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Disney Business Disney News Disney Parks Other

Creepy or Very Cool? Disney Just Filed a Patent for More Realistic and Advanced Skin for Robots and Animatronics!

Disney is always working on some crazy new tech, and WE’RE always looking out for their newest innovations!

Hondo Ohnaka

Imagineers have been doing a lot of work on tech for the parks and a LOT of that has to do with robotics. Disney is at the forefront of animatronic and entertainment robotics engineering, so they come up with crazy new inventions ALL THE TIME. Recently, we’ve spotted a realistic robot handshake and a patent for an autonomous park-roaming robot. Today, we spotted a NEW patent and this one focuses on a robot’s…skin? You read that right! Take a look!

Disney cranks out patents like nobodies business, but they don’t all apply to the parks. Sometimes they’re coming up with a neat consumer product or a new way to innovate in the film industry. Today though, we spotted a patent for a “Robotics Skin System with Integral Elastomeric Links to Complete Mechanical Linkages.”

©Disney

Now we know what you’re thinking: “What the HECK does that mean???” Essentially, Disney has developed a new skin (yes, like people skin) for their animatronics and robots. The “new” aspect is that this skin system can be used to connect moving parts of the robot instead of with a frame and joints underneath. The best way to visualize this is to think of a robotic octopus tentacle that has no mechanical bones.

©Disney

We apologize for the following illustration because it IS horrifying, but it’s a pretty good explanation of how this tech could be used. In a humanoid robot, the skin system could be used as a face made of latex (or similar material) with stiffened areas to connect to the motorized and robotic aspects, rather than the more traditional “robot skeleton” with a rubber skin stretched over it.

©Disney

We’re not sure if that’s cool or creepy, but we are leaning towards the cool side. This is definitely the kind of tech that Disney could apply with new animatronics in their theme parks so it will be interesting to see what sort of bots are developed in the coming years!

We’ll be keeping a close eye on new Disney tech, so follow along with us to make sure you know all about the new innovations!

What do you think of this amazing new tech? Tell us in the comments! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, News, Animatronics, Audio-Animatronics, Disney innovation, Disney Patent, Disney Tech, Imagineering, Robot skin

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Review! Are Killer Fries Enough to Make Us Love Planet Hollywood in Disney World?

We’ve been eating our way around all the newly reopened restaurants at Disney Springs. Now it’s time to take a trip over to Disney Springs’ local observatory, Planet Hollywood to see how the food has fared since reopening.

Planet Hollywood

While we’ve already taken you with us to Terralina Crafted Italian, Morimoto Asia, The Polite Pig, and more, we’re heading back to Flavortown to see if the food is a hit or miss.

We’re typically cautiously optimistic when we eat at Planet Hollywood. The food is ok. Is it the BEST food in Disney Springs? Nah, probably not. But, there’s a decent variety offered here, and with Guy Fieri designing much of the menu, the food has his unique flair to it. Want mac and cheese on your burger? They got that. Want not one but THREE kinds of fries with your meal? Yep, got that too. Those big, crazy milkshakes in a mason jar? You get it. ?

But while the menu boasts some unique options, we’ve been largely underwhelmed by this spot in the past. Would this trip change our minds?

Atmosphere

If you’ve never been to Planet Hollywood, it’s right across from the AMC Theatres! As we walked inside the restaurant, we spotted multiple health and safety guidelines from the get-go. There are hand-sanitizing stations and hand-sanitizer canisters placed around the area for guests and Cast Members to use.

Hand-Sanitizing Stations

There were social distancing stickers placed on the ground before you greeted the hostess at the front with a plexiglass barrier.

Planet Hollywood Entrance

Since Planet Hollywood also has two stories, there are distancing markers on the ground leading upstairs as well! (Wave hi to Chewie on your way up to your table!!)

Staircase

If you’ve never been here before, be sure to stop and check out some of the movie memorabilia on the walls. They have some REALLY unique props and costumes from some of your favorite movies and it’s totally worth checking out.

