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Picture this: It’s a beautiful Thursday afternoon at Walt Disney World. The Florida sun isn’t quite as brutal as usual, so you decide to head to Disney Springs for lunch and an adult beverage or two at The Boathouse. You park in a covered garage, walk through security and feel like you’re officially “home.”

After lunch, you decide to head to Epcot. The plan is simple: catch a bus to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and take the short walk to Epcot’s International Gateway.

Life is good.

Until you reach the bus stop.

There’s just one problem: You can’t get on.

Disney World started having cast members scan the MagicBands of guests hoping to catch a ride to a nearby resort to check to see if they are either guests at that resort or if they have a dining reservation. Without either linked, the guests are denied boarding. The same rule applies for guests visiting from out of state and locals.

Disney World has seemingly been testing this out during its busy season, but now, according to WDWMagic.com, it's expected to become permanent. Many guests would park at Disney Springs for a variety of reasons aside from it being their starting off point for the day. For example, some guests prefer to keep their car in a shaded parking garage and out of the Florida sun. Other guests take advantage of the free parking at Disney Springs, which is available to everyone, not just Annual Passholders. Parking at Magic Kingdom, for example, costs $35 for the day (Annual Passholders park for free).

Disney World fans reacted to the report on social media.

"So when one bus line has 40 people in it you won’t be allowed to jump on a buss of an adjacent resort and walk over. Lovely. All the things they could spend time, money, and effort on and this is what they choose? So dumb," one person responded to the news on X.

"Once again Disney unable to see past their nose," someone else wrote.

"I don’t like this. Not one bit," a third comment read.

"I was just thinking yesterday that the resort buses arrived too quickly at their respective stops, and needed some additional bureaucratic busy work with likely technical issues to slow them down some. Thank you WDW," a fourth X user said.

Per WDWMagic.com, Disney World is expected to implement the procedure ahead of the July 4 holiday. The outlet also reports that while this rule will only be in place for guests at Disney Springs, the process could be expanded to include other bus transportation (such as going from Magic Kingdom to another resort by bus) in the future.

Walt Disney World has not yet confirmed this report.

As Prince William took part in this year’s Trooping the Color ceremony, royal watchers were quick to note the ways they believe his late mother, Princess Diana, would have viewed the moment.

William, Kate Middleton, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, all took part in the monarch's annual birthday parade. The event is held yearly in June.

According to Vanity Fair, King Charles' birthdate is November 14. However, Trooping the Color is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to King Charles II's reign, and it's used to mark the monarch's birthday, regardless of the actual date.

During the parade, George, Charlotte, and Louis rode with Kate in an open-air carriage. Their father, William, took part in the military horseback ride.

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The report noted that Kate’s role as a senior royal appeared more prominent this year, highlighted by her seating position during the official parade. For the first time, she was positioned alongside Prince William on a dais with the King and Queen.

Additionally, William, Kate, and their children were only a handful of working royals allowed on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the annual family greeting and flypast. The appearance underscored their central role within the House of Windsor during one of its most high-profile ceremonial events.

However, the young family was highlighted by royal watchers as a source of pride for the next generation of the House of Windsor. On social media, some of the couple’s followers also referenced Princess Diana, suggesting she would be proud of what William has accomplished so far.

"Diana would be so proud of William and the family he has built," wrote one follower.

Anwar Hussein/WireImage

Anwar Hussein/WireImage

A second royal watcher penned, "She will be just as proud of Prince Harry for leaving and making his own life. She would have if she didn't stay for her sons."

'Princess Diana would be proud of Harry for the beautiful family he has and the two beautiful grandchildren they gave Diana, who bear a strong resemblance to their grandmother Diana, just as she would be proud of William and the beautiful family he built with love," noted a third fan.

Finally, a fourth fan wrote, "I think Diana would be most proud that William and Catherine are living the dream life and marriage she thought she would have when she married into the royal family, despite hardships and challenges, and continue the legacy with utmost respect and honor, family and duty in balance."

Prince William and Kate Middleton continue to represent the royal family at official events with 11 other working senior royals. They include King Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, The Honorable Lady Ogilvy.

Related: Kate Middleton Is the Monarchy’s ‘Secret Weapon,’ Says Royal Reporter

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Summer calls for shoes that are as comfortable as they are stylish, keeping your feet cool through warm days and long evenings. The best summer footwear effortlessly blends breathability, support, and fashion, making every step a breeze. 

Vionic's Tia Thong Sandals are a great example, and they’re available now on Amazon for as low as $55, a chic 45% off ahead of Prime Week. Discounts vary by size and color, but many options are at least 31% off right now. These sandals are quickly becoming a seasonal favorite for anyone who values both comfort and chic, supportive design.

Vionic Tia Thong Sandals, From $55 (was $100) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Featuring a sleek yet elegant thong silhouette, the Vionic Tia Sandals are designed for all-day wear. The contoured, cushioned footbed delivers outstanding arch support, ideal for everything from running errands around town to taking a stroll along the beach.

Shoppers praised the Tia for its comfort and "great arch support," often noting that they feel amazing in it and that it stands out from typical summer sandals for its thoughtful construction and orthotic benefits. "My wife said they feel like walking on clouds while still giving her feet the support she needs," one shopper wrote.

Versatility is a highlight with the Tia Thong Sandals, which come in a range of chic shades, including champagne, navy blue, and aqua. You can effortlessly pair them with your favorite summer dresses, shorts, or jeans. Their classic yet modern design transitions seamlessly from day to evening, making them suitable for everything from casual brunches to evening get-togethers.

Vionic Tia Thong Sandals, From $55 (was $100) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Many shoppers report that the sandals not only look stylish, but also maintain their comfort and support after repeated wear, making them a smart investment for the season ahead. 

"Nice hug for your feet," One shopper called them a "nice hug for your feet," adding that the "style looks good" and they're "made well."

“Great fit, arch support and quality," another shopper stated. "They are nice-looking and comfortable. I have other Vionics and really like the built-in arch support." Others love the easy slip-on style and lightweight construction, which make the Tia ideal for travel and busy days on the go.

With summer events and vacations on the horizon, now is the perfect time to refresh your footwear collection. The Vionic Tia Thong Sandals deliver on both comfort and style, so you never have to compromise. At just $55 on Amazon, they're an affordable way to elevate your warm weather wardrobe and enjoy the best of the season in effortless, supportive fashion.

Related: Clarks’ 'Comfortable' $40 Slip-Ons at Amazon Are a Summer Staple With 'Great Support'

Ready to step out in style? Explore all the available colors and see why so many shoppers are falling in love with the Vionic Tia Thong Sandals on Amazon.

Don't miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team's curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

It can now be said that Lodi, California, has officially overcome the bad rap it got from Creedence Clearwater's 1969 eponymous song. After hundreds of nominations and hundreds of thousands of votes, the town of approximately 65,000 residents in California's Central Valley has been named America's Favorite Small Town of 2026.

