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Friday, September 30, 2011

Flash Mob Proposal at Downtown Disney


Flash mobs are becoming more and more common these days, but Jamin Love wanted to put a unique twist on his. Jamin wanted to propose to his girlfriend of 6 years, Valerie. Jamin, who performs with a local dance company, created the routine to the song "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. After many secret rehearsals and meetings with Disney security to secure permission for the mob, Jamin and friends managed to pull off the surprise. And its no surprise that she said yes!


Congratulations Jamin and Valerie!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Quote of the Week

Disney

It’s a mistake not to give people a chance to learn to depend on themselves while they are young.

- Walt Disney

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

This Tron Light Cycle Is Awesome!

Hammacher Schlemmer
I love the Tron movies. I remember watching the original Tron when I was a kid and thinking it was just about the coolest thing ever. When Tron: Legacy came to theaters, I insisted my sister and Bean watch it with me, even though they weren't really interested. In the end, they loved it, too. Bean wanted one of the Light Cycles desperately. Well, now you can purchase a Light Cycle of your own, that is if you can afford it. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer for a whopping $55,000, the bike captures all of the features of the computer version. Here's the description from Hammacher Schlemmer.

This is the illuminated, street-legal motorcycle inspired by the computer animated cycle from the 2010 film Tron: Legacy. Designed for casual cruising and slow ride-bys at shows, it is made from a steel frame covered by a fiberglass cowling that replicates the sleek look of its computer-generated imagery counterpart. Electroluminescent strips built into the tire cowlings, wheel rims, and body illuminate the cycle. It is powered by a fuel-injected Suzuki 996cc, 4-stroke engine. Riders lay at a near-horizontal position astride the padded leather seat, with feet on foot pegs that control its 6-speed constant mesh manual transmission and hands on the handlebars for throttle and braking. The hubless wheels are former truck tires built up then custom-shaped to fit onto one of two counter-rotating rims spinning within each other, providing the broad-tired authenticity of the computer cycles from the movie.

Although this bike is definitely out of most budgets, it does have an amazing look. This would be the ultimate gift for a Tron lover, if only you could afford it.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Disney World's 40th Birthday

Disney
Walt Disney World will be celebrating its 40th birthday this Saturday, October 1, 2011. Rumors abound about the celebration, but this is what has been said so far. Special merchandise has been appearing all over the parks. They will have an official celebration with a character cavalcade, sing along and more. They are planning on releasing special edition pins as part of the birthday celebration.

At the Magic Kingdom, there will be a special ceremony on the castle steps at 10AM, special artist signings throughout the day, and something added to the fireworks that night. Previous major birthday celebrations, like the 15th and 25th, went on for an entire year, although it is unclear if Disney will celebrate this way for the 40th.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Happy Birthday Jim Henson!

Jim Henson Company
Today would have been Jim Henson's 75th birthday. To celebrate, I thought I'd share one of my favorite Muppet musical moments.



Happy Birthday, Jim!

Friday, September 23, 2011

The Muppets Website

Disney/Jim Henson Company
The Muppets have a new home on the web. To celebrate the film coming to theaters November 23, Disney has created a new website for the Muppets. Several of the characters don't have any information yet, but its coming soon. Right now, you can click on Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy for brief interviews and character info from the movie. One of Kermit's favorite moments is singing a new song written especially for the movie, "Pictures in my Head." Speaking of her role in the movie, Miss Piggy said, "It's the role I was born to play. Moi plays a high-powered, confident, charismatic, gorgeous, scene-stealing star who saves the day and wins her frog's heart."

As with all Disney character sites, there are games, downloads, video clips, a gallery, and a link to products that tie-in with the movie. Several of the areas are still "coming soon", but should be filled as we get closer to the premiere. If, like me, you love the Muppets, check it out.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wilderness Explorers Game at Animal Kingdom

An Explorer is a friend to all, 

be it plants or fish or tiny mole.


