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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Have You Got Cabin Fever?

Jim Henson Company
Are you suffering from "Cabin Fever"? Have you simply gone bananas? Well, at least you're in good company.


I love Muppet Treasure Island. It's always a good choice for a laugh!

Monday, March 30, 2020

Now You Can Watch Disneyland's "Magic Happens" Parade From Home

Disney
If you haven't had the chance to see Disneyland's new "Magic Happens" Parade, you're in luck. With nine new floats and a fantastic soundtrack, this new parade looks like a lot of fun. (This video has since been removed.)

I love the Moana and Coco floats! It may be awhile before Disneyland reopens, but videos like this can help put a little Disney magic in your day.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Quote of the Week

BBC
Is there not in every human soul a primitive spark, a divine element, incorruptible in this world and immortal in the next, which can be developed by goodness, kindled, lit up, and made to radiate, and which evil can never entirely extinguish?

- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

Friday, March 27, 2020

Learn To Draw Multiple Mickeys

Disney
Have you ever wanted to learn to draw Mickey Mouse? Well, you're in luck because Disney has three new videos that can teach you how to draw Mickey as he's looked through the years. First up is Mickey as he originally appeared in the late 1920s.


Next up, a more modern Mickey?


Finally, how about a pie-eyed Mickey?


Ready to try drawing a few more characters? There are several more videos available from the Disney Parks Blog.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Dapper Dans Sharing Their Voices From Home Is Truly Magical

Disney
With the world feeling a little out of sorts, we could all use a little extra magic in our day. This performance by all of Disneyland's Dapper Dans, part of Disney's #VoicesFromHome, is definitely magical.


If you enjoyed "When You Wish Upon A Star", head over to the Disney Parks Blog to vote for their next song choice. Personally, I'm hoping for "Grim Grinning Ghosts."

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Funko's Avengers Assemble Collection Is Awesome!

All images: Amazon
Funko's Avengers Assemble collection looks fantastic! The POPVinyl figures, which are an Amazon exclusive, feature the original Avengers as they appeared in the first movie. There are six figures in the set whose bases connect to create an iconic scene from the battle of New York.


The first figure to be released was Iron Man back in January. While this figure was first available for $19.99, it's now $36.99.


Next up was Hulk, released yesterday, March 24. The Hulk is available for $19.99.


Hawkeye is available for pre-order for $19.99 and will be released in May. The remaining three figures, Thor, Black Widow, and Captain America, will be released in July, September, and November respectively. These would make a fantastic addition to any Marvel POPVinyl fans collection.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Keep Moving Forward

Jerrod Maruyama
This artwork, with a key phrase from a quote by Walt Disney, is by one of my favorite artists, Jerrod Maruyama. It perfectly captures how I'm feeling at the moment. When life seems to come to a standstill, all we can do, is keep moving forward.

Monday, March 23, 2020

These Empire Strikes Back Lego Helmets Are Awesome!

All images: LEGO
It's amazing, but it has been 40 years since Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back first arrived in theaters. To celebrate, Lego has created three incredible helmets for fans to build. The Stormtrooper helmet is made up of 647 pieces and is ideal for fans of the Empire.


The Boba Fett helmet is made up of 625 pieces and would be perfect for fans of the infamous bounty hunter or The Mandalorian


The Tie Fighter Pilot helmet is made up of 724 pieces and should appeal to fans of the Dark Side. Each helmet includes an integrated stand and a nameplate and retails for $59.99. The helmets won't be released until April 19th, but you can pre-order them from Lego.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Quote of the Week

HBO
If you have a good idea, get it out there. For every idea I've realized, I have ten I sat on for a decade till someone else did it first. Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE.

- Joss Whedon 

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Photo of the Week


I love the Porgs from Star Wars almost as much as I love the Little Green Men from Toy Story. When I heard there were Porg nests in the queue for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, I had to search them out. This one is in the exit tunnel.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Go Behind-The-Scenes With Disney Insider

Disney
A new series is coming to Disney+ today. Disney Insider takes a behind the scenes look at all things Disney, from the Parks, to music, to tv shows and movies. Each episode will highlight three different stories from Disney's newest projects.


The first episode, "Aloha Idol, Singing StarGirl, Creating Onward", steps behind-the-scenes of American Idol with Katy Perry, Grace VanderWaal's acting debut on Stargirl, and the development process for Pixar's OnwardNew episodes will be added weekly.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Alien Swirling Saucers


As I'm sure you've noticed, I love the Little Green Men from the Toy Story movies. That's probably why I love riding the Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land. They're so cute! The ride is Pizza Planet themed and even includes "The Claw!"