Parade and Steller, the platform that connects travel videos to trip planning and booking, partnered on a search for the the most-loved town in the U.S. as part of our celebration of America 250. The response we received was tremendous: over 300 towns were nominated by fans and residents, and many thousands of votes were cast to determine 40 finalists. Of those, the Parade editorial board, in consultation with Steller's travel pros, chose 10 regional winners, with Lodi earning the top spot.

Despite Creedence frontman John Fogarty's mournful refrain, "Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again," we think the town is a pretty great place to be "stuck." (And to be transparent, Fogarty said he'd never visited the town prior to writing the song—he simply liked the name.) For one thing, the charming spot has made the most of its Mediterranean-like climate, making it the most diverse winegrowing region in the U.S., with more than 85 wineries and 135+ varieties in production. Indeed, this under-the-radar viticulture wonder brought home 182 medals at the 2026 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, vs. the 54 medals earned by the iconic California wine mecca Napa Valley.

Visit Lodi

You don't have to be a vinofile to love Lodi, though. Its agricultural roots are memorialized in the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum in the town's highly walkable historic downtown. While wine grapes are obviously Lodi’s marquis crop, local farmers, some of them 4th- and 5th-generation, also grow olives, walnuts, almonds, cherries, berries and stone fruit. Lodi is home to numerous dairies, cattle ranches and chicken farms, too, all of it fueling a vibrant farm-to-table dining scene and a farmer's market abundant with fresh, local foods.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking trails and water sports, from swimming to kayaking on the Mokelumne River, which flows through the town, to kayaking in Lodi Lake. The wineries themselves are host to live music on the regular, and countless other events that allow visitors to enjoy the lush landscape. Birders "flock" to the Central Valley, a premiere spot on the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migration route that draws more than 350 species to the area and is a primary wintering ground for Sandhill Cranes, which are celebrated with an annual festival in Lodi each November.

What’s more, getaway opportunities, whether to mountains or ocean, country or city, are less than two hours away by car. And while big- box convenience is available on the outskirts, the businesses in town—from artisan food merchants to clothing boutiques to tasting rooms—are primarily independent, lending an undeniably strong sense of community.

That community spirit was evident in residents' response to Lodi's run for America's Favorite Small Town 2026. “This win belongs to the people of Lodi, our residents, small business owners, hospitality partners and everyone who voted and rallied their friends, families and coworkers," says Wes Rhea, President and CEO of Visit Lodi. "Lodi showed up with heart, and we’re grateful Parade and Steller are shining a national spotlight on our small town and inviting the country to experience it.”

Congratulations, Lodi, on being America’s Favorite Small Town!

Fans of the '90s nu-metal band Coal Chamber received an important health update this week after drummer Mikey “Bug” Cox revealed that the group will postpone its scheduled appearance at the 2026 Louder Than Life festival as he prepares for what doctors hope will be his final cancer surgery.

The announcement was shared through Coal Chamber’s official Instagram account, where Cox delivered encouraging news about his ongoing battle with cancer while explaining why the band will not perform at the major rock and metal festival in Louisville, Kentucky, this September.

Cox told fans that months of medical evaluations had led to a positive outcome.

“After months of scans, tests, and appointments, I’m beyond grateful to say that I passed all of my recent tests and finally got the green light from my doctors for what we hope will be my final cancer surgery,” Cox wrote.

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“Because of that, Coal Chamber will be postponing our performance at Louder Than Life. While I’m bummed to miss it, this is the news my family and I have been fighting for, and I couldn’t be more excited to take this next step,” he continued.

The update marks a significant milestone in Cox’s health journey. The drummer first revealed his cancer diagnosis publicly in 2025, explaining that he had been privately battling Stage 3 cancer for more than a year before sharing the news with fans.

Coal Chamber had been scheduled to appear at Louder Than Life, one of North America’s biggest rock and metal festivals. However, Cox’s upcoming surgery made it necessary for the band to step away from the event so he could focus on treatment and recovery.

Festival organizers recently confirmed lineup changes that removed both Coal Chamber and Gemini Syndrome from the bill. In their place, Dead Poet Society, No Resolve and Freeze The Fall were added to the festival roster.

While fans may be disappointed by the cancellation, Cox’s latest update offered optimism about his future.

The drummer expressed gratitude to supporters who have followed his battle with cancer and encouraged him throughout the process.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this long cancer journey. Your love, encouragement, and positive energy have meant the world to me,” he added.

Coal Chamber has experienced multiple chapters throughout its career. Formed in Los Angeles in 1992 by vocalist Dez Fafara and guitarist Meegs Rascón, the band became one of the defining acts of the nu-metal movement during the late 1990s.

The group gained recognition with albums including Coal Chamber, Chamber Music and Dark Days. Their cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey,” featuring Ozzy Osbourne, became their most successful charting single in the United States.

After several breakups and reunions over the years, Coal Chamber reunited again in 2022 and returned to touring. The band had planned additional live appearances, including the now-postponed Louder Than Life performance.

Although Coal Chamber will be absent from Louder Than Life 2026, the drummer’s positive medical news may ultimately be the most important development for the band and its supporters.

Related: ’70s Rock Band Announces Lineup Change for 2026 Show

Actress Anne Schedeen, best known for her role as Kate Tanner on ALF, has died. She was 77.

Schedeen's family announced the news of her death on the star's official Facebook page on Sunday, June 14, writing that she "passed peacefully." The family has not shared any other details regarding Schedeen's passing, nor her cause of death.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully," they began a statement on Schedeen's page. "She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip smart humor, delight in her family, adoration for little dogs, burning hatred for Trump, passion for second-hand thrifting, and love for a good story. We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much, as did all who met her."

"She was a force," they continued. "And it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it. But as she said, 'I'm always with you.' And she's right. The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on." 

Schedeen's family encouraged her fans and friends to "raise a margarita in her honor" and asked that, in lieu of flowers, well-wishers donate to one of the late actress' "favorite causes," Habitat for Humanity. "We all love you, Annie," they concluded.

Schedeen is best known for playing Tanner family matriarch Kate Tanner on NBC's iconic sitcomALF, which ran for four seasons from 1986 to 1990.

Her first role on television came in a 1974 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man, with her other credits including appearances on Get Christie Love!, Ironside, McCloud, The Bionic Woman, Paper Dolls, Emergency!, Judging Amy and Marcus Welby, M.D. Schedeen also appeared in the TV moviesPerry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster (1991) and Praying Mantis (1993).

Schedeen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett; daughter Taylor Barrett; daughter-in-law Hilary Flynn; sister Sarabeth Schedeen; niece Minnie Schedeen; brother Roland "Tony" Schedeen; sister-in-law Julieann Schedeen; and rescue dogs Roo and Red.

