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Disneyland visitors will experience a handful of closures this summer as popular rides and shows at the California park temporarily shut down for refurbishment.

Two attractions — Pixie Hollow and the well-loved “Fantasmic” show — will have limited operations in May, according to the Disneyland website.

The changes come as other fan favorites are also temporarily closed or scheduled to shut down.

Pirates of the Caribbean is set to close Monday, May 4, and is not expected to reopen until early June, the Orange County Register reported.

DISNEY WORLD REVIVES ‘LADIES AND GENTLEMEN’ GREETING AFTER YEARS OF GENDER-NEUTRAL MESSAGES

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland on May 17, 2025, in Anaheim, California. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images / Getty Images)

The Blue Bayou restaurant, located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, will be closed from May 4 through May 20, according to Undercover Tourist.

Pixie Hollow will remain open through June 7 but will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The “Fantasmic” show will not run on select days throughout May but is scheduled to resume daily performances beginning May 22.

SIX FLAGS TO SELL 7 AMUSEMENT PARKS IN DEAL WORTH MORE THAN $330M

The “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride at Disneyland in California. The popular attraction is scheduled to close temporarily for refurbishment. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Several other rides — including Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Silly Symphony Swings and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind — are also temporarily closed and expected to reopen in June.

At the same time, some attractions have recently reopened after extended closures, including the Disneyland Monorail, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.

When reached for comment, a Disneyland official told FOX Business that refurbishments are a routine part of the upkeep of attractions, and teams aim to schedule them throughout the year in a way that limits disruption for guests.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

A look at Main Street U.S.A. inside Disneyland Park on May 14, 2025. (Pilar Arias / Fox News)

Daily park closures are listed on the Disneyland website.

LOS ANGELES — More than a month after suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic continues a deliberate, cautious rehabilitation that has yet to include full running or high-intensity movement, casting uncertainty over his availability as the team prepares to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

The 27-year-old Slovenian, who led the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game during the regular season after his move from the Dallas Mavericks, has been sidelined since April 2 when he was injured in a blowout loss to the very Thunder squad the Lakers will now meet. Despite the team’s impressive first-round victory over the Houston Rockets without him, Doncic’s absence remains a significant factor as LeBron James and company shift focus to a tougher matchup.

Sideline reports and recent updates paint a picture of incremental progress but no imminent return. During Friday’s broadcast of the Lakers’ series-clinching Game 6 win over the Rockets, Prime Video’s Cassidy Hubbarth delivered the latest from the sideline: “There’s been no timeline. There has been some progress on the court. He’s now doing some movement work in drills, getting up shots, but it is controlled. He hasn’t advanced to one-on-one or full contact work yet, and he’s not into any scrimmages. So it’s a little more than just spot shooting, but still a step away from anything live.” Teammates have noted the positive impact of his presence around the group, but the process remains “a slow build towards a return, not an imminent one.”

Multiple sources confirm Doncic has not yet begun running in any meaningful capacity. Controlled drills represent an advance from pure standstill shooting, but the explosive stops, starts and directional changes central to his game — and high-risk for hamstring re-injury — are still off limits. ESPN’s Shams Charania described it as a “slow path on the recovery front,” with expectations that Doncic would miss the start of the second-round series even if the Lakers advanced. League sources told ClutchPoints he remains at least a week and a half from progressing to scrimmages or full practice integration.

Hamstring strains, particularly Grade 2 involving partial tears, typically require four to six weeks or more for elite athletes, with re-injury risks elevated in basketball’s stop-start demands. Doncic traveled to Europe earlier in April for specialized injections aimed at accelerating healing, yet the timeline has not shortened dramatically. Head coach JJ Redick has echoed the measured approach, saying Doncic “was able to move a little bit today on the court” with most activity still limited.

The injury occurred ironically against Oklahoma City, a young, athletic Thunder team built for playoff intensity. Without Doncic, the Lakers leaned heavily on James, who has delivered vintage performances, along with contributions from Austin Reaves (now back from his own oblique issue), Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and others. Their 4-2 series win over Houston demonstrated resilience, but facing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and the Thunder’s depth presents steeper challenges.

Lakers fans and analysts have debated the European treatment’s effectiveness. While some hoped for a quicker ramp-up, the cautious protocol prioritizes long-term health over rushing back for a series that could test the team’s limits. Re-injuring the hamstring could sideline Doncic into next season, a risk the organization appears unwilling to take given his importance as the franchise’s centerpiece alongside James.

Historically, Doncic has shown toughness in playoff comebacks. In 2022 with the Mavericks, he returned from a calf strain to lead a deep run. This hamstring issue, however, demands more patience. Medical experts note that full sprinting and cutting often mark later stages of rehab, after controlled movement and strength milestones are cleared without setbacks. Current reports suggest he has not reached that sprinting threshold.

As the Lakers-Thunder series schedule looms — potentially starting mid-week with tight turnaround times — the team must prepare contingencies. James, at 41, cannot shoulder the full load indefinitely, though his playoff pedigree offers hope. Depth pieces like Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard will need to step up in creation and defense. Yet the offensive gravity and playmaking Doncic provides remain irreplaceable in high-stakes moments.

Team sources emphasize optimism in the long view. Doncic’s work ethic and basketball IQ position him for a strong return once cleared, but the focus stays on daily improvements rather than arbitrary dates. No official timetable exists, and updates will come through practice observations and medical evaluations.

For a Lakers squad that entered the postseason as underdogs without their two leading scorers initially, advancing past Houston was a statement. Sustaining momentum against Oklahoma City without full-strength Doncic tests their mettle. The Thunder dominated regular-season meetings, exploiting pace and athleticism the Lakers may struggle to match long-term.

Broader implications ripple through the Western Conference. A prolonged absence could shorten LA’s playoff journey, affecting seeding perceptions and offseason planning. Yet the organization’s patient handling signals commitment to Doncic as the future, even as James chases another title window.

Fans scour social media and reports for any sign of acceleration. Recent X posts and broadcasts highlight the frustration mixed with realism: progress exists, but running — let alone game speed — is not yet part of the equation. Controlled drills build confidence, but basketball demands more.

Medical literature on Grade 2 strains underscores variability. Factors like injection efficacy, individual healing, and workload management play roles. Doncic’s prior minor hamstring issue this season adds caution. The goal: return stronger, not sooner.

As Game 1 against the Thunder approaches, the Lakers’ focus sharpens on execution without their MVP-caliber guard. James has shouldered leadership, crediting teammates for buy-in. Reaves’ return bolsters the backcourt, but the missing piece is clear.

Doncic himself has stayed engaged, supporting from the sidelines and reportedly in good spirits upon returning from Europe. His basketball mind offers intangible value even now. When he does ramp up fully — potentially mid-series if the matchup extends — it could swing momentum dramatically.

Until then, the narrative centers on resilience. The Lakers proved doubters wrong in Round 1. Round 2 demands more, with or without their star’s explosive presence. Whether Doncic can soon test his hamstring with running strides will define the series’ trajectory and the franchise’s immediate future.

For now, the answer to “Can he run now?” is no — not at full capacity or in game-like scenarios. The slow, controlled path continues, one deliberate step at a time.

NEW YORK — Wordle enthusiasts logging on Saturday, May 3, 2026, discovered “PUFFY” as the solution to puzzle No. 1779, a relatively approachable five-letter word that left many players earning strong scores and sparking lively online discussions about strategy and luck.

The New York Times-owned daily word game continues its streak as one of the internet’s most enduring viral phenomena, drawing millions of players worldwide who share results, hints and frustrations across social media platforms. For today’s puzzle, “PUFFY” — an adjective describing something swollen, soft or filled with air — proved solvable within four guesses for many, thanks to common letters and a straightforward structure.

Players typically start with strong opening guesses like “ARISE,” “SLATE” or “CRANE” to maximize vowel and consonant coverage. On this Saturday, those tactics paid off quickly for solvers who identified the double “F” and ending “Y” early. The word’s accessibility contrasted with tougher recent puzzles, contributing to a sense of weekend relief among the dedicated community.

Wordle, created by Josh Wardle and acquired by the New York Times in 2022, resets at midnight local time with a single shared answer for all players. Puzzle 1779 follows a sequence that has featured increasingly varied vocabulary while maintaining the game’s simple, addictive format: six attempts to guess a five-letter word, with green, yellow and gray tiles providing feedback on letter accuracy and placement.

Today’s answer, “PUFFY,” fits common patterns with its consonant-vowel mix. It avoids rare letters, making it friendlier for casual players. Definitions from sources like Merriam-Webster describe it as “swollen or distended” or “soft and full,” evoking images of pillows, clouds or even certain hairstyles and baked goods. The word’s everyday usage helped solvers connect contextual clues once partial letters appeared.

Social media lit up with reactions as players posted their colored grids. Many celebrated three- or four-guess solves, while others lamented missing the double “F.” Hashtags like #Wordle1779 and #WordleToday trended briefly, with users joking about “puffy” mornings or relating it to weekend indulgences. Competitive players tracking streaks expressed relief at avoiding a loss on a busy Saturday.

The game’s enduring appeal lies in its accessibility and shareability. Unlike complex crosswords or timed challenges, Wordle offers a brief daily mental exercise suitable for all ages. Families solve together, colleagues compete in group chats, and global players bond over the universal experience of that satisfying green-row completion.

For newcomers or those stuck, experts recommend systematic approaches. Start with words rich in vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and frequent consonants (R, S, T, L, N). Eliminate possibilities based on feedback: green locks letters in place, yellow indicates presence elsewhere, and gray rules out letters entirely. Hard mode, which forces use of revealed letters, sharpens skills for serious solvers.

“PUFFY” joins a long archive of past answers that range from the obscure to the obvious. Recent puzzles have tested players with words like “BRING” on May 2, keeping the difficulty balanced. The New York Times curates the list carefully to avoid offensive terms while maintaining variety, ensuring the game remains fresh after thousands of daily iterations.

Beyond casual play, Wordle has inspired spin-offs, merchandise and academic interest in linguistics and probability. Data analysts study letter frequencies and optimal strategies, with “SOARE” or “TRACE” often cited as top starters statistically. Communities on Reddit, Discord and X dissect patterns, share streaks and debate the merits of different openers.

Saturday’s solution arrived amid a busy news cycle, providing a light distraction for many. Players in different time zones raced to solve upon waking or during lunch breaks, with some international users noting the word’s universal relatability. “PUFFY” evoked everything from puffer jackets to emotional states, fueling creative memes and puns.

The New York Times integrates Wordle into its broader games ecosystem alongside Connections, Spelling Bee and The Mini Crossword. Subscribers gain additional features, but the core Wordle experience remains free, contributing to its massive daily engagement. Analytics suggest millions attempt it each day, with peaks on weekends when schedules allow more leisure.

For those who missed today’s puzzle or want to preserve streaks, archives and discussion threads offer safe spaces to review without spoilers. Tips for improvement include tracking personal statistics, experimenting with new starters and learning from misses. Consistent play builds intuition for common English word patterns.

As puzzle 1779 enters the books with “PUFFY,” anticipation builds for Sunday’s challenge. The game’s simple premise — one word, six tries — continues captivating a global audience, proving that in an era of complex digital entertainment, straightforward fun often wins. Whether solved in two guesses or teetering on the sixth, each daily Wordle fosters a small moment of accomplishment and connection.

Players looking ahead can prepare with general strategies: prioritize unique letters early, watch for double letters (as in today’s “FF”), and consider common suffixes like “-Y” or “-ER.” Resources like hint guides and solvers exist but purists prefer unassisted solves to maintain the game’s integrity and personal satisfaction.

Wordle’s cultural footprint extends to classrooms, where teachers use it for vocabulary building, and to family gatherings where it sparks friendly rivalry. Its accessibility across devices — from smartphones to desktops — ensures broad participation, transcending demographics and geography.

On this May 3, “PUFFY” delivered a gentle start to the weekend for most. As the sun rises on new puzzles, the community resets, ready for whatever five letters tomorrow brings. In the world of daily digital rituals, few deliver consistent joy like the little green-and-yellow grid that has become a morning staple for millions.

REDMOND, Wash. — Xbox players checking for outages on Sunday, May 3, 2026, found the Xbox Network largely operational with no widespread downtime reported on Microsoft’s official status page, though scattered user complaints about connection issues continued to surface on third-party trackers like Downdetector.

Microsoft’s Xbox support dashboard indicated all core services — including friends and social activity, account and profile management, online safety and family settings, and games and gaming — were listed as “up and running” as of early afternoon Pacific Time. The company last updated the page minutes earlier, reflecting real-time monitoring of its global infrastructure.

