Photo of the Week

It's all in the details.

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day,
take time to remember 
those who have died 

to protect our freedom.

Quote of the Week

When the day becomes the night 

and the sky becomes the sea, 

When the clock strikes heavy 

and there's no time for tea. 

And in our darkest hour, 

before my final rhyme, 

she will come back home

to Wonderland 

and turn back the hands of time.

- Cheshire Cat, 

Alice Through the Looking Glass 

Disney Store's Twice Upon a Year Sale

It's that time of year again: time for the Disney Store's Twice Upon a Year Sale! Sale items are available both in store and online. There are a lot of great bargains this time around. The Jungle Book and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Tsum Tsum minis are only $1.99 each, so it's a great time to fill in your collection. There are a lot of good deals on character t-shirts and pjs for kids and adults alike, as well as accessories. I've had my eye on a BB-8 mini change purse and full size purse from Loungefly for awhile now, and when I saw that they were on sale, I couldn't resist. (Unfortunately, the purse sold out before I could get one, but I was able to order a mini change purse for $12.99. So cute!) There's also a BB-8 wallet and backpack on sale, so you can really go droid crazy. Several clothing items from Her Universe are on sale, as well as Marvel clothes for the entire family. If you're looking for a new phone cover for either the iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy 6, they have several designs available at a reasonable price. And if you spend $75 or more, you won't even have to pay for shipping. Also, if you're a Disney Visa card holder, be sure to use the code you should have received in an email to save an additional 20% when your pay with Dream Rewards Dollars. In all, it's a great time to stock up on Disney goodies.

Winnie the Pooh and the Royal Birthday

Disney has created an all new Winnie the Pooh story in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and her 90th birthday. It is so cute! A video of the story, with classic illustrations and narrated by Jim Broadbent, can be found below.

This is such a wonderful little Winnie the Pooh tale. I love the little hum Pooh comes up with as a gift for the Queen. And Prince George is so adorable!

If you'd like a copy of this story for your own home library, you can download a PDF of the book directly from Disney.  What a clever way to celebrate 90 years of the Queen, and Winnie the Pooh, too.

Thor: Ragnarok Casting

Marvel has confirmed the cast for Thor: Ragnarok, and it's quite the who's who of actors. At least four of the original Thor cast are returning for this next film: Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Idris Elba as Heimdall, and Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin, along with Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/the Hulk. New faces include Cate Blanchett as the villain Hela, Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster, Tesla Thompson as Valkyrie, and Karl Urban as Skurge.

“The continuation of the epic Thor franchise will be powerful and unique, and with the additions of Cate, Jeff, Tessa, Karl, and Mark to the cast we have the makings of his most dangerous and heroic adventure yet,” said Producer Kevin Feige. “The sheer, raw talent each of these actors brings to the screen can’t be quantified. Having any one of them join the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be an honor, and having all of them is incredible."

Thor: Ragnarok arrives in theaters on November 3, 2017.

New Finding Dory Trailer

Pixar

Ellen shared the latest Finding Dory trailer yesterday. It looks so sad! And yet still somehow funny.

Finding Dory arrives in theaters on June 17.

Beauty and the Beast Teaser Trailer

Disney

Wow! The sets for Beauty and the Beast look absolutely gorgeous! Belle was always my favorite Princess, so I can't wait to see this live-action retelling of my favorite fairy tale.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts. 

Beauty and the Beast arrives in theaters on March 17.

Tsum Tsum Kingdom: Catnip Toy

Disney

Okay, this Tsum Tsum Short is too ridiculous for words. I suspect it's even funnier if you grew up watching episodes of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Alice Through the Looking Glass Dolls

I found the cutest fashion dolls at Disney World last weekend: Alice and the Mad Hatter. The faces are pretty decent representations of Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp and they are each wearing outfits from the new movie. They were $34.95 each, which is par for the course when it comes to Disney collectible fashion dolls. I found them in Mousegears at EPCOT, but they should be available at other locations. They are also available at the Disney Store, along with dolls of Iracebeth, Mirana, and Time. Too cute!

Awaken Summer at Disney World

All images: Disney

Disney has finally released the opening dates for all of the attractions you've been waiting for. It looks like it's going to be a very busy June!

First up is Animal Kingdom. The fun begins next Friday, May 27 with the new Tree of Life nighttime awakening.  That same night features the premier of the Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnival. The new water show "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" starts the following day, May 28.

Next up is Hollywood Studios. Beginning on May 27, guests can enjoy the third track on Toy Story Mania, which will hopefully shorten the wait times. On June 17, the highly anticipated  new "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular" fireworks show will turn the sky and buildings into scenes from the films.

