Charles Dickens Quote

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

- Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Butterfly Topiary

This delightful butterfly topiary, made entirely of succulents, was outside Butterfly Landing at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. 

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom

All images: Aardman Animation

Something mysterious (and very hairy!) has appeared in Mossy Bottom. Can Shaun and his pals stop the creature and save Halloween?

Here's the official synopsis from Aardman Animation: 

"Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom" sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm looking forward to Halloween – until the clumsy Farmer trashes the Flock’s beloved pumpkin patch! When Shaun turns mad scientist to fix the problem, things rapidly spiral out of control... With The Farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, all the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives in theaters on September 18th.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

All images: Marvel & Sony

It looks like poor Peter Parker is really struggling since he erased himself from the memories of everyone. Without his support group, he's an outsider in his own world.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel & Sony:

After the record-breaking global success of "Spider-Man: No Way Home", "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. 

Four years have passed since the events of "No Way Home", and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he's devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.

The cast includes: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters on July 31st.

Maul - Shadow Lord Trailer

Lucasfilm

The first full trailer for Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord has arrived and it looks very dark. The latest animated series in the Star Wars Universe follows that unkillable rogue, Maul, as he seeks revenge on the Empire who betrayed him.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm: 

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord presents fans with a pulpy adventure that finds Maul plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who may just be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.

The cast includes Sam Witwer as Maul, Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson, Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, David W. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, and Steve Blum as Icarus.

The first two episodes of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord will arrive on DisneyPlus on April 6th. Two new episodes will debut each Monday, leading up to the finale on Star Wars Day, May the 4th.

Golden - KPop Demon Hunters

Sony

"Golden", a song from the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters, won the Oscar for Best Original Song last night. It's such a fun, upbeat song. I haven't watched the movie yet, which also won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, but the kiddo is definitely a fan.

KPop Demon Hunters is available on Netflix.

Albert Schweitzer Quote

Photo by George Rodger

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." 

- Albert Schweitzer

Toy Story Topiaries

There are so many fun topiaries to discover each year at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. In 2024, Toy Story's Woody and Bo Peep were joined by her silly sheep: Billy, Goat, and Gruff. This year's festival runs from March 4 to June 1.

Happy Friday the 13th

It's Friday the 13th once again.

Will you have good luck today?

Millennium Falcon Power Up

LEGO/Lucasfilm

The new SMART Play bricks from LEGO sound like a lot of fun. They light up, emit sounds, and contain motion sensors for things like lightsaber battles. I can't wait to try them out! Here's a fun animated Star Wars short showing how they work.

Go The Distance - Disney Ambient: Rain

Disney

The Disney Ambient: Rain album is surprisingly calming. The songs played on piano over the sound of gently falling rain is quite lovely. This song is "Go the Distance" from Hercules. 

Five additional songs are available on the Disney Music Vevo channel on YouTube.

100 Years of Winnie the Pooh

Disney

Can you believe that this year marks the 100th birthday of Winnie the Pooh? The honey loving bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood first appeared in a book by AA Milne in October 1926. Since then, the gentle tales of the "tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff" have enchanted children and adults alike.

Happy birthday, silly old bear!

Tasty Treats at the California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

All images: Disney

The California Adventure Food & Wine Festival has begun. From now until April 27th, guests will find sweets and treats inspired by the Golden State throughout the park. Here are the menus from this year's Marketplaces.

