Hoppy Easter!

Many a wish for your future good,

Many a greeting bright,

Springs from my heart this Easter Morn'

Like a pure and brilliant light.

Wish Topiary At EPCOT

There are so many fun new topiaries at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival this year. This one of Asha and Star from Wish is one of my favorites. It even has red yarn tangled up in the trees like in the movie.

Wish On DisneyPlus

Disney

Disney's latest animated feature is finally headed to DisneyPlus. I've watched the movie a few times already and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. And every time I watch it, I discover more of the Disney100 easter eggs hidden throughout. So fun!

Wish, and of course that adorable Star, is coming to DisneyPlus on April 3rd.

The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story

Sony/Marvel

Sony and Marvel have partnered with the Kevin Love Fund for this short story fundraiser designed to raise awareness of the challenges of mental health. After all, even superheroes struggle with everything life throws at them.

Here's more information about the project from Sony:

We are proud to officially debut The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story, in partnership with the Kevin Love Fund. Because everyone is going through something, even superheroes like Miles Morales.

Through a unique combination of education, research, advocacy, and grantmaking, the Kevin Love Fund helps destigmatize mental health challenges and ensures people who are struggling have the tools needed to thrive. Our social emotional learning curriculum has given 55,000+ kids the skills they need to cope with life’s difficulties and is available for free to everyone thanks to donors like you. If you'd like to donate to this project, please visit this link.

Sony Pictures Animation has teamed up with the Kevin Love Fund to digitally release the animated short film, The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story, that will be incorporated into the Kevin Love Fund’s new mental health focused lesson plan, “The Hero Within.” The lesson plan invites students to tell their own story through the lens of mental health awareness via an interactive curriculum including a creative storyboard activity. To access the free lesson plan that accompanies “The Spider Within” film, visit https://kevinlovefund.org/spider-man-lesson/

In the genre-bending thriller The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story, Miles Morales struggles to balance his responsibilities as a teenager, friend, and student while acting as Brooklyn’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. After a particularly challenging day living with these pressures, Miles experiences a panic attack that forces him to confront the manifestations of his anxiety and learn that reaching out for help can be just as brave an act as protecting his city from evil.

Meet The Adorable Critter Band Of Tiana's Bayou Adventure

All images: Disney

Disney has released our first glimpse of the absolutely adorable critters that will soon arrive in Tiana's Bayou Adventure. This wild Zydeco band will play "Gonna Take You There" on their own special makeshift instruments. Are you ready to meet the members of the band?

Byhalia the Beaver – Byhalia doesn’t just build dams; she helps build musical instruments using natural materials from the bayou. As a strong-willed percussionist, it’s safe to say Byhalia is the heartbeat of the band, as well as a natural designer and engineer.

Rufus the Turtle – Rufus may be a turtle, but he’s quick to jump into rhythm with his harmonica. He’s also the first to join in on new adventures! He’s genuine and sincere but may come across as a little sarcastic at times with his habitual sighing. Rufus loves going on adventures with Apollo.

Apollo the Raccoon – Apollo loves transforming abandoned objects into works of musical art – like his squeezebox. He’s full of energy and storytelling, especially about the objects he finds in the bayou. He’s particularly close with Rufus and appreciates Rufus’ calm demeanor.

Gritty the Rabbit – Always willing to dig a little deeper to help others, Gritty plays the washboard (a found automobile license plate) with a high-energy flair. It’s the perfect instrument for someone who’s often overzealous and digs to relieve her nerves.

Timoléon the Otter – He’s the eldest of the band, but Timoléon’s fiddle-playing is inspired by all the ‘kids’ he spends his time around while in the bayou. When he’s not sawing out a jig, he’s famous for telling stories of days long ago about his explorations of every corner of the bayou.

Beau the Opossum – Seeing limitless possibilities, no one finds more wonder in the bayou and the sounds of zydeco music than Beau. All she knows is beauty, especially her own. You can find her plucking out the low notes with her upright gourd bass, which of course, involves some musical dexterity with her tail.

And as if they aren't cute enough as animatronic characters in the ride, three members of the band will soon be available as plushies as well. How to choose between Beau, Apollo, and Rufus? They're all so sweet. I can't wait to see this band jamming out in the ride, which opens at Disney World this summer and Disneyland later this year.

