The Best of LP 2015: A Disney Year in Review
It's hard to believe that 2015 is coming to an end. For many Disney fans looking ahead at their calendar prior to its arrival, it seemed like a year that was too good to be true, bringing a second Avengers, a seventh Star Wars, and the fourth D23 Expo.
Thanks in part to all of those exciting events as well to our incredible and hard working contributors, 2015 was also a great year for LaughingPlace. To celebrate, we thought we'd compile some of our favorite pieces from the year to not only relive the Disney year that was but to also highlight some features you may have missed:
January
Galavant Review by FanBoy
Galavant seemed like a long shot from the beginning but one that Disney fans would eat up. The fact that the show was brought back for a miraculous season two makes this look back at the pilot a happier memory than we ever could have expected.
The E-Ticket Life: Hello, McFly by Kyle Burbank
Back to the Future was pretty much everywhere in 2015 as it was the "future" year that Marty McFly visited in the second film. In the first The E-Ticket Life blog entry of the year (which also appeared in the book) Kyle compared the Tomorrowlands of the Disney Parks to alternate timelines that appear in the classic trilogy.
Frozen Fun at the Disneyland Resort by Roger Rodriguez
The Frozen storm raged on in the Disney Parks this year and Roger was there as the film blew into Hollywoodland at Disney California Adventure. Later in the year it was announced that a new Frozen show would be taking over for Aladdin in 2016.
Video Pick: Disney Bounding Moms by Doobie Moseley
It's probably fair to say that 2015 was the year the DisneyBounding really took off. Maybe that's because the Disney Parks Blog got in on the action with this video.
Interview with Girl Meets World's Danielle Fishel by Paul Perrello
Topanga! More than 20 years after making her debut on Boy Meets World, Danielle Fishel reprises her on Disney Channel's Girl Meets World. Paul got to chat with her about what it's like recreating a beloved show for a new generation.
February
Why Disney Should Move on to Morales for Spider-Man Reboot by Kyle Burbank
Comic book fans were thrilled when, in February, Marvel announced it had made a deal with Sony to introduce Spider-Man in the Cinematic Universe. Unfortunately, while many of us here at LP though they should have gone with the character of Miles Morales on screen, Peter Parker is the Spidey that's joining the Universe (for now...).
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Review by Alex Reif
Alexander and the... very long title might not have been a big Disney hit when it arrived in theatres in 2014 but our reviewer, also named Alex, enjoyed it regardless. In fact, a quote from his original review can be found on the back of the film's Blu-Ray case!
Video Pick: Let if Flow by Doobie Moseley
Considering how much Frozen and Star Wars happened this year, it was only a matter of time before the two came together as they did for this video parody.
Interview with Ryan Potter from Big Hero 6 by FanBoy
Released in November of 2014, Disney's Big Hero 6 continued to do well in theatres and on home video this year. In February, FanBoy got to chat with Ryan Potter, who voiced Hiro in the film, about his experience.
March
Indiana Jones 20th Anniversary Annual Passholder Event by Roger Rodriguez
This year the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland turned 20 years old. The milestone was marked with a special AP event that Roger covered for us.
This year the LaughingPlace Podcast unveiled the nominees and winners of the Oddie Awards including the best (and worst) in Disney films and beyond.
Video Pick: The Eigth Dwarf by Doobie Moseley
If you're ever on Wheel of Fortune, don't let this happen to you.
The Sweetest Story Every Told by Rebekah Moseley
Cinderella was another smash hit for Walt Disney Studios and led to another wave of live-action remakes being put into production. The new spotlight on Cinderella was especially gratifying for Rebekah who explains why the story has always resonated with her and made Cindy her favorite Disney princess.
Disney References in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt by Alex Reif
One of the year's most buzzed about shows was Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt which many viewers binge-watched on Netflix. To our surprise, the comedy series contained many Disney references and jokes which Alex took the time to catalog.