If your dream travel itinerary involves a heavy dose of timeless elegance, crisp ocean air and the distinct romance of a golden-age sea voyage, you'll want to clear your calendar this November.

There's something fundamentally magical about embarking on a true ocean crossing—unplugging from the real world for a week while a legendary ship carries you across the Atlantic. While standard modern cruise ships are great for island-hopping, there is only one true active ocean liner left on the planet designed specifically to handle the deep waters of the open sea with effortless grace. And right now, she is gearing up for a historic milestone that you could experience completely for free.

To celebrate the upcoming 450th transatlantic crossing of its flagship, the Queen Mary 2, luxury British cruise brand Cunard has just launched an incredible, all-inclusive sweepstakes. Running from now through July 31, 2026, travelers can enter for a chance to win a bucket-list seven-night voyage sailing from Southampton, UK, straight into New York City from November 10–17, 2026.

Related: Why Repositioning Cruises Are the Low-Cost, Slow-Travel Trend to Watch Right Now

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The best part? The grand prize covers absolutely everything you need for a flawless smart-luxury getaway—including the crossing itself, your flights, luxury hotel accommodations in Southampton before you embark, and all of your port transfers.

The timing of the milestone couldn't be more perfect, aligning with the massive summer festivities surrounding America’s 250th anniversary. This July, the Queen Mary 2 will be sailing right into the heart of New York Harbor to join Sail4th 250, taking a front-row seat as part of the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled.

It’s a beautifully poetic nod to maritime history, considering that an estimated one in five immigrants who arrived in the United States between 1840 and 1923 actually made their life-changing journey aboard a Cunard steamship.

Related: 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Luxury Cruise

"Transatlantic travel is the foundation of Cunard’s rich heritage and remains one of the most iconic experiences in luxury travel today," said Liz Fettes, Senior Vice President, Commercial, North America and Australasia at Cunard. "As we prepare to participate in America’s 250th anniversary celebration, it feels especially meaningful to also celebrate Queen Mary 2’s upcoming 450th crossing. This milestone is a testament to the 186 years of history, connection and unforgettable voyages across the Atlantic."

For anyone looking to experience the absolute peak of refined ocean travel, a westbound crossing on the QM2 is the gold standard. Because you are chasing the sunset and moving west, you gain an extra hour of sleep almost every single night of the voyage, giving you the ultimate luxury: time. You can spend those long, blissful days reading in the largest library at sea, taking in a show at the on-board planetarium, learning to fence, or enjoying their legendary white-glove afternoon tea service.

When evening falls, the ship transforms into a sophisticated sanctuary of fine dining, live orchestral music, and spectacular Gala nights where guests dress to the nines. The historic November crossing is even introducing an immersive program of specialized theater and a revival of the ship's vintage Ocean Times newspaper to honor the milestone.

If you want to toss your name into the hat for the ultimate fall getaway, entering is incredibly simple. Just head over to the official portal at www.cunardcrossinggiveaway.com before July 31 to fill out the quick registration form. Once your initial entry is in, you can easily bag a bonus entry by sharing a favorite photo from a past Cunard trip or participating in a quick poll about what you're most excited to experience on board. It turns out the most unforgettable way to cross the Atlantic isn't a cramped overnight flight—it’s stepping onto a legendary liner and letting the journey unfold completely on its own classic terms.

Related: The World’s Most Famous Ocean Liner Where Royalty and Rockstars Once Ruled the Atlantic Sailed Her Maiden Voyage 57 Years Ago Today

Lydia Plath's family confronted her husband, Zac Wyse, over his judgmental comments in the Welcome to Plathville Season 8 finale.

Ahead of the final episode, TLC shared an exclusive clip with Parade that featured a sneak peek of Lydia's parents and siblings discussing issues Zac has with their choices in games, TV shows, and more.

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"Why I felt I needed to speak up was because you guys, knowing Lydia and I—our lifestyle—we wouldn't participate in a lot of those things, normally," he said as they sat outside around a fire pit. "And so it's like for us to even hang out with you, we have to do all these things that we don't really want to do."

To that, Lydia's older brother, Ethan Plath, asked, "Well, is that on the host or the guest?"

Her mother, Kim Plath, also pointed out, "Well, like if you guys don't drink alcohol, and I've got alcohol here, you don't have to drink it."

Zac replied, "But if everything that is happening is something we don't want to do, then it just feels like we're not welcome."

Still, Ethan insisted, "That's not true. You are welcome. And we're trying to be welcoming."

During a confessional with producers, Zac shared, "In seeing the way they walk through in their lives, it seems they want to go in the direction of choosing good or God. And so, when they don't, they're making decisions that maybe aren't so good for their lives."

One example was a seemingly inappropriate game the Plaths played. "If I'm playing a game, and my wife can't talk about the cards that she's dealt because of her moralistic idea of what the words say, sure, I'll say something," Zac said.

'Welcome to Plathville': Lydia's Family Confronts Zac Over Judgmental Comments (Exclusive Clip) (2:33)

Related: Welcome to Plathville: Barry Plath Dishes on Pick-up Lines & Kissing Before Marriage

Meanwhile, Lydia's younger brother, Isaac Plath, admitted, "I didn't enjoy it, personally. But we played countless other games that night. And there were other things we were doing the majority of the time."

Zac noted that he wasn't "generalizing the whole time by any means." However, he shared, "I personally don't think a 16-year-old should be participating in some of these things."

During a conversation with producers, Lydia's father, Barry Plath, said, "Potentially, Zac may be, like, exerting himself, his opinion, in a jurisdiction that he really shouldn't be concerned about. I'm at the point where I trust Amber pretty good. If she's going to make mistakes, then let her make them, and then we can talk about it."

The Plath patriarch concluded, "If someone asks, then give your opinion. If someone's not asking for your opinion, maybe in this gray area, just, you don't need to say anything."

To see how it all plays out, catch the Welcome to Plathville Season 8 finale on Tuesday, June 16, at 10 p.m. ET on TLC and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

Next: Welcome to Plathville: Lydia Plath Sends Direct Message to Rumors About Husband’s Sexuality

As soccer fever ramps up this summer, one fast-food chain is giving fans another reason to get excited.

Church's Texas Chicken is getting in on the World Cup excitement with the launch of its new Golazo Meal, a family-style offering that comes with a limited-edition collectible soccer ball. Available at participating U.S. locations beginning Monday, June 15 while supplies last, the promotion combines game-day comfort food with a keepsake fans can actually take home.

Priced at $39.99, the Golazo Meal includes 20 pieces of Legs & Thighs or Tenders, four large classic sides and 10 Honey-Butter Biscuits. But the real draw for soccer enthusiasts may be the collectible element.

Throughout the summer, Church's will release four different soccer ball designs inspired by some of the sport's most passionate fan bases: the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. A new design will debut each week, giving collectors the chance to track down all four.

