Ashley Carter

@ashleycarter.bsky.social

Journalist turned digital creator. Posts about theme parks, movies, TV, business, pop culture and other interests. https://linktr.ee/ashleylcarter

The Los Angeles Lakers to be sold for $12.5B to an ownership group led by Bob Iger (former Disney CEO) and Josh Kushner, ESPN is reporting. The deal comes a year after the LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter bought the team for $10B. The sale has to be approved by the NBA's board of governors.

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The Kingdom Hearts panel at D23 will be livestreamed on YouTube on Aug. 15 at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. The panel will feature special guests Nana Gadd, Tai Yasue, Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, and Renée Johnson.

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Leadership shake-up: SeaWorld Orlando has named Brad Gilmour as the new park president. Gilmour, who been with the company for 23 years, will continue to oversee Aquatica and Discovery Cove. He replaces Jon "JP" Peterson. SeaWorld didn't give a reason for Peterson's departure.

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Disney+ has ordered a pilot for a 'Spaceship Earth' series inspired by the EPCOT attraction. Jason Fuchs ('It: Welcome to Derry') will serve as showrunner and executive producer, with Lee Toland Krieger ('You,' 'Riverdale') set to direct.

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Universal Orlando holidays runs Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, 2027. Special holiday décor is coming to Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe. Also, Celestial Park’s cosmic winter wonderland will return.

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Joe Schott is now president of Walt Disney World. In a message accompanied by a photo with outgoing president Jeff Vahle, Schott shared his priorities: 'My focus is simple: support our Cast Members, deliver exceptional Guest experiences and build on our strong foundation.'

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In an earnings call today, Comcast confirmed what many of us who frequent the parks have seen this summer: slow attendance. Executives said attendance 'softened' at Universal's Orlando parks and it's a trend the company is seeing across the broader Orlando market.

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All Fear with Express Pass products for Halloween Horror Nights have been discontinued, Universal Orlando has confirmed. The decision, Universal says, is part of "an effort to provide the best Halloween Horror Nights experience for all guests."

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Visit Orlando's Magical Dining begins next month and more than 30 new restaurants are part of the lineup this year, including two Epic Universe options: Bar Helios and Flora Taverna at Universal Helios Hotel.

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Neil Patrick Harris will host the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on Aug. 15 at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney has announced. The presentation will include behind-the-scenes looks, performances, announcements and more.

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Universal Orlando has launched a new Florida resident ticket deal. The 2-Park Unlimited Days ticket costs $199 and includes unlimited visits to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through Dec. 16.

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Universal Orlando announces limited-capacity, after-hours event for Epic Universe called Universal Nights. The event, set for Oct. 3 and Oct. 17, includes access to attractions, entertainment, characters and complimentary snacks. Tickets on sale Aug. 13 and start at $179.99.

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Got some information from Disney about the fire at it's a small world on Wednesday: A guest's charger sparked a small fire. Cast members acted quickly, using a fire extinguisher to put it out before firefighters arrived. No injuries. Ride was shut down breifly and reopened that day.

Physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028, PlayStation has announced, citing 'shifting trends in consumer preference."

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The large gingerbread house is not returning to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort this holiday season. Disney World has added an update about the change to its website: "To help keep the lobby flowing smoothly for Resort Guests, the traditional large gingerbread house will not be offered this year."

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I watched The Invite again tonight, and I liked it even more the second time around. This movie is hilarious, smart and touching with an engaging story that goes in some unexpected places. Every performance is fantastic. This is one of the best movies of the year. #filmsky

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Comcast has announced plans to spin off NBCUniversal into a separate company. After the spit, NBCUniversal will include the Universal Pictures, NBC, Telemundo, Bravo, NBC News, Peacock streaming service, Sky and the Universal theme parks division.

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Jollywood Nights returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios on select nights from Nov. 7 through Jan. 5. Here are the exact event dates: *November 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 *December 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23 *January 3, 5 Tickets go on sale July 16.

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Universal Orlando has announced another haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 35: H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular! For this original house, H.R. Bloodengutz returns to WKNB TV station for Halloween special filled with ghouls, gore and frights.

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Disney World announces new experiences coming to The Boardwalk later this year: *Hurly-Burly, a new lounge with family-friendly activities during that will transform into a 21+ live music venue at night *Basin, a store with handcrafted bath and body products

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