L.M. Montgomery Quote

Starfire Publishing

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June."

- Anne Shirley, Anne of the Island

The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter LEGO

The LEGO sets from The Mandalorian are so fun. I recently acquired the N-1 Starfighter set from a few years ago. It has four minifigs: Din Djarin, Grogu, Peli Motto, and a tiny BD Droid. It's a great addition to my ever-growing Star Wars LEGO collection.

Gatto Teaser & Poster

All images: Pixar

The first teaser trailer and poster for Pixar's Gatto have arrived. This animated movie looks hilarious: it's a mob story starring cats, set in Venice.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

Mark Ruffalo has joined the voice cast as the scrappy black cat Nero, and Laurence Fishburne will voice the ruthless mob boss cat Rocco. The teaser trailer introduces Nero and Rocco as they question another cat in a funny interrogation scene.

In “Gatto,” after years of maneuvering the canal-ridden, superstitious city of Venice, Italy, Nero begins to question whether he’s lived the right lives. Indebted to Rocco, the local feline mob boss, Nero finds himself in a quandary and is forced to forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose—unless Venice gets the better of him first.

Gatto arrives in theaters on March 5, 2027.

Moana

All images: Disney

The final trailer for Disney's live-action Moana has arrived and it looks amazing. With each new trailer, we see a little more of the characters and special effects. Tamatoa looks incredible and sounds incredible as Jemaine Clement is back to voice the giant gold-hoarding crab.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

In Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

Moana arrives in theaters on July 10th.

The Doomies

All images: Disney

A new supernatural animated series is headed to DisneyPlus. The Doomies follows two best friends who accidentally unleash the monsters of Subterra on their town. 

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

When best friends Bobby and Romy accidentally open a portal to evil, their tranquil coastal town transforms into a hotspot for terrifying creatures of doom. As the ordinary teens navigate this extraordinary mystery, they face off against literal and inner monsters in this epic comedy that combines thrills, chills, and emotional spills.

The Doomies premieres on DisneyPlus on June 26th.

It Takes A Holmes To Save A Holmes

Netflix

The first full trailer for Enola Holmes 3 has arrived and it look like it's going to be another wild adventure. Enola has been enjoying spending time with Tewkesbury, and they have decided to marry. But, in the Holmes family, things never go that easily: Sherlock has been kidnapped and apparently Enola is the only person who can rescue him. 

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

It will take a Holmes, to save a Holmes. The critically-acclaimed ‘Enola Holmes’ franchise has returned, taking Enola far from London, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before. 

The film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter.

Enola Holmes 3 arrives on Netflix on July 1st. 

Enola Holmes 1 & 2 are available now.

Mel Brooks Quote

Photo by Chris Jackson

"Humor is just another defense against the universe."

- Mel Brooks

LEGO Main Street USA

My latest Disney LEGO set just arrived and I can't wait to put it together. The Main Street USA set has 16 minifigures and 3899 pieces. There's so much to look at!

Ice Age: Boiling Point Teaser & Poster

All images: 20th Century Studios

The wild and ever growing herd of the Ice Age movies is back for another crazy adventure. The first teaser trailer and poster for the sixth installment, Ice Age: Boiling Point, has appeared and it looks just as fun as the previous films. Who knows what nuttiness Manny, Ellie, Diego, Sid, Crash, Eddie, Buck and Scrat will get up to. But, is that a baby Scrat and where's Peaches?!

Here's the official synopsis from 20th Century Studios: 

"Ice Age: Boiling Point" is a wild adventure through dinosaurs and lava as Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Scrat and the herd explore uncharted regions of the dangerous Lost World. This upcoming film stars Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Simon Pegg, and Queen Latifah.

Ice Age: Boiling Point arrives in theaters on February 5, 2027.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Theme Music

The music from The Mandalorian and Grogu is so iconic. It sounds like a western and a space movie combined, perfect for a story in the Star Wars Universe. 

The Mandalorian and Grogu is in theaters now.

Enola Holmes 3 Teaser and Posters

All images: Netflix

The first teaser trailer for Enola Holmes 3 has arrived and it looks fantastic. Enola is Sherlock Holmes younger sister and, like her brother, she is quite clever at solving crimes. This time around, she's supposed to be marrying Tewkesbury, but Sherlock has been kidnapped and Enola is the only person who can rescue him.

