I finally had the chance to see Cinderella and Frozen Fever last night. They were both so good! I loved the Frozen short. The story, although brief, is a great addition to the original story, and the Snowgies are so cute! Elsa is preparing to celebrate Anna's birthday, but an unexpected cold puts a kink in her plans. As you can probably guess, laughter ensues.
Cinderella was also fantastic, and truly a beautiful production. (Caution, major spoiler alert, although if you know the tale of Cinderella, none of this will come as a surprise.) They did a wonderful job of retelling this classic tale, while staying true to the original story. Lily James is amazing as Cinderella. The story begins as you'd expect with Ella being the center of her parents world. Although this could have caused her to be conceited or proud, Ella grows up humble and kind to human and animal alike. When her mother falls ill, she gives Ella the best advice she can, "Have courage and be kind." Young Ella takes these words to heart, even when her father died unexpectedly and she is left to live with her wicked stepmother and two vain stepsisters. Although they treat her horribly, Ella decides to stay in her family home, to honor her parents memory. However, one day she fears that she can take no more abuse, and rides off alone toward the woods. There she meets a handsome stranger named Kit, and impresses him with her kindness and wisdom. She decides to return home, and soon after discovers that the King has decided to throw a ball to find his son a bride, and the Prince has insisted that every eligible maiden is invited. With a bit of help from her Fairy Godmother, the amazing Helena Bonham Carter, Cinderella is able to go to the ball. It's at the ball that she meets Kit again, and realizes that he is the Prince.
They begin to fall in love, but Cinderella must flee when the clock strikes midnight. Fortunately for the Prince, she loses a shoe on the steps. In a slight twist to the story, the King dies soon after the ball, but not before telling his son that he should marry for love and not political advantage. This leads the Prince to search for his mysterious Princess, whoever she may be, highborn or low. Unfortunately for Cinderella, her stepmother has discovered her remaining glass slipper and attempts to blackmail Cinderella into promoting her after she marries the Prince. This time, however, she's gone too far; Cinderella refuses to allow her stepmother to harm either the Prince or the Kingdom. Cinderella's household is the final stop in the Kingdom for eligible maidens try on the glass slipper. Her stepsisters' feet are too large, so the Prince's men are preparing to give up the search and leave, when they hear Cinderella singing. The Prince, who has hidden among his soldiers, insists that they find this girl and allow her to try on the slipper. When Cinderella enters the room, he recognizes her immediately, and they promise to accept each other as they are, just as soon as the shoe fits. Of course, the wicked stepmother and stepsisters get their just desserts, and Cinderella receives what she deserves: her own happily ever after.
I loved the message throughout the film that kindness and courage are both important and powerful qualities. I also loved the way Ella embraced who she was, although she saw the world not as it was, but as it could be. This world would be a happier place if we could all embrace such qualities and make them a part of our everyday lives. I also loved the way the Prince fell in love with her not just for her physical beauty, but for the beauty of her kindness and wisdom. Finally, I adored the costumes! While Cinderella's dress was the same for much of the film, it was beautiful and deceptively complex for such a simple gown, and her ballgown was simply stunning. If you have the chance, be sure to watch this latest version of Cinderella. You'll be glad you did.
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Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Monday, August 12, 2013
D23 Live Action Movie Update
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All images: Disney |
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Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Disney Princess Legos
Have you seen the newest Disney Princess Legos? They are so cute! They have released several Duplo Princess sets in the last few years, but these are the first Lego sets. The minifigures are similar to the Lego Friends sets, with tiny shaped faces rather than the yellow round heads from my childhood. They have several different hair accessories for each princess, from bows to crowns, and they can also wear any of the accessories from the Lego Friends sets.
There are two Ariel sets, one where she is a mermaid and the other where she is a girl. The first is called Ariel's Amazing Treasures. It's an under the sea set with mermaid Ariel, her fish pal Flounder, a treasure chest, gate, and seaweed.
The second set is called Ariel's Magical Kiss. It has Prince Eric's castle and dock, as well as a boat and the lagoon where Ariel and Eric nearly shared their first kiss. It also has a table and thrones inside the castle where they can share a meal. There's even a tiny frog to serenade them as they float along. The Ariel sets are Bean's favorite.
The Brave set, Merida's Highland Games, is my favorite. Merida is so cute, and her curly red hair is perfect. The set includes Merida, her brothers Hamish, Hubert, and Harris in bear form, and even two tiny wisps. There are three scenes as well, a tree, a catapult that launches tarts, and her father's castle, complete with the family tapestry hanging on the wall. She also has a tiny bow and target for her archery practice.
The Tangled set is called Rapunzel's Creativity Tower. It has Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, and even a tiny Pascal. Rapunzel's tower is filled with things for her to do, from painting to baking, to capturing Flynn. Rapunzel even has a frying pan to whack people over the head with.
There are also two Cinderella sets. The first is called Cinderella's Dream Carriage. The set includes Cinderella, her blue coach with the awesome filigree wheels, a horse to pull the carriage, a fountain, and the garden bench where Cinderella's Fairy Godmother first made her wish come true.
The second set is called Cinderella's Romantic Castle. This is the most expensive set, but the castle is impressively large. It includes Cinderella and her Prince, a dog and cat who must be Lucifer, a bathroom complete with bathtub, a throne room, and a garden that's perfect for a picnic and even has a tree swing.
I'm addicted to Legos and was very happy to see these new sets that are more girl friendly. While I don't believe that any toy is only for one gender or the other, it's nice to see companies create toys with themes that children love.
Photo Credit: Lego
There are two Ariel sets, one where she is a mermaid and the other where she is a girl. The first is called Ariel's Amazing Treasures. It's an under the sea set with mermaid Ariel, her fish pal Flounder, a treasure chest, gate, and seaweed.
The second set is called Ariel's Magical Kiss. It has Prince Eric's castle and dock, as well as a boat and the lagoon where Ariel and Eric nearly shared their first kiss. It also has a table and thrones inside the castle where they can share a meal. There's even a tiny frog to serenade them as they float along. The Ariel sets are Bean's favorite.
The Brave set, Merida's Highland Games, is my favorite. Merida is so cute, and her curly red hair is perfect. The set includes Merida, her brothers Hamish, Hubert, and Harris in bear form, and even two tiny wisps. There are three scenes as well, a tree, a catapult that launches tarts, and her father's castle, complete with the family tapestry hanging on the wall. She also has a tiny bow and target for her archery practice.
The Tangled set is called Rapunzel's Creativity Tower. It has Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, and even a tiny Pascal. Rapunzel's tower is filled with things for her to do, from painting to baking, to capturing Flynn. Rapunzel even has a frying pan to whack people over the head with.
There are also two Cinderella sets. The first is called Cinderella's Dream Carriage. The set includes Cinderella, her blue coach with the awesome filigree wheels, a horse to pull the carriage, a fountain, and the garden bench where Cinderella's Fairy Godmother first made her wish come true.
The second set is called Cinderella's Romantic Castle. This is the most expensive set, but the castle is impressively large. It includes Cinderella and her Prince, a dog and cat who must be Lucifer, a bathroom complete with bathtub, a throne room, and a garden that's perfect for a picnic and even has a tree swing.
I'm addicted to Legos and was very happy to see these new sets that are more girl friendly. While I don't believe that any toy is only for one gender or the other, it's nice to see companies create toys with themes that children love.
Photo Credit: Lego
Friday, January 3, 2014
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at the Magic Kingdom

The carousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917. Originally called the Liberty Carousel, it is one of the largest carousels of its type in the world. The 90 horses and one carved chariot have been lovingly restored by Disney Imagineers, one of whom still maintains and hand paints each one.
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Gus and Jaques on the old Cinderella's Golden Carrousel sign |

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My favorite princess riding Cinderella's horse |
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Into the Woods
My mother took my sister and I to see a stage production of Into the Woods when I was a teen. I loved it! It was a fun and fantastic twist on several of my favorite fairy tales. When I heard that Disney was filming their own production, I was ecstatic, especially once I heard who was to star in the film. We went to see this new film recently, and loved it as well. I will warn you, this post does contain spoilers, but if you're familiar with the fairytales Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood, most of it will not come as a surprise.