Dinner and a Disney Movie: The Princess and the Frog by Alex Reif
Speaking of Netflix, better than a "Netflix and Chill" is Dinner and a Disney movie — a series that Alex kicked off in March. Each edition provides you with a recipe for a delicious meal inspired by that evening's entertainment.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Soft) Opening Day by Jeremiah Good
After Trader Sam's became a fan favorite on the West Coast, Walt Disney World guests were thrilled to learn that the bar concept would be opening at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Jeremiah was there to cover the opening day of the new AP hangout.
April
Man Dances Too Early During Magic Kingdom Street Party by Alex Reif
For April Fools Day this year, Alex reported on an incident in the Magic Kingdom where one guest got a little too excited and danced too soon.
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy by James Malin
The Tokyo Disney Resort is known for it's quarterly promotions and events. In April, James reported on Tokyo Disneyland's Anna and Elsa's Frozen Fantasy.
The Top Ten Walt Disney World Souvenirs by Ashley Dickey
No trip to a Disney Park is complete without a souvenir. Ashley took the time to rank her top choices of what to bring home from Walt Disney World.
Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Coverage by Patrick Hurd
Before the Force awakened in December, fans got a sneak peak of that was to come at Star Wars Celebration which was held in Anaheim this year. Patrick was there to cover all four days of the event as well as the festivities.
Avengers: Age of Ultron Review by FanBoy
Many questioned if the second Avengers film could live up to the first and even more questioned whether or not it actually did. However, our resident Marvel expert — FanBoy — loved every minute of Age of Ultron as you can see from his review.
Dinner and a Disney Movie: Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two by Alex Reif
It's one thing to cook a meal for a single movie, but what about creating culinary treats for an entire marathon? Prior to the releases of Age of Ultron and Ant-Man, Alex created a menu for an MCU Phase 2 movie night including films between Iron Man 3 and Guardians of the Galaxy.
The E-Ticket Life: And For Those Reasons, I’m Out by Kyle Burbank
This year Kyle got really into Shark Tank. That gave him the idea to pitch D23 on a special event at the Expo where Disney fans could present their great ideas to Imagineers and executives.
10 Questions I Wish I Could Ask Kevin Feige by FanBoy
After seeing Age of Ultron, FanBoy dreamed of picking Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige's brain about the future of the MCU. Since Feige wasn't readily available, FanBoy jotted down his questions just in case.
May
The BOATHOUSE Opening at Disney Springs by Jeremiah Good
Downtown Disney's transition into Disney Springs was a big story in 2015. One of the milestones the Spring project hit happened in May with the opening of The BOATHOUSE (which apparently really is spelled in all caps) which features delicious food inside and amazing amphicars outside.
World Premiere of World of Color: Celebrate
Meanwhile over at Disneyland, the resort kicked off their Diamond Celebration which included new fireworks, a new parade, and an all-new World of Color show starring Neil Patrick Harris.
The E-Ticket Life: Six-T Diamond Songs by Kyle Burbank
Also part of the Diamond Celebration was the return of Mad T Party in Disney California Adventure, this time dubbed Diamond Mad T Party. In a fit of silliness, Kyle created a list of songs he thought would work nicely with the new theme.
June
Disneyland Forever Fireworks Show Debut by Doug Marsh
Disney upped their game when Disneyland Forever debuted as part of the park's 60th-anniversary celebration. The new show can be enjoyed from a number of locations around the park that include special projections and surprises.
R.I.P. Phineas and Ferb by Marshal Knight
This June, the final episode of Phineas and Ferb aired. Marshal paid his respects and said his goodbyes to the fan favorite in this blog post.
Inside Out Easter Eggs by Alex Reif
Inside Out was seen as a return to form for Pixar, but you may have missed some small jokes and references in the film. Luckily Alex compiled some of the easter eggs buried in the movie.
Teen Beach 2 Review by Marshal Knight
This summer, Teen Beach 2 left many tween's heads spinning like tops. Marshal gave his review of the controversial (yet highly-rated) DCOM.
July
Peter Pan’s Flight Gets Enhanced at Disneyland by Doug Marsh
Following in the footsteps of last year's refurbishment of Alice in Wonderland, Disneyland's version of Peter Pan's Flight got some extra pixie dust when it reopened in July. This, of course, made the popular attraction's lines even longer.