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

Tis I do?! The critically-acclaimed ‘Enola Holmes’ franchise has returned, taking Enola far from London, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before. The film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter.

The first two Enola Holmes movies are available now on Netflix. Enola Holmes 3 arrives on July 1st.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe From Disney

Disney

Pineapple Upside Down Cake is such a classic dessert. It was created in the 1920s and used the recently developed canned pineapple in a baking style that had been around since the Middle Ages. The result is delicious. This version is the recipe that Disney uses at the Plaza Inn in Disneyland. 

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake - Plaza Inn

Makes 12 servings

Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups diced fresh or canned pineapple, drained

1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Grease 12 mini bundt or muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.

Stir brown sugar and melted butter together in a small bowl. Place 2 teaspoons of butter mixture in the bottom of each muffin cup.

Place 2 1/2 tablespoons diced pineapple and 2 teaspoons chopped maraschino cherries on top of butter mixture in each muffin cup. Set side.

Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup pineapple juice

whipped cream, for serving

12 maraschino cherries, for serving

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time until incorporated. Add vanilla and mix for 1 minute on medium speed.

Reduce speed to low. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and 1/2 of the pineapple juice. Repeat until all pineapple juice and flour are used.

Pour batter evenly over the diced pineapple and butter in muffin tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully flip muffin tin over to remove cakes. Top each cake with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve warm or at room temperature.

There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Coming To The Carousel Of Progress

All images: Disney

The Carousel of Progress is one of the classic shows at Disney World. The attraction made its debut at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. It was a passion project of Walt Disney's that included a rotating theater and a song written by the Sherman brothers. The show included four scenes: the early 1900s, the 1920s, 1940s, and a futuristic finale. 

It arrived in the Magic Kingdom in 1975, where it included a different song, "The Best Time Of Your Life". Over the years, the scenes have been updated and altered, especially the final scene which is a vision of the future. The last major update was in 1994, when the original song was restored, so Imagineers have decided it's time for a major refresh. But don't worry: John, Sarah, and the rest of the family won't be going anywhere, just experiencing a new timeline.

The show will close on July 6th and reopen sometime in 2027. An entirely new opening scene will be added, based on the 1964 TV special "Disneyland Goes to the World's Fair". It will include an Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney himself. Imagineers have been recreating the room, filling it with props like a prototype Tiki Room bird and a doll from it's a small world.

Imagineers also plan to change the other scenes to reflect newer decades that guests may remember. 

• Act 1 1969 - The family is gathered around the TV to watch the moon landing.
• Act 2 1985 - It's Halloween and Sarah gets the chance to show off the new gadgets that make life easier while John hands out candy. Uncle Orville is still in the bathroom with "no privacy around here!"
• Act 3 1999 - The family is preparing for the new millennium on New Year's Eve and exploring that exciting new thing called the internet. Grandpa is already asleep and Grandma is watching wrestling. 
• Act 4 The Future - As always, this scene explores what the future may look like, with a robotic assistant and inspiration from the original sketches for the show.

It's going to be a long wait to experience this new version of the Carousel of Progress, but it sounds quite exciting. What new scene are you looking forward to most?

Din Djarin Quote

Lucasfilm

"The old protect the young, then the young protect the old. This is the way." 

- Din Djarin, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Buzz Lightyear To The Rescue

Andy's toys can be found throughout Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. From Jessie and Rex on Slinky Dog Dash to this Buzz Lightyear near the Alien Swirling Saucers, there are familiar faces everywhere you look. 

Time To Return To The 90s

All images: Marvel

Marvel's X-Men '97 is returning for a second season. Season One of this continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series arrived on DisneyPlus in 2024, so we've had a bit of a wait to see where they go next. And in true X-Men fashion, the answer is: time travel.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

X-Men ’97 Season 2 continues with the heroic mutant team of X-Men, divided and thrown across different eras in time as they struggle to navigate their return home. Meanwhile, back in the 1990s, suspicious foes and new strains of mutant intolerance are on the rise in the wake of the X-Men’s absence. 

The second season of the original animated series features 9 episodes, and the voice cast includes Ross Marquand as Professor X, Matthew Waterson as Magneto, Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, Lenore Zann as Rogue, and George Buza as Beast.

Season 2 of X-Men '97 arrives on DisneyPlus on July 1st.

