Caribbean Beach Resort
Construction Begins at Caribbean Beach Resort (May 1)
It was announced in February that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort’s “Centertown” complex, which features retail and dining, will be getting a makeover. The expansion will include new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. As part of this work, buildings within Martinique and Barbados islands will be unavailable beginning this May. The reported Gondola transport system may be a part of this work as well as a long-rumored Disney Vacation Club element.
Truth & Iliza Debuts on Freeform (May 2)
Comedian Iliza Shlesinger is bringing her incisive perspective to a new weekly late-night talk show as Truth & Iliza starts its six-week run. The show will serve as a platform for Iliza’s societal observations and sketches fueled by her opinions as well as in-studio celebrity guest and expert interviews.
Black-ish Spinoff “Liberal Arts” Pilot Airs (May 3)
ABC is developing a spinoff to their hit Black-ish and they are testing out the show as a “backdoor pilot.” This means that the first episode of the potential new series is airing as an installment of the mother series. In “Liberal Arts” the Johnson’s eldest daughter, Zoey (Yara Shahidi) heads off to college and quickly discovers that not everything goes her way once she leaves the nest.
Star Wars Day (May 4)
It is that time again. It’s Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You). Expect special deals on Star Wars merchandise and plenty of online celebration. Follow along with LaughingPlace.com, the entire day to celebrate the most popular saga in the history of the movies.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5)
Today James Gunn returns to eclectic galaxy savers as Peter Quill meets his father. Look to LaughingPlace.com all week for coverage of the latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
It is the annual day where you can visit your local comic book shop and pick up free comics. Marvel will have two books available including a look at their next big event. In Secret Empire, the Marvel Universe is under siege from the greatest threat it has ever known. The Avengers, the X-Men, the Defenders, the Champions, the Inhumans, Spider-Man and more must hold together as an unwavering front. Yet even their combined might may not be enough to withstand the awesome power of Hydra.
Disney Fairytale Weddings
Fairytale Wedding Special on Freeform (May 7)
For three exceptional couples, their weddings will include some Disney magic and elegance, as well as a few surprises thrown in, to give them the wedding they always dreamed of and more. And while three couples are entering wedded bliss, one lucky couple is just about to start their wedding journey with a proposal of a lifetime. Hosted by “The Bachelor” alums Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell, “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the one-of-a-kind weddings, including a surprise performance by the multiplatinum-selling a cappella group Pentatonix and magical engagements that take place at Disney Destinations around the globe. The special will air on Freeform at 8 ET/PT.
Betty White Guest Stars on Young & Hungry (May 8)
On Freeform’s Young & Hungry, Gabi is feeling down about her birthday, even after she discovers she and Ms. Wilson (special guest star Betty White) share their special day. When Gabi learns Ms. Wilson made a promise to meet a former boyfriend (special guest star Carl Reiner) in Vegas, she decides a road trip to Sin City is the perfect way to get over her birthday blues. Meanwhile, Josh is desperate to figure out why Gabi is so upset about her birthday, and Yolanda and Elliot scheme to keep Gabi’s forgotten birthday gifts.
Disney Announces Earnings (May 9)
Disney will announce their earnings for the second quarter of the 2016 fiscal year (January – March). Will cost cutting at ESPN help restore magic to Disney’s earnings? Will Bob address his search for a successor? Follow Laughing Place for complete coverage.
Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (May 10)
In this new Star Wars comic crossover, rebel pilot and rogue archaeologist wander side-by-side into the darkest corners of the galaxy asLuke Skywalker reluctantly teams with Doctor Aphra. The good Doctor has an offer for this flyboy farm boy – help her, and she’ll provide him with information crucial on his quest to become a Jedi. With an offer he can’t refuse on the table, this unlikely duo finds themselves deep into the heart of the infamous Screaming Citadel.
Last Wishes (May 11)
Enjoy the final magical gathering of Disney dreams as the Wishes fireworks spectacular concludes it’s run at the Magic Kingdom.
