Hitchhiking Ghost Makeup Tutorial

Disney

Disney has been sharing a lot of fun makeup tutorials to help everyone get ready early for Halloween. This week's makeup was inspired by the Haunted Mansion's Hitchhiking Ghosts. It's too spooky and adorable.

Rogue One Merchandise

Photos courtesy of Disney

Disney has created a huge collection of merchandise to celebrate the upcoming film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film revolves around a rogue band of resistance fighters who seek to steal the Death Star plans and bring hope to the galaxy. It arrives in theaters on December 16, but we won't have to wait as long for the merchandise, which will begin arriving at Disney Parks on September 30.

There's a wide variety of shirts for women, several with more style than the usual tees.

There's also clothing from Her Universe, including a dress covered with images of the Death Star and some leggings fit for a Rebel.

Graphic goodies include images of the Death Star and one that resembles a pilots uniform.

A set of limited release Vinylmation Shoretroopers begin a large selection of collectibles. There will also be a great variety of open edition pins and a 14 pin mystery collection, with one pin revealed and one a mystery. If you like making droids in the Droid Factory, be sure to look for a set of four Astromech figures inspired by the film.

At Walt Disney World, guests can find two limited release Magic Bands. 15 different designs for personalized phone cases for select iPhone and Samsung devices will be available at D-Tech on Demand stations around Disneyland and Disney World.

Select items from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be available at the following locations:

Disneyland

• Emporium
• The Star Trader
• Star Wars Launch Bay

California Adventure 

• Elias & Company
• Gone Hollywood

Downtown Disney

• World of Disney
• D-Street

Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Emporium
• Merchant of Venus

EPCOT

• Mouse Gear

Hollywood Studios

• Tatooine Traders
•  Star Wars Launch Bay
• Legends of Hollywood
• Mickey's of Hollywood

Animal Kingdom

• Island Mercantile

Disney Springs

• World of Disney
• Once Upon a Toy
• Star Wars Galactic Outpost

Some items will also be available on the Shop Disney Parks app.

Doctor Strange Featurettes

Marvel

Marvel has released a brief glimpse behind the scenes at the making of Doctor Strange, with interviews from several of the cast.

Here's another sneak peek into the story behind the film.

Marvel's Doctor Strange arrives in theaters on November 4, 2016.

Disneyland's Frightfully Fun Parade

Photos courtesy of Disney

This year, Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland has a brand new parade. The "Frightfully Fun Parade" features all of your favorite spooks and Villains.

The parade begins with Zero and the Mayor of Halloweentown, who announces the arrival of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. Next up are some Grim Grinning Ghosts: beautiful Ballroom Dancers, spooky Gravediggers, and Hitchhiking Ghosts, trying to follow you home. Dr. Facilier in his bayou Voodoo parlor holds court with his friends from the other side. Maleficent the dragon watches over a dungeon where Hades, Jafar, Cruella de Vil, and the Evil Queen lurk.

The video below is a behind the scenes look at how the Villains float, the largest in the parade, was created. It looks pretty amazing.

And for the first time at Disneyland, the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow will ride through the park just before the parade starts. The Horseman has always been my favorite part of the Disney World "Boo to You Parade", so I'm glad to see he's been added on the west coast as well.

The "Frightfully Fun Parade" can only be seen during Mickey's Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event held on 17 nights between now and Halloween.

Tsum Tsum Kingdom Cupcake Battle

Disney

In the wilds of the office a battle rages for supremacy over an unlikely feast: a pink frosted cupcake. Which Tsum Tsum tribe will come out on top? Can you guess?

*Unfortunately, Disney has removed this video from YouTube.

The BFG on Blu-Ray

On the 13th of this month, fans around the world celebrated the 100th birthday of Roald Dahl. And today is the annual World Dream Day, which honors "the dreamer, visionary and innovator in all of us" and was inspired by Dahl's favorite work, The BFG. So it only seems appropriate that Disney has now announced the Blu-Ray and DVD release of The BFG on December 6. I absolutely loved this wonderful film and look forward to seeing it again. The Blu-ray will be loaded with fun bonus features, including:

• Bringing "The BFG" to Life - Young Ruby Barnhill (Sophie) hosts a behind-the-scenes look at the film, with interviews from the cast and crew.
• The Big Friendly Giant and Me - an animated short about the friendship and dreams shared by the boy before Sophie and the BFG
• Gobblefunk: The Wonderful Words of the BFG - A whoopsey-splunkers tutorial on the meaning of the gloriumptious gobblefunk in "The BFG"
• Giants 101 - an introduction to the loathsome giants and how they were created
• Melissa Mathison: A Tribute - An homage to Melissa Mathison, the screenwriter of "The BFG" and "E.T."
• John Williams: Scoring A Dream - concept art and memorable moments interwoven with John Williams scoring session

If you haven't had a chance to see The BFG yet, be sure to check it out when it arrives on Blu-Ray December 6. For my review of the film, or to see trailers, just follow the links.

Hocus Pocus Wallpaper

Photo courtesy of Disney

It seems that Halloween is in the air at the Disney Parks Blog. From makeup tutorials to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party photos, and fun treats to make, they have a lot of spirit these days. My favorite recent bit of Halloween fun is a set of three Hocus Pocus wallpapers. Each one features one Sanderson Sister along with her most recognizable quote. Winifred will always be my favorite, but "Amuck! Amuck! Amuck!" still makes me laugh. To download the wallpapers, just visit the Disney Parks Blog.

Halloween Tsum Tsum Shirts

I found the cutest Halloween Tsum Tsum shirts in the girl's department at Target the other day. The first has three quarter length raglan sleeves and says "Halloween Squad". The sleeves are dotted with orange jack o'lantern faces and there are pumpkins interspersed with the characters in a tower of Tsums.

The second is a hoodie, perfect for those cooler October days. Scattered Tsum Tsums and pumpkins cover the front of the shirt and peek from the pocket.

They even stack up on the side of the hood. The hood and sleeves are dotted with grinning jack o'lantern faces. So cute! Both shirts are available in store and online.

Happy Hobbit Day!

Today is the first day of Autumn. It's also Hobbit day, due to the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins on September 22. This would be a good day to feast like a Hobbit, starting with breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and finally supper. And while you're at it, raise a mug of your favorite beverage in honor of all things Hobbit.

"If more of us valued 

food and cheer and song 

above hoarded gold,

it would be a merrier world."

-Thorin Oakenshield, The Hobbit

Mickey Pumpkin Apple DIY

Disney

It's nearly time to start thinking about Halloween again, as well as all things pumpkin. To kick off the season, why not make your own Mickey pumpkin candy apples at home. Confectioner Matt of the Candy Cauldron in Disney Springs shares his tips in a how-to that is sure to delight.

Doctor Strange Sneak Peek

All images: Marvel

Starting on October 7, Disney Parks guests will have the chance to watch a 10 minute preview of Doctor Strange. At Disney's California Adventure, watch a special 3D preview with in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land. Guests at Hollywood Studios can watch clips from the film at the theater in One Man's Dream.

Doctor Strange is the story of neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange. After losing of the use of his hands in a horrific car accident, he wanders the world in search of healing. He discovers a mysterious place called Kamar-Taj, where he learns of the existence of powerful magic, and the battle against dark forces who seek to destroy our world. In learning to use this mind bending magic, he works to become the Sorcerer Supreme and the ultimate protector of our reality.

Doctor Strange arrives in theaters on November 4, 2016.

Disney Adult PJs

I was wandering around Walmart the other day, when I happened upon the funniest jammies in the ladies department. They had a bunch of character inspired, adult sized, sleeper pajamas, like the footie pajamas most of us wore as kids. These don't actually have feet, and they're so outrageous, I'm not sure who would wear them, but they are pretty cute. They had Ariel Mermaid pjs and a furry Chewbacca, complete with bandolier which would cause you to roast in most climates.

There was also a Jack Skellington pair that would be great for the month of October. These crazy jammies are fairly affordable at around $20 each. Would you wear them?

Quote of the Week

A day without a friend

is like a pot

without a single drop

of honey left inside.