Inconceivable! They Have Princess Bride Costumes on Display!

Although seating is available inside the restaurants so you can watch some movies while you eat on the domed ceiling…

Planet Hollywood Indoor Seating

…we decided to enjoy the sunshine on the rooftop since outdoor seating is currently open as well.

Planet Hollywood Outdoor Seating

Time to eat!

Eats

Planet Hollywood has a limited menu at the moment, and your server will provide you with a paper menu to look at while you decide what you want to snack on!

Planet Hollywood Menu

The restaurant is using wrapping cutlery wrapped in napkins, so there’s no contact!

Cutlery

The drinks are in glass cups that the servers are careful to touch minimally…

Water Glass

…and the restaurant is also using compostable straws in drinks.

Compostable Straw

Our server told us that since it’s been very quiet at the restaurant and there’s a limited menu, our food would come out pretty quickly after it’s ordered. And, boy was she right! We received our whole meal within a few minutes of placing our order (!!!). It was CRAZY fast!

Our Meal!

Drinks

First up, we ordered a frosty drink. The B-A-N-A-N-A-S Boozy Milkshake for $17.99 used to be known as the Space Monkey, but now it appears to be named after Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” (because why not??). The milkshake is served in a souvenir glass and mixed up with Cruzan coconut rum, banana liqueur, coconut purée, and chocolate milk.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

Although it might be a milkshake, B-A-N-A-N-A-S tasted more like a banana piña colada! While the name implied a LOT of banana flavor, it was more of a coconut and chocolate drink with just a hint of banana.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

We would have loved to had a stronger banana flavor, but we still thought the “cocktail” (it’s more like a dessert tbh) was smooth and sweet!

B-A-N-A-N-A-S Milkshake

This drink is pretty hefty sized though, so be careful not to fill up on shake instead of food! ?

Eats

We tried the “Bird Is the Word” Chicken Sandwich, which reminded us of a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich! You can grab this for $17.99. The sandwich was piled with fried chicken, buttermilk ranch dressing, hot honey sauce, pickles, cheddar cheese, and cole slaw.

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

Although we’re big fans of the chicken sandwiches you can get at Chicken Guy! or Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ right around the corner, the “Bird Is The Word” was still very tasty!

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

The honey was the most prominent part of the sandwich, which gave a hint of spiciness to the sandwich. We thought there could have been a bigger punch of spiciness to balance things out. Buuut, we did LOVE all the pickles on top!

Bird is the Word Chicken Sandwich

IF you’re not a fan of spice, this should still be enjoyable for you. We picked up way more sweetness than spice on this one! We do have to say, though, that Planet Hollywood’s fries ROCKED!!

Fries

These are Guy Fieri’s Triple Fries which basically means they dump three styles of fries in the frier instead of one. We ain’t complainin’. We had standard french fries, waffle fries, and filmstrip type fries in our mix. They were delightfully seasoned and crispy, which complimented the sweetness of the chicken sandwich.

Fries

If you want to add some ketchup to your fries, your server will currently give you packets instead of a bottle.

Ketchup Packets

We’ll give credit where credit is due — the fries here are legit. They’re REALLY good.

Paying

At this time, Planet Hollywood isn’t using checkbooks, so your server will bring your check out on a plate with a towelette.

Check

And, before you leave, you can also use hand-sanitizer located at the tables inside Planet Hollywood!

Hand-Sanitizer

Nosh or Not

Consider dining at Planet Hollywood if:

  • You’d like to experience a unique atmosphere. Planet Hollywood has an array of movie memorabilia (like Chewbacca’s costume) that you can look at.
  • You want approachable comfort food like burgers, pastas, more.
  • You want a fun experience for your whole family! While grown-ups may be able to enjoy the cleverly named menu items a little more than the kids, your whole party can enjoy the entertainment at Planet Hollywood. Whether you want to watch movies while you eat or have a beautiful view of Disney Springs at night, there’s something for everyone here.