Oooooooooooohhhhhh, The Claaaaaawwwwwww!

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Shaun the Sheep Is Back For More Adventures!

Aardman Animation
I love Shaun the Sheep! I don't know what it is about that crazy sheep his pals, but their farmyard adventures crack me up. So I was very excited to discover that a new series has appeared on Netflix: Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom.



New adventures and new characters alongside the same loveable gang from Mossy Bottom Farm; what's not to like? You know how this makes me feel?


Ten episodes are available now with ten more to come soon. I know what I'll be watching when I'm stuck at home!

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Disney
May your day be touched
By a bit of Irish luck
Brightened by a song in your heart
And warmed by the smiles
Of the people you love

- An Irish Blessing

Monday, March 16, 2020

"Lost In The Woods" - Weezer

Disney
In case you hadn't heard, Disney released Frozen II on Disney+ over the weekend, three months before its scheduled release date. Frozen II is a wonderful story that ties up all of the questions left unanswered by Frozen about Anna and Elsa. And it has some fantastic new songs. This power ballad that Kristoff sings when he's "Lost in the Woods" had me cracking up! Weezer's music video for it, recreating the scene, is even funnier.


If you haven't had the chance yet, watch Frozen II on Disney+. You'll be glad you did.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Quote of the Week

Disney
When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing.

- Pabbie, Frozen II

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Photo of the Week


When exploring Captain Nemo's Nautilus (from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) at Disneyland Paris, watch out for the Kraken!

Friday, March 13, 2020

Pixar's Soul Looks Intriguing

Disney/Pixar
Soul is the next  from Pixar. It's about a music teacher who dreams of being something more. He's on his way to achieving his dreams when something unexpected happens.



Intriguing, right? Here's the official synopsis from Disney and Pixar:

Everybody has a soul. Joe Gardner is about to find his. 

Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions. 

Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Angela Bassett, Ahmir Questlove Thompson, and Daveed Diggs.

Soul arrives in theaters on June 19.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

The Child Is One Adorable Lego

Lego
If you have watched The Mandalorian on Disney+ then you know everything there is to know about The Child (or baby Yoda as we still call him in my house.) Unfortunately, that means that none of us know all that much about this intriguing, Force-wielding character, other than that he's powerful and completely cute. There are several toys currently available for pre-order of this adorable critter, but one of the cutest is this set from Lego.

The two BrickHeadz figure feature a hoverpram for The Child, who has moveable ears, and a blaster rifle  and pistol for the Mandalorian who protects him. These are the cutest BrickHeadz Lego has created, and I can't wait to add them to my collection. Sadly, this set won't be released until August 1, but you can pre-order it on the Lego website.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Jungle Cruise Looks like A Rollicking Adventure

Disney
The latest trailer for Disney's live-action Jungle Cruise looks like a delightful adventure in the style of Pirates of the Caribbean



Exciting, right? Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Join fan favorites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE, a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

Disney
Jungle Cruise steam into theaters on July 24.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

This Black Widow Trailer & Poster Look Incredible

Marvel
The final trailer for Black Widow has arrived and it looks incredible! There's action, and humor, and an all-new family dynamic that is marvelous; everything you could hope for in a Marvel movie.


The new poster is pretty fantastic as well.

Marvel
Marvel's Black Widow arrives in theaters on November 6 July 9, 2021.

Monday, March 9, 2020

The New Mulan Song By Christina Aguilera Is Wonderful

Disney
The first song from the upcoming live-action Mulan has finally arrived. "Loyal Brave True", performed by Christina Aguilera, is truly wonderful.


The title for the song comes from Mulan's father describing his daughter and her actions to the ancestors.


Mulan arrives in theaters on March 27.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Quote of the Week

Disney
Why be a governor or a senator when you can be king of Disneyland. 

-Walt Disney

Friday, March 6, 2020

This Year's EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Menus Look Delicious

All images: Disney
The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is back for another season of beautiful blooms and delightful dishes. The festival, which runs from now until June 1, has 16 Outdoor Kitchens with menus sure to tantalize your tastebuds. The Orange Bird collectible sipper is making a return this year alongside a new Spike the Bee sipper and some absolutely adorable reusable sporks also featuring Spike the Bee. Here are the 2020 menus:

Flavor Full Kitchen

Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth

  • Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis 🥬
  • Seared Verlasso® Salmon with Farro Risotto and Micro-herbs
  • Strawberry Mousse with Chocolate Crisp Pearl's
  • Blood Orange Agua Fresca
  • Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt

The Honey Bee-stro

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board

  • Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers 🥖
  • Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens 
  • Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses
  • Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup

Pineapple Promenade

Pineapple Promenade

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
  • Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake
  • DOLE Whip 🥬
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta

The Citrus Blossom

The Citrus Blossom

  • Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon 🥖
  • Tuna Tataki Bowl with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens 🥖
  • Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble
  • Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup

Refreshment Port

Refreshment Port

  • Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil
  • Popsicle Trio: Honeydew, Raspberry-Mint, and Coconut-Lime 

Northern Bloom

Northern Bloom

  • Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon 🥖
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
  • Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato
  • Maple Popcorn Shake

Fleur De Lys

Fleur De Lys

  • Tarte aux Oignons Caramélisés et Chèvre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a flaky Pastry Crust
  • Canard Confit à l’Orange: Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Tarte Tropézienne, Coulis Framboise: Brioche Cake filled with Light Pastry Cream and served with Raspberry Coulis
  • Éclair Chocolat Framboise: Éclair filled with Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse

Florida Fresh

Florida Fresh

  • Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
  • Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
  • Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy

Taste of Marrakech

Taste Of Marrakesh

  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad and Cilantro Oil
  • Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley and Chili-Ranch Sauce
  • Walnut Honey Baklava

Hanami

Hanami

  • Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe wrapped in Sweet Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Berry Sauce and Toasted Coconut
  • Menchi Katsu Slider: Japanese-style Panko-breaded Beef Patty topped with Tonkatsu Sauce, Mayonnaise, Cucumber, and Pickled Lotus Root
  • Salmon Flower Ikura: Fresh-cut Salmon, Salmon Roe, Spinach, Watermelon Radish, and Chilled Ramen tossed with Poke Sauce

Funnel Cake

Funnel Cake

  • Mini Funnel Cake topped with Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream, Blueberries, and Powdered Sugar

Magnolia Terrace

Magnolia Terrace (NEW)

  • Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, Mussels, Crawfish, Potatoes, Corn and Andouille Sausage
  • Grilled Oysters with Cajun Butter
  • House-made Boudin Two Ways with Spicy Mustard
  • Pecan Cake with Maple Whipped Cream
  • Pecan Praline

Block & Hans

  • Arendelle Aqua Lemonade: Frozen Lemonade with Monin Cotton Candy

Primavera Kitchen

Primavera Kitchen

  • La Regina “Margherita”: Rustic Italian Flatbread, Vine-ripened Tomatoes, Whole-Milk Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Basil
  • Ravioli: Grilled Chicken Ravioli with Spring Vegetables and creamy Pesto Sauce
  • Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce and Chocolate-hazelnut Drizzle

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

  • Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce 🥬
  • Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries

Refreshment Outpost

Refreshment Outpost

  • Pineapple Skewer with Tajin Seasoning 🥬

Lotus House

Lotus House

  • Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
  • Bon Bon Chicken Skewer with Sesame and Peanut Sauce
  • House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
  • “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls 

Jardine De Fiestas

Jardin De Fiestas

  • Chilaquiles con Pollo: Chipotle-braised Chicken and Tortillas served with Salsa Ranchera, Monterey Jack Cheese, Crema Mexicana, and Guajillo Cheese
  • Quesadilla al Pastor: Flour Tortilla filled with Monterey Jack Cheese and Pork Pastor topped with Grilled Pineapple, Salsa Verde, Red Onion, and Cilantro
  • Choriqueso Torta: Bolillo Roll filled with Chorizo and Monterey Jack Cheese, Avocado Mousse, and Jalapeños

Trowel & Trellis

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread 🥖🥬
  • Impossible Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing 🥬
  • Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumble, and Baby Herbs 🥖🥬
  • Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (Non-Alcoholic) 
La Isla Fresca

La Isla Fresca

  • Lamb Curry with Sweet Plantains and Rice
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce
  • Tropical Mousse Cup: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple
  • Tropical Freeze
There are several different alcoholic beverages available at each booth as well. While there aren't many gluten friendly options this year, I can't wait to sample my way through the festival. Now I just have to decide what to try first!

This year, there's also a fun new activity: the Garden Graze Food Stroll. To participate, simply purchase five of the listed plat based items and be sure to get your Festival Passport stamped. When you've finished, stop by the Pineapple Promenade to receive your seed packet and Dole Whip in a souvenir dish. Here are the plant based dishes to try:

  • Grilled Baby Vegetables – Flavor Full Kitchen
  • Impossible Farmhouse Meatball – Trowel & Trellis Hosted
  • Pineapple Skewer – Refreshment Outpost
  • Potato Pancakes with House-Made Applesauce – Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy – Florida Fresh

🥖 Gluten/Wheat Friendly
🥬 Plant-based
Menu information courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog