Skip to content
Simplemost
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Family
  • Food
  • Home
  • Travel

Brooke McDonaldBrooke McDonald

Editor in Chief of Better, Brooke Geiger McDonald is a Chicago native who has worked for O, The Oprah Magazine and Shape magazine in New York and for various book publishers in London. Back home in Chicago, she’s outnumbered by her husband and two sons, and the four of them are certifiable Disney and Star Wars fanatics, always counting down the days to their next Disney vacation. Follow along on Instagram: @brookegmcdonald.

Disney launches 100th anniversary celebration at Disneyland with a new ride starring Mickey and Minnie

January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 by Brooke McDonald

It’s a big year for Disney and the mouse that started it all. The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2023 and …

Read moreDisney launches 100th anniversary celebration at Disneyland with a new ride starring Mickey and Minnie

Disney World announces when Splash Mountain will close forever, making way for ‘Princess and the Frog’ ride

December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Disney fans are another step closer to goin’ down the bayou at Walt Disney World and Disneyland on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the “Princess and the …

Read moreDisney World announces when Splash Mountain will close forever, making way for ‘Princess and the Frog’ ride

Columbia's new line of Star Wars "Clone Wars" coats

Columbia Sportswear is launching a new line of winter Star Wars coats inspired by ‘The Clone Wars’

November 26, 2022November 22, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Since 2016, Columbia Sportswear has been a licensed partner of Lucasfilm Ltd., creating an annual merchandise collection that allows fans to dress up like favorite …

Read moreColumbia Sportswear is launching a new line of winter Star Wars coats inspired by ‘The Clone Wars’

Disneyland added dolls using wheelchairs to It’s a Small World ride

November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

When one of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions reopened on Nov. 11 to reveal its seasonal update, it wasn’t the holiday decor and festive soundtrack that …

Read moreDisneyland added dolls using wheelchairs to It’s a Small World ride

Star wars blue noodles

You can make blue noodles like the ones seen in the new Star Wars series ‘Andor’

September 22, 2022September 22, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any …

Read moreYou can make blue noodles like the ones seen in the new Star Wars series ‘Andor’

The first look at Disney's 2023 animated movie, "Wish," shows the main character, Asha, who will be voiced by Ariana Debose.

Disney’s new animated movie ‘Wish’ will tell the Wishing Star’s origin story

September 16, 2022September 16, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

For nearly a century, audiences have watched dreams come true for countless Disney characters who’ve wished upon a star. But just how did the wishing …

Read moreDisney’s new animated movie ‘Wish’ will tell the Wishing Star’s origin story

The TriceraTop Spin at Dinoland U.S.A. inside Disney's Animal Kingdom.

New ‘Moana’ and ‘Zootopia’ areas could replace DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

September 14, 2022September 14, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

The dinosaurs at Walt Disney World could soon be starting their countdown to extinction. DinoLand U.S.A., the dinosaur and paleontology-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom …

Read moreNew ‘Moana’ and ‘Zootopia’ areas could replace DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Maleficent towers over guests during the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

New areas at Magic Kingdom could focus on Disney villains, ‘Encanto’ and ‘Coco’

September 13, 2022September 14, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Disney fans from around the globe just descended on Anaheim, California for the 2022 D23 Expo — and they were treated to a ton of …

Read moreNew areas at Magic Kingdom could focus on Disney villains, ‘Encanto’ and ‘Coco’

Disney Wish Grand Hall

Here’s a first look aboard Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Wish

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, will set sail on her maiden voyage on July 14. The fleet’s fifth vessel, the Wish, has …

Read moreHere’s a first look aboard Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Wish

Disney just announced an around-the-world trip that takes you to all 12 Disney theme parks by private jet

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

If a trip around the world is on your travel bucket list and you also happen to be a huge Disney fan, this might just …

Read moreDisney just announced an around-the-world trip that takes you to all 12 Disney theme parks by private jet

Cinnamon Honey Fried Chicken ice cream

A new ice cream shop at Disney World is scooping fried chicken and deviled egg ice cream flavors

June 7, 2022June 7, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

An ice-cream shop known for shaking things up with its unique flavors and sometimes-shocking ingredients is now dishing out scoops at Walt Disney World — …

Read moreA new ice cream shop at Disney World is scooping fried chicken and deviled egg ice cream flavors

Mandalorian and Baby Yoda

Disneyland visitors will be able to meet Baby Yoda for the first time ever

June 3, 2022June 3, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Ever since the debut of the first episode “The Mandalorian” on Disney+ in November of 2019, the character Grogu, also known as “Baby Yoda,” has …

Read moreDisneyland visitors will be able to meet Baby Yoda for the first time ever

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster

New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ coaster at Disney World is unlike any other ride

May 11, 2022May 10, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

A new ride has landed at Walt Disney World and it just might be the most fun you’ve ever had. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic …

Read moreNew ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ coaster at Disney World is unlike any other ride

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser launch pod

Take a look inside Disney World’s new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

February 25, 2022February 24, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

The hype has been strong ahead of the approaching launch of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World on March 1. Nothing like a …

Read moreTake a look inside Disney World’s new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Mockup of Storyliving by Disney clubhouse

Disney is planning to build themed residential ‘storyliving’ communities for fans

February 17, 2022February 17, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Disney fans who can’t get enough of the Happiest Place on Earth will soon have the opportunity to buy their very own Mouse House. On …

Read moreDisney is planning to build themed residential ‘storyliving’ communities for fans

Little girl dressed in Princess Leia dress from Star Wars

ShopDisney has deluxe Star Wars outfits for Galactic Starcruiser guests

February 8, 2022March 14, 2022 by Brooke McDonald | Last updated on 03/14/2022

Star Wars fans finally get the chance to travel to a galaxy far, far away like never before. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive two-day, …

Read moreShopDisney has deluxe Star Wars outfits for Galactic Starcruiser guests

Mickey Mouse and friends at Magic Kingdom

Disneyland vs. Disney World: How to choose which resort is right for you

January 22, 2022January 21, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

A Disney vacation finds its way onto most travel bucket lists at some point, and if you’re ready to start planning yours, you’ll probably be …

Read moreDisneyland vs. Disney World: How to choose which resort is right for you

Kayla Swope and Apryl Tidd pose with their medals at Disney World Marathon weekend 2022.

Visually impaired runner completes 48.6-mile challenge during Disney World Marathon Weekend

January 16, 2022January 17, 2022 by Brooke McDonald

Running a marathon is no small feat, but some ambitious runners participating in Walt Disney World’s annual Marathon Weekend don’t stop there — they get …

Read moreVisually impaired runner completes 48.6-mile challenge during Disney World Marathon Weekend

Disneyland in California with Mickey balloons

Disneyland is increasing ticket prices

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Visiting the Happiest Place on Earth just got a bit more expensive. On Oct. 25, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park raised prices on …

Read moreDisneyland is increasing ticket prices

Avengers cast members made a new show to go with an immersive Disney dining experience

October 25, 2021October 25, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been enjoying a nonstop feast of films and series lately, including the theatrical releases of “Black Widow” and …

Read moreAvengers cast members made a new show to go with an immersive Disney dining experience

Cinderella Castle Under Consttuction at Magic Kingdom Park Disney World

Disney World 50th anniversary: 30 photos of memorable moments in the resort’s history

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Walt Disney World is about to kick off one big party in honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary on Oct. 1 — and Disney is …

Read moreDisney World 50th anniversary: 30 photos of memorable moments in the resort’s history

Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT

Disney World opened a restaurant that lets you eat in ‘space’

September 23, 2021September 24, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

A new Walt Disney World restaurant has hungry guests lining up for permission to lunch. Space 220 opened Sept. 20 at EPCOT and “transports” guests …

Read moreDisney World opened a restaurant that lets you eat in ‘space’

McDonald’s releasing 50 different Happy Meal toys for Disney World’s 50th anniversary

September 17, 2021November 22, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

On Oct. 1, Walt Disney World Resort will kick off “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” which will consist of 18 months of festivities in honor …

Read moreMcDonald’s releasing 50 different Happy Meal toys for Disney World’s 50th anniversary

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure marquee

Disney World has a new ‘Ratatouille’ ride—and a remote-control rat that will crawl on you

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

There aren’t many times when you’ll be excited to see rats everywhere you look, but a new Walt Disney World attraction just might be the …

Read moreDisney World has a new ‘Ratatouille’ ride—and a remote-control rat that will crawl on you

Disney Hocus Pocus merch

Disney has a new line of ‘Hocus Pocus’ merchandise

September 7, 2021September 7, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