There are many characters in Into the Woods, and the title song introduces many of them. There's Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and her wicked stepmother (Christine Baranski) and stepsisters (Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch). Anna Kendrick, who rose to fame in the Twilight movies, is quite a wonderful Broadway style singer, as is Christine Baranski, who did a fantastic job singing in another musical film, Mama Mia. Lucy Punch was also the wicked stepsisters in another Disney film, Ella Enchanted. We also meet the Baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt). He played the much abused servant Planchet in the most recent Three Musketeers, and she was the voice of Juliet in Gnomeo and Juliet, among other roles. Meryl Streep is incredible as the Witch, and although I absolutely adore her in Mama Mia, she does a much better job of singing in Into the Woods. Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford in her debut screen role), Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) and his mother (Tracy Ullman) round out the group that must enter the woods, either to solve a problem or visit someone far away. Daniel Huttlestone previously appeared as Gavroche in the lavish film production of Les Miserables. Tracy Ullman, who has been making me laugh since Robin Hood: Men in Tights, also lent her voice to characters in the Corpse Bride and Kronk's New Groove.
As there adventures play out in the Woods, they meet each other, as well as other characters. The Baker and his wife must find the things that the Witch requires so that they can have a child. The Witch requires four things: the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, the slipper as pure as gold. Jack must sell his best friend, his cow Milky White. Cinderella must find a way to attend the Prince's (Chris Pine) Ball. And Little Red Riding Hood must make her way to Grandmother's house. On the way, she meets the Wolf (the delicious Johnny Depp who is absolutely wicked in the role, especially when he sings "Hello Little Girl"). As the Baker and his wife split up to better continue their search, she sees Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) and her Prince (Billy Magnussen) meeting in a tower.
Through a series of wild and ridiculous misadventures, everyone works to toward their own goal. The Baker and his wife manage to find and lose and find again the items that they need. Cinderella continually evades the Prince, who, along with his brother, Rapunzel's Prince, sings the hilarious song "Agony" to explain their misery at falling in love with girls who are distant, each in their own way. Cinderella's Prince finally comes up with a wily way to catch the mystery maid, but succeeds only in catching her shoe. Rapunzel's Prince is caught by the Witch and cast out into a wall of thorns. Jack, who traded his cow to the Baker for "magic beans", has gone up the beanstalk and robbed the giants, and even killed one. Eventually, everyone gets what they think they desire, only to discover that the giant's mother (Frances de la Tour, who played another giantess in Harry Potter) has come seeking revenge for the death of her son. Back into the Woods, everyone must go to find a way to set everything right. I won't spoil the end for those who haven't seen it, but it is quite unexpected.
In all, I quite enjoyed the film. While it isn't exactly like the stage musical, it was still a good adaptation. (And the songs will be stuck in your head for days. We ended up buying the soundtrack because of this.) If you have the chance, see Into the Woods. You may end up loving it, too.
As there adventures play out in the Woods, they meet each other, as well as other characters. The Baker and his wife must find the things that the Witch requires so that they can have a child. The Witch requires four things: the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, the slipper as pure as gold. Jack must sell his best friend, his cow Milky White. Cinderella must find a way to attend the Prince's (Chris Pine) Ball. And Little Red Riding Hood must make her way to Grandmother's house. On the way, she meets the Wolf (the delicious Johnny Depp who is absolutely wicked in the role, especially when he sings "Hello Little Girl"). As the Baker and his wife split up to better continue their search, she sees Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) and her Prince (Billy Magnussen) meeting in a tower.
Through a series of wild and ridiculous misadventures, everyone works to toward their own goal. The Baker and his wife manage to find and lose and find again the items that they need. Cinderella continually evades the Prince, who, along with his brother, Rapunzel's Prince, sings the hilarious song "Agony" to explain their misery at falling in love with girls who are distant, each in their own way. Cinderella's Prince finally comes up with a wily way to catch the mystery maid, but succeeds only in catching her shoe. Rapunzel's Prince is caught by the Witch and cast out into a wall of thorns. Jack, who traded his cow to the Baker for "magic beans", has gone up the beanstalk and robbed the giants, and even killed one. Eventually, everyone gets what they think they desire, only to discover that the giant's mother (Frances de la Tour, who played another giantess in Harry Potter) has come seeking revenge for the death of her son. Back into the Woods, everyone must go to find a way to set everything right. I won't spoil the end for those who haven't seen it, but it is quite unexpected.
