will return to his old stomping grounds on ABC. What's Happening: Next week's schedule for Good Morning America and GMA3 has been released, and it includes a note that Robin Roberts will interview former Disney CEO Bob Iger on October 21's GMA3.
New Flavors Await: Dive Into Magic Kingdom's Latest Bites
For most people, the big draw to Walt Disney World is the attractions. However, for some of us, what's even more important is the food. Walt Disney World has made some changes to the menus at three restaurants, and each has new items you'll probably want to try.
Disney's "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" Receives 4K Steelbook Release Ahead of Netflix's Narnia Feature
More than 20 years ago, Disney produced the first major cinematic adaptation of the classic book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In December, the film will receive a major upgrade, as it will get its first 4K Ultra HD release in a brand-new Steelbook package. What's Happening: Walt Disney Home Entertainment has officially announced a new physical media release for 2005's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This will be the first 4K Ultra HD release for the film.
"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" Takes Home Technology & Engineering Emmy Award
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew was a generally well-received installment in the galaxy far, far away. While it has largely fallen into the rearview mirror for many, the Emmys didn't forget it, as the show recently received an award from the Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards. What's Happening: The 77th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards took place last night, and Disney was recognized in several categories.
Photos: New Pin Capsule Machine at Downtown Disney
Disney fans love their pins, and based on the sheer volume of blind box products that have been available over the years, fans love those two. Now the two passions have been combined in a brand new vending machine that dispenses one from a random selection of unique pins. What's Happening: Located near the Star Wars Trading Post at Downtown Disney, you'll now find a pair of vending machines that dispense mystery pins.
The Traitors: New Blood Cast Coming to Universal CityWalk in Orlando
The Traitors is one of the biggest reality show hits of the streaming era, and fans have a new place to congregate after The Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk received a Traitors transformation. Fans of the show will soon have even more reason to visit. What's Happening: The bars at Universal's Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk recently underwent a visual transformation.
Dollywood Adding New Events, Characters for 2027 Season
2027 will be the first year that Dollywood has opened for the season following the death of Dolly Parton. It's likely to be a somewhat bittersweet year, but the theme park will be continuing on with its fan favorites next year, along with a few new additions. What's Happening: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, has announced its full schedule for the 2027 season. One major addition in 2027 will be the introduction of a brand new character.
Walt Disney Imagineering's Newest S.E.A. Riddles Are Here
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was.... *checks notes+ two months ago, and yet we haven't completely moved on from it yet. That show started a ball rolling that still hasn't stopped, and if you're playing along, there are now two more riddles for you to solve. What's Happening: If you haven't kept up, a presentation at the Walt Disney Imagineering booth during D23 weekend that dealt with the Society of Explorers and Adventurers led to an ongoing game of riddles on the WDI Instagram account.
Disney Makes $20 Million Bid for AI Assets in Bankruptcy Auction
Last month, The Walt Disney Company hired its first Chief Technology Officer, Karandeep Anan, the CEO of Character.ai. Now, Disney is looking to grab up even more of Character.ai, now that the company has declared bankruptcy. What's Happening: Yesterday, Character.ai, a company that allowed users to customize characters to interact with through chatbots, announced it had initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. As part of the bankruptcy, it has put its company assets up for auction.
The Walt Disney Company Sets Date for FY2026 Earnings Call
The Walt Disney Company is responsible for all of our favorite artistic creations, from cartoons to movies to theme parks, but the company is, at the end of the day, a company. Therefore, it needs to make money, and Disney has revealed when it will inform everyone exactly how much money it made in its previous fiscal year. What's Happening: The Walt Disney Company has announced it will hold its next quarterly earnings call on November 17 at 8:30 AM ET/5:30 AM PT.
Avengers #1 Trailer Reveals the New Team and a New Threat
Marvel Comics is heading toward the end of its massive Armageddon storyline, which has promised big changes to the status quo. Those changes extend to the Avengers, as a brand new Avengers comic will be debuting next month. A new trailer introduces us to the new team as well as some of what they will be facing. What's Happening: Marvel Entertainment has debuted a trailer for the upcoming Avengers #1.
Disney's Newest Magical World Comes to Life in Final "Hexed" Trailer
The Thanksgiving weekend is getting closer, and that means it's nearly time for the latest offering from Walt Disney Animation Studios. This year's entry is called Hexed, and today we got a brand-new trailer that reveals more about the story, plus several more of the film's characters and voice actors. What's Happening: Hexed stars Hailee Steinfeld, voicing a young girl named Billie who discovers she has magical powers and ends up transported to a magical world called Hexe.
"National Treasure 3" Future is Less Clear Than We Thought
National Treasure 3 is one of those Disney movies that has been sitting in development hell for decades. Fans of the franchise still want it, but for a variety of reasons, it's never happened. And just when we thought things might be changing for the better, it now appears that we should temper our excitement.