It’s been nearly 30 years since “Hocus Pocus” first put a spell on us and we still can’t get enough of the Sanderson sisters and …

Read moreDisney has a new line of ‘Hocus Pocus’ merchandise

Disney Splash Mountain Princess and the Frog retheming

Disney shared a sneak peek at the new ‘Princess and the Frog’-inspired redo of Splash Mountain

August 27, 2021August 27, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Last summer, Disney dropped the big news that a classic attraction was getting a major overhaul. On June, 24, 2020, the company announced that Splash …

Read moreDisney shared a sneak peek at the new ‘Princess and the Frog’-inspired redo of Splash Mountain

Mickey Mouse and friends at Magic Kingdom

Disney reveals launch date and pricing for its FastPass replacement

August 25, 2021October 8, 2021 by Brooke McDonald | Last updated on 10/08/2021

Disney guests accustomed to using the free FastPass reservation system to ride popular rides are in for a big change: Beginning Oct. 19 at Walt …

Read moreDisney reveals launch date and pricing for its FastPass replacement

Mock-Up Cabin for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel

A 2-night stay at Disney’s new Star Wars hotel will cost you at least $4,809

August 8, 2021November 23, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Star Wars fans who’ve always dreamed of being transported to a galaxy far, far away are going to want to start saving their credits, because …

Read moreA 2-night stay at Disney’s new Star Wars hotel will cost you at least $4,809

Hippo Calf Born at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Baby hippo and gorilla born just 1 day apart at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

July 26, 2021July 27, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World is celebrating the arrival of not one, but two adorable baby animals in July 2021. A …

Read moreBaby hippo and gorilla born just 1 day apart at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Scottie PIppen on his basketball court

Scottie Pippen is renting his Chicago-area home for $92 a night during the Olympics

July 16, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

The 2020 summer Olympic and Paralympic Games (still officially called the 2020 Olympics despite being held in 2021) kick off in Tokyo next Friday, July …

Read moreScottie Pippen is renting his Chicago-area home for $92 a night during the Olympics

Giraffe Calf Animal Kingdom Disney World

A new baby giraffe was just born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

June 23, 2021June 24, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

The animal residents at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World have been treating us to such a steady stream of precious newborn …

Read moreA new baby giraffe was just born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

People ride the Jurassic World VelociCoaster

A new Jurassic World roller coaster just opened at Universal Orlando

June 17, 2021June 25, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Adrenaline-seekers and dinosaur devotees are lining up in droves at Universal Orlando Resort to ride the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the first major theme park …

Read moreA new Jurassic World roller coaster just opened at Universal Orlando

Zebra Birth at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney World guests witnessed the birth of a baby zebra while on a ride at Animal Kingdom

May 27, 2021May 26, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Some guests on board Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park got a special surprise look at the circle of life when they witnessed …

Read moreDisney World guests witnessed the birth of a baby zebra while on a ride at Animal Kingdom

Disney reveals new realistic lightsaber

Disney has created a real-life lightsaber and it looks incredible

May 13, 2021May 13, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Ever since young Luke Skywalker first wielded a lightsaber in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” the now-legendary weapon has captured the imaginations …

Read moreDisney has created a real-life lightsaber and it looks incredible

Fans of Disney and football will love these new NFL shirts

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Just in time for the 2021 NFL draft on April 29–May 1, a new partnership between the NFL, Junk Food Clothing and Disney lets fans …

Read moreFans of Disney and football will love these new NFL shirts

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch photos taken from inside Disney World are amazing

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Walt Disney World may be “the Most Magical Place on Earth” but on April 23, the sky above the Orlando resort reminded onlookers of a …

Read moreSpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch photos taken from inside Disney World are amazing

Hot Dogs on Charcoal Grill

Disney’s new hot dog is served inside a fried pickle with a side of peanut butter

April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

After being shuttered for more than a year, Disneyland is finally reopening on April 30 and the internet has been abuzz with the news. Meanwhile, …

Read moreDisney’s new hot dog is served inside a fried pickle with a side of peanut butter

Endangered baby rhino made his public debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

It’s been four months since we experienced cuteness overload courtesy of a newborn baby rhinoceros born at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. The sweet little …

Read moreEndangered baby rhino made his public debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney and Native shoe collaboration offers waterproof, lightweight swim shoes for kids