Performance Corridor

California Craft Brews

• Chicharrón Nachos: Chicharrón, chorizo, cheese sauce, tomatoes, and salsa verde ☀️
• California Punch: Mango purée, guava nectar, cucumber syrup, and lemon juice garnished with a mango-chile lollipop 🧋
• Mango Guava Cocktail: Vodka, mango purée, guava nectar, cucumber syrup, and lemon juice garnished with a rainbow sour belt gummy
• Bottle Logic Brewing, Explorando ☀️
• California Beer Flight: LA Bodega Brewing Company La Fresa seltzer, Bottle Logic Brewing Explorando Mexican lager, Trademark Brewing Codebreaker IPA, and Russian River Brewing Company Blind Pig IPA ☀️
• LA Bodega Brewing Company, La Fresa ☀️
• Trademark Brewing, Codebreaker ☀️

• Tropical Chamoy Michelada: Tomato juice, chamoy, and passion fruit purée served with Bottle Logic Explorando rimmed with Tajín Clásico ☀️
• Russian River Brewing Company, Blind Pig

Garlic Kissed

• Sirloin Gruyère Mac & Cheese with black garlic chimichurri, garlic butter crunch, and Fresno chile slices
• Cuties Mandarin Orange & Blackberry Punch: House-made Cuties Mandarin orange purée, blackberry and strawberry purées, blackberry syrup, Simply Fruit Punch, and grapefruit juice garnished with a Cuties Mandarin orange ☀️🧋

• Bourbon Peach Tea Lemonade: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon Black Tea-infused bourbon, peach purée, Simply Lemonade, and Simply Fruit Punch garnished with a peach ring ☀️

Golden Dreams

• Musubi Fried Rice brought to you by Disney Vacation Club: AULANI Resort-inspired steamed rice with egg, glazed spiced ham, umami mayo, and furikake
• Cherry Cobbler Pot de Crème: Vanilla custard, cherry filling, and oat crumble 🥬

• Tiki Spritz: Dark rum, Italian aperitif, pineapple juice, guava nectar, guava syrup, and sweet and sour topped with Sprite and garnished with a pineapple wedge ☀️
• Watermelon Cucumber Mojito: White rum, watermelon liqueur, mojito and cucumber syrups, watermelon purée, and lime juice topped with Topo Chico and garnished with a watermelon gummy wedge and Tajín twist

LA Style

• Carbonara Pizzetta: White sauce, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon, and black pepper drizzle ☀️
• Junior LA Street Dog with jalapeño mayo, pepper and onion relish, and Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon

• Cherry Cola Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee 70th Anniversary Blend, oat milk, and vanilla crème and cherry syrups topped with a cherry cola cold foam and a maraschino cherry ☀️🧋
• Seaborn Strawberry Lemonade Margarita ☀️

Peppers Cali-Ente

• Tajín Habanero Seasoned Wings with Tajín chile-lime sauce ☀️

• Ramen Mac & Cheese: Furikake crumble, fish cakes, green onions, and chile crunch ☀️

• Strawberry Guava Lemonade: Simply Lemonade, strawberry purée, and guava syrup topped with vanilla cream and freeze-dried strawberries 🧋☀️
• Pickle Whiskey Sour: Bourbon, pickle and lime juices, and sweet and sour rimmed with Tajín Clásico and Tajín Chile-Lime Sauce and garnished with a pickle spear
• Seaborn Strawberry Lemonade Margarita ☀️

Paradise Gardens Park

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta

• Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip Pizza: Herb roasted chicken with spinach artichoke creamy cheese sauce (Available by slice or whole pie) ☀️

Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo

• Asa’DOS: Grilled skirt steak, chipotle chicken, Spanish rice, and salsa verde
• Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., The Dopest Hazy IPA ☀️
• Hot Honey White Sangria brought to you by National Geographic: Sauvignon blanc, gin, hot honey syrup, grapefruit juice, and sweet and sour garnished with sliced jalapeños ☀️

Paradise Beer Garden

• Artifex Brewing Company, Pink Guava Mango Hard Seltzer ☀️
• Crown & Hops Brewing Co., 8 Trill Pils ☀️
• SLO Brew, A-Slo-Ha Blood Orange Hazy IPA ☀️
• Smog City Brewing Co., Coffee Porter ☀️
• 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Prickly Pearadise ☀️
• Ogopogo Brewing, La Llorona Mexican Lager
• Build Your Own Flight: 4 oz. pours, select 4 of the above