READ MORE: Levi’s Had the Perfect Response After FIFA Covered Its Stadium Logo for World Cup

Church's isn't the only company tapping into World Cup excitement. Last month, BuzzBallzunveiled SoccerBallz, a limited-edition line of ready-to-drink cocktails featuring country-inspired flavors and soccer ball-shaped packaging. 

The release includes eight different flavors inspired by various countries and the spirit of the game itself, including "Flags & Freedom," a blend of orange and pineapple, "Fuego Tamarita," a spicy watermelon cocktail, "Caipi Crush," a citrus-forward option and "Smashentina," a melon-flavored drink with a peppery finish. 

As for Church’s, the chain plans to host a youth soccer clinic in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in Houston, followed by a public block party on June 27 featuring games, music and giveaways.

Related: BuzzBallz Introduces 8 New Limited-Edition Flavors Ahead of the World Cup

Sometimes the wait for summer to arrive feels like you're living out the beginning scene of High School Musical 2, looking at the school clock get bigger and bigger like it's mocking you, while you're chanting, "Summer" over and over. Dramatic, we know, but seriously, summer is full of good vibes and vacation time. Summer is synonymous with no school, family time and beaches. Lots of beaches. But when is the first day of summer in 2026,anyway?

While you can go on vacation any time during the year, there's just something about a summer getaway. And summer backyard hangs and summer nights. It might be hot and sweaty, but it's a season so many people look forward to. So, read on to see when summer starts and what it has to do with the summer solstice.

Related: Um, What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox and What Happens During It? (Asking for a Friend)

What Day Is the Start of Summer 2026?

The first day of summer this year is Sunday, June 21, 2026, per the Almanac. That also happens to be the summer solstice, a.k.a. the start of summer.

Is the First Day of Summer Always the Same?

Before we get into what the summer solstice is, you might be wondering: Does summer always start on the same date in June? No, it doesn't, and the same goes for all the seasons. As the Almanac's website reported, the Sun and Earth don't follow the same Gregorian calendar that most of us use.

While our 12-month calendar is meant to coincide with the number of days it takes for the Earth to orbit the Sun, it's not exact. Because there are leap days and other discrepancies, our calendar is slightly off year-to-year, meaning that the days of the solstices and equinoxes are around the same date yearly, but not always the same.

What Is the Summer Solstice?

Photo by Stokpic/Canva

So why does it matter where the Sun's at in Earth's orbit anyway? Why can't the summer solstice just be a set date like Earth Day or Christmas? What even happens during the summer solstice?

As the Almanac reported, the summer solstice "occurs when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky." This starts summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere (where the Sun is at its lowest point).

This means that the summer solstice usually happens between June 20 and June 22. Because our calendar isn't exact year over year, as we said before, the day when the Sun is at this very specific point in the sky is going to change a little bit.

What Actually Happens on the Summer Solstice?

As Britannica reported, due to where the Sun is during the summer solstice, it "maximizes the hours of daylight in the hemisphere where it occurs," meaning that it's the longest day of the year. This means that leading up to the first day of summer, our days are getting longer. And then after this day, our days start to get shorter and shorter until the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Like most astronomical things, the seasons are very cyclical.

When Is the Summer Solstice in 2026?

The summer solstice is on Sunday, June 21, 2026. As TimeandDate reported, it'll take place at 4:24 a.m. ET.

When Does Summer End in 2026?

While meteorologically, summer starts on June 1 and ends on Aug. 31 (because fall begins on Sept. 1 for them), astronomically, summer ends when fall begins on the fall equinox. So this year, summer ends on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 (the first day of fall is Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026).

Related: All of the Fall FAQs—When Does Fall Officially Start? And What Happens During the Fall Equinox?

How Is the Summer Solstice Celebrated? @lucianabelviso

#stonehenge #summersolstice #druid #druids #ritual #celebration #fyp #wicca #pagan #somoteitbe🌛🌕🌜 #solstice2022

♬ original sound - Luciana Belviso-Smith

Obviously, the Gregorian calendar wasn't always used and didn't always exist, so people used to just rely on the Sun and its changing patterns year-round. This not only created ancient traditions that some people still celebrate today, but it also created monuments to track the Sun's position.

One of these monuments is Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, whose sarsen stones "still align with the Sun's movements," per Smithsonian Magazine. As they report, people travel the world to see Stonehenge on the summer solstice because of this and stay up all night to see the Sun set and rise.

Another summer solstice celebration is Midsummer Fests, and no, we're not talking about the Florence Pugh-led movie, Midsommar, although that is an example of a midsummer fest. But non-murderous midsummer celebrations have roots dating back to ancient Germanic, Slav and Celtic tribes who would celebrate in pagan tradition with bonfires, according to TimeandDate. But as Britannica reported, Scandinavian people are synonymous with Midsummer. It's a holiday that marked the halfway point of their harvest season and landed on the summer solstice.

These Midsummer traditions then led to Christian versions as the religion spread, taking the pagan celebration and infusing it with Christianity. This turned into Midsummer celebrations that also honored St. John the Baptist's feast day and involved bonfires, fireworks and the Maypole.

In terms of modern ways to celebrate the summer solstice and the beginning of summer, there are Midsummer celebrations all over the world you can attend (even though they definitely don't look like the 1500s traditions). On top of traveling to historic places like Stonehenge, you can hold your own Midsummer fest with a bonfire and good times. Plus, per Smithsonian Magazine, different places have their own traditions, like in Fairbanks, Alaska, where people watch a baseball game that starts at 10 p.m. on June 21 every year because it's daylight until past midnight.

Related: Celebrate the Official Start of Summer With These 50 Summer Solstice Quotes

Whitechapel, the heavy metal band, announced an exciting update for fans.

Fronted by Phil Bozeman, along with lead guitarist Ben Savage, rhythm guitarist Alex Wade, guitarist Zach Householder, bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Brandon Zackey, the band took to social media to unveil the special news to fans.

In an Instagram update, the "Hymns in Dissonance" hitmaker proudly announced its upcoming North American tour this fall in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

According to the band, the highly anticipated event kicks off on Nov. 11 in Atlanta and will cover major cities such as Toronto, Denver, Seattle, Baltimore, Dallas and Anaheim among others before concluding in Pelham, Tennessee, in December.

The 26-date run will also feature deathcore bands Chelsea Grin, The Acacia Strain and rising group Netherwalker as special guests on selected dates.

Phil Bozeman of the American extreme metal band Whitechapel performs on stage at La Riviera on October 18, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

Mariano Regidor/WireImage

“When we started this band in 2006, we would have never thought 20 years later that we would be here, and now we are setting out on our biggest headlining tour to date. Joining us will be our friends who need no introduction, @chelseagrinofficial and @theacaciastrain, as well as deathcore up-and-comers @netherwalkerofficial,” the caption reads.