Now we've come to the Magic Kingdom.  A new stage show called "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire" debuts on June 17. The show features Mickey and his Merry Makers as they prepare to host a Princess filled festival. The show will also bring Tiana, Naveen, and Louis (Princess & the Frog), Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder (Tangled), and Anna, Elsa, and Olaf (Frozen) to the Castle Forecourt Stage.

And finally, EPCOT. Again, debuting on June 17, is Soarin' Around the World. Just a few days later, on June 21, we'll finally get the chance to ride Frozen Ever After and see Anna and Elsa at their new Royal Sommerhus.

In all, it sounds like a lot of fun. I can't wait to start booking my FastPasses so I can check it out! FastPasses for most attractions should be available today.

Alice Through the Looking Glass OPI Colors

OPI has a gorgeous new collection of nail polish colors inspired by Alice Through the Looking Glass. I love the way OPI creates colors that are very representative of Disney films, yet not so extreme that you can't wear them every day. The Alice collection has nine colors, one of which is a limited edition.

Fearlessly Alice - a very Alice shade of medium blue
A Mirror Escape - a glittery gold
Having a Big Head Day - a red inspired by Iracebeth, the Red Queen
Mad For Madness Sake - a crazy shade of fuchsia
The I's Have It - a pale, powder blue
Oh My Majesty - a soft, pearly alabaster
What's the Hatter With You? - a very dark burgundy
I'm Gown For Anything - an opaque pinky lilac
What Time Isn't It? - a special edition matte black with silver sliver glitter, (not pictured)

A mini collection of four color is also available, featuring the The I's Have It, Oh My Majesty, I'm Gown For Anything, and Having a Big Head Day.

There's an additional set of two full sized bottles in Hatter colors: What's the Hatter With You? and Mad For Madness Sake.

Which color is your favorite? I'm rather partial to Oh My Majesty and What Time Isn't It? The Alice Through the Looking Glass collection can be found anywhere OPI is sold.

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar

My new favorite place to eat in Disney Springs is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. I absolutely love the theme of this place. It's "owned" by Jock Lindsey, the pilot seen in the beginning of the first Indiana Jones film: Raiders of the Lost Arc. The decor is eclectic, representing Jock's travels and Indy's adventures.

And the food is fantastic! Everything is small plate because it's a bar, but they pack a lot of flavor into those little dishes. Everyone in my family has a favorite item.

Brody's Brats with mustard, pickles, and pickled cabbage

I love the Lao Che's Revenge, which are Asian wings with a sauce that's strong, but not spicy. Bean loves the Air Pirate's Pretzels: everything pretzels with beer-cheese fondue and house-made spicy mustard. (She also loves that they come stacked on an airplane stand.) My sister always gets the Rolling Boulders Sliders, which are a bit too spicy for me, and my Dad liked the Brody's Brats, which are delicious.

Rolling Boulders Sliders with yogurt sauce 

They also have an amazing selection of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. My favorite is the Teddy's Tea, which is a green tea with tangerine and mint. Bean likes the antidote, which is essentially a Shirley Temple. My sister has tried several of the mixed drinks over the course of our many trips. Her favorite is Reggie's Revenge, which used to come with a snake wrapped around a paddle as a stirrer.

She thought the Hovito Mojito was a bit strong, but the poison dart stirrer was a fun souvenir. The Cool-Headed Monkey has the coolest cup, and is very fruity. And if you like the glasses from any of these three, you can purchase one as a souvenir.

The seating at Jock's is first come, first serve, and I've rarely had to wait. My favorite place to sit is inside the diving bell, but every seat has something fun to look at. The serving ware is pretty casual: round metal trays for plates and red mechanics rags for napkins, but that all just adds to the experience.

The interior of the diving bell

In all, it's a great place for a quick bite and a drink, and is fun for the whole family.  Next time you're in Disney Springs,  be sure to check it out. You'll be glad you did!

Quote of the Week

Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.

- Walt Disney

Photo of the Week

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar is my favorite place for a quick bite to eat at Disney Springs. Keep an eye out for my review of this awesome dining option later this week.

The BFG Trailer 2

Disney

Disney has released another trailer for The BFG. This one gives a longer look at the BFG himself and a little more about the story. If you are not familiar with it, The BFG is a children's book written by Roald Dahl, the author of James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and many more wonderful stories. I highly recommend reading the book if you haven't yet. Bean and I will definitely be reading it before we head to the  theater this summer.

The BFG arrives in theaters on July 1.

Pirates of the Caribbean As Told By Whiteboard

Disney

This is too, too funny. It captures all of the important highlights of Pirates of the Caribbean with just a few quick strokes of a marker. Hilarious!