- Winnie the Pooh

Spider-Man 2 Tsum Tsum

The next Tsum Tsum collection, available this Tuesday, September 20, features characters from Spider-Man. The set of six Tsum Tsums includes Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen, Iron Spider, Doc Ock, Hobgoblin, and Kraven the Hunter. Spider-Gwen is definitely my favorite, although the Hobgoblin is pretty darn cute. Will these new Marvel Tsums be swinging their way into your collection?

Moana Trailer

Disney

The new Moana trailer gives a deeper look into the story behind Moana and Maui's journey across the ocean to the Realm of Monsters. They face many dangers along the way, from storms, to lava monsters, to evil coconuts (which just happen to be adorable!). And her sidekicks, Pua the pig and Heihei the rooster, look both cute and incredibly funny. It looks like another great Disney film about a strong, female character.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Moana arrives in theaters on November 23.

More EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Merchandise

Photos courtesy of Disney 

Yesterday, the Disney Parks Blog shared photos of more of the new merchandise for this year's festival. The festival runs from September 14 through November 14, 2016. All of these wonderful collectibles can be found at the Festival Center, which is open every day during the festival, in Future World. Some can also be select locations throughout EPCOT. Select items will also be available from the Shop Disney Parks app.

The Festival gift card is returning this year. And the new "Taste your way around the world" shirts look fantastic.

There are a ton of new Figment products this year, from aprons and oven mitts to t-shirts and ornaments. You can also find more of the salt and pepper trashcans, this time with Chef Figment and the event logo. (I must admit, I rather love the trashcans. I have a set of Fantasyland ones.)

And this year, Made with Magic items will work with the Eat to the Beat concert series. The Minnie Mouse headband is especially cute. I can't wait for all the food and fun at the Food and Wine Festival. And I may have to have the new "Taste your way around the world" shirts. What are you most looking forward to?

Agent 13 and Winter Soldier Tsum Tsums

Photo courtesy of Disney

In celebration of Captain America: Civil War arriving on Blu-ray and DVD yesterday, Disney released two new Tsum Tsums: Sharon Carter (Agents 13) and Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier). Agent 13 has a Shield symbol and the Winter Soldier has his mask and the star on his silver arm. They're so cute!

Moana Poster

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson shared a sneak peek of the new Moana poster yesterday on Twitter. He will also be sharing the new trailer on Good Morning America this Thursday.

Finding Dory on Blu-ray

Disney/Target

Finding Dory should make quite a splash when it arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on November 15. There will be several different special editions available at various retailers, (personally, I like the Steelbook and lithographs from Target) but they will all include these fintastic bonus features:

• Theatrical Short: "Piper"
• Marine Life Interviews - Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember Dory
• The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar -  the challenges and frustrations of bringing Hank to life 
• What Were We Talking About? - how filmmakers constructed a comprehensive story where the main character has short-term memory loss
• Casual Carpool - What it's like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? 
• Animation and Acting - How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? 
• Creature Features  - The cast of "Finding Dory " share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film 
• Deep in the Kelp - a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to help make Dory’s world feel real 
• Skating and Sketching with Jason Deamer - the character art director talks about Pixar, drawing, and life lessons
• Dory’s Theme - the composer, music editor and director discuss Dory’s quirky and joyful theme 
• Rough Day on the Reef  - strange mistakes the computers made while making "Finding Dory"
• Commentary
• Deleted Scenes 
• Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory 

Aladdin As Told By Tsum Tsum

Disney

I love the drawings in this Aladdin "As Told By Tsum Tsum" short. They're fairly simple line drawings, and yet somehow convey the elaborate decoration of Agrabah in all its splendor.

Food and Wine Festival Merchandise Revealed

Disney

It's nearly time for the return of EPCOT's annual Food and Wine Festival. This year, the festival runs from September 14 through November 14. The Disney Parks Blog has provided a glimpse of some of the new merchandise that will be available during the festival.

Featuring new graphics created by the Disney Design Group, this year's merchandise looks amazing. I especially like the Figment chef designs and the sushi pins.

A lot of new items have been created for the festival. Additional items will include clothing, hats, accessories, dishes, and more. And Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak will be returning this year as well, along with its collectible pins.