Planet Hollywood Server

You may want to skip Planet Hollywood if:

  • You are looking for really great, unique food. Disney Springs has a lot of awesome places that just have better eats and drinks — to put it simply. If you want a chicken sandwich like the one we had during our visit, we recommend visiting Chicken Guy! or Homecomin’ instead for some awesome options.
  • You want something on the cheaper side. While Planet Hollywood is not as expensive as other places like The Boathouse or Wine Bar George, it still can be pricey. Plus, for the food you’re getting, you can get better options at quick-service locations for a lower price.

Planet Hollywood Meal

Overall

So is it our favorite restaurant in all of Disney Springs now? Nope, sorry guys. BUT, we still enjoyed our meal. Planet Hollywood checks a lot of boxes for certain families looking for a unique meal in Disney Springs, which we can appreciate. We LOVED the crazy quick service and the fact that our server was a total sweetheart. However, our meal was just okay for the price we paid. But, we would totally go back to Planet Hollywood just to have another basket of fries all to ourselves. ?

Do note that Planet Hollywood closed again. While we don’t know when they will be reopening, we will be sure to keep you updated. You can read about this closure here.

These are the 5 restaurants you should skip during your next trip to Disney World!

What is your favorite thing to eat at Planet Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, bananas boozy milkshake, bird is the word, chicken sandwich, Disney, disney dining, disney news, disney restaurants, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Planet Hollywood, planet hollywood reopening

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Disney Guides Disney Parks Other

Observations from Reopening at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is reopened its theme parks on June 5. While Spider-Man still slings above New York City and Hogwarts’ gate is once again open, some things have changed to make guests safer in a COVID-19 world. Prior to opening for the general public Universal invited their Team Members and Annual Passholders to preview and test out those new security measures and protocols. We will go over some of those changes and what it means for your touring of the parks.

Virtual Queue

Universal Orlando is now offering a Virtual Queue option for many of its most popular attractions. Here’s how it works:

  • Download and create an account for the Universal Orlando app
  • Open the app when near or inside the parks
  • At park open, select the attraction you wish to reserve a time for
  • Select the Virtual Line Pass button on the attraction’s page
  • Select a party size and return time
  • A QR code with the party’s return time will display on the app (we suggest taking a screengrab of that QR code for safekeeping)
  • When it is your return time, head to the attraction and present the QR code for scanning

Now you will have a minimal wait in a standard, socially distanced queue. Guests are able to hold two passes at once and when one pass is redeemed they can book another.

Attractions offering Virtual Queue are changing frequently; check the Universal Orlando app for the most up-to-date list.

Queue Modifications

Queues throughout the resort are modified to practice social distancing. Guests are spaced out 10 feet apart with markers and normal switchbacks are now reduced or eliminated. Some attractions that feature preshows rooms, such as at Men in Black and Gringotts, are turned off; guests now walk through the rooms as if they are standard queue space. The Simpsons Ride, Fallon, and Fast & Furious still operate their preshow rooms due to required safety spiels. If an attraction features 3D video, a Team Member will hand out the glasses to each guest. Additionally, prior to boarding, guests will be given hand sanitizer before handling ride vehicle restraints.

Modified Character Greetings

Characters are Universal, so we are excited to see our favorites return to the parks. Universal landed on a novel solution that takes cues from its Halloween Horror Nights event: characters now greet guests from a safe distance on stages. While on stage, the characters will interact with guests, pose for photos, and wave to all that pass by. Such character interactions include Marvel characters between Marvel Super Hero Island and the Toon Lagoon Amphitheater, Seuss Landing characters outside Circus McGurkus, The Simpsons in their Winnebago, the Knight Bus conductor at the back of the bus, Doc Brown working on the Time Train, and more.

While the Universal Superstar Parade is no longer running, some parade floats do make a small run around the park frequently to bring more character interaction to the streets.