Despite the green status, Downdetector recorded elevated reports in the past 24 hours, with about 76% centered on server connection problems, 14% on gameplay disruptions and smaller percentages for game launches. These spikes often reflect localized or intermittent issues rather than a full network outage, especially on weekends when player volume peaks.

Gamers attempting to join parties, sync cloud saves or launch multiplayer titles occasionally encountered temporary errors. Microsoft has not issued any formal outage acknowledgment, suggesting the problems stem from routine maintenance, high traffic or individual account hiccups rather than a systemic failure.

Xbox Network, formerly known as Xbox Live, powers millions of daily sessions across Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC via the Xbox app. Its reliability remains critical for blockbuster titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite and Forza Motorsport, where seamless online play drives engagement and revenue. Past major outages, such as the February 2026 sign-in disruption that affected thousands, highlighted the network’s vulnerability during peak hours.

Today’s situation appears far milder. No “major outage” banner appeared on the official status page, and reports trended downward compared to previous widespread events. Players experiencing issues can try standard troubleshooting: restarting the console, checking internet speed, clearing the cache or testing on an alternative network. Microsoft recommends signing into the status page for personalized alerts.

The absence of a broad outage comes as a relief for competitive gamers and streamers relying on stable connections for weekend sessions. However, even minor hiccups frustrate users in an era of always-online expectations. Xbox Support’s X account has fielded queries about party chat and messaging, acknowledging isolated problems without confirming a larger incident.

Industry analysts note that Xbox Network outages, when they occur, often coincide with major game releases, updates or holidays. With no major title drops dominating headlines this weekend, today’s reports likely reflect typical background noise rather than a crisis. Still, the volume of Downdetector spikes serves as a reminder of player sensitivity to any service interruption.

Microsoft continues investing heavily in network infrastructure, including Azure cloud enhancements and edge computing to reduce latency. These upgrades aim to minimize future disruptions, but the sheer scale of the service — supporting cross-platform play and millions of concurrent users — makes occasional blips inevitable.

For parents and families, Xbox’s online safety tools remained fully functional. Account management and parental controls showed no degradation, allowing guardians to monitor activity without added concern during any brief connectivity dips.

Gamers seeking real-time confirmation should bookmark the official Xbox status page over third-party sites, as it provides the most authoritative information. Microsoft encourages reporting persistent problems directly through the console or support channels for faster diagnostics.

The broader gaming community on platforms like Reddit and X shared workarounds and commiseration, with many confirming successful logins after brief retries. Others reported smooth gameplay in single-player or offline modes, underscoring that not all features depend on the network.

As the day progresses, monitoring continues for any escalation. Historical patterns suggest most minor spikes resolve within hours without intervention. Xbox remains one of the more resilient networks compared to occasional PlayStation Network or Steam disruptions, thanks to Microsoft’s enterprise-grade backend.

For those still facing issues, experts recommend:

• Power cycling the console and router.
• Testing NAT type and port forwarding settings.
• Ensuring subscription status (Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold/Core) is active.
• Updating the console firmware.

These steps resolve the vast majority of connection complaints. Persistent problems may warrant contacting Xbox Support directly.

Xbox Network’s overall uptime remains strong despite today’s reports. The service continues evolving with features like cloud gaming and cross-play, keeping it central to Microsoft’s gaming ambitions under the Xbox ecosystem. Players can expect continued stability as the company refines its infrastructure.

In summary, the Xbox Network is not experiencing a major outage on May 3, 2026. While some users report connection hiccups, core services are operational according to official channels. Weekend gamers should proceed with normal play while keeping the status page handy for updates. Microsoft has demonstrated quick resolution in similar past situations, maintaining trust among its dedicated user base.

NEW YORK — YouTube sensation MrBeast has once again pushed the boundaries of large-scale content creation with his latest video, “I Stranded 100 People In The Wilderness For $250,000,” released May 2, 2026, pitting amateur survivalists against seasoned experts in a grueling battle of endurance, strategy and resourcefulness that has already amassed tens of millions of views within hours.

In the video, Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, drops 100 participants into a remote wilderness setting with limited supplies and a simple rule: the team with the most people remaining when help arrives splits a $250,000 prize. The blue team consists of survival experts equipped with knowledge and experience, while the red team comprises everyday amateurs who packed based on assumptions about the challenge. The setup quickly highlights the stark contrast in preparedness and highlights themes of teamwork, ingenuity and human resilience under pressure.

Viewers watch as teams scramble to build shelters, forage for food and manage limited resources. Blue Team members demonstrate advanced techniques like debris shelters and efficient resource allocation, while Red Team participants rely on basic items such as tarps, rope and even a children’s tent in one humorous moment. MrBeast provides narration and interventions, including a store visit for the red team to stock up, adding layers of strategy and entertainment to the high-stakes competition.

The video’s production scale is typical of MrBeast’s ambitious style. Sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, which supplied gear, the challenge emphasizes real survival elements while maintaining the creator’s signature mix of spectacle and philanthropy. Donaldson has contributed cash toward participant wishes, with rules and conditions outlined for transparency. The thumbnail and title alone drove massive initial curiosity, capitalizing on the evergreen appeal of survival content combined with MrBeast’s proven ability to deliver jaw-dropping moments.

Early reactions on social media and Reddit’s r/MrBeast subreddit praise the video’s pacing, unexpected twists and raw human drama. Participants’ diverse backgrounds — from seasoned outdoorsmen to complete novices — create compelling storylines as alliances form, tensions rise and eliminations test mental fortitude. One standout sequence shows the red team’s over-reliance on convenience items versus the blue team’s methodical approach, underscoring knowledge versus resources as a central theme.

MrBeast’s channel, already boasting billions of views across challenges ranging from spending sprees to extreme competitions, continues to dominate YouTube trends. This wilderness survival installment follows a pattern of escalating stakes, building on previous hits like “50 YouTubers Fight for $1,000,000” and island giveaways. The $250,000 prize, while substantial, pales in comparison to some of his larger giveaways but delivers intense drama through prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.

Industry observers note MrBeast’s formula — high production value, relatable participants, frequent twists and generous prizes — keeps audiences engaged in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. The video’s release timing, just ahead of summer, taps into seasonal interest in outdoor activities while offering vicarious adventure from the comfort of home. Transcription snippets reveal MrBeast’s signature humor, such as joking about taking viewers’ dogs if they don’t subscribe, alongside genuine moments of participant vulnerability.

Critics and fans alike highlight the video’s balance of entertainment and subtle educational value. Viewers learn basic survival tips through the contestants’ trials, from shelter-building to resource management, while the high-stakes format ensures constant engagement. Some commentators draw parallels to reality television classics like “Survivor,” but with MrBeast’s modern twist of massive scale and rapid editing designed for short attention spans.

MrBeast’s philanthropy thread remains prominent. Beyond the cash prize, the video includes disclaimers about contributions to participants’ wishes, reinforcing his brand as more than just spectacle. Past videos have transformed winners’ lives through cars, houses and business opportunities, and this installment continues that tradition while spotlighting everyday people’s adaptability.

The video’s virality underscores YouTube’s power in 2026. With over 20 million views shortly after upload and hundreds of thousands of likes, it exemplifies how creator-driven content competes with traditional media. MrBeast’s team meticulously plans logistics, safety and storytelling to deliver polished yet authentic-feeling experiences. Challenges like this require extensive permitting, medical support and camera crews embedded in remote locations.

Looking ahead, MrBeast shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming projects teased on his channels hint at even larger-scale ideas, keeping fans speculating about future challenges. For now, “I Stranded 100 People In The Wilderness For $250,000” stands as another milestone in his quest to create the world’s most entertaining videos while giving back. The wilderness setting provides endless opportunities for drama, from unexpected weather to interpersonal conflicts, ensuring repeat viewings and shares.

As streaming platforms and short-form content evolve, long-form challenges like this remind audiences of the joy in shared experiences and human stories. MrBeast’s ability to assemble 100 strangers, equip them minimally and film their survival journey captures primal instincts in a modern package. Whether participants win through brute knowledge, clever resourcefulness or sheer willpower, the video delivers on its promise of epic entertainment.

For fans and newcomers alike, the latest MrBeast release offers escapism, inspiration and a reminder that in the wild — or in life — preparation, teamwork and a bit of luck can make all the difference. As views climb into the tens of millions, the video cements MrBeast’s status as one of YouTube’s most influential and entertaining creators heading into the summer of 2026.