Beauty and the Beast As Told by Emoji

Disney

Here's another "As Told By Emoji" video to brighten your day. This time, it's a tale as old as time about Belle and her Beast.

The video is adorable, but I really want the rose icon as a battery indicator. That would really be cool.

Photo of the Week

Have you tried the Blue Milk Shake at Min and Bill's Dockside Diner? It's out of this world!

The BFG Party Ideas

Disney

Since we loved the movie so much, Bean and I plan to read the BFG soon. As a result, I've been madly pinning ideas to add to the fun. I've found coloring pages and instructions for making dream bottles, recipes for frobscottle and snozzcumbers, as well as other fun and educational ideas that would be great for a party or movie night, to celebrate finishing the book, or even to celebrate Roald Dahl's birthday on September 13th. To see what I've found, just check out my Pinterest Board. Which idea are you most looking forward to trying?

The BFG Movie Review

All images: Disney

I loved Roald Dahl's books as a child. James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, Revolting Rhymes, they were all fantastic. But my favorite was probably The BFG. The BFG, or Big Friendly Giant, was just what his name implies, and in the uncertain world of childhood, he offered an escape to the world of dreams. Disney's incredible movie The BFG offers a similar escape. Caution: Spoilers Ahead.

The BFG wanders the world at night, providing dreams for children. One night, he finds a little girl who's still awake. Sophie lives in an orphanage, where she's terribly unhappy. Her sad heart calls out to the BFG, who snatches her away to Giant Country. In his whimsical way, he tells Sophie about his life, using silly, misheard words like glumptious, phizzwizards, and chidlers. He also tells her about his brother giants, who love to eat "human beans."

As they start to become friends, he shares his work with Sophie, catching phizzwizards, good dreams, and then sharing them with children around the world. He also catches trogglehumpers, nightmares, to keep them away from the good dreams. Sophie helps him to catch the dreams and goes with the BFG to see him blow dreams through open windows with his trumpet.

Sophie grows to love spending time with her new friend, but the BFG worries that the other giants may find her and eat her. After a particularly close call, Sophie decides they need a plan to stop the cannibully giants once and for all. To do so, they will need the help of the most powerful person Sophie can think of: Queen Elizabeth II. The breakfast scene with the Queen and all the generals is especially hilarious. All of the kids in the theater could guess what was coming and the suppressed giggles just added to the fun!

I won't tell you how it ends, but since it's a Roald Dahl story, you know it's got to be happy with a twist. The movie was touching, and funny, and seemed to retain all the fun of the original (though I haven't read the book in so long that I couldn't say for certain how close the story is to the original) and it certainly inspires you to read the book again.

I was very glad that they kept the ridiculous words and silliness, like the frobscottle with its bubbles that go down instead of up and cause whizzpoppers.

I absolutely loved the movie and can't wait for The BFG to arrive on Blu-Ray and DVD so I can watch it again and again.

Quote of the Week

 Faith is a bluebird,

we see from afar.

It's for real and as sure

as the first evening star.

You can't touch it, or buy it,

or wrap it up tight,

but it's there just the same,

making things turn out right.

- Rufus the Cat, The Rescuers

Tsum Tsum Short - Hunny Fountain

Disney

It looks like the Tsums are in for a sticky situation in this hunny-filled Tsum Tsum Short.

*Unfortunately, Disney has removed this video from YouTube.

Beauty and the Beast Live Action Sneak Peek

Disney

In the latest tantalizing tidbit Disney has released for Beauty and the Beast, we get to see a little of a table reading between Dan Stevens (Beast) and Emma Watson (Belle). They seem perfect for the roles.

The full sneak peek of the live-action film will appear on the 25th anniversary Blu-ray of the animated classic, available on September 18.

What has Thor been up to?

Marvel

It appears that Thor was taking some "me time" during the Avengers Civil War. This hilarious short gives a glimpse into normal life with the Asgardian and his roommate Darryl.

The short is part of the Digital HD release of Captain America: Civil War today, and will also appear on the Blu-Ray and DVD on September 13.

Cinderella as Told by Emoji

Disney

It looks like Disney has selected a classic princess movie for their latest "As Told By Emoji" short. Cinderella's round, little mice friends are so cute.