Reservation Only Olivanders

Here at TouringPlans, we were wondering how an experience like Olivanders could work in a world of social distancing. Each Olivanders show places roughly 20 guests into a small room where one guest is picked to have a wand choose them. Universal took a page from Disney’s Savi’s Workshop and has made the Olivanders experience reservation only. Approach the Team Member in Diagon Alley (at this time outside the Fireworks store facade) or in Hogsmeade to schedule a time.

Dining Changes

Universal Dining has morphed, too. Full-service dining locations such as Mythos, Confisco Grill, Finnegan’s, Lombard’s, and more are running at a reduced capacity. Menus are now one-time use (a free souvenir? In a theme park?!), silverware and plates are presented on a tray you take yourself, and interactions with Team Members are kept to a minimum.

Counter-service restaurants now highlight mobile ordering; simply use the Universal Orlando app and order the food and beverages for the party. If a guest has an Annual Pass or Team Member discount, the difference is offered back in change at pick up. Seating and ordering change location to location. Indoor locations, such as Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley, seat you prior to order and the food is delivered to your table. Other venues operate like normal, including the illusive Wimpy’s Burgers in Toon Lagoon, which offers standard window ordering.

One food and beverage location NOT open currently are bars due to Florida regulations. Backwater Bar and Hog’s Head in Islands of Adventure along with Moe’s, Duff Gardens, and Finnegan’s in Universal Studios Florida remain closed. Florida Governor DeSantis announced recnelty bars can reopen June 5 but it is unknown when Universal will reopen their bars.

U-Rest Areas

If guests require a rest, Universal has set up areas where social distancing is possible and masks are allowed to be removed. Named U-Rest, these areas sprinkled throughout the parks provide tables, chairs, umbrellas, and places to rest without having to wear a mask. U-Rest areas are subject to change and currently located at Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure, Central Park in Universal Studios Florida, and Fear Factor Live in Universal Studios Florida.

Hotels

What’s a visit to Univerasl Orlando without a stay at their amazing resorts? This week the Universal hotels reopened, with Endless Summer Dockside and Portofino Bay remaining closed. Prior to entry a temperature check is required and masks must be worn at all times in public areas. Universal is only filling every other room on flooors to keep social distancing when returning to your room.

These are the first looks at changes to Universal’s parks and resorts. While several of these changes are unique and specific to Universal, it is very possible these changes will be adopted at Disney parks as well. Universal has not stated an end date for their policies and procedures, but we expect them to last through the fall and until a therapeutic and/or vaccine for COVID-19 is developed.

Universal Orlando Resort reopened June 5, 2020; CityWalk Cinemark movie theater and the Blue Man Group Orlando show remain closed until further notice. Follow TouringPlans Blog and TouringPlans on Twitter for the latest reopening information for the Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

The post Observations from Reopening at Universal Orlando Resort appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure, universal citywalk, Universal Studios Florida

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Disney Merch Other

Here’s How to Have an EPIC Disney Pool Party in Your Backyard!

Warm weather means more time outside! And since we’re spending way more time at home, our pools may be getting a lot more love this summer (even if they’re the tiny inflatable kind!). You may be heading outside to work on your tan or to throw the ultimate backyard barbecue, but don’t leave that pool neglected!

A Dip in Your Resort Pool May Be Just the Break Your Day Needs!

Let’s throw one EPIC at-home Disney pool party! We found swimsuits, towels, pool toys, and more that will guarantee your pool will be your favorite destination this summer!

Swimsuit up!

First thing’s first, you gotta dress for the occasion! That means swimsuits for the whole family! We all have our favorite go-to Disney everyday outfits, but do you have a Disney pool outfit? 

© Disney

Luckily for you, we found some super cute and chic swimsuits, starting with this scoop neck swimsuit for juniors! Minnie Mouse is sporting some serious poolside style with her sunglasses and bow! It’s priced at $49.99.

Shop for this stylish scoop neck swimsuit here!