"Something That I Want" - Tangled

Disney

This lyric video of "Something That I Want" from Tangled is so cute. I love that Disney used the song and animation from the end credits.

A New Season Of Doctor Who Is Headed To DisneyPlus

BBC

Doctor Who has found a new streamung home in America. While the previous 13 seasons are available on Max, the latest season will be making its way to DisneyPlus this May. So far, I really like this new Doctor, so I can't wait to see what kind of crazy adventures he and Ruby Sunday get up to.

Here's the official synopsis from the BBC:

The upcoming season of  “Doctor Who” follows the Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday as they travel across time and space, with adventures all the way from the Regency era in England, to war-torn future worlds. Throughout their adventures in the TARDIS – a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box – they encounter incredible friends and dangerous foes, including a terrifying bogeyman, and the Doctor’s most powerful enemy yet.

Doctor Who arrives on DisneyPlus on May 10th.

Ghostbusters Quote

Columbia Pictures

I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never ever possibly destroy us. Mr. Stay Puft!

- Dr. Ray Stantz, Ghostbusters

🎶 I Am Groot 🎶

Little Groot is ready to rock out to his Green-House Mix Vol. 1. I love this new topiary at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. 

The Juice Is Loose

Warner Brothers 

The first teaser trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has arrived and it looks fantastic!

Here's the official synopsis from Warner Brothers:

Beetlejuice is back!  After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River.  Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened.  With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

Michael Keaton returns to his iconic role alongsude Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti in his feature film debut, with Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Willem Dafoe.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice arrives in theaters on September 6th.

Star Wars: The Acolyte

Lucasfilm

A new series from the Star Wars universe is headed to DisneyPlus this summer. Star Wars: The Acolyte is a prequel of sorts, taking place before the events of the Phantom Menace. It looks rather sinister and quite intriguing. 

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm:

An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master against a dangerous warrior from his past. As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems…

The first two episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte will arrive on DisneyPlus on June 4th.

Patrick Warburton At Soarin' Over California

Disney

Patrick Warburton, as the Chief Flight Attendant, has delivered the safety spiel for Soarin' for over 20 years. With the return of Soarin' Over California to the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, Disney decided to surprise one lucky group of guests with a very special safety presentation.

X-Men '97 - New Episodes, New Era

All images: Marvel

In just 2 more days, the continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series will finally arrive on DisneyPlus. I can't wait to see where these new stories take the X-Men, and what crazy twist and turns will pop up along the way.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

X-Men ’97 revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as the X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler.

X-Men '97 arrives on DisneyPlus on March 20th.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

When Irish eyes are smilin'

They can chase the blues away.

'Tis an Irish lass who's wishin'

Joy to you St. Patrick’s Day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Inside Out 2 Character Posters

All images: Pixar

Pixar has released a collection of character posters for Inside Out 2 that feature both the emotions of the original movie as well as a few new faces. It looks like Riley is in for a roller coaster ride with her new feelings. Let's start with the old crew. Amy Poehler is Joy.

Phyllis Smith is Sadness.

Lewis Black is Anger.

Tony Hale is Fear.

and Liza Lapira is Disgust.

And now the new crew. Maya Hawke is Anxiety.

Ayo Edebiri is Envy

Paul Walter Hauser is Embarrassment

And Adéle Exarchopoulos is Ennui.

Inside Out 2 arrives in theaters on June 14th.

Don't Call Her Nellie

All images: Disney

The first trailer for the series Renegade Nell has arrived and it looks fantastic. It's an intriguing blend of history, magic, murder, and highway robbery.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

England, 1705: Nell Jackson returns from war to her family in Tottenham. Aided by plucky sprite Billy Blind, who gives her fighting superpowers, Nell takes on the local landowner's bullying son Thomas Blancheford but finds herself framed for murder. Forced on the run with her sisters Roxy and George, Nell becomes a highwaywoman. But as word of Nell's extraordinary power spreads, she attracts the attention of the sinister Earl of Poynton, who is hatching a magical plot against the Queen of England. Set on a collision course with Poynton, Nell and Billy realize that her quest for justice stretches further than she ever imagined, and that in order to clear her name, Nell first has to defeat Poynton and save the country.