Tsum Tsum Short: Tsum Tsumoon

Disney

Heeheehee! This Tsum Tsum short is so funny!

Avengers Lowes Build and Grow

The Avengers are returning to Lowes Build and Grow Workshops this summer. This year, the characters are from DisneyXD's Avengers: Ultron Revolution. Each build will feature a character and a base, which when pushed together will form the Avengers logo. The fun starts with Captain America on June 11. Next up is Iron Man on June 25, Falcon on July 9, Thor on July 23, Black Widow on August 13, and finally Hulk on August 27. Kids will also receive a patch with each build, that form a picture when put together. Sign ups begin on May 30, and if last year is any indication, you'll want to sign up early to make sure you can reserve your child a spot.

Finding Dory Tsum Tsum

The latest addition to the ever expanding Tsum Tsum collection will be Finding Dory. The set includes familiar characters Dory, Nemo, Marlin, Crush, and Mr. Ray, and new characters Bailey the beluga whale, Hank the red octopus, Destiny the whale shark, and one of the adorable otters. Dory and her fishy pals will swim into stores on May 17.

P!nk's Just Like Fire from Alice Through the Looking Glass

Disney

P!nk recently released a music video for her new single "Just Like Fire" from the soundtrack for Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Quote of the Week

The serum amplifies everything that is inside, so good becomes great; bad becomes worse. This is why you were chosen. Because the strong man who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows... compassion. 

Dr. Abraham Erskine,

Captain America: 

The First Avenger

Alice Through the Looking Glass Teaser Trailer

All images: Disney

Disney has released the final teaser trailer for Alice Through the Looking Glass. It seems to give more of a hint about how Alice plans to save her Wonderland friends: by hopping through time!

They've also shared three additional posters. The posters feature Absolem, Cheshire Cat, and the Tweedles.

Alice Through the Looking Glass arrives in theaters on May 27.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

If you haven't found a Mother's Day card yet or could use a little last minute gift inspiration, be sure to check out Disney Family's Mother's Day ideas. They have recipes for brunch and sweet treats, printable cards and coupon books, and several craft projects. It's the perfect solution for any Disney lover who forgot to plan ahead. Photo courtesy of Disney

Star Wars Popcorn

Don't ask me why, but I find this to be funny. I guess I thought they'd put Rey on the kid's popcorn and not Kylo Ren. Maybe they figured kids like the villain. Who knows, but it's still funny.

Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure

Have you heard about the latest Star Wars news from Disney Floral and Gifts? Starting this August, you can be recruited to help Ezra and his band of Rebels during your visit to Hollywood Studios. Few details have been released, but it sounds like a lot of fun.

Star Wars Day Cupcakes

Chocolate Chewbacca cupcakes - so cute!

My sister made some Star Wars Day cupcakes to take to work yesterday. We had a lot of fun coming up with crazy ideas for the characters. This was the result.

Wicket and Leia cupcakes

Wampa, Jabba, and Jawa cupcakes

The photos don't quite do them justice, but they sure we're cute! We'll have to make more next year.

May the Fourth Be With You

Happy Star Wars Day! Bean and I plan to spend the day watching the Star Wars movies (and maybe a few episodes of Star Wars Rebels on DisneyXD), drink a few glasses of blue milk, make a batch of Wookie Cookies, and then head to our favorite bookstore for a bit of trivia and a costume contest. How are you celebrating May the Fourth? If you're stumped for ideas, try browsing my Star Wars Party Pinterest Board for a little inspiration.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens as Told by Emoji

Disney

This Star Wars: The Force Awakens "As Told By Emoji" short is hilarious! I especially like the spoiler alert in the middle and Kylo Ren's temper tantrum about Rey's privacy settings. Too funny.

Quote of the Week

Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned.

- Yoda, 

Star Wars Episode VI:

Return of the Jedi

Pandora The World of Avatar

Disney Parks Blog recently shared new details about Pandora - The World of Avatar, coming to Animal Kingdom in 2017.
The new 12-acre land, which was inspired by the James Cameron film "AVATAR", "will take on new life at night with bioluminescent flora and special nighttime immersive programming that’ll add a magical touch."

The ground will glow, like on Pandora. And Na'vi artifacts will be hidden throughout the land. Imagineers plan to make the world of Pandora both immersive and believable.

On my last trip to the Animal Kingdom, I noticed that they were lifting the "floating mountains" into place. You could see them floating high above the ground from the parking lot. It looked amazing, and should be incredible to walk through. It's going to be a long wait until it opens.