February 26, 2021May 2, 2022 by Brooke McDonald | Last updated on 05/02/2022

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any …

Read moreDisney and Native shoe collaboration offers waterproof, lightweight swim shoes for kids

People waited 11 hours to try half-pound cookies from new Disney World bakery

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Would you wait 11 hours for a cookie? A whole lot of people did in January, when a small Florida bakery opened a new location …

Read morePeople waited 11 hours to try half-pound cookies from new Disney World bakery

Disney’s Jungle Cruise ride is being updated to remove racist depictions of native people

January 27, 2021January 28, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Jungle Cruise, an opening-day attraction at both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, has been beloved by fans since Disneyland first opened in …

Read moreDisney’s Jungle Cruise ride is being updated to remove racist depictions of native people

Disney World’s new grilled cheese is made with doughnuts instead of bread

January 19, 2021January 29, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Walt Disney World just keeps upping its game as a go-big-or-go-home food destination. From an over-the-top secret menu hot dog with peanut butter and bacon, …

Read moreDisney World’s new grilled cheese is made with doughnuts instead of bread

Disney's Animal Kingdom baby rhino

Disney’s Animal Kingdom just welcomed an endangered baby white rhino

October 27, 2020April 18, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

There’s a new addition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World, and it’s great news for the fight to save endangered species. …

Read moreDisney’s Animal Kingdom just welcomed an endangered baby white rhino

How to make an easy no-carve ‘Poison apple’ pumpkin

October 16, 2020October 19, 2020 by Brooke McDonald

If scooping pumpkin guts is the scariest part of your Halloween season, we’ve got a tempting solution for you — no carving required. This Snow …

Read moreHow to make an easy no-carve ‘Poison apple’ pumpkin

Chadwick Boseman

Disneyland unveiled a mural honoring Chadwick Boseman’s ‘Black Panther’ legacy

September 29, 2020May 7, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

Fans across the world were devastated by the news of the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman at the young age of 43. Boseman, who …

Read moreDisneyland unveiled a mural honoring Chadwick Boseman’s ‘Black Panther’ legacy

Disney shared the ultimate mac and cheese recipe from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

September 1, 2020June 13, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

During the nearly four-month closure of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, Disney kept us busy with countless recipes so that we could recreate our favorite …

Read moreDisney shared the ultimate mac and cheese recipe from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

Here’s what a trip to Disney World looks like during the pandemic

August 28, 2020August 28, 2020 by Brooke McDonald

After an unprecedented nearly four-month closure, Walt Disney World’s theme parks have now been reopened. Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopened on July 11, …

Read moreHere’s what a trip to Disney World looks like during the pandemic

Disney Splash Mountain Princess and the Frog retheming

Disney is turning Splash Mountain into a ‘Princess and the Frog’-themed ride

June 29, 2020August 21, 2021 by Brooke McDonald

An iconic Disney theme park attraction is on its way out — in its current state, that is. On Thursday, June 24, Disney announced that …

Read moreDisney is turning Splash Mountain into a ‘Princess and the Frog’-themed ride

Disney just shared its recipe for tater tot nachos

May 29, 2020May 28, 2020 by Brooke McDonald

There are two types of people in this world: those who choose French fries and those who, when given the choice, will pick tater tots …

Read moreDisney just shared its recipe for tater tot nachos

Disney World just announced the reopening date for its theme parks and resorts

May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by Brooke McDonald

Dreams are finally coming true for Disney fans who’ve been mourning the closure of Disney theme parks around the world since the coronavirus pandemic forced …

Read moreDisney World just announced the reopening date for its theme parks and resorts

Disney Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake

Disney just shared the recipe for their famous Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake so you can make it at home

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Brooke McDonald

Ah, remember when the “good ol’ days” meant past decades — a hearkening back to times when life was simpler. Now, we’re all just nostalgic …

Read moreDisney just shared the recipe for their famous Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake so you can make it at home

Post navigation
Older posts
Page1 Page2 Next →

Recent posts

  • These are the fruits that are safe (and not safe) for your dog to eat
  • These Clever Food Hacks Get Kids To Eat Healthy
  • The 5 Ways You Know You’re Too Old For Roommates

Links

  • About Simplemost
  • Contact
  • Don’t Waste Your Money Reviews

Legal

  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy center
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Simplemost Media is a Scripps Company brand
Copyright 2023 © Simplemost, All Rights Reserved.