Paradise Garden Grill

• Pork Chile Verde Chalupas: Two chalupas filled with pork in salsa verde, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco served with Spanish rice and refried beans topped with queso fresco ☀️
• Aguachile Loaded Chips: Zesty chips topped with lime-cooked shrimp, fresh cucumbers, and red onion with aguachile salsa
• Café de Olla Tres Leches Cake: Café de Olla-infused tres leches topped with piloncillo, chantilly, cinnamon, and a Mickey-shaped cookie

Uncork California

• Mickey-shaped Macaron made with SNICKERS bar pieces: Chocolate Mickey-shaped macaron filled with caramel ganache, made with SNICKERS bar pieces
• Blue Raspberry Pineapple Mimosa: Sparking wine, blue raspberry syrup, and pineapple juice ☀️
• Mango Melon Mimosa: Sparkling wine, mango purée, and rock melon syrup ☀️
• Strawberry Punch Mimosa: Sparkling wine, strawberry purée, and Simply Fruit Punch ☀️

• Mimosa Flight: Mango Melon Mimosa, Strawberry Punch Mimosa, and Blue Raspberry Pineapple Mimosa ☀️
• Famille Perrin, Côtes du Rhône Reserve Rosé ☀️
• Kendall Jackson, Chenin Blanc ☀️
• La Crema, Chardonnay ☀️
• Nielson, Pinot Noir ☀️
• Red Wine Flight: Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Reserve Rosé, Nielson Pinot Noir, and Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin De Tablas Rouge ☀️
• Tablas Creek Vineyard, Patelin de Tablas Blanc ☀️
• Tablas Creek Vineyard, Patelin de Tablas Rouge ☀️
• Une Femme, The Betty Sparkling Brut ☀️
• White Wine Flight: Kendall Jackson Chenin Blanc, La Crema Chardonnay, and Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin De Tablas Blanc ☀️

Grizzly Peak

Mercado de Antojos

• Torta Ahogada: Braised pork carnitas, frijoles charros, pickled onion, and salsa ☀️
• Café de Olla Tres Leches Cake: Café de olla-infused tres leches topped with piloncillo, chantilly, cinnamon, and a Mickey-shaped cookie
• Brown Soul Brewing Co., Quiero Maiz ☀️

• Black Cherry Paloma: Blanco tequila, black cherry purée, and sweet and sour topped with Fresca and garnished with a lime wheel
• Blood Orange Paloma: Blanco tequila, Italian aperitif, blood orange juice, and sweet and sour, topped with Fresca and garnished with a lime wheel
• Cantarito-Style Paloma
• Paloma Flight: Cantarito-Style Paloma, Black Cherry Paloma, and Blood Orange Paloma

Smokejumpers Grill

• Pizza Slider: Slider beef patty with mozzarella cheese, fried pepperoni, bell peppers and onions, sautéed mushrooms, and marinara sauce served on a brioche bun and garnished with pepperoncini

Buena Vista Street

Carthay Circle Restaurant

• Blackberry Brambling Road: Sprite, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, soda water, and muddled mint garnished with a mint sprig ☀️
• Pear Pressure: Reposado tequila, orange liqueur, pear nectar, and agave syrup garnished with a black sugar rim, a skewered pear, and a mint leaf ☀️
• Smoke in Bloom Cocktail: Black raspberry liqueur, mezcal, and pineapple and lime juices garnished with a dehydrated lime wheel ☀️

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

• Frozen Banoffee Banana: Milk chocolate-dipped frozen banana with toffee pieces, caramel sauce, and white chocolate drizzle ☀️

Trolley Treats

• Remy Caramel Apple

Hollywood Land

Award Wieners

• Chile Relleno Torta: Chile relleno, refried beans, salsa roja, lettuce, cotija cheese, sour cream, and guacamole on toasted telera bread served with fries ☀️