View this post on Instagram Whitechapel’s 20th Anniversary Tour Dates:

Nov. 11 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

Nov. 13 – Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues

Nov. 14 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

Nov. 16 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte

Nov. 17 – McKees Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theatre

Nov. 19 – Baltimore, MD @ Nevermore Hall

Nov. 20 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

Nov. 21 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

Nov. 22 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS

Nov. 24 – Toronto, ON @ HISTORY

Nov. 25 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre

Nov. 28 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

Nov. 29 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore

Dec. 1 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

Dec. 3 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center

Dec. 4 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall

Dec. 5 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo

Dec. 7 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24

Dec. 8 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

Dec. 9 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

Dec. 11 – San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre

Dec. 12 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom

Dec. 13 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

Dec. 14 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

Dec. 16 – Cincinnati, OH @ The Andrew J. Brady Music Center

Dec. 18 – Pelham, TN @ The Caverns

The two-month run will mark a special milestone for the band as Whitechapel has evolved from an underground favorite into one of heavy metal's most commercially successful bands.

Related: '70s Rock Band, Formed as Iconic Supergroup, Released One of the ‘Greatest Albums’ of All Time

Sally Field thought she was going to "pass out" on her first date with Burt Reynolds.

The Oscar-winning actress, 79, spoke candidly on the latest episode of TCM's Talking Pictures podcast about the nerve-racking start of her relationship with her Smokey and the Bandit co-star, who died in 2018 at the age of 82.

Field recalled initially getting a call from Reynolds as he sussed her out as a potential Smokey and the Bandit co-star, which "shocked" the young actress, as she was best known at the time for starring in ABC's teen sitcomGidget and the TV movie Sybil.

"I was so shocked that he would call me, and I thought, 'He couldn't have seen Sybil, because boy, I look really like a very mentally ill person in it,'" Field remembered. "And he said, 'No, I hadn't seen it. I just always liked you in Gidget.'"

Field agreed to meet Reynolds for a date, but admitted she was "so nervous" she feared she would "pass out."

"I hadn't really ever been on any dates," the Remarkably Bright Creatures star explained. "I started when I was 18 in television, and the whole world of that ilk was swept away from me."

When the time for their date came, Field said she felt completely out of her depth, as Reynolds' bodyguard had to be the one to knock on her door.

"I went down, and I remember just sort of being a fool, a clown. I only know how to be a clown when I'm nervous," she recalled, adding that the evening was "all a blur" due to her nerves. "Like, what was I doing there? I didn't know. I had learned how to be an actor, but I didn't know how to do that. I didn't know how to be that girl."

Field and Reynolds would go on to have a tumultuous five-year relationship starting in 1976, and today, the Steel Magnolias star remembers him as a "wonderful, but incredibly complicated" man.

The pageantry of the monarchy took to the streets of London this weekend, but for some, the illusion didn’t hold.

As the Trooping the Colour carriage rolled past the crowds on June 13, the traditional cheers were momentarily drowned in a sea of bright yellow placards. The internet watched Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louiswatch a crowd that booed the monarchy while holding protest signs. The reaction across the internet, particularly on platforms like Reddit, was visceral. “The fact that there is a princess (or whatever she is) in a literal carriage riding around with her kids in 2026 is bizarre. abolish the monarchy.”

The contrast between the monarchy and the cost-of-living crisis is too sharp for some royal watchers. But the real anger this weekend was directed at the adults of The Firm. Social media watchers felt the organization used the kids as ‘human shields’ against criticism that set the internet on fire.

“There were anti monarchy protesters at the last trooping event too. It's completely on William and Cate for parading the kids as child shields. They could've easily left them at home the same way Edward and his wife left theirs at home. It's not like they are lacking any nannies. Or servants.”

Kate Middleton looking angry and the kids looking completely uncomfortable and confused, getting booed during trooping the colour. If looks could kill. Princess Kate didn't like that. pic.twitter.com/5Vz1ymbhf6

— Nina (@ShakeLS) June 13, 2026

Royal watchers feel the palace relies on the young royals to soften its image. But the royal critics aren't buying the fairytale anymore. “Excellent. More. How do you bring a child into this life and explain to them they are chosen by god and will be working from the moment they are born. Their lives are not their own. They are public dolls. I wonder how the monarchy explain it to them and i wonder how other 'lesser' nobles see it and explain it to their kids Too. 'We are simply better than everyone' lmao So then when those kids are faced with a public who shouts 'not my king' i wonder how that changes what they think. How do the parents explain that contradiction? 'We are simply better than them, they just don't know it or believe it' lmao.”

Over on X, one user put it bluntly about the Princess of Wales' reaction: "If looks could kill. Princess Kate didn't like that." Another user agreed that the situation seemed awkward, "Charlotte looks like she wants to cry and Louis looks confused. Why subject your kids to this?" Over on Reddit, commenters thought the weight of being born into a life of duty and obligation hangs heavy over the whole spectacle.  “Think of how small Prince Harry was when he had to be watched by the world walking behind his mum's coffin while strangers literally screamed at him. Think of how Diana wanted to cancel her wedding when she found out Charles loved Camilla but felt she couldn't because a million commemorative tea towels had already been printed. Harry and William clearly wanting to be everyday members of the military but not allowed. Charles packed off to a physically and emotionally freezing boarding school and bullied relentlessly. The whole thing is weird [...] for the individuals simultaneously elevated and scrutinised, told they're special but permitted very little autonomy.”

Some think the conversation hasn’t shifted, it’s changed completely. Commenters say the public tolerance for another expensive coronation after that of King Charles' is virtually zero. Others think William has a bit of Diana’s leftover stardust which might keep him afloat, but say that the younger generation has no tolerance for the the grandeur of the monarchy.

“The royals should be embarrassed at this point. Taking everyone’s money to fund their lifestyle. It’s a scam. They are literally “famous” and “important” because of their bloodline, not anything they did on their own. I’d feel uncomfortable if I were them.”

According to social media critics, Prince George might want to start looking at university brochures. He likely won't ever see the inside of Westminster Abbey with a crown on his head.

A New York Times Modern Love essay turned memoir is now heading to Netflix—with Gwyneth Paltrow set to play Belle Burden. And as the project takes another surprising turn, Burden is opening up about the casting and why she says Paltrow is a perfect match.

Beyond the uncanny resemblance, Burden said the 53-year-old actress immediately connected with Strangers, which chronicles the sudden breakdown of her marriage during the early COVID-19 lockdown.

“We met in person, and we also met over Zoom, and I just think she's wonderful,” Burden recently told E! News. “She really understood the book, she really connected with it emotionally, and I think she'll take great care of it.” 

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She added, reflecting on how Paltrow has only just returned to acting. “I think it's so exciting that she's returning to acting,” Burden said. “I thought she was amazing in Marty Supreme, so I'm really excited about her playing the part. It's a great honor, really. I can't quite believe that she is playing me.”