We also found THE cutest Mickey Mouse ruffle swimsuit at Torrid! Who’s the leader of the pool club?

© Torrid

YOU are when you rock this look all summer long! This one-piece swimsuit is $99.50.

Shop for the Mickey Mouse ruffle swimsuit here!

And for guys, don’t worry about being left out! We found a fun way to match at the pool this summer.

© Disney

These Mickey Mouse swim trunks are the perfect touch of Disney style (and Mickey’s even got his shades on ready to hit the pool). You can get it for $34.99.

Be the coolest Mouse at the pool with these swim trunks!

Give your feet some love!

Keep your feet safe AND chic with some Disney flip flops. Havaianas has given us some of our favorite Disney flippies over the years, and we found a couple of pairs that will match just about any pool look.

© Zappos

The first pair up are these Mickey Mouse flip flops for women. You can rep Mickey from head to toe! These flip flops are $26.00.

Grab a pair of these Mickey Mouse flip flops by Havaianas here!

But we all know ONE pair of flip flops isn’t enough! You need options! So we went ahead and found another cute pair of Havaianas for all you Minnie fans out there.

© Disney

We’re obsessed with the color of these flip flops — they’re super tropical, complete with flamingos! These cuties are $30.00.

Step into poolside style with these Havaiana flip flops!

Get the party started with these pool toys and party activities!

We all know that for some folks, laying on your towel is all the pool interaction you need to slip into paradise. But for those who are looking for a little more recreation, we got you! After all, it’s not an EPIC pool party if you don’t have some fun toys and activities for the pool!

© Amazon

Dive “Under the Sea” like in The Little Mermaid or float in space like Star Wars! If you’re looking for a challenge, this Little Mermaid catch and dive toy set adds the perfect Disney touch! Turn it into a competition amongst your family! You can get these for $20.88.

Shop for the Little Mermaid pool toy set here!

Get ready for your pool to transform into a galaxy far, far away with this next set of toys! We found a Star Wars inflatable ball set that would be perfect for your epic pool party.

© Amazon

Each set comes with R2D2, BB8, and a rather cute Death Star. The set of 3 is $39.99.

Stock up on this Star Wars inflatable ball set for your backyard pool party here!

When you’re tired from all those fun and games and you want to just kick back and relax, don’t just chill on any old, tired float! Keep the Star Wars party going with this Millennium Falcon pool float!

© Amazon

The fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy is now the most relaxing hunk of junk in your pool! You can get this uber awesome float for $59.99.

Blast off with this Millennium Falcon pool float!

Let’s keep the Star Wars theme going because we KNOW there are lots of you out there who just love all things Star Wars! We also found this adorable BB8 pool float that would make a great companion to any pool party.

© Amazon

You can get your very own for $24.98.

Get your very own BB8 pool float here!

We all know an epic pool party is more than just toys and cute swimsuits. Sure, that’s a good start, but you need some food and drinks that’ll keep the party going all afternoon long! Why not make your epic pool party an epic backyard barbecue?

© Super Hero Stuff

While you’re at it, keep your drinks safe (and perhaps a bit on the dark side) with this Darth Vader can cooler! Get your own can cooler for $12.99.

Make sure your beverages are ready to party with this Darth Vader can cooler!

Wrap up in a cozy towel

When it’s time to get out of the pool, obviously you’ll need a fresh set of Disney towels to dry off! And if your idea of an epic pool party looks more like lounging instead of swimming, you’ll still need a stylish towel to lay on! Either way, we found some cute Disney towels to add to your collection.

© Amazon

For the kiddos, this Mickey Mouse towel is perfect for an afternoon at the pool! Get your very own for $29.99.

Shop for this Mickey Mouse towel here!

This next towel really makes a STATEMENT. That’s because this Star Wars towel is OVERSIZED.

© Super Hero Stuff

So stretch out and relax, or wrap yourself up three times over — either way, your love of Star Wars will be loud and proud. This towel is priced at $34.99.

