Skyliner Testing is Underway at Disney World

Disney

The Disney Skyliner is an exciting new mode of transportation that is coming to Disney World this fall. This state-of-the-art gondola system will connect Hollywood Studios and EPCOT to four hotels: Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and the new Riviera which opens later this year.

Towers for the Skyliner have been appearing for the last year and the stations are coming along nicely. The Skyliner is close enough to completion that a few gondolas have been soaring through the sky while Disney begins testing the system.

Several of the gondolas will have images from Disney movies on them. From the ground, it will look as if the characters are riding the Skyliner.

Disney

Character gondolas will include:

• Mickey and Minnie 
• Chip and Dale
• Beauty and the Beast 
• Hitchhiking Ghosts 
• Goofy
• Pluto
• Pete
• Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow
• Frozen
• Lilo & Stitch
• Moana
• Peter Pan 
• Princess and the Frog
• Ralph Breaks the Internet 
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 
• Zootopia

Disney

• Toy Story 
• Star Wars 
• Donald and Daisy
• Guardians of the Galaxy 
• Coco
• Finding Dory
• Monsters, Inc.
• Pirates of the Caribbean 
• Ratatouille

I can't wait to ride the Skyliner and have the chance to see Disney World from a whole new perspective. It should be amazing!

Vintage Disney World Coasters

I love finding vintage Disney collectibles at thrift stores and garage sales. Most of the time, I find things from the 90s and later, but every once in a while, I find something really fun. Yesterday, I discovered these 70s era Walt Disney World coasters at Habitat for Humanity. The set originally had four coasters: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Liberty Square, and Fantasyland, which was missing. The images are painted on a smoke colored glass with lots of gold accents. The funny thing is, a few years ago, I picked up a candy dish in the same style. I love finding quirky items like these to use around the house.

Bo Peep is Back!

Disney/Pixar

Bo Peep is coming back to the big screen in Toy Story 4! I can't wait to see what crazy adventures our favorite toys get into this time.

Bo's Back. #ToyStory4 pic.twitter.com/sv7FN2Oagj

— Disney (@Disney) January 28, 2019

Here's the official synopsis from Disney and Pixar:

Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.

The Cover Is Not The Book - Mary Poppins Returns

Disney

The more songs I hear from Mary Poppins Returns, the more I can't wait to see it. "The Cover Is Not The Book" is a delightful music hall number that is quite funny.

Quote of the Week

Disney

When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.

- Walt Disney 

Photo of the Week

I love this statue of a Queen's Guard, in a shop appropriately called the Toy Soldier, in the United Kingdom Pavilion at EPCOT.

These Toy Story Mini Hats are Adorable

I saw the cutest little hats at Hollywood Studios the other day. The mini hats represent Jessie, my favorite Little Green Alien, and Woody. Each hat is about five inches across and has two covered snap barettes on the bottom.

I love seeing Jessie's cowgirl hat and Woody's cowboy hat, complete with sheriff's star, in miniature. And I just can't resist those silly Aliens. Which one would you wear?

Hidden Character Art at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Hidden throughout the World Showcase at EPCOT are many delightful character portraits that were added just for the International Festival of the Arts. In the American Adventure, look above the door to the right of the theater to find Amos mouse from Ben and Me exploring electricity like his friend Benjamin Franklin.

Two portraits from Mulan can be found in the China Pavilion. Little Brother is trying to reach his bone above one of the benches.

Mushu and CriKee seem to have broken through the wall to the right of the pavilion.

The Lion King's Pumbaa has gotten a bit stuck, much to Timon's annoyance near the Refreshment Outpost.

There are three different Pascal portraits from Tangled in the Germany Pavilion. First up, he's eating caramel corn near the Karamell-Kuche.

He's showing off his ability to blend in near the Volkskunst Clocks and Crafts shop.

And finally, he's painting sun symbols near the corner of the building.

In Italy, Pinocchio's Official Conscience, Jiminy Cricket is a bit difficult to spot. He's rather small, peaking out from a broken section of wall on the far right of the pavilion.

In the Morocco Pavilion, Aladdin's monkey pal Abu is up to his usual thieving ways.

There are two portraits in the France Pavilion. Lumiere, the lovable candelabra from Beauty and the Beast, is lighting the lamps.

The three playful kittens from the Aristocats, Toulouse, Berlioz, and Marie, are out for a stroll along La Petite Rue.

Finally, in the United Kingdom, you can find Skippy the adventurous, young rabbit from Robin Hood. He's hanging around near the Lords and Ladies sign. How many will you find?

Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration Treats

As part of the celebration of Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthday, the Magic Kingdom has a few new limited time treats to enjoy. The Mickey Sipper with Party Hat Straw is the cutest. I noticed that this festive sipper is available at Casey's Corner and the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, but it may be found at additional locations. The sipper is $13.99 and comes with a fountain drink, although a cast member said it could be purchased for $10 without the drink. Either way, it's much better than the $24.99 it was at Disneyland.

The "Now and Forever Slush" at Gaston's Tavern is a delicious sparkling cider slush with a white chocolate covered strawberry decorated with a Mickey and Minnie silhouette. The slush is $4.99 and it comes in a plastic champagne flute.

Finally, Minnie has gone ultra purple in this "Purple Minnie Cake on a Stick". It's very purple (even the stick is purple!), very sparkly, a little blackberry, and pretty sweet. So fun! It can be found at the Castle Hub Popcorn Stand to the right of Cinderella's Castle and costs $6.50.

Mickey & Minnie 90th Birthday Pez

There are a ton of collectibles celebrating Mickey and Minnie's 90th Birthday. My favorite so far is this Pez set. Both Mickey and Minnie are in muted colors with very retro pie eyes. They're so adorable! I found these at World of Disney in Disney Springs.

Trip a Little Light Fantastic Scene from Mary Poppins Returns

Disney

Just hearing the songs from Mary Poppins Returns is truly wonderful. However, seeing the full scene of "Trip a Little Light Fantastic", with all of the dancing and singing leeries, is absolutely delightful!

Quote of the Week

Disney/Pixar

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You've got troubles,

And I've got 'em too

There isn't anything

I wouldn't do for you

We stick together

And we see it through

'Cause you've got a friend in me 

You've got a friend in me

- Randy Newman, Toy Story

Photo of the Week

I love Andy's plans for Slinky Dog Dash.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi POPVinyl

Funko

Funko has created nine new Star Wars POPVinyl figures, this time from Return of the Jedi. The collection includes Rebel General Lando Calrissian, Emperor Palpatine channeling his electrical powers, Princess Leia as she appeared in the Ewok village, Endor Han Solo, and an absolutely adorable flocked Baby Nippet the Ewok, which is a Target exclusive. 

Funko

 There are two Wicket W. Warricks. One is a standard sized POP and the other is a ten inch Target exclusive.

Funko

Finally, there are two different versions of an electrocuted Darth Vader. The glow in the dark version is another Target exclusive. All of these fantastic new Star Wars POPVinyl figures should arrive in stores soon.

These Captain Marvel Character Posters Are Fantastic

Marvel

With less than 50 days until Captain Marvel arrives in theaters on March 8, Marvel has released ten new character posters.

Marvel

 Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel 

Marvel

 Samuel L Jackson, CGI enhanced to appear younger, as Nick Fury 

Marvel

 Jude Law as the leader of Starforce

Marvel

Annette Bening as ? Her character is still a mystery.

Marvel

 Gemma Chan as Minn-Erva 

Marvel

Lashana Lynch as Maria Rambeau 

Marvel

Clark Gregg as a younger Phil Coulson

Marvel

 Djimon Hounsou as Korath 

Marvel

 Ben Mendelsohn as Talos

Marvel

And finally, Goose the Cat, who may or may not be an alien in disguise.

The First Spider-Man: Far From Home Teaser Trailer and Poster are Here

Marvel

The first teaser trailer and poster for Spider-Man: Far From Home are finally here and they look amazing. This time around, Peter Parker just wants to enjoy a European vacation with his friends, but it seems it's hard to stop being your friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man, even when he's in a very different neighborhood.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel:

Peter Parker returns in Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man: Homecoming series! Our friendly neighborhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter's plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent!

Spider-Man: Far From Home, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cobie Smulders, and Samuel L. Jackson, arrives in theaters on July 5.

Marvel

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Is Coming to Netflix

Netflix

The Jim Henson Company and Netflix are working together on an incredible project. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will be a 10-episode prequel to the iconic film from the 80s. In this new series, three Gelflings learn the terrible secret of the Skeksis' power and set out to start a rebellion to save their world. The show will feature a combination of Henson puppets and cutting edge special effects.

Netflix

The cast for this new series is quite amazing:

• The Gelfling heroes - Taron Egerton as Rian, Anya Taylor-Jor as Brea, and Nathalie Emmanuel as Deft
• Aughra's voice will be provided by Donna Kimball
• Additional Gelfling voice include: Caitriona Balfe, Helena Bonham-Carter, Harris Dickinson, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Izzard, Theo James, Toby Jones, Shazad Latif, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, and Alicia Vikander

• The Skesis and Mystics include: Mark Hamill, Harvey Fierstein, Ralph Ineson, Jason Isaacs, Keegan-Michael Key, Simon Pegg, Andy Samberg, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Netflix

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

The world of Thra is dying. The Crystal of Truth is at the heart of Thra, a source of untold power. But it is damaged, corrupted by the evil Skeksis, and a sickness spreads across the land. When three Gelfling uncover the horrific truth behind the power of the Skeksis, an adventure unfolds as the fires of rebellion are lit and an epic battle for the planet begins.

Netflix

I've always loved The Dark Crystal, although I must admit that I was terrified of the Skeksis as a child. I can't wait to see The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance when it debuts on Netflix later this year.

A Place Called Slaughter Race - Ralph Breaks the Internet

Disney

Vanellope finally gets an actual Disney princess moment when she breaks into song in this clip from Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2. And in true Vanellope fashion, her song is about "A Place Called Slaughter Race."