XBOX Has its Eye on the Theme Park Business
The theme park industry is big business. Companies like Disney and Universal have known this for years, with Disney Experiences frequently responsible for the majority of the company's revenue. Netflix dipped its toe in the immersive experience game last year with Netflix House, and now another media powerhouse, Microsoft's XBOX, is looking to grow its theme park footprint in a big way.
Photos: The VisionQuest Collection Comes to NYCC, and it's Stunning
The next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is VisionQuest, and considering it's the third part of a trilogy, and the first two parts are seen by many as the best of MCU television so far, there is a lot to be excited about. The show is part of New York Comic Con and has built an incredible art gallery that has to be seen to be properly appreciated.
"Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show" Round Up for October 6th
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?
Tangled: The Musical is Getting an Update for the Disney Believe
The Disney Believe will be the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet when it sets sail next year, and while a lot that has been announced about the ship is brand new and exclusive, one popular Broadway-style show coming to the Believe will be one some may have seen before, though never like this. What's Happening: During today's Disney Believe Reveal livestream, it was announced that Tangled: The Musical will be one of the shows coming to the new ship.
Here's When the Disney Believe Will Officially Set Sail
The Disney Believe is the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, and while there are a few things we know about the ship, we didn't know when we would get to actually experience it, until now. What's Happening: During the Disney Believe's official livestream event, it was officially announced that the maiden Voyage of the Disney Believe will take place in just over a year, on December 18, 2027. The ship will set sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Pixar Among Studios Awarded California Tax Credit
The world of movie making is a constant battle between art and commerce. Creative people make art that inspires them. However, that art also needs to make money for the companies behind it to continue making art. The financial side of moviemaking is also looking for ways to save money, and Pixar just saved a nice chunk of cash for Disney.
Of Course This Walt Disney Imagineer's Office Looks Like a Pirate Tavern
Walt Disney Imagineers are among the most interesting and popular people at the Walt Disney Company. They are incredibly creative when it comes to designing attractions at Disney Parks. It turns out some of them are equally creative at designing office space. What's Happening: In a new YouTube video titled "Open Office Hours," Walt Disney Imagineering introduces us to Steve Controneo, a Principal Dimensional Designer with Walt Disney Imagineering.
"Abbott Elementary" is Going to Disneyland for its 100th Episode
It's something of a tradition for ABC sitcoms to have special episodes where the characters visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, and now ABC's current most popular sitcom, Abbott Elementary, is set to continue that tradition. What's more, while the episode will surely be a special event for the characters, it's a big deal for the cast and crew as well. What's Happening: ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary is currently filming an episode at the Disneyland Resort.
Disney is Teaming Up With a Luxury Sneaker Brand For New Collab
Disney is a brand that crosses cultural, national, and economic borders, so when it comes to Disney products, there is usually something for everyone. Of course, that doesn't mean that every Disney product is going to be for everybody. If you're a Disney fan with money to spend, however, an upcoming Disney collab may be for you.
Walt Disney World Tickets Aren't the Only Prices Going Up
In what has become an unwelcome tradition, ticket prices have once again risen at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Price increases are never a good thing, even if you ultimately find them understandable. This is why it's unfortunate that tickets aren't the only thing seeing price increases today.
Walt Disney World Offers A "Sneak Shriek" at Monstropolis Food
While most fans looking forward to Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios are probably most concerned with the upcoming Door Coaster, or the show that will replace the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D, another key element of the land that is vitally important is the food. Today we got a bit more information about that food, including a look at what some of it will be.
Funko Drops A Ton of New Avengers: Doomsday Collectables
The cast of Avengers: Doomsday is completely massive, and so it probably should be expected that the merchandise surrounding it will be as well. Funko hasn't dropped a new Pop figure for every single character in the movie, yet, but they're off to a good start. What's Happening: Funko has revealed what is certain to be only the first wave of Avengers: Doomsday-related vinyl toys.
Pixar Animator Breaks Down Key Scene in "Toy Story 5"
Pixar Animation Studios continues to drive the art of animation forward in new and incredible ways with each new film. Sometimes the studio's breakthroughs are obvious to even casual filmgoers, but sometimes you don't even realize when you're seeing something you've never seen before. What's Happening: A new episode of the YouTube series Animation Motivation spotlights Pixar directing animator Jessica Torres, who has been working at the studio since Toy Story 3.
Photos: D23 Celebrates Walt Disney World's 55 Magical Years of Storytelling
Walt Disney World opened 55 years ago this week, and while the celebration is a bit more subdued than the last big anniversary, the resort has still found ways to celebrate. Last night, D23 members were invited to a special event with some very special guests and some very special pieces of Walt Disney World history. What's Happening: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling was the title of the most recent D23 member event, which took place on October 4 at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
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