Inclusive Adventures
Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Disneyland and Legoland have made some improvements — for children of all abilities. New and Improved Mickey’s Toontown Mickey’s Toontown has reopened at Disneyland and while the land has been updated extensively in design, there’s one big focus underlying many of the changes: inclusivity. “We got a lot of guests who utilize our parks in different ways, who see, hear, feel our experiences in different ways. And we wanted every child to know that when it came to this land, this land was designed for them. That they were seen and that this place was welcoming...
Autism and Fanfiction
‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories. A study led by UC Irvine researchers and published in January in the Journal of Literacy Research found that those with autism—along with family members, teachers and advocates—use “Harry Potter” fanfiction to cast autistic characters in their stories that can help challenge stereotypes. “We expected to find that fanfiction authors with autism, or friends, family members and close advocates of autistic individuals, would write about autism in ways that challenged pervasive stereotypes about neurological difference that are often found in popular media,” said Rebecca W. Black, UCI associate professor...
Reader’s Choice Awards— Winners 2022
From food, fun for families, education, beauty and more we bring you the best of the best in Orange County you won’t want to miss — selected by our readers.
Moms with Unique Passions
Meet these fascinating local moms with driving passions ranging from Bollywood dance to scare acting. Apra Bhandari Family: Daughter, Saanvi,…
Q&A with a Lifeguard
City of Newport Beach Lifeguard Department Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda answers important questions about beach safety in time for the summer season.
Knott’s Berry Farm to Open Crafty’s Kitchen
Rendering of the new Crafty's Kitchen. Photo Courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm Knott’s Berry Farm is getting a new themed restaurant this summer, expanding on the story of Crafty Coyote, from the Knott’s Bear-y Tales ride. Starting April 15, what’s now Johnny Rockets will begin its transformation into Crafty’s Kitchen, based on Crafty Coyote — who’s known for stealing pies from the adjacent Knott’s Beary Factory in the Weird Woods of Knott’s Bear-y Tales. Serving chicken and fries, guests can expect plump chicken tenders, crispy wings, a take on chicken and biscuits and various “pup sauces.” There will also be...
Tasty Highlights from Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Disney California Adventure’s Food & Wine Festival is back, through April 27, with a long menu of food and drink items, live entertainment and culinary demonstrations, ready to bring out your inner foodie. This year’s festival offers eight marketplaces, with both new and returning items, that guests can find at locations throughout the park. Sip and Savor Passes are available for four items ($34) and eight items ($64) for use on select food items and non-alcoholic beverages from festival marketplaces and participating locations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSa3YO9M56s Some of the menu highlights are: California Punch — a non-alcoholic blend of mango purée, guava...