What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

My plans for New Year's Eve are generally quite simple. But this year, I'll be spending New Year's Eve in Disneyland Paris. It should be quite the adventure!

With family or friends

I hope your year ends

Most satisfactorily.

Heres to the new year 

Full of hope and of cheer

And of time spent together merrily. 

Well That's Just Creepy

I love riding the slightly spooky rides af Disney World. Tower of Terror, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion are only slightly spooky, but a lot of fun. Each of these rides have a much