The "new day" starts midnight ET (9pm Pacific) each day. Occassionally there will be glitches or server issues, but it shouldn't last too long.
A couple things to keep an eye on:
- Make sure that you have finished chores each day. There have been times I missed finding that last item.
- Make sure you aren't in the middle of a favor or Adventure. You won't be able to do anything else until you complete what it is you are currently doing. You can always cancel it, but you can only do one at a time.
- Keep an eye on your chores/favor bar. Above it are faces of friends you have done favors for, who are now waiting to help you with your chores. You can have up to 4 filled, however you'll want to keep at least one spot empty so you don't do what I, and others, have done. I've finished my chores, went to do a favor, but since my 4 spots were filled, I couldn't go do a favor. Then my bars were off and when I went to do an Adventure with Bloo, I couldn't unlock a mini-game the same day. I had to wait until the next day. My suggestion is to do a favor first, go do your chores and have someone help you with part of at least one chore, so you'll always have a slot open for the next day.
Hope these tips help you. I know for me, and others, it has been an issue from time to time. Enjoy the game and welcome to the group!
~Vicks