Hollywood Lounge

• Chicken and Waffle Mole Taco: Waffle taco shell filled with chicken in spicy mole sauce, white rice, pepitas, and sesame seeds ☀️
• Asian Street Burrito: Marinated beef, kimchi fried rice with bacon, gochujang, cabbage salad with almonds, and toasted ramen topped with gochujang aïoli
• Malbec: Don Miguel Gascon, Mendoza, Argentina ☀️
• Tempranillo: Condado de Haza Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain ☀️
• Rosé: Campuget Wines, Nîmes, France
• Sauvignon Blanc: Whitehaven Wine, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Wine Flight: Whitehaven Wine, Campuget Wine, Condado de Haza Crianza, Don Miguel Gascon ☀️

Schmoozies!

• Mickey-shaped Banana-Hazelnut Waffles: Mickey-shaped waffles with chocolate-hazelnut filling topped with banana whipped topping and powdered sugar ☀️

Studio Catering Co.

• Chicken and Waffle Mole Taco: Waffle taco shell filled with chicken in spicy mole sauce, white rice, pepitas, and sesame seeds ☀️
• Asian Street Burrito: Marinated beef, kimchi fried rice with bacon, gochujang, cabbage salad with almonds, and toasted ramen topped with gochujang aïoli

Avengers Campus 

Pym Test Kitchen

• Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese: Spinach and artichoke on parmesan-crusted sourdough served with potato bites ☀️

Terran Treats

• Pandan Latte Churro: Coffee sugar, pandan whipped cream, and toasted coconut shavings ☀️

Cars Land

Cozy Cone Motel 5 – Popcone

• Green Pozole: Traditional Mexican stew with chicken and hominy served with chips ☀️

San Fransokyo Square 

Aunt Cass Café

• Burrata Toast: Toasted Boudin sourdough, onion jam, lemon burrata, marinated cherry tomatoes, arugula, and balsamic glaze
• Banana Caramel Bread Pudding: Banana pudding with caramelized butter sauce, whipped topping, and crushed vanilla wafers ☀️
• Bunch of Grapes Pull-apart Bread: Boudin sourdough pull-apart bread ☀️🥬

Boudin Bread Cart

• Bunch of Grapes Pull-apart Bread: Boudin sourdough pull-apart bread ☀️🥬

Cappuccino Cart

• Ube Latte with Matcha Foam: Ube milk with matcha cold foam ☀️🧋

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill

• Strawberry Horchata: House-made rice and cinnamon beverage with strawberry purée 🧋
• Strawberry Horchata-Rum Cocktail: Spiced rum and house-made rice and cinnamon beverage with strawberry purée

Lucky Fortune Cookery

• Bulgogi Bowl: Bulgogi beef and gochugaru-marinated cucumbers over rice garnished with spicy mayo, crispy shallots, and sesame seeds ☀️

• Pandan Milk Tea: Oat milk and toasted coconut with brown sugar tapioca spheres topped with coconut cold foam ☀️🧋

Pixar Pier

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff

• Remy Caramel Apple

Lamplight Lounge

• Chef’s Special: Thai-BBQ porkchop with drunken noodles, Chinese broccoli, scrambled egg, peanut chile oil, Thai basil, and a lime wedge ☀️
• Chocolate-Pistachio Donuts ☀️
• The Lamplight Old Fashioned: Bourbon, citrus, spice and floral Spanish liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, bitters, Luxardo Juice, and a Luxardo Cherry ☀️

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining

• The Lamplight Old Fashioned: Bourbon, citrus, spice and floral Spanish liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, bitters, Luxardo Juice, and a Luxardo Cherry ☀️

Select Outdoor Vending Carts

• Lemon-Pepper Turkey Leg: Turkey leg with lemon pepper seasoning
• Pull-apart Pizza Bread filled with seasoned ricotta and topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni slices
• Blue Vanilla Cotton Candy: Blue vanilla cotton candy
• Watermelon Cotton Candy: Pink watermelon cotton candy

☀️ - New

🧋 - Non-alcoholic

🥬 - Plant-based