Happily Ever After
The next generation of Magic Kingdom fireworks shows begin with “Happily Ever After.” The new show features a new soundtrack and state-of-the-art projection mapping technology.
D23 Pirates of the Caribbean Screenings (May 13)
At the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and at the AMC in Disney Springs, D23 will host a screening of the movie that introduced us to Captain Jack Sparrow. The showings of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl will be preceded by exclusive presentations on both coasts.
Tinker Bell Half Marathon (May 14)
runDisney returns to the Disneyland Resort and the city of Anaheim for Mother’s Day with the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. Get your racing shoes and pixie wings ready. For those visiting the Disneyland Resort this weekend, allow plenty of time due to potential delays.
ESPN & ABC Upfront (May 16)
Both ESPN and ABC will be holding their Upfront presentations in New York City. ESPN will showcase their “evolved” programming strategy to advertisers while ABC will share which shows will be returning and what new shows we have to look forward to.
Downward Dog
Downward Dog Premiere (May 17)
ABC will debut their new comedy Downward Dog. The show follows the day-to-day life of Nan (Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Allison Tolman, “Fargo”), as told by her increasingly lonely and philosophical dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges). The new series has the distinction of being the first network comedy ever to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Hollywood Premiere (May 18)
While it might not be at Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales will have its United States premiere in Hollywood, California. Follow along with Laughing Place for full coverage.
Special Olympics Florida Summer Games (May 19 – 20)
The Special Olympics Florida Summer Games will be held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. For more information, visit their website.
Indy 500 Coverage Begins (May 20)
Coverage of the 2017 Indy 500 begins with the first day of qualifing and continues through the main event on May 29. ABC will begin their broadcast of qualifying at 4pm ET.
America’s Funniest Home Videos Season Finale (May 21)
It is the season finale of AFV and that means someone is going to win a Disney vacation. This year the prize is a vacation package for four that consists of a Bahamian cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line, a Costa Rican guided group vacation with Adventures by Disney, and a tropical getaway to Aulani.
Pandora The World of Avatar
Pandora: The World of Avatar Press Event (May 23 – 25)
Media from around the world will be headed to Walt Disney World to share all of the festivities ahead of the May 27 opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar. Laughing Place will be there so stay with us for full reports.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Press Event (May 25 – 26)
Disneyland doesn’t want to be overshadowed by its younger sibling. They are holding their own press event for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! We will be there as well to share all the fun of the Summer of Heroes at the Disneyland Resort.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (May 26)
The fifth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise comes to U.S. shores. Will this new crew bring the franchise back to its former glory?
Pandora and Mission: BREAKOUT! Open (May 27)
Following all the hoopla, it is time for these two anticipated projects to make their debut. Will Pandora live up the immersive world of the Avatar films? Will Mission: BREAKOUT be a decent replacement for Tower of Terror? Today is the day that the general public will be able to answer those questions.
Still Star-Crossed Series Premiere (May 29)
Still Star-Crossed, a period drama from Shondaland, picks up where the famous story of Romeo and Juliet ends, charting the treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers’ tragic fate.
Dick Nunis
Dick Nunis’s 85th Birthday (May 30)
Disney Legend Dick Nunis is celebrating his 80th birthday. Dick learned about Disneyland through his classmate, Ron Miller, who was Walt’s son-in-law. On a lark, he decided to apply for a summer job at the new theme park and was hired by Van France, founder of The Disney University and author of the Park’s orientation and training program. Just prior to the Park’s July 17, 1955, debut, the duo began training Disneyland employees. Among members of their first class were Walt and his executives. He went on the lead the entire Disney theme park division prior to his retirement.
Cable #1 (May 31)
Marvel’s Cable sees the mighty mutant return on a brand-new mission…with all of time in the balance. When Cable picks up the trail of a threat in the timestream, he sets off on a high-speed, history-spanning chase to save reality as we know it. From prehistory to modern day, whether it’s a six-gun duel at high noon or a high-tech sword fight in an ancient land, Cable is the only man who can keep history from unraveling.