Renegade Nell arrives on DisneyPlus on March 29.

More Star Tours Adventures Are Around The Corner

Disney

"Star Tours: The Adventures Continue" is still one of my favorite rides at Hollywood Studios. It is a bit wild, and exciting, and for the last several years has had a multitude of combinations that can make up each journey. And now, Disney has announced that even more characters and adventures are headed to the ride.

Beginning on April 5, locations and urgent transmissions from Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Andor will be added to the lineup, bringing the the total number of possible combinations to more than 250. These new additions will be a part of the rides at Disneyland,  Disney World, and Disneyland Paris. I can't wait to see Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu appear with messages about the Rebel Spy.

I'm Just Ken at the Oscars

ABC

I always love watching the performances for Best Song at the Oscars. This year, Ryan Gosling performed "I'm Just Ken" from Barbie with a fantastically over-the-top number that included nods to classic Hollywood movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Dames. It was a seriously silly delight.

X-Men '97 Is Just Like Old Times

Marvel

X-Men '97 looks like a true blast from the past. I can't wait to watch all 10 new episodes.

X-Men '97 arrives on DisneyPlus on March 20. X-Men: The Animated Series is currently available on DisneyPlus.

Barbie Quote

Warner Brothers

Humans only have one ending.

Ideas live forever.

- Ruth, Barbie

Woody in Rodeo Roundup BBQ

The decor in Rodeo Roundup BBQ in Toy Story Land is amazing. Much like Toy Story Mania, you enter the world of Andy's toys as if you were a toy as well. And, of course, Andy has added a few of his own special touches,  like this drawing of Woody riding Bullseye. 

Inside Out 2 Trailer

All images: Pixar

The first full trailer and poster for Inside Out 2 are here and they look hilarious. In this sequel, Riley is experiencing all new emotions, and they're taking over her world.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney and Pixar:

The little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out—but next summer, everything changes when Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” introduces a new Emotion: Anxiety. According to director Kelsey Mann, the new character promises to stir things up within headquarters. “Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, might be new to the crew, but she’s not really the type to take a back seat,” said Mann. “That makes a lot of sense if you think about it in terms of what goes on inside all our minds.”

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust. 

Inside Out 2 arrives in theaters on June 14th.

St Patrick’s Day Treats At Disney World

All images: Disney

There are a few tasty St Patrick's Day treats heading to Disney World this year. Most of these treats will be available from March 1-17 at Disney Springs and Resorts.

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie 

• End of the Rainbow Crème Brûlée: Chocolate and coffee crème brûlée with Bailey’s Irish Cream whipped cream 🍀

City Works Eatery & Pour House (March 13-17)

• Shepherd’s Pie Flatbread: Stewed seasoned beef, roasted garlic purée, peas, mozzarella, mashed potatoes, and green onion
• Pastrami Reuben: House-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and bacon-braised sauerkraut on marble rye
• Irish Mac N’ Cheese: Caramelized cabbage, beer-braised onions, bacon lardons, shredded corned beef, beer cheese sauce, smoked cheddar, garlic herb crumble, and cavatappi
• Jameson Honey Mule: Jameson, lemon juice, honey syrup, orange bitters, and ginger beer
• Lucky Grasshopper: Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur, crème de menthe, heavy cream, and lucky marshmallow
• Dark Side of The Moon: Blue Moon Belgian White and Guinness
• Snakebite: Angry Orchard Crisp Apple and Guinness
• Voodoo: Rubaeus and Guinness

D-Luxe Burger

• St Patrick’s Day Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with dark caramel sauce, Irish cream syrup, and toasted marshmallow syrup topped with whipped cream, caramel, and green sprinkles 🧋

The Ganachery

• St. Patty’s Mickey Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate piñata filled with chocolate treats
• Irish Cream Ganache Square: Bailey’s Irish Cream ganache enrobed in milk chocolate

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

• Mint Bliss Hot Fudge Sundae: Mint chocolate chip and chocolate ice cream layered with handmade dark chocolate hot fudge and topped with whipped cream and a dark chocolate mint square