Ant-Man: A Different Kind of Super Hero Origin Story by FanBoy
In July, Marvel once again proved the doubters wrong as Ant-Man, a fun and funny heist film masquerading as a superhero flick, hit theatres. For this piece, FanBoy evaluates what the film and its success means for the future of the MCU.
Descendants DCOM Review by Alex Reif
Teen Beach 2 wasn't the only DCOM to make a splash this summer. Based around the children of famous Disney villains, Descendants became a phenomenon this year selling all kind of merchandise, music, and books.
A Guide to Camp Half-Blood by Bill Gowsell
Speaking of books, July 1st, 2015 marked the 10-year anniversary of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. To celebrate, Bill created a guide to the camp featured in the novel.
August
D23 Expo: Parks & Resorts Panel Coverage by Alex Reif
The highlight of the 2015 D23 Expo for many fans was the Parks & Resorts panel. Although the big Star Wars Land announcement was actually made in the films panel beforehand, it was still exciting to dive deeper into what the Disney Parks have planned for the future.
D23 Expo: 60 Years of Disney Parks Merchandise by Natalie Kipper
Our Expo coverage continued as Natalie attended a panel on the history of Disney Parks merchandise that also included some sneak peeks of what was ahead.
Tsum Tsum Life: Sorcerer Mickey and the D23 Expo by Alex Reif
After returning from the 2015 D23 Expo, Alex launched a new blog entitled Tsum Tsum Life where he looks at the rapidly growing popularity of the cute, Disney plushes from Japan. This first edition looked at both the Tsum Tsum game as well as some of the exclusive figures that were available at the Expo Disney Store.
Video Pick: Disneyland Proposal with Mickey by Doobie Moseley
If the Expo didn't leave you with enough Disney magic in your life, check out this adorable proposal from Disneyland. Mickey Mouse even lends a big, white-gloved hand.
Dinner and a Disney Movie: Heavyweights by Alex Reif
In perhaps the most appropriate Dinner and a Disney Movie yet, Alex looks back at the 90's classic Heavyweights and even does the one thing you're not supposed to do: put Twinkies on a pizza.
September
14 Weird Things For Sale on Shop Disney Parks App by Alex Reif
This year, Disney launched their Shop Disney Parks App, but Alex questioned some of the items that were for sale.
Your Argument is Invalid: Frozen Replacing Aladdin at DCA
Fans of Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular in Disney California Adventure were shocked and appalled to hear that their beloved show was leaving in early 2016 to be replaced by a Frozen show. In the first ever edition of our debate feature, Your Argument is Invalid, Kyle and Doobie hash it out to decide if this is ultimately a good move.
7 Things I Learned from the Walt Disney Documentary by Kyle Burbank
In September PBS ran a two-hour special called American Experience: Walt Disney. Afterwards, Kyle wrote about some of the things that the documentary discussed that were news to him or changed the way he thought about the man who started it all.
Disney Remakes: Ranking from Worst to Best by Alex Reif
As we mentioned, it was a big year for announcements of classic Disney films being remade. Alex decided to rank the upcoming projects from his least exciting to his most anticipated.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Opens in Disney Springs by Jeremiah Good
Probably the second biggest bar opening in Walt Disney World (following Trader Sam's) happened in September as the Indiana Jones-inspired Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar opened its doors in Disney Spring.
In Defense of The Muppets by Alex Reif
ABC's new fall comedy The Muppets debuted to decent ratings but the fanbase was torn on the tone and nature of the show. On the other hand, Alex loved it and explains why we all should as well.
Tullytown, PA: Disney’s Land for One Day by Paul Perrello
Disneyland wasn't the only place celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The first ever Walt Disney Elementary (located in Tullytown, Pennsylvania) reached that milestone as well. Paul reports on the original opening ceremony which say Walt himself visiting the small town.
The Sanderson Sisters at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary by Jeremiah Good
After years of cult status, Hocus Pocus reached new levels of acknowledgement from Disney as The Sanderson Sisters starred in their own stage show during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties in Magic Kingdom. Given the warm reception the show received, don't be too surprised if the Parks cook up some future plans for the girls.
Class is in Session with Pixar in a Box by Bill Gowsell
This year, Pixar entered the educational field with Pixar in a Box. Bill tried the lessons out in his own classroom and reported back on what his students thought about them and what they learned.
DisneyBounding 101: A Beginner’s Guide to a Growing Trend by Sara Lopes
Like we mentioned, DisneyBounding grew leaps and... bounds... this past year. To help get you on your way to Bounding, Sara shared some of her best tips and tricks.
October
A Look Back at Walt Disney World’s Silver Anniversary by Bill Gowsell
October 1st is always a big day for Disney fans as two Walt Disney World parks (and the resort itself) were born on that day. This year, Bill looked back at his experience at Walt Disney World's silver anniversary which was celebrated from 1996 to 1997.
Your Argument is Invalid: Disney Parks AP Pricing
Disney ran into some more fan controversy in October when the significantly raised prices on their Annual Passports and restructured the program altogether. Alex and a Devil's Advocate debated the changes in another Your Argument is Invalid feature.
Interview with Jonathan Freeman — Jafar in Aladdin by FanBoy
This fall, Aladdin exited the vault and was released on Blu-Ray and digital. To mark the occasion, we spoke to Jonathan Freeman who played Jafar both in the film and on Broadway about his experience being a bad guy for all these years.
The Force Awakens: LP Trailer Reactions
Nearly two months before the film invaded theatres, the final trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiered on ESPN's Monday Night Football. After immediately buying their tickets to opening night, the LP team wrote up their thoughts on what they had just seen.
App Review: Disney on Hoopla by Lauren Showgren
Did you know that you can download and borrow great Disney content from your local library right on your smartphone or tablet? Lauren reviews the app Hoopla that allows you to do just that.
Video Pick: 30 for 30 Parody – Angels in the Outfield by Doobie Moseley
If you're a fan of ESPN, surely you're familiar with their 30 for 30 film series. CollegeHumor decided to create their own 30 for 30 style documentary about Angels in the Outfield (as if the events in the film were real).
11 Wickedly Witchy Hocus Pocus Facts by Erin Stough
Like we said, Hocus Pocus was everywhere you looked this Halloween. But did you know these 11 facts about the film?
Review: Nine Old Men by Andreas Deja by Brian Stewart
Andreas Deja, named a Disney Legend himself this year, wrote a book discussing the famed Nine Old Men of early Disney animation. Brian offered his review of the book and what to expect from it. 
Why You (and D23) Should Revisit The Black Cauldron by Joe Spremulli
The Black Cauldron has a reputation for being one of the worst Disney animated films to ever be produced. Despite that wide-held belief, Joe argues that you should give the film — which turned 30 years old in 2015 — another chance and viewing.
Album Review: We Love Disney by Marshal Knight
You may recall the DisneyMania series that featured mostly Disney Channel stars covering Disney tunes. The concept was revived this year with We Love Disney, although this time around they lined up some legit pop stars. Marshal broke down the album track by track to give his review.
November
A Far from Nightmarish Evening with Danny Elfman by Jeff DePaoli
On Halloween evening, Nightmare Before Christmas composer and singing voice of Jack Skellington, Danny Elfman, put on a concert comprised of that film's songs at the Hollywood Bowl. Jeff attended the show and reported back with photos and tales from the event.
Inside Out Week: Interview with Richard Kind by Doobie Moseley
To celebrate the Blu-Ray release of Pixar's Inside Out, LaughingPlace hosted Inside Out Week featuring interviews with the cast and crew behind the film. First, Doobie got to talk to Bing Bong himself, Richard Kind.
Inside Out Week: Interview with Phyllis Smith by FanBoy
Later in Inside Out Week, FanBoy got to interview the scene-stealing Sadness, voiced by The Office's Phyllis Smith. Smith spoke on how she got the role and how she was "happy to be sad."
Fantasia 75th Anniversary Screenings by Justin Smith
Another Disney film to hit a major anniversary was Fantasia which turned 75. Justin got to attend of the screenings that Disney held in honor of the anniversary and reported back with his overall impressions.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Final Season by Jeremiah Good
Of all the controversial decisions Disney made this year, the announcement that this would be the final year for the Osborne Lights cut fans the deepest. Jeremiah commemorated the final season by taking lots and lots of photos for us to remember the gorgeous display by.
Fantasia 2006: What Could Have Been by Alex Reif
As we continued to look back at the legacy of Fantasia, Alex wrote about the scrapped Fantasia 2006 project.
How Well Do You Know Your Disney Dinosaurs?
Inspired by the release of The Good Dinosaur, we look at some Disney dinos of the past and test your knowledge of them.
Season of Force at the Disneyland Resort by Doug Marsh
Before Star Wars Land opens sometime in the next few years, Disneyland kicked off the first of what will likely be many Season of the Force events in November. In addition to the opening of Star Wars Launch Bay and an updated Jedi Academy show, Space Mountain has been given an overlay to become Hyperspace Mountain.
Doctor Who Fans Celebrate Galliday at Disneyland by Sara Lopes
Unofficial holidays in the Disney Parks such as Dapper Day have grown significantly over the past few years. This year, Sara attended another up and coming unofficial gathering — Galliday — which is celebrated by fans of BBC's Doctor Who.
From Steamboat Willie to Mickey Moo — 87 Mickeys by Doobie Moseley
In 2015, Mickey Mouse turned 87. Doobie decided to collect 87 different pictures of the Mouse in honor of his birthday.
Fantasia and Stokowski: How It All Came Together Over Dinner by Erin Stough
When Walt was working on Fantasia, he knew he wanted a well known and respected conductor to bring some prestige to the project. Luckily for him, he found just the man for the job in a chance encounter.
Six Surprising Similarities Between Hunger Games and Disney by Doobie Moseley
Just prior to the release of Mockingjay Part 2, Doobie found some unexpected connections between the film/book series and The Walt Disney Company. Even more surprising, the movie wasn't as big of a box office smash as anyone would have believed.
2015 Disney Turkey of the Year
Disney can't bat 1,000 all the time and they proved that once again this year. With five nominees and one winner, we looked at some of Disney's biggest missteps to crown our Turkey of the Year.
December
The Nine Old Men: A Look at the Legendary Disney Animators by Robert Canchola
Earlier we told you about the Nine Old Men book Andreas Deja penned about the Disney animators. Later in the year, Robert attended a presentation by Deja about his time with the Men and give us a closer look at all nine of them individually.
12 Days of Disney Christmas Movies Countdown by Bill Gowsell
This year, Bill created a countdown to Christmas featuring 12 Disney films (one each night) for your family to enjoy.
This SNL Star Wars Toy Commercial Parody Nailed It by Doobie Moseley
As we here at LaughingPlace anxiously awaited the release of The Force Awakens, this video was pretty much on the nose.
The Force is Strong with the Hour of Code by Justin Smith
Disney continued its partnership with Hour of Code this year and enabled kids to build their own Star Wars video game starring BB-8. Justin attended their kick-off event and shared more about what the organization is all about.
Star Wars Cast Spills All… or Not by Kyle Burbank
With only two weeks until release, Disney was still keeping a tight lid on the latest Star Wars film. This led to a very interesting and different kind of press junket. However, we did get to see Daisy Ridley to sing a song from Mulan, so there's that.
A National Treasure: Walt Disney in National Geographic by Bill Gowsell
2015 marked 49 years since the world lost Walt Disney. In honor of the significant date, Bill wrote this about a magazine article written in 1963 about Walt that's always stuck with him and included pictures from the original article.
Kathleen Kennedy: Our Disney Person of the Year
Finally this year, we at LaughingPlace named our first annual Person of the Year. When the editors convened to discuss who should be awarded the honor, the answer was unanimous and near instantaneous: Kathleen Kennedy. Not only did she help make The Force Awakens the triumph that it is but has also been responsible for some of the most iconic films of all times. If you aren't familiar, be sure to check out our piece on why she deserves to be our 2015 Disney Person of the Year.
Thanks again to all of our contributors and all of our readers for making 2015 a fantastic year for LaughingPlace. Have a Happy New Year — we look forward to bringing you more Disney news, opinions, and fun in 2016!