Burden also reflected on how the journey from essay to film is truly a long, strange trip. “After it came out, two editors contacted me and said, ‘This should be a book,’” she recounted after her Modern Love essay was released, but a friend's reaction was, “‘Well, you're not going to do that. The Modern Love is enough, right? You're stopping now.’” 

But she pushed back. “I was like, ‘No, actually, I'm going to write a book. I have so much more to say,’” Burden said. “And I realized in that moment that I really, really wanted to write a book—a full-length piece about this experience.”

Burden also noted that while the raw wounds were still there, enough time had passed so she had a better perspective. “I think I started writing at exactly the right point, because I had some distance from it to have some perspective,” she shared. “But I also was close enough that I could feel the emotions and remember the details and the sort of texture of that time.” 

She also shared how she was able to write about her family with abandon. “I think the hardest part of it really is to write without fear and not think so much about how individual people are going to receive it—especially people who are in the book—and worry about that later,” she remarked. “So, I really tried to put fear aside, and it was emotional—the whole process was emotional—but I also enjoyed it.”

Robert De Niromade a surprise appearance at Sunday’s “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert for the First Amendment in New York City, and he certainly had something to say. 

It looks like De Niro has something in common withDonald Trump: They both want to make America great again. But in very different ways. During a passionate speech, the legendary actor shared, “For most of my life, I did love this country. The United States of America welcomed my immigrant ancestors and gave me, my family, and my fellow citizens such rich opportunities and extraordinary freedoms. I want to love my country again. I want my country back.”

Organized and headlined byJane Fonda, the star-studded event for free speech featured Bette Midler, Patti Smith, Julia Roberts, Sasha Allen, Joy Reid, Rufus Wainwright, and a surprise by Academy Award winner, De Niro.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 14: Jane Fonda speaks onstage during the Committee for the First Amendment Concert on June 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for the Committee for the First Amendment)

The actor got a laugh and a rousing chorus of applause when he took the stage, opening with, “And welcome to all of you who couldn’t get tickets to the White House cage fight.” 

De Niro continued, explaining, “I’m devoted to our Constitution's First Amendment. All parts of it, not just the free speech part. That said, I’m pretty close to being a free speech absolutist. Even speech I don’t like, and there’s plenty of that around, so when I hear something I don’t like, I use my own free speech to respond.”

Never one to shy away from saying what’s on his mind, the outspoken critic of the president added, “When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situations, not even a little bit.” I say, ‘Shut the f*** up’.” Booming cheers broke out as fans stood to applaud the actor. “On Wednesday, Trump said, ‘I love the inflation.’ Now say it with me, ‘Shut the f*** up!’.” And as De Niro requested, the audience joined him, echoing the harsh words in a defiant chant.

De Niro bashed Trump and his presidency, saying, “The phrase ‘we all love our country’ stuck in my throat. Because our country isn’t so lovable right now. I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser. I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more. I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class.”

But De Niro didn’t end there: “I can’t love a country that sends masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbors, and separate families. I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. And let me just say it—I can’t love a country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.”

Following the event, fans took to social media praising De Niro’s words with comments (on Reddit) such as, “Well said!” and, “My heroes, in no particular order: The Boss, Robert De Niro, Neil Young. They’ve lived their convictions. They don’t make excuses, they don’t trust frauds.” 

Others commented on a TikTok video showcasing the actor’s speech, saying, “Robert De Niro is a star in so many ways! Great asset to our country,” and, “No one could have said it better than Mr. Robert De Niro! 100.”

In 1981, Ellen Travolta made her debut on Happy Days, playing Louisa Arcola, the mother of Scott Baio’s Chachi, for five episodes. Travolta also played the character in the short-lived Joanie Loves Chachi spinoff, where she was married to Arnold’s Drive-In owner Al Delvecchio (Al Molinaro).

Travolta, 86, recently reunited with Baio on The Scott Baio Podcast, where they looked back on their days as a TV mother and son.

Travolta told Baio she didn’t even have to audition for the part. “They were aware of me,” she said of the show’s producers. “They called me and said, ‘We would like to have you come in and play Scott Baio's mother.’ I didn't read or anything. …So, I came in and guested as your mother.“

The episode, titled “Hello, Mrs. Arcola,” aired on Feb. 24, 1981, on ABC and featured a funny storyline about Chachi inviting his then-girlfriend Joanie (Erin Moran) over for dinner to meet his eccentric and sometimes embarrassing family.

“I was certainly [nervous],” Travolta recalled of her debut on the hit comedy series. “I did that, and it was a big success, that first time I did.”

'Happy Days' cast members in 'Hello, Mrs. Arcola.'

Photo by ABC Photo Archives on Getty Images

Travolta was feeling more confident when she was invited for a subsequent appearance on the show months later. But she received a director’s note that was a little harsh.

“I came back, and then they picked me up,” she said. “I was going to be kind of a semi-regular, right? And we did the show, rehearsed it, and [director] Jerry Paris said to me, ‘What happened to you? You're not funny anymore.’"

“I knew he had put all the rest of them in therapy, but I thought, ‘Wow, what's going to happen to me? What's going to happen to me?’” she added of the legendary director's blunt critique. “So anyway, I didn't know what to do. Of course, we filmed it and it was funny, but then later I asked him about that, many years later. He said, ‘I would never say that to [an actor].’”

RELATED: ‘Happy Days’ Guest Star’s 1978 Debut Changed Everything

Jerry Paris pulled out all the stops to get the perfect cut

Baio and Travolta both agreed that Paris, who died in 1986, was a great guy and a “brilliant” director who helmed nearly every episode of Happy Days. But Baio noted that Paris could turn at the drop of a hat.

“He had some kind of issue where he would just turn. And mean, mean as a rattlesnake,” Baio recalled. “And you know, you didn't know what the hell was going on, but he would say things in front of the audience to actors, and I'd sit there go, ‘Is this man out of his mind?’”

Travolta also recalled Paris once rejecting a child actress who was brought in to say two lines, telling her, “I don't want you. …I want the other girl."

Baio chimed in to add that there was another time that Paris insulted a child actress who had trouble playing a scene in which she was supposed to look sad.

“She doesn't look sad,” Baio shared. “Jerry cuts, and he says, ‘Okay, I need a close-up of the girl looking sad.’ And he says, ‘Come on, honey. Look sad. Look sad.’ … And I see him now getting steamed. And he goes, ‘Honey, think of how fat you are. Think of how ugly you are.’ And the girl just [cried]. And he goes, ‘Cut! Print it.’”

Baio clarified that while Paris would sometimes say some crazy things, he was usually “sweet and fun.”

“And I loved him,” he added. The actor also noted that the first episode Travolta appeared on was the only time that Paris was nominated for an Emmy Award for Happy Days.