In all, I quite enjoyed the film. While it isn't exactly like the stage musical, it was still a good adaptation. (And the songs will be stuck in your head for days. We ended up buying the soundtrack because of this.) If you have the chance, see Into the Woods. You may end up loving it, too.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Once Upon A Time Portraits
Once Upon a Time returns to ABC soon, but with a major twist. At the end of last season, a grown-up Henry met his daughter, who was looking for his help to save their family. It appears that the former residents of Storybrooke have been placed under a whole new curse in a whole new town. Welcome to Hyperion Heights.
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With all of the changes, I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Which character are you most looking forward to? Catch Once Upon a Time's season 7 premiere on Friday, October 6 on ABC.
Friday, August 9, 2024
Treats At Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
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All images: Disney |
Tonight's the night: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off this evening. The Party, which takes place on select evenings in the Magic Kingdom, is a lot of fun with spooky parades, fireworks, stage shows, and more than a few sweets and treats.
Main Street Bakery
- Minnie Witch Hat: Chocolate cookie topped with peanut butter mousse, milk chocolate ganache, and buttercream 🎃
- Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll with green and purple icing and an orange bow 🏴☠️
- Cinnamon-Apple Sundae: Dulce de leche ice cream topped with caramel sauce, apple pie filling, cinnamon candies, and whipped cream 🎃
- Graveyard Milk Shake: Chocolate milk shake with a dipped graveyard jelly doughnut, white chocolate tombstone, gummy candy, and a Haunted Mansion straw 🎃
- Ice Cream Chocolate Cookie Sandwich: Halloween cookies with M&M’S Ghoul’s Mix Chocolate Candies and your choice of ice cream 🎃🏴☠️
- Ghoulishly Gourmet Burger: Two all-beef patties with pepper jack and Swiss cheese, candied bacon, balsamic-glazed mushrooms, onion ring, and truffle-buffalo aïoli served on a black bun 🎃🏴☠️
- Halloween Turkey Club: Turkey club with bacon on black sandwich bread 🎃🏴☠️
- Graveyard Milk Shake: Chocolate milk shake with a dipped graveyard jelly doughnut, white chocolate tombstone, gummy candy, and a Haunted Mansion straw 🎃🏴☠️
- Layered Pumpkin Cake with cream cheese mousse 🎃🏴☠️
- Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn French Fries: French fries topped with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, and cilantro 🎃🏴☠️
- Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, and cilantro 🎃🏴☠️
- Chipotle Barbeque Pork and Street Corn Mini Corn Dogs: Mini corn dogs topped with fire-roasted corn, queso fresco, and cilantro 🎃🏴☠️
- Mickey-shaped Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with graham cracker crust and white chocolate-whipped ganache 🎃
- Oogie Boogie Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with marshmallow buttercream, cookies and cream buttercream, gummy candy, and an Oogie Boogie chocolate piece 🎃
- Worms ‘n Dirt Churro: Churro rolled in cookies and cream dust and topped with marshmallow and sour gummy candy 🎃🏴☠️
Aloha Isle Refreshments
- DOLE Whip Mango and Chamoy Float: DOLE Whip Mango, pineapple juice, chamoy, and chili-lime seasoning 🎃🏴☠️
- Chocolate-Caramel Tart: Chocolate tart shell filled with chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, and caramel cream topped with TWIX Cookie Bar Pieces and a chocolate piece 🎃
- Sweet-and-Spicy Beignets: Berry and cayenne-dusted beignets with chicory coffee-chocolate sauce 🎃
- Grilled Masa Flatbread: Grilled corn cake topped with butternut squash purée, braised chicken, cilantro-pumpkin seed sauce, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco 🎃
- Cajun Burger: Cajun-spiced all-beef patty topped with fried green tomato, Cajun andouille dip, and Creole rémoulade on a black bun
- Spiced Chocolate Mousse Bar: Spiced chocolate mousse, dulce de leche, orange glaze, and a sugar candy 🎃