Well, it looks like Disney is planning on adding interactive games to all its Disney World parks. This past week they have been testing a new game based on the Wilderness Explorers in UP. This animal based game will take place in Animal Kingdom park. So far, the exploration zone is limited to the Africa portion of the park, but they have plans to expand throughout the park if the test is successful.

To start the game, you find a booth and pick up a folder and a pair of paper fold-able binoculars. (I've used this type of binocular in the past and they work surprisingly well!) The folder includes a map with locations marked for each of the activities. To play the game, you answer the questions on the map and follow the trails to the various locations. As you complete each section, you can earn a badge. Badges can be collected from Cast Members at the various booths. Currently, the badges are just stickers, but they are considering making real badges available for a small up-charge.

While the game is aimed at teaching small children Wilderness Explorer skills, adults will probably learn something as well. I'm looking forward to playing this game with my family and learning more about the world around us.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Disney & Adidas

All images: Adidas

Disney and Adidas have teamed up to create some new kids shoes that are completely awesome. They have character shoes for both boys and girls. Some are available from Amazon.com and some are available from Shoes.com. These are a few of my favorites. Above are some adorable Snow White toddler shoes.


These are the coolest Mickey shoes ever!


Toy Story 3 shoes: I love the Little Green Man on the tongue!

These Scribbletastic Minnie shoes are a clever mix of prints and polka dots.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Talk Like a Pirate

Disney
Arggggh Mateys! Today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today be the day when scallywags and landlubbers alike can speak like a scurvy bilge rat (and no one will think its strange!) Here are a few words and phrases to help you speak like a pirate.

  • Avast! - Hey! Pay attention here!
  • Aye! - Yes, I agree.
  • Belay - to stop or ignore
  • Bilge Rat - the lowest of the low
  • Black Spot - a death threat consisting of a black spot on a scrap of paper
  • Davy Jones Locker - the place at the bottom of the sea where dead pirates go
  • Hoist the Colors - raise the flag
  • Jolly Roger - a pirate flag, sometimes featuring a skull and crossbones
  • Keel Hauled - to die by being dragged along the keel
  • Land Lubber - sloppy pirate slang for "land lover", one who only stays on land; could also refer to someone too clumsy and slow to sail the seas
  • Me Hearties, Matey, or Bucko - my friends
  • Parley - a discussion between opposing sides, often to end fighting
  • Poppet - a young attractive woman
  • Saavy - Do you understand?
  • Saucy - sexy woman
  • Scrumpet - a woman, not the most polite, but not rude either
  • Smartly - do something quickly
  • Wench - a woman, can be derogatory

If you need a few phrases to get you started, try one of these:
Avast! Belay that or I'll send you down to Davy Jones Locker!
Smartly now, ya land lubber, or I'll keel haul you!
You're a right saucy wench, savvy?
Hoist the colors me hearties!

As I'm sure you've noticed, most pirate lingo is quite rude, but its all in good fun. Try some today and join in the celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Disney's World of Color

Disney
I love classic old Disney songs. This one is one of my favorites. We were singing it to Bean the other day and she thought we were crazy. So we searched YouTube and played it for her.


Then she thought it was hilarious, just like us! It's too bad they haven't released a DVD of all of these old crazy songs sung by Professor Ludwig Von Drake. I couldn't find a good video of old Ludwig, but this one is pretty funny.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Muppet Movie Parody Trailer - The Pig with the Froggy Tattoo

Jim Henson Company
Have you seen the latest The Muppets parody trailer? It's fabulous! Those creative minds at the Jim Henson Company have done it again. This time, the Muppets parody the teaser trailer from the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.



The fast paced trailer, featuring the "Immigrant Song" from Zed Zeppelin, features quick cuts of multiple scenes. The Muppet version features the same quick cuts and fast pace, but is interspersed with shots of a message about how they couldn't get the "real song" so they got some dude to write one in exchange for putting him in the movie. It's hilarious!! I love these trailers because they are so Muppet. The Muppets arrives in theaters this Thanksgiving.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Quote of the Week


I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse

Walt Disney

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Breaking Dawn, Part 1 Trailer

Summit Entertainment
A new Breaking Dawn trailer has just been released. It's longer and shows a lot of the wedding (including a cameo by Stephanie Meyer) as well as more of the baby story. Enjoy!


Breaking Dawn, Part 1 arrives in theaters on November 18.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

All images: Disney
With the success of the Kim Possible adventure at EPCOT, Disney has decided to add an additional interactive game within a park. The new game is called Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Merlin the magician is seeking guests to become apprentice sorcerers. These sorcerers will be given maps and clues to help them defeat an army of villains.

Concept art for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Although EPCOT had many existing windows and displays to use for Kim Possible, in the Magic Kingdom, new displays and windows are currently appearing in Adventureland. By the looks of them, some of the windows may use facial recognition or require players to bring items to be scanned as part of the game. The game will be headquartered in the Main Street Fire Station and is scheduled to debut in early 2012.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Muppet Movie Tribute by OPI

OPI - Divine Swine & Gone Gonzo 
I absolutely adore Miss Piggy, Kermit, and the gang, so when I found out that OPI had created a new Muppet line of nail polish, I was ecstatic! They have fantastic names: Warm & Fozzie (shimmering copper), Fresh Frog of Bel Air (green glitter), Gettin' Miss Piggy With It! (red glitter), Excuse Moi! (pink glitter), Divine Swine (magenta glitter), Gone Gonzo! (blue glitter), Rainbow Connection (clear polish with rainbow glitter), Designer de Better (shimmery silver), Pepe's Purple Passion (dark berry), Animal-listic (bright red), Meep-Meep-Meep (dark fuchsia), and Wocka Wocka (berry) . My favorite is probably the Rainbow Connection. I've always loved that song.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Muppet Movie Interview with Miss Piggy

Jim Henson Company
Miss Piggy took time last week to answer a few questions about the The Muppets during New York's Fashion Night Out. I love the Muppets, so I just had to share her views on the film. They are hilarious! She's such a diva! If you love Miss Piggy, too, be sure to check out this website full of diva-tude.

What is Disney’s The Muppets about?
It’s moi’s story, of course. It’s about how I am working in Paris and Kermit and the other Muppets come over and beg me to come home. I run the complete gamut of acting—from smiling to frowning. It’s got Oscar® written all over it—and I’m not just talking de La Renta. I have heard rumors that there’s another storyline in the movie that doesn’t involve moi, but who really cares about that?

What is your role in Disney’s The Muppets?
Moi plays moi. It’s a casting no-brainer. Naturally, all of Hollywood’s top actresses tested for the part—Roberts, Streep, Winslet, Jolie, Bullock—but in the end they decided that there is only one moi and I’m it!
In the movie, I portray the plus-size fashion editor of Vogue Paris—I’m in charge of a whole office full of editors who all want to look just like moi. But of course, Kermit wants me back with the Muppets to save the day and put on some big show. Can I resist? Well, see the movie and find out.

How does your life differ from the characters you portray on the big screen?
In real life, my wardrobe is much, much bigger and more expensive, but I’m a lot like what you see on the big screen. The camera does add a few pounds—when people meet me in person they’re always amazed at how svelte I am. Take my word for it.

What made you agree to star in Disney’s The Muppets?
It was written especially for moi. And they said I could keep all the shoes.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?
Jason is a sweet, sweet man… and a very funny comedic actor. Of course, when I heard he wrote the movie and could write my part even bigger, we became best friends forever.

…Amy Adams?
Amy and moi are so much alike, except for the fact that she’s been nominated for an Academy Award® THREE TIMES and I’ve gotten bupkis!b(Entres nous, I think they just don’t want to nominate anyone outside their species.)
There was a little tension at first, but once Amy learned about not touching the frog, we became fast friends. We hang together whenever we’re in the same city, which up to now has been… let’s see… never.

...Kermit?
What can I say about Kermie and moi? Separately we’re fabulous and together we are absolute legends—like Astaire and Rogers, Tracy and Hepburn, Oprah and Stedman.

…Walter? Walter is delightful! He worships the Muppets and especially moi. And as everyone knows, I absolutely adore being worshiped.

You are a fashion icon. What is your secret?
  • I have a few fashion secrets:
  • Never wear anything that requires a hoist to get into. There is no such thing as too much accessorizing.
  • If it’s expensive, it fits. 
  • Style comes in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the bigger you are, the more style you have.
What do you do in your free time?
Shop. Eat Chocolate. Pose for photographers. Rinse. Repeat. I’m a diva. I have people to schedule my free time. You have no idea how time consuming that is.

Are you and Kermit together?
Of course we’re together. In the movie, we seem to be apart, but that’s just for dramatic tension. In real life, we’re fabulously happy and the longest-running interspecies couple in all of Hollywood.

Why should audiences see Disney’s The Muppets?
Because moi is in it! What a silly question! It is the best movie I have ever made… and therefore the best movie ever made. Other than that, it’s got a lot of laughs and you’ll have a good time. Are those enough reasons for you?

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean Mickey Ears

All images: Disney
I just found the coolest Mickey ears: a Limited Edition set of Pirates of the Caribbean Mickey ears with three special pins, all packaged in an awesome hat box. The set is a little bit pricey at $69.95, but still amazing. The box features images from the map stolen from Sao Feng and used by Jack Sparrow in both At World's End and On Stranger Tides. The ears also feature images from the map as well as the figurehead from the Queen Anne's Revenge on one ear and the ship itself on the other.

The two pins on the hat are the skull and crossed swords logo of Pirates of the Caribbean and a Blackbeard bearded skull and crossed bones with flaming ends.


The final pin is hinged and looks like Jack's compass. This hat arrived in Disney parks in May, so I'm sure they've sold out, but it would be an incredible addition to any pirates collection.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Quote of the Week

Disney
There are some fabulous Disney quotes, either from the man himself, or from his movies. I have been collecting them for years, hoping to use them in my scrapbooks. Now, I would like to share them with you. Here's my first, Quote of the Week.

I do not make films primarily for children. I make them for the child in all of us. 

– Walt Disney

Monday, September 5, 2011

Haunted Mansion Pins

All images: Disney
Disney is releasing four new Haunted Mansion Halloween pins on September 29. I love these new pins. They are so fun! Each pin represents a classic Disney character as one of the ghosts. First up are Chip and Dale as the Duelers from the Ballroom.


Next up is Minnie Mouse as the Bride. Personally, I find the Bride totally creepy, especially since they've updated her, so it's fairly humorous for sweet little Minnie to be the Bride.


The final two pins go together. One is Mickey as the Caretaker/Gravedigger affectionately known as Dick O'Dell, and the second is Pluto as his dog, Bony.


Each of these delightful pins is Limited Edition 1000 and retails for $12.95.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Halloween Pins

All images: Disney
Well, it looks like Disney World is gearing up for another fantastic Halloween season. Apparently, decorations are already beginning to appear around the Magic Kingdom in preparation for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, starting September 13, 2011. Several pins have just been released for Halloween 2011. Here are a few of my favorites. The Flaming Pumpkin, above, looks like Mickey has become the Headless Horseman's head.


Minnie, with Figaro, makes an adorable witch.


Mickey carves a pumpkin to look like Pluto in this Disney Vacation Club exclusive.

The Headless Horseman throws a flaming Mickey pumpkin on this spooky pin.


This final pin is a Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party exclusive, with Vampire Mickey and some adorable pumpkins.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

The Dapper Dans of Disneyland Grim Grinning Ghosts

Disney
One of my favorite Disney fans, Scarlett Harlott, shared this wonderful Halloween video and I just had to pass it along. Here they are, the Dapper Dans of Disneyland, singing Grim Grinning Ghosts for Halloween.