There’s no doubt that Paris was beloved by the Happy Days cast. Co-star Don Most once told the Pop Goes the Culture podcast that his character, Ralph Malph, was partly based on Paris. “Jerry was a funny guy and a wonderful director, and he loved to be on and be the comic,” Most said. “And  I think a lot of Ralph’s personality came from Jerry.”

The actor even stole his character’s famous “I still got it” catchphrase from Paris.

RELATED: Henry Winkler Addresses Rumors That ‘Laverne & Shirley’ Stars Were a ‘Nightmare’

Jerry Paris once explained his directorial methods

Paris, who started as an actor, playing Jerry the dentist on The Dick Van Dyke Show, was encouraged to become a director by Carl Reiner. It turned out to be the perfect career move.

"As a director, you can participate in all the colorful things you couldn't do as a supporting actor," Paris once said, per MeTV. "If I have a skill, it's an ability to see the end of the road. I know how to get around problems.”

He further explained in a TV interview with Good Day! host Eileen Prose, “When you do comedy every week, you try to do the kind of a suddenness, I call it the creativeness from the actor, and that the camera people should sit down and watch. Then they can understand what we're doing. Not come in at the last second and just say, ‘I want to close up here or a two-shot here and a three here.'"

Paris also compared actors to children playing in a sandbox.

"If you're not unhappy and throw sand at each other, you can have a good time," he said. "And then the director can jump in in the middle of a scene while we're rehearsing with Henry Winkler and Ronny Howard and Marion Ross… and then I can jump in right in the scene and say, ‘Listen, I got a better idea if you just did this, now say the line that way to each other and then look away, maybe it'll work. And they do it, and we get a laugh out of the line.”

Related: Ellen Travolta Explains Why ‘Joanie Loves Chachi’ Failed 43 Years Ago

Beloved ABC New York anchor Bill Ritter shared an emotional final broadcast with the audience of ABC7's Eyewitness News as he made a "very personal" announcement about his health.

The 76-year-old journalist, who first joined the New York station in 1999, revealed during the 6 p.m. broadcast on Friday, June 12, that while he had already moved from the 11 p.m. time slot to spend more time with his family, that time had become "even more important" as of late.

"But spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn," Ritter said. "After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's."

He continued, "This is called early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now. But there is no guarantee here, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."

Despite his decision to step back from broadcasting, Ritter will stay on at ABC 7 NY as the station digs "deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer's and other similar diseases."

Ritter is no "stranger" to Alzheimer's, as his father also suffered from the disease when he died in 1998, and the ABC personality has long been "active in the fight to stop Alzheimer's."

At the end of his emotional farewell, Ritter said, "I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace. Let's take care of each other."

Ritter first began his career in broadcasting at Los Angeles' KTTV and KCAL, as well as San Diego's KNSD. In 1993, he joined ABC as a Good Morning AmericaSundayco-anchor before moving to ABC 7 NY's Eyewitness News in 1999.

If you’ve spent any time planning a Walt Disney World vacation over the last few years, you know that meeting your favorite characters usually requires a lot of strategy. Between refreshing the My Disney Experience app or standing in a switchback queue for forty-five minutes, traditional meet-and-greets are undoubtedly magical—but they require careful planning to balance with your ride itinerary. But right now, a beautifully reimagined corner of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is completely flipping the script, and park purists are officially calling it the absolute best character experience on property.

The excitement is centered directly in the newly refreshed Walt Disney Studios Courtyard (the area long known to nostalgic guests as the Animation Courtyard). The entire zone has been undergoing a massive, highly anticipated glow-up that breathes fresh life into a classic studio-lot theme modeled after Disney's actual Burbank studios—complete with a towering Sorcerer Mickey Hat now crowning the main building.

Related: I Ditched My iPhone for a ’90s-Style Disney Vacation—And My Kids Actually Loved It

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While the park recently debuted a gorgeous new open-air look along the main thoroughfares, clever design touches like "Pluto's Corner," and a popular new snack kiosk featuring a collectible Chip 'n' Dale sipper, the biggest pieces of the puzzle are still safely under wraps behind construction walls. It’s a total, thoughtful reimagining of a classic space that already feels incredibly charming, making it a perfect morning or afternoon destination for families and lifelong fans alike.

While those major indoor attractions are still putting on the finishing touches, guests have a limited-time opportunity to experience the area’s biggest draw out in the open. Right now, Disney is utilizing the open-air plaza for an entirely new style of character interactions. According to a recent report by the theme park insiders at WDWMAGIC, the area "has quickly become one of the best spots at Walt Disney World for character interactions, with multiple characters now relocated to the new space and roaming freely throughout the area."

"What makes this different from a standard character meet-and-greet is the format. There are no queues," the WDWMAGIC staff highlights. "Characters move freely through the courtyard, stopping to interact with guests as they go."

Instead of waiting behind rope barriers, you might find Rapunzel or Mulan hanging out on the grassy areas, casually reading stories to groups of children, or playing impromptu games. Meanwhile, Disney icons like Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck and Chip 'n' Dale weave directly through the plaza all day long. As the insiders note, "It feels less like a formal meet-and-greet and more like stumbling across characters going about their day on a studio lot—which fits the area's theming perfectly." On busier afternoons, you can find up to five characters out simultaneously, with their appearance windows easily trackable right on your phone.

Related: 15 Free Things You Can Do at Walt Disney World Without Entering the Parks

It’s also an incredibly efficient spot to build into your itinerary if you’re traveling with little ones or looking to maximize your afternoon. The courtyard is a literal one-stop shop for entertainment, pulling double duty as the home of the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! stage show (which runs eight times daily), while the highly anticipated The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure is just a short stroll away inside the neighboring Studio Theater. Pairing the world-class live theater with the interactive character lot covers a massive, high-value chunk of your park day without forcing you to hike across the entirey of Hollywood Studios.

If you want to experience this old-school, spontaneous magic for yourself, you’ll want to book your park days sooner rather than later. The free-roaming setup is a temporary treat tied to the final phase of the neighborhood's construction. Later this summer, the neighboring facility will officially reopen as "The Magic of Disney Animation"—featuring a brand-new indoor theater experience, an animation academy, and "Drawn to Wonderland," a massive, air-conditioned indoor playground inspired by legendary Disney illustrator Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concepts.

Because of these upcoming grand openings, the outdoor fun has a hard expiration date. "When the building opens, some of these character interactions will move indoors to the Off the Page! meet-and-greet area," the WDWMAGIC team warns. "At that point, the format will shift back to a more traditional setup with dedicated spaces for each character."

For now, the open-air, unscripted courtyard experience is a refreshing, nostalgic reminder of what makes the parks so special in the first place—and it’s absolutely worth taking advantage of before the summer season wraps up.

Related: 10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World This Summer

Turns out Leslie Knope was one creative pivot away from battling a centuries-old curse. Widow's Bay creator Katie Dippold revealed that her hit Apple TV+ horror-comedy originally started as a Parks & Recreation spec script. Still, the Pawnee version was so joke-heavy that she isn't even sure she would've tuned in herself.

Widow’s Bay is basically Pawnee if the town’s biggest headache wasn’t Lil’ Sebastian’s memorial service, but an island crawling with supernatural horrors.

And instead of Knope’s relentless civic sunshine, you’ve got Matthew Rhys’ mayor as her dark alternate timeline—like Knope if her color-coded binders of optimism slowly got replaced by a centuries-old curse and the creeping realization that no amount of public service can save the town. Add in a deeply drawn ensemble of misfit locals, and the series lands somewhere between the earnest heart of Parks and Recreation and a full-throated, creeping horror story with teeth.

“I wrote it as a spec script for Parks & Recreation, but that version was much jokier,” she recently told Deadline. “It was more comedic, and I think it gave a good idea of my sense of humor. But I don’t know that I would have watched that show, because I think it could have felt more like a spoof, and as a horror fan, I just wanna be immersed into the island.”

In the quirkiest, most Knope-iest way, Dippold explained how she wanted to actually feel the isolation of being on a New England island that she wanted to "feel like I could go explore this island and find all the little nooks and crannies and terrifying little spots. That’s my dream, but I’m strange. So, that’s sort of how it started.”

She continued: “I would say the initial spark is a feeling I’ve been trying to capture ever since childhood—I always talk about going to this boardwalk in New Jersey in Long Branch. Once a summer, I would go with my family, and when I say I was way too young for it, I mean I was like 6, and this place was lawless and terrifying. But I loved it. I was just so giddy, the anticipation of going in, and I would scream and I would laugh."

Dippold added, “And then once we left, I’d run out screaming, but then I would immediately want to go back in again. It was almost kind of a dangerous excitement. I used to get into all sorts of antics when I was young, me and my friends going to check out the abandoned house and then running off, and I just love that feeling because you’re so scared, but you’re laughing so hard, and I just wanted to get that feeling on television. So, that’s sort of where it started."

The Widow's Bay Season 1 finale is available to stream on Wednesday, June 17, on Apple TV+.

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys, airing on Bravo and Peacock, is a real-life soap opera that immediately draws you in, with beautiful natural landscapes that serve as the backdrop for plenty of not-so-beautiful tension and conflict. Some critics have compared the show to Yellowstone—but I would describe it as more like Orange County Choppers, except with horses instead of motorcycles. Think lots of drama—involving both the family and the family business—but also plenty of tight sibling bonds and a fair share of laughs.

The reality show—now on its third season—revolves around the McBee family, owners of McBee Farm & Cattle Co. in Gallatin, Missouri. The family name also appears on several other affiliated brands, including McBee Meat Company and McBee’s Coffee N Carwash.  

The first season was dominated by two main storylines: Patriarch Steve McBee’s complicated romantic life and the company’s precarious financial situation. The latter of which the family hoped to solve by pursuing a major venture capital investment that ultimately failed to materialize.

In the second season, Steve McBee doesn’t appear on-screen—he is presumably focused on his legal issues, having pleaded guilty to federal crop insurance fraud in November 2024. But his romantic entanglements (and the fallout from them) still get plenty of attention. And financial stress continues to be a major worry, with son Steven McBee, Jr. mentioning a looming $6 million debt that could put the farm in jeopardy.

On the personal front, the four McBee brothers get into plenty of squabbles among themselves but circle the wagons if an outsider dares to come after one of their own—as Steven Jr.’s now ex-girlfriend Calah Jackson found out during a confrontation with Cole McBee during last week’s episode.  

The third season preview shows continuing financial and legal troubles, as well as more drama within the personal relationships of the family members, and even a mystery pregnancy test.

Want to get up to speed on the McBee family tree? Here are the main players you need to know.

Related: ‘RHOC’s Shannon Beador Reveals Which Moment From the Show Made Her Cry for Months (Exclusive)

Steve McBee

Not an official member of the cast for the current season, the patriarch founded the family farm with a purchase of 300 acres in the late 1990s. He and his ex-wife Kristi were married for 28 years and had four children before getting divorced due in large part, according to Kristi, to Steve’s infidelities. After the company faced some setbacks, he stepped away from his leadership role (a decision we now know happened around the same time as his plea in the criminal case). He is currently serving a two-year prison sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Yankton, South Dakota.

Steven McBee, Jr. Steven McBee, Jr. (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The oldest of the four brothers, Steven has taken over the company leadership role in the wake of his father’s departure. He might look familiar to reality TV fans because this isn’t his first (reality) rodeo. He appeared in Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer back in 2022, and that’s where he met Calah Jackson, who became his on-again, off-again girlfriend.

Jesse McBee Jesse McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

Dubbed “the pretty boy” by his brothers, Jesse oversees the company’s construction operations. He married his high school sweetheart, Alli Ventresca, in October 2024 and the couple welcomed daughter Summer in April 2025.  

Cole McBee Cole McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The “wild child” of the four, Cole focuses on overseeing in-field farming operations. He and fiancee Kacie Adkisonwelcomed daughter Blair in December 2024 and are currently expecting their second child.

Brayden McBee Brayden McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The youngest of the brothers, Brayden lived primarily with his mother after his parents’ divorce and has said he didn’t have as close of a relationship with his father as his brothers did. He works on the farm and appeared on the show only sporadically in the first season, but has a more visible role in Season 2.

Galyna Saltkovska Galyna Saltkovska (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

The company CFO, Galyna was dating Steve McBee in Season 1, but the relationship imploded when she discovered he was also seeing other women. She continues to work for the family business.

Kristi McBee Kristi McBee (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Mother of the four sons, who jokingly refer to her as “Mama McBee,” Kristi is the president of a successful communications company and is also known as the peacemaker of the group. Kristi shies away from the limelight, doesn’t have public social media accounts, and didn’t appear much on-screen in Season 1. But she had a more visible role in Season 2, perhaps feeling the need to fill in the on-screen parental hole left by Steve’s absence from the show.

Calah Jackson Calah Jackson (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

Calah and Steven Jr. seem to have had a drama-filled relationship marked by frequent break-ups and make-ups.

Alli Ventresca McBee Alli Ventresca (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Stephanie Diani/Bravo

Now married to Jesse McBee, the nurse practitioner celebrated her 30th birthday by becoming a mom to daughter Summer in April 2025.

Kacie Adkison Kacie Adkinson (Stephanie Diani/Bravo)

Kacie has experienced some emotional and, at times, tearful moments with boyfriend Cole McBee over the course of the show so far, and the couple became parents to daughter Blair in December 2024. She is currently pregnant with their second child.

Related: Everything We Know About 'Next Gen NYC' Season 2