- Guava Lemonade Slushy with cheesecake foam, Halloween sprinkles, and sugar candy 🎃🧋
- Hand-dipped Corn Dog with spicy violet mustard and spicy cheese-flavored snacks 🎃
- Char Siu Chicken Wings: Glazed whole chicken wings topped with chili threads and garlic
- Madame Leota Séance Candle: Red velvet cake and cookies and cream mousse 🎃
- Dulce de Leche, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Sauce Funnel Cake: Topped with dulce de leche ice cream, SNICKERS Bar Pieces, and whipped cream 🎃
- Minnie Mouse: Hocus Pocus Halloween Dress-up Sipper 🎃
- Jack Pop: Chocolate fudge brownie with marshmallow filling topped with a chocolate piece
- Sally Pop: Yellow cake with raspberry filling topped with a chocolate piece
- Skull Blondie: Maple blondie with caramel sauce
- Tombstone Tart: Sugar dough filled with cookies and cream cheese mousse and Halloween décor
- Creepy Clam Flatbread with bacon, black ink pesto, Romano, and Calabrian chile aïoli 🎃
- Spicy Meatball Arrabbiata Flatbread: Meatballs, spicy tomato sauce, provolone, Calabrian chiles, and basil pesto 🎃
- Sweet and Spicy Chicken Strips tossed in Korean barbecue sauce and topped with black sesame seeds, fried garlic, and green onions 🎃
- Swinging Wake Cake: Vanilla cake with fruity cereal mousse 🎃
- Boo Raspberry Slushy: Blue raspberry slushy with marshmallow foam and a marshmallow ghost 🎃🧋
- Pumpkin Crème Caramel with sour cherry jam and pumpkin seed brittle 🎃
- Roasted Beef Marrow Bone: Pinot noir-beef marmalade, toasted baguette, and pickled mustard seeds 🎃
- Beef Short Rib and Purple Potatoes braised with red wine, figs, peppers, and a touch of dark chocolate
- Cast Iron Trout: Charred calamari, squid ink breadcrumbs, black garlic, and saffron aïoli
- Roasted Poulet Rouge Chicken: Caramelized pumpkin, pomegranate, and pumpkin seed sauce
- The Handsome Brute: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord Liqueur, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice garnished with a sugared rim and raspberries 🎃
- Stepsisters Dessert: Pistachio and cherry-filled cream puffs, blackberry and raspberry ganache, strawberry meringue, and a chocolate piece 🎃
- Spicy Pork Spring Roll with charred pineapple and scallion dust 🎃
- Bowl of Bones: Bone-In piggy wings fried with fresh jalapeños and tossed in Coca-Cola Cherry barbecue sauce
- Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie: Buffalo chicken and mozzarella wrapped in a flaky dough and topped with blue cheese crumbles and buffalo-ranch
- S’mores Cup: Layers of graham cracker crumbles, chocolate ganache, chocolate popping candies, milk chocolate panna cotta, and marshmallow cream 🎃🏴☠️
- Anastasia Cone: DOLE Whip Strawberry with lemon curd and strawberry popping candies with a chocolate piece 🎃
- Drizella Cone: Blueberry soft-serve with vanilla crispy pearls and a chocolate piece 🎃
Cheshire Café
- Queen of Hearts Slushy: Frozen cherry slushy drizzled with black cherry purée and topped with whipped cream and a crown-shaped chocolate piece 🏴☠️
- Halloween Pot Roast Sandwich with cheddar and horseradish mayonnaise served on a black bun 🎃
- Terrifyin’ Twice-spiced Chicken Sandwich: Spicy fried chicken breast dipped in hot honey topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño poppers, and bacon
- Sinister Satay Burger: Cocoa-rubbed all-beef patty with bacon, lime pickles, and Thai peanut sauce 🎃
- Witches Fingers: Purple cookie fingers with sour apple mousse and green apple boba pearls
- Ube Green Tea Slushy with cherry whipped cream, cinnamon candies, and chocolate piece 🎃🧋
- Candy Corn Soft-serve Sundae: Sweet corn soft-serve with butterscotch shell and candy corn 🎃🏴☠️
- Sweet Corn Soft-serve 🎃🏴☠️
- Witches Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew with pumpkin-spiced foam and sprinkles 🧋
- Jalapeño Popper Dog: All-beef hot dog topped with sriracha cream cheese, crispy onions, bacon, and hades relish 🎃🏴☠️
- Queen of Hearts Slushy: Frozen cherry slushy drizzled with black cherry purée and topped with whipped cream and a crown-shaped chocolate piece
🎃 - New
🏴☠️ - Also Available During Regular Park Hours
🧋 - Non-alcoholic
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