Smellephants on Parade at Fantasyland Station

It's rather fun finding all of the Smellephants on Parade in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Each elephant statue has its own circus inspired scent courtesy of Scentsy. And near the exit for the Fantasyland Train Station, you can see where those scents arrive, along with the luggage of the Big Bad Wolf and Hyacinth Hippo. 

Elio Final Trailer

Pixar

Pixar's Elio looks so cute! He may have trouble fitting in on Earth, but it seems he's finding his place among the stars.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he’s beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be.

“Elio” features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO.

Elio arrives in theaters on June 20th.

Jurassic World Rebirth Trailer & Posters

All images: Universal

The latest entry in the Jurassic Park saga has dinos that will give you nightmares. The Distortus Rex is the most frightening because it's like a T-Rex with long arms. It's seen reaching for someone in the trailer and two of the new posters. I'm sure it will be somewhat terrifying on the big screen.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal: 

A new era is born. This summer, three years after the Jurassic World trilogy concluded with each film surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the enduring Jurassic series evolves in an ingenious new direction with Jurassic World Rebirth. 

Anchored by Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, this action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park, inhabited by the worst of the worst that were left behind.

Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.

Scarlett Johansson plays skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett, contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure the genetic material. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized by marauding aquatic dinos, they all find themselves stranded on a forbidden island that had once housed an undisclosed research facility for Jurassic Park. There, in a terrain populated by dinosaurs of vastly different species, they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that has been hidden from the world for decades.

Mahershala Ali is Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s most trusted team member, Jonathan Bailey plays paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis, Rupert Friend appears as Big Pharma representative Martin Krebs and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo plays Reuben Delgado, the father of the shipwrecked civilian family. 

The cast includes Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audrina Miranda as Reuben’s family. The film also features, as members of Zora and Krebs’ crews, Philippine Velge, Bechir Sylvain, and Ed Skrein. 

Jurassic World Rebirth arrives in theaters on July 2nd.

Summer Is Starting Right Now

All images: Disney

Phineas and Ferb are returning for 104 more days of summer vacation. That means more madcap adventures for Phineas, Ferb, and their friends, more Candace trying to bust them, and more Perry the Platypus saving the Tri-State Area from Doofenschmirtz's inators. And of course, more fun and catchy songs like this one.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

The new season follows the inventive stepbrothers, Phineas and Ferb, as they tackle another 104 days of summer. Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers, while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave “Agent P,” whose sole mission is to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz from taking over the Tri-State Area.

Phineas and Ferb arrive on the Disney Channel on June 5th and DisneyPlus on June 6th.

New episodes will debut each week.

Memorial Day

 
"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." 

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Let us not forget this Memorial Day.

Steve Rogers Quote

Marvel

 
"I know I'm asking a lot. But the price of freedom is high. It always has been. And it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not."

- Steve Rogers, Captain America and the Winter Soldier

Kermit the Tree Frog

We have the cutest little frogs in our garden. I believe it's an American Green Tree Frog. They are quite small, around 2 inches long, and the most brilliant shade of green. Seeing all of the wildlife that visits our yard always makes me happy. 

Dogs Can't Talk!

Disney

Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch looks so cute, and fluffy! It appears to be a fantastic remake of a beloved movie. This clip is from the scene where Lilo first meets Stitch, the talking "dog".

Lilo & Stitch arrives in theaters today, May 23rd.

A Sneak Peek At Season 2 Of Wednesday

Netflix

Wednesday Addams is returning for more creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky mayhem at Nevermore Academy. And this time, the entire family is along for the ride, even Grandmama! Here's a sneak peek of what to expect in season 2.

Wednesday Season 2 will arrive on Netflix in two parts.

Part One begins on August 6th.

Part 2 kicks off a month later on September 3rd.

Zootopia 2 Teaser Trailer

All images: Disney

Disney has released the first trailer and poster for Zootopia 2 and it looks most intriguing. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back on the case and ready to solve a new mystery.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2,” detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the mammal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.

Zootopia 2 arrives in theaters on November 26th.

Celebrate Happy

Disney

To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Disneyland, Disney has released a new album, Music From the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. Six of the songs will be featured in World of Color Happiness! at California Adventure. The first song on the album, "Celebrate Happy" performed by the Jonas Brothers, will be a part of Tapestry of Happiness, a projection show on it's a small world.

Music from the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration is available now from digital download stores and streaming services.

Václav Havel Quote

Oldřich Škácha / Václav Havel Library

 
"Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success, but, rather, an ability to work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed."

- Václav Havel

Gojū-no-Tō at EPCOT

The first building you see in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT is a Gojū-no-Tō or Five-Story Pagoda. This blue roofed structure is based on the Buddhist Horyuji Temple in Nara. Several times a day, the Matsuriza Taiko drummers perform on the lowest level of the pagoda. The pagoda is beautiful and can be viewed from many locations, but my favorite view is from Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya.

Stitch Is Back!

Disney

Stitch is back and his badness level is at an all time high! Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch looks like one wild ride.

Lilo & Stitch arrives in theaters next Friday, May 23rd.

Marvel's Ironheart Finally Has A Trailer

All images: Marvel

The first trailer for Marvel's Ironheart has arrived and it looks fantastic. Riri Williams is headed back to Chicago for her next adventure, surrounded by a bunch of new faces.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel:

Set after the events of Wakanda Forever, Ironheart follows Riri as she returns to her hometown of Chicago, determined to build a state-of-the-art iron suit and make her mark on the world. Her time in Wakanda has left her more eager than ever to pursue her dreams, and her quest entangles her in a dangerous world of science and magic.

Riri is soon surrounded by a colorful squad of characters, and the cast features Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. Perhaps the most intriguing new face is Parker Robbins, aka the Hood, a mysterious stranger played by Anthony Ramos.

The first three episodes of Ironheart arrive on DisneyPlus on June 24th. Three additional episodes will complete the season.

New Candy Containers at Disney World

All images: Disney

Disney World's latest collectible candy container is rather unexpected. Inspired by the iconic designs of Main Street USA, the container is a mini replica trash can. The trash cans of Disney Parks have been popular with fans for years, so it was only a matter of time before they appeared as a candy or popcorn container. The Trash Cans feature swinging flaps on both sides and a flip-top lid.

The Trash Cans will be available later this month at the six bulk candy locations listed below. To purchase your own Main Street USA Trash Can, you'll need to select at least a 1/2 pound of candy, then grab your container and head to the register.

Here's where you can find this crazy collectible: 

• Magic Kingdom: Main Street Confectionery
• Animal Kingdom: Zuri’s Sweets Shop
• Disney Springs: Goofy’s Candy Company 
• Disney Springs: Disney’s Candy Cauldron
• BoardWalk Inn: Screen Door General Store
• The Campsites at Fort Wilderness: Meadow Trading Post

How To Train Your Dragon Posters

All images: DreamWorks

The latest character posters for DreamWorks' How To Train Your Dragon celebrate the dragons, and not necessarily their riders. It makes sense though because the dragons look amazing. Above are Hiccup and Toothless, the Night Fury.

Astrid and Stormfly, the Deadly Nadder

Snotlout and Hookfang, the Monstrous Nightmare

Fishlegs and Meatlug, the Gruesome Gronkle

Ruffnut & Tuffnut with Barf & Belch, the Hideous Zippleback

And finally, the tiniest dragon, the Terrible Terror.

How To Train Your Dragon arrives in theaters on June 13th.

"Hawaiian Roller Coaster" - Lilo & Stitch

Disney

I'm so glad Disney kept so many of the songs from the original Lilo & Stitch in the new live-action film, but with a twist. They re-recorded "Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride" with singer Iam Tongi, but once again included the Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus. The result is just as wonderful as the original.

Lilo & Stitch arrives in theaters on May 23rd.

Happy Mother's Day

There is a warm unchanging love,

Though skies be gray or blue,

A faith that overlooks all faults

No matter what I do.

My heart is grateful everyday

For Mother's love is just that way.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Muppets Turn 70!

Can you believe that The Muppets have been around for 70 years?! That's right, yesterday marked the 70th Anniversary of Kermit the Frog's TV debut. The Muppets have been making us laugh for a long time, and hopefully, they'll continue for years to come.

If you would like to celebrate this momentous occasion, Kermit recommends watching 70 hours of The Muppets on DisneyPlus. That would include: every episode of The Muppet Show, the Muppet movies (don't forget Muppet Haunted Mansion), six episodes of Muppets Now, and all ten episodes of The Muppets Mayhem. How many hours of The Muppets will you watch?

Fantastic 4 Character Posters

All images: Marvel

These character posters for Marvel's Fantastic 4: First Steps are so delightfully retro. They are designed to look like the old collectible trading cards that came with gum.

Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch

And, introducing H.E.R.B.I.E.

Fantastic 4: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

These Stitch Posters Are Cute & Fluffy

All images: Disney

This summer's live-action remake of Disney's Lilo and Stitch looks so cute! There have been so many posters for this movie, from Stitch breaking into Princess movies to Stitch interrupting the Super Bowl. The latest posters are for various movie technologies.

Lilo & Stitch arrives in theaters on May 23rd.

Toothless & Hiccup

DreamWorks

The How To Train Your Dragon series is really the story of Toothless and Hiccup and their friendship, and how it grows and changes over the years. This live-action remake of the first movie keeps the focus on that friendship, which looks just as amazing as it did when the animated film was first released 15 years ago. 

How To Train Your Dragon arrives in theaters on June 13th.

Star Wars: A New Hope Main Theme

Deutsche Grammophon

The music that John Williams composed for Star Wars is iconic. It is instantly recognizable and always makes me feel happy and nostalgic. This recording of the Main Theme from Star Wars: A New Hope was performed by the Vienna Philharmonic, with John Williams conducting, in 2020.

Bringing Berk To Life

DreamWorks

This summer's live-action How To Train Your Dragon is looks incredible. From the dragons to the arena, the appearance of the film is stunning. Let's go behind-the-scenes to see how the filmmakers brought the island of Berk to life.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. 

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (Nico Parker) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader. 

The film also stars Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur.

How To Train Your Dragon arrives in theaters on June 13th.