Swirls on the Water

• St. Patrick’s Day Cone: Pistachio and chocolate soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone with shamrock sprinkles and a chocolate Mickey garnish 🍀
• Chocolate and Coffee Float: Pistachio soft-serve, chocolate soft-serve, Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, and shamrock sprinkles 🍀🧋
• Cold Brew-Pistachio-Mocha Float: Pistachio and chocolate soft-serve swirled together with Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew and Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur 🍀

Vivoli il Gelato

• Seasonal Shake: Mint chocolate chip and pistachio gelato with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
• Guinness Tiramisu: Mascarpone cream with layers of Guinness-soaked lady fingers 🍀

Disney Resort Hotels

Beach Club

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

• Mickey Shamrock Milkshake: Mint milkshake with chocolate drizzle, shamrock sprinkles, and a specialty vanilla cupcake 🧋

Beach Club Marketplace

• Pot O’ Gold Mousse: Irish stout cake, Irish cream mousse, and a candy rainbow

Grand Floridian

Gasparilla Island Grill

• Irish Cream Cheesecake: Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake with Chantilly cream and gold ‘coins’ 🍀

Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork

• The Nugget: Vanilla bean mousse, stout cake, and a salted caramel ganache center

Pot O’ Gold Mousse: Irish stout cake, Irish cream mousse, and a candy rainbow

• BoardWalk - BoardWalk Deli
• Old Key West - Good’s Food to Go
• Saratoga Springs - The Artist’s Palette
• Yacht Club - The Market at Ale & Compass

Lucky (Plant-based) Clover Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with a golden vanilla buttercream swirl and shamrock sprinkles

• All-Star Resorts - Food Courts
• Art of Animation - Landscape of Flavors
• Caribbean Beach - Centertown Market & Spyglass Grill 
• Pop Century - Everything POP Shopping & Dining 
• Port Orleans: Riverside - Riverside Mill Food Court
• Port Orleans: French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory 

🍀 ‐ New

🧋 - Non-alcoholic

The Wild Robot Trailer

Universal

The first trailer for The Wild Robot has arrived and it looks so sweet. The story is based on a series of kid's books by Peter Brown. I can't wait to see what the Wild Robot learns about our world when the movie debuts this fall.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal:

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot. 

The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

A powerful story about the discovery of self, a thrilling examination of the bridge between technology and nature and a moving exploration of what it means to be alive and connected to all living things, the Wild Robot stars Lupita Nyong’o as robot Roz, Pedro Pascal as fox Fink, Catherine O’Hara as opossum Pinktail, Bill Nighy as goose Longneck; Kit Connor as gosling Brightbill, and Stephanie Hsu as Vontra, a robot that will intersect with Roz’s life on the island. The film also features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Matt Berry and Ving Rhames.

The Wild Robot arrives in theaters on September 20th.

Orange Bird Collectibles At The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

All images: Disney

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is back with amazing food, music, garden displays, and, of course, collectibles. And many of those collectibles feature the fan favorite Orange Bird. Here are a few fun Orange Bird delights to keep an eye out for.

From adorable shirts to clever flower pots and the cutest orange juicer I've ever seen, there's something for everyone. 

This Loungefly backpack and matching ears are so cute. Both feature an all over pattern of oranges, Spaceship Earth, garden rakes, and the Orange Bird on a blue background. And the Orange Bird in the backpack flower pot-shaped pocket is movable. The Orange Bird plush is sweet and cuddly.

The Orange Bird's history gets a nod on this Festival Spirit Jersey.

The most popular collectible at this year's Festival will likely be this Orange Bird x Lug bag. (The Figment version at the Festival of the Arts so out so quickly it was a blink and you'll miss it.) 

The Skeeter Mini Crossbody can convert from a crossbody to a belt bag. It features three main zip compartments, an ID window, and lots of pockets.

And finally, the coolest way to pay for these treasures is with an Orange Bird gift card. This year, the two designs are printed on wooden gift cards that can be worn on your wrist.

All of the Orange Bird collectibles will be available throughout the Festival at the Creations Shop and Festival Markets. But they do sell out quickly, so if there's something you love, be sure to pick it up early.