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Saturday, September 30, 2017

Star-Lord and Baby Groot on a Cosmic Sleigh Ride

Funko
The latest Funko POPVinyl Short features Star-Lord and Baby Groot trying to evade Taserface. That's one wild Cosmic Sleigh Ride! So cute.

Friday, September 29, 2017

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny Specials Coming in October

Disney
A new trailer has been released for two Star Wars: Forces of Destiny specials. The half hour shows will air on October 1 and 29 on the Disney Channel. Afterward, they will also be available on Disney's YouTube. The specials will be made up of the previously released shorts featuring Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine, Leia, Ahsoka Tano, and Padme Amidala, as well as 8 new ones. The new shorts will include additional characters, such as Han Solo, Hera Syndulla, Finn, Maz Kanata, and more.


Disney originally launched Forces of Destiny to show the powerful female characters of the Star Wars universe. However, as Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said, they are, "for anyone who has been inspired by Leia's heroism, Rey's courage, or Ahsoka's tenacity." And the shorts all fit in with the existing Star Wars storylines. Story Group member Carrie Beck said, "One of the opportunities here was to tell the stories in between the larger moments and imagine some of the ways our characters have crossed. It's all part of the larger swath of storytelling."

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Behind the Screams at Mickey's Boo-To-You Parade

Disney
One of my favorite parts of the Boo-To-you Parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is the Dead Waltzers. Modeled after the ballroom dancers in the Haunted Mansion, these spooks create quite a stir as they glide past. According to Choreographer Larry Kornfehl, becoming a Dead Waltzer is a highly coveted position that requires a lot of talent and a fair amount of imagination, too. Each couple must come up with a story for their characters, including how they met their tragic end.


After months of practice, the end result is amazing. Here's a video I took of the dancers earlier this month.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Once Upon A Time Portraits


Once Upon a Time returns to ABC soon, but with a major twist. At the end of last season, a grown-up Henry met his daughter, who was looking for his help to save their family. It appears that the former residents of Storybrooke have been placed under a whole new curse in a whole new town. Welcome to Hyperion Heights.

ABC
Young Henry is all grown up, but he seems to have forgotten all about his magical past.

ABC
Hook, minus Emma, is a police officer named Rogers in Hyperion Heights.

ABC
Lucy, following in her father's footsteps, has come to Hyperion Heights to prove to Henry that magic is real. And that he is, in fact, her father.

ABC
The Evil Queen has a new look and a new job: barkeeper at Roni's. And you guessed it, she's Roni.

ABC
Rumplestiltskin's new identity is a mystery, but he seems to have given up suits.

ABC
Cinderella, known as Jacinda in this world, is Lucy's mom, so we can expect to see Cinderella and Henry's romance this season.

ABC
Drizella, Cinderella's wicked step sister, goes by Ivy in Hyperion Heights.

ABC
The Princess and the Frog's Tiana, who goes by Sabine, will get her origin story this season.

ABC
Alice, or should I say Tilly, has left Wonderland behind for Hyperion Heights.

ABC
And finally, what would Once Upon a Time be without a villain. Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's evil stepmother, goes by Victoria Belfry now.

With all of the changes, I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Which character are you most looking forward to? Catch Once Upon a Time's season 7 premiere on Friday, October 6 on ABC.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Tsum Tsum Play Sets


These Tsum Tsum sets are so cute! First up is the Lilo and Stitch Ohana in Hawaii set. It includes Lilo's house, a hammock between two palm trees, scrimp in a wagon, Stitch in his car, Lilo, and a surf board with several accessories.


Next up, the Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole set. This set includes Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat, the tea party table complete with teacups, the White Rabbit's house, a tree with lanterns, and several tiny accessories. 


The final set is Aladdin's The Palace of Agrabah. The set includes Jasmine in the palace, Aladfin as Prince Ali on the magic carpet, the Genie in a Goofy hat, the lamp, the Cave of Wonders, and a trunk full of accessories. Which set is your favorite?

Monday, September 25, 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Photos

Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm recently released several new photos from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which arrives in theaters on December 15. Above, Rey and Luke appear to be at a stalemate outside his home.

Lucasfilm
Finn appears to have recovered from his wounds and is working alongside a new character, Rose Tico, who is a Resistance mechanic.

Lucasfilm
X-wing pilot Poe Dameron is shown running through a Rebel base.

Lucasfilm
And on the Dark Side, otherwise known as the First Order, it appears that General Hux survived the destruction of Starkiller base.

Lucasfilm
And Captain Phasma must not have been thrown in the trash compactor by Finn and Han Solo after all.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Quote of the Week


When hinges creak 
in doorless chambers,
and strange and frightening
sounds echo through the halls.
Whenever candlelights flicker
where the air is deathly still.
That is the time 
when ghosts are present, 
practicing their terror 
with ghoulish delight!

- Ghost Host, The Haunted Mansion

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Watch the Magic Kingdom Transform into a Halloween Town

Disney
This time lapse video shows how cast members at the Magic Kingdom transform the park into a Halloween town in one night. Amazing!

Friday, September 22, 2017

Happy Hobbit Day!

New Line Cinema
Every year, on September 22, fans around the world celebrate the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. This year's celebration also marks the 80th anniversary of the Hobbit, which was first released on September 21, 1937.

There are many ways to celebrate. I've spent the week rewatching all of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. I still love them and discover something new everytime I watch them.


Today, I think it may be a good day to eat at least one Hobbit-y meal, though probably not as many as Merry and Pippin would. Hobbits sure do like to eat: Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Supper. And its quite likely that the list goes on.


Perhaps I'll knit something from one of the many patterns the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings have inspired. I'm rather partial to the scarf with the wording from the One Ring in Elvish. How will you celebrate Hobbit Day?

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Return to Sleepy Hollow Event at Disney World

Disney
If you've ever been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you know how amazing it is to see the Headless Horseman ride through the park before the parade. It's one of my favorite parts of the party. If you just can't get enough of that old spook, you're in luck. This year, Disney has created a special event that revolves around the ghostly figure on his nightmarish steed, "Return to Sleepy Hollow" at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Disney
Guests will view the classic 1949 animated film "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" inside the Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. Afterward, get up close and have your photo taken with the Headless Horseman.

Disney
"Return to Sleepy Hollow" will take place on the following dates at 8 PM and 10 PM:
  • September 29 - October 2
  • October 5-9
  • October 12-16
  • October 19-23
  • October 26-31

Disney
There are two different ticket options: general seating is $22 per person, and priority seating, which includes first dibs on the photo op as well as a Halloween treat bag, is $38 per person. Guests age 2 and under are free, but will need to sit in a parent's lap. To reserve this experience, call 407-WDW-TOUR. Space is limited and expected to sell out quickly.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Halloween Popcorn Buckets at the Disney Parks

Disney
Every year, the Disney Parks come out with the most amazing figural popcorn buckets, celebrating everything from Mickey, to Star Wars, to Marvel characters. But the ones I love the most appear at Halloween.


Last year, it was a vampire Mickey with glowing hands. The year before, Mickey was dressed as a Hitchhiking Ghost from the Haunted Mansion.


One year, the bucket looked like Zero's doghouse from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Zero's nose lit up. Another year, it was a coffin shaped box with Jack Skellington on the lid and a vampire teddy bear on the inside.


I love collecting these buckets and always look forward to the next design. This Halloween, there are two new designs to tempt you. The first is a Mickey Pumpkin bucket that lights up. It can be found throughout Disneyland and in all four parks at Disney World.

Disney
The second is Oogie Boogie, as seen at the top, and he glows in the dark. Both have a long carry strap and are actually refillable in Disney World for $1.50 each time for the length of your stay. Oogie Boogie can be found at California Adventure and near New Orleans Square in Disneyland and exclusively at the Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Special Piratey MagicShot for International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Disney
Ahoy, matey! It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, savvy? Have ye ever dreamed of holding the Black Pearl in the palm of yer hand? If ye be visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World today, ye be in luck. Just keep a weather eye open for a PhotoPass Photographer across from the clock tower at Pirates of the Caribbean. There, ye'll have the chance to have yer photo taken with a wee bit o' added magic.

Disney
Can't set sail to the parks this day? Not to worry. If ye possess a linked Magicband while ye ride Pirates of the Caribbean, a PhotoPass camera will capture an image of yer crew's voyage anytime.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Photo of the Week


I love watching the Happy Hallowishes Fireworks at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, even when they're unexpectedly late due to rain.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Quote of the Week

Disney

Here is the world of imagination, hopes, and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, the age of chivalry, magic, and make-believe are reborn—and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young-in-heart—to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.

- Walt Disney,
Fantasyland dedication

Saturday, September 16, 2017

DuckTales As Told By Emoji

Disney

The DuckTales theme song is pretty cool "As Told By Emoji". The new DuckTales series will debut on Saturday, September 23 on DisneyXD. And just in case you missed it, Disney is replaying the movie that starts the series every day this week on both the Disney Channel and DisneyXD.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land

Disney
Halloween decorations have invaded Disneyland again, but for the first time, the residents of Radiator Springs are getting in on the fun. This year, Cars Land is celebrating Haul-o-ween by transforming their town into Radiator Screams with decorations, costumes, and spooky treats.

Disney
Fillmore will be showing off his Jack-Oil-Lanterns and ghostly folk art around his Taste In. That's also where you can find Vampire Mater Bread. Miss Lizzy's shop has gone witchy with gas pump spooks, tarot cars, and boo-venirs. In front of Ramon's House of Body Art, there's a fantastic sugar skull car.

Disney
Flo's V8 Cafe will feature a Spider-Car spinning her web as well as several unique treats. How about a Car-achnid Pot Pie: a chicken pot pie with dried cranberries and butter-crust spider. Or maybe you'd like something a little sweeter, like a Grape Ghoul-ant Shake or a Mini Candy Cone Pie: a cream pie with vanilla, butterscotch, and white chocolate pudding.

Disney
The Cozy Cone Motel has several tasty treats. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Slow Burnin' Mac & Cheese Cone: macaroni with spicy red pepper cheese sauce, topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, all in a Black Cauldron Cone. If you'd prefer something sweet, how about a Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn. There's also Junkyard JamBOOree Mix: your choice of flavored popcorn with added "nuts and bolts", such as green M&Ms, candy corn, chocolate pretzels, or Boston baked beans.

Disney
Two rides will also be getting a Haul-o-week makeover. Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters will become Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween. Join the festa at this dance celebration where Luigi and Guido entertain the cugini (cousins). Hear Halloween twists on traditional Italian songs like the "Terror-anrella" and "The Chop Top of Carsoli", and many more.

Disney
For even more fun, visit Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, which has transformed into Master's Graveyard JamBOOree. Take a whirl around the graveyard in a tractor-trailer at this haunted hootenanny while Mater sings creepy country tunes like "Welcome to Radiator Screams" and "Monster Truck Smash". It's a JamBOOree made for vanpires and wheelwolves alike.

Disney
Finally, cruise on over to Route 66 for a chance to take a photo with Lightning McQueen and Mater in their kooky costumes. And be sure to lookout for Cruz Ramirez and the rest of the Radiator Screams crew in costume, too. Try to guess who's who among the super hero, clown, vampire, pirate, and punk rocker disguises. It's going to be a Haul-O-Ween to remember.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Coco Poster and Trailer 2

Disney/Pixar
The latest poster for Coco is gorgeous. Divided into the land of the living on one side and the land of the dead on the other, with Ernesto de la Cruz's guitar both dividing and uniting them, the colors and images are quite stunning.



The latest trailer for Coco shows a little more of the story. Young Miguel loves music, but his family considers it a curse. They believe that music caused his great-grandfather to leave, never to be seen again. Miguel unexpectedly journeys to the Land of the Dead, with his dog Dante, to prove to his family that music is not a curse, but something to celebrate. Coco arrives in theaters on November 22.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

The Perfect Medal for a Star Wars Fan


While browsing through the Star Wars Galactic Outpost in Disney Springs, I came across the perfect over-the-top gift for the Star Wars Fan. They have replica medals from Yavin IV. These are the same style of medals that Princess Leia presented to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo at the end of the first film, A New Hope. While I don't know what you'd do with such an item, it would make an awesome conversation piece. And all for the low price of $60. I know it's a bit much, but it could be fun.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Olaf's Frozen Adventure Songs Preview

Courtesy of Disney

The songs from Olaf's Frozen Adventure celebrate being together as a family during the holidays. The stars, who are returning to voice their characters in the new short, shared snippets of three of the songs, which can be heard below.



"When We're Together" was shared by Idina Mendel, the voice of Elsa.


Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, shared his new song "That Time of Year."


And finally, Kristen Bell, the voice of Anna, shared "Ring In The Season", the opening song for the animated short. Olaf's Frozen Adventure arrives in theaters with Coco on November 22.

Monday, September 11, 2017

Haunted Mansion Inspired Diningroom Decor


While wandering through Disney Springs last week, I discovered the most amazing new Haunted Mansion inspired home decor. While the price for pretty much any of it is way out of my budget (I can't imagine spending $4000 for a chair), I love the way it looks.


There are two different chair styles: one with arms for the Ghost Host.


And a side chair for the other ghostly guests. The chairs may be ridiculously pricey at $4000 and $2000 each, but I love the shape and the wallpaper inspired fabric.


The placesettings are simply gorgeous and subtly spooky. The bowls have a Haunted Mansion crest in the center of each, while the plates have a metallic border of flourishes and bats.


There are even two different colors of placemats. One has the wallpaper design in purple to match the chairs and the other is done in a yellow-green stripe. Gargoyle candlestick holders, patterned after the sconces in the Mansion, really elevate the look.


Finally, there are at least two styles of napkins, each featuring a black and white rendition of one of the stretching portraits from the Mansion. The first shows the totem pole of men being swallowed by quicksand.


The second is the half-dressed man standing on a keg of dynamite. The entire collection can be purchased at the Co-op Marketplace in Disney Springs, but the chairs must be special ordered. Would you deck out your diningroom in Haunted Mansion style?