Shop for this oversized Star Wars towel here!

Do you find yourself coming back to the water, no matter how hard you try?

© Target

As the weather gets hotter and hotter it’s only going to get more difficult to say no to an afternoon by the pool, so embrace your destiny like Moana with this fun towel for $10.00.

Shop for this cute Moana towel here!

Whether you have a full-sized swimming pool or a sprinkler that you can run around in, we hope you have some ways of staying cool this summer! With all of us spending more time in our backyards this year, it’s more important now than ever before to show our patio, lawn, and pool some love! That also extends to us to make sure we’re dressed in true Disney style. So lather up on sunscreen and enjoy the warm weather!

See how to throw a mega cool Disney Backyard BBQ here!! 

What are your pool party MUST haves? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney merchandise, Featured, News, Special Stuff, Disney merchandise, disney pool party, disney pool toys, disney swimsuit, flip flops, Mickey Mouse, minnie mouse, pool party, pool toys, star wars, swimsuit

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Disney Food Disney News Disney Parks Other

NEWS: Amorette’s Patisserie Reopened in Disney World Today

While some Disney-owned businesses have reopened at Disney Springs including The Daily Poutine, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., and more recently Once Upon a Toy, we can now add Amorette’s Patisserie to the list!

Amorette’s

We noticed the bakery was finally open today, so we walked on over to check it out!

According to the Cast Member we spoke with, Amorette’s full menu isn’t quite available yet, but they’re hoping to be able to offer all of their items (including sammies) by this Sunday once they get up to speed!

Get the latest scoop on what’s new at Disney Springs here!

Amorette’s Bakery Case

There aren’t any new menu items since we last visited Amorette’s Patisserie back in March. In fact, we spotted an item that’s been around since Valentine’s Day — which we’ll get to in a sec!

Amorette’s Menu

We were happy to see there Wine Slushy machines were up and runnin’ today tho! Hello Shiraz and Moscato!

Wine Slushy Machines

In the dining area, the tables have been moved further apart while social distancing markers on the ground show guests where they should stand while ordering at the counter.

Amorette’s

We also noticed Amorette’s has the new utensil dispensers we’ve spotted previously! These things are so cool because you only touch the hand of the utensil you’re grabbing!

Learn more about Disney World’s new utensil dispensers here!

Amorette’s

Plexiglass shields have been installed at the cash registers and the pastries you order are now served on disposable paper trays. They’re also still accepting all forms of payment.

Amorette’s

But now it’s time to get down to the nitty GRITTY and do what we do best — EAT STUFF! Remember that V-Day treat we mentioned earlier? Well, here it is! Looks-wise, it kinda reminds us of the rose-shaped dessert we enjoyed at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts earlier this year!

Rose Pastry

We can see why this stunning beauty stuck around for a while to give folks time to enjoy it now that Amorette’s has reopened! The Rose Pastry features chocolate mousse, a layer of spongy chocolate cake, and a sweet raspberry filling! We also love how it’s dusted with a rose-red cocoa powder and “dew drops” made of gel icing. It even comes topped with a touch of edible gold leaf!

Rose Pastry

The bottom cake layer of the Rose Pastry was very soft and moist while the mousse texture was almost more like a pudding which we really enjoyed. The raspberry filling’s texture was a little too solid for our liking. It just sort of fell out as a whole and wasn’t too flavorful.

Rose Pastry

All in all, we thought the Rose Pastry is great if you love desserts that combine rich, creamy chocolate with sweet, tart raspberry flavors! You can pick up the Rose Pastry for $8 at Amorette’s Patisserie, now open in Disney Springs!

Check out these adorable Forky socks we just spotted at Disney Springs here!

Are you excited Amorette’s Patisserie is now open? Let us know if you’ll be stopping by in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, 2020 closure, Amorette’s Patisserie, Dessert, disney springs, Disney World, reopened, review, rose pastry