"Dream A Little Dream Of Me" - Spider-Noir

Marvel

Have you watched Spider-Noir yet? The series was released on Amazon Prime Video yesterday. So far, I've watched the first 4 episodes and I am loving it. It's so delightfully dark and retro, like an old gumshoe movie. And the music is pretty fantastic, too.

All 8 episodes of Marvel's Spider-Noir are available now on Amazon Prime Video.

Toy Story 5 Final Trailer & Posters

All images: Pixar

The final trailer for Toy Story 5 has arrived and the story is beginning to appear. Woody has returned to help Jessie and the other toys find their place in a world filled with electronic tablets.

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5,” and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to what kids are obsessed with today....electronics!

In the IMAX poster, the toys are fighting back against the electronic toys.

The 4DX poster features Jessie lassoing Bonnie's new tablet while the other toys look on.

The RealD 3D poster shows the tablet at the center of all the toys attention.

The Fandango poster has a very retro feel.

Toy Story 5 arrives in theaters on June 19th.

Rizzo's Totally Authorized Tour

Disney

Rizzo the Rat is back to give us his own version of a tour of the newly reimagined Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (with a little help from Robin and Yolanda.) As you'd expect from Rizzo, there's something a little bit off about his "Totally Authorized Tour", but it's still quite fun.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is now open in Hollywood Studios at Disney World.

Memorial Day

"May the wreaths they have won never wither,

Nor the star of their glory grow dim."

- Unknown

Roald Dahl Quote

"It's impossible to make your eyes twinkle if you aren't feeling twinkly yourself."

- Roald Dahl

Jaws LEGO Set

I absolutely adore LEGO. It's so fun to sort out the pieces and build something amazing. I had been considering this Jaws set for awhile, so when I saw that it's being retired this summer, I knew it was time to go for it. I love how detailed the Orca is. Bruce the shark looks incredible and Hooper, Brody, and Quint are instantly recognizable. It's a fantastic addition to my collection. 

LEGO AT-AT AT-Attack

LEGO/Lucasfilm

LEGO shorts are so fun, and generally quite silly. This Star Wars short features Din Djarin and Grogu attacking AT-ATs on an ice planet.

The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters today, May 22nd.

The Easter Eggs Of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

Disney

The newly reimagined Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is ready to rock. The queue, and ride, are filled with Easter Eggs from past Muppet movies, TV shows, and of course, Muppet Vision 3D. Join the Imagineers for a sneak peek of these Muppety touches while we wait for the ride to open next week.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets blasts off on May 26th.

With No Power Comes No Responsibility

All images: Marvel/Amazon

The final trailer for Marvel's Spider-Noir has arrived and it looks fantastic. This gritty live-action series focuses on Ben Reilly, a former super hero who must step out of the shadows once again to save New York from super powered villains.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

Based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir, the “Spider-Noir” live-action series tells the story of Ben Reilly, a private investigator in 1930s New York. Played by Nicolas Cage, the burnt-out private eye is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only super hero.

Cage is joined by Lamorne Morris, portraying journalist Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li’s Cat Hardy, a nightclub songstress and femme fatale, and Karen Rodriguez, who plays Ben Reilly’s assistant detective, Janet.

Spider-Noir arrives on Amazon Prime Video on May 27th in True-Hue Full Color and Authentic Black and White.

The Mandalorian and Grogu At Disney World

All images: Disney

To celebrate the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, lots of fun new treats and collectibles are headed to Disney World on May 22nd. From blue cookies and backpack sippers to an all-new adventure on

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, there's something for everyone. First up, the food and foodie collectibles. (✨️ - New)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios

Kat Saka’s Kettle

• Grogu Cookies: White chocolate-dipped macaron cookie with pineapple cream ✨️
• BDX Droid Bucket ✨️

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

• Sweet-and-Spicy Puffer Pig Pasta: Flat noodles with pork belly, bok choy, sweet-and-spicy soy sauce, and hard boiled egg ✨️
• The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ✨️

Oga's Cantina

• Oga’s Obsession: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, cotton candy flavor, and blueberry fruit juice-filled pearls with a bursting dried fruit mixture and gummy candy frogs

• Rodian Ration: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple Schnapps Liqueur, green apple, and Sprite with fruit juice-filled pearls and gummy candy frogs

• Spotchka: Hendrick’s Gin, honey syrup, Lillet Blanc Aperitif, lemon juice, and Bols Blue Curaçao​ Liqueur served in a jet chill glass

Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

• The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ✨️

Backlot Express

• The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ✨️

Fairfax Fare

• The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ✨️

Ice Cold Hydraulics

• BDX Droid Bucket ✨️

Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic

• BDX Droid Bucket ✨️
• The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ✨️

Select Popcorn Carts

• BDX Droid Bucket ✨️

Cart near the Main Entrance

• The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ✨️

Disney Springs

The Ganachery 

• Beskar Ingot Pop: Dragon fruit ganache covered in 65% dark chocolate ✨️

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Din Djarin and Grogu join Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run for an exciting new adventure. Here's the official description from Disney:

In this new storyline, Hondo Ohnaka has caught wind of a high-stakes deal unfolding on the sands of Tatooine, where ex-Imperial officers have crossed paths with a ruthless band of pirates. With a hefty bounty on the line, you’ll take possession of the Millennium Falcon, join forces with Mando and Grogu, and launch into a daring pursuit across the stars.

Adding to the fun, each role introduces fresh gameplay moments, new interactions, and unexpected surprises along the way. A new interactive feature allows the engineer position to check in on Grogu throughout the mission, and make the pivotal planet choice that charts the course.

New collectibles such as toys, puzzles, water bottles and clothing will be available at multiple locations in the Parks and at Disney Springs: Tatooine Traders, Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, or World of Disney.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu blasts into theaters this Friday, May 22nd.

Are You Ready To Rock?

All images: Disney

It's nearly time to experience the Muppet takeover of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. The fun begins in the courtyard where there are Muppety touches everywhere you look. There's even a new spot for munchies: FØØD by Swedish Chef. The menu includes returning favorites alongside a few Muppet-inspired dishes.

Wocka Wocking Nachos - corn chips with queso blanco, tomatoes and just the right amount of guacamole

Churro Drumstick - twisted churro tossed in mixed berry sugar and topped with raspberry sauce and assorted sprinkles

Mayhem Soft-Serve Float - Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry with vanilla soft-serve topped with pink cotton candy

Pink Le-moi-nade - Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with guava and a sprinkle of pink shimmer

Pond Water Limeade - inspired by Kermit the Frog himself, it brings together Minute Maid Premium Limeade, green apple, and fruit juice-filled pearls

Other dishes include:

• Mini Corn Dogs served with chips
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Assorted Chips
• Vanilla, Chocolate, or Swirl Waffle Cone
• Frozen Floats with Coca-Cola or Barq’s Root Beer
• Fountain Sodas
• Frozen Blue Raspberry (Also available with Bacardi Superior Rum or Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

After you make your way through the Muppet-filled queue, you'll arrive at the recording studio where the Electric Mayhem are rocking out while Scooter is trying to get them to the concert on time. You'll board a Lengthy Immediate Motion Object (L.I.M.O.) created by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker and race across town to the sounds of the Electric Mayhem and a few of their friends. 

• Song 2 – The Electric Mayhem
• Born To Be Wild – The Electric Mayhem ft. Camilla the Chicken
• Love Rollercoaster – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
• Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) – The Electric Mayhem ft. Def Leppard
• Walking on Sunshine – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kelly Clarkson
• And maybe a few mystery bonus tracks

Of course, Statler and Waldorf will be on hand to do what they do best: heckle. 

The attraction photos have fun new frames featuring various Muppets. They will be available in the new Rock Around the Shop along with lots of fun Muppety merchandise.

There will be lots of Muppet T-shirtsT-shirts for those who want a bit more Muppets in every day. A Muppet water bottle features a bright, bold design. 

RSVLTS has designed a fun new button down shirt with a zany print. And there's a simple ball cap, too.

For Loungefly collectors, a guitar bag will soon be headed to the shop. Featuring several Muppets on the strap, its the perfect rockstar accessory. 

An awesome set of six stickers is great for decorating laptops, water bottles, or wherever you need a little more Muppet mania. The set features Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Statler and Waldorf, Animal playing the drums and a Rockin’ Muppets license plate.

Of course, there will be pins to collect, and a few fun magnets. Muppet drumsticks are a great souvenir for rocking to the beat wherever you go. A cool postcard and other knick-knacks will also be available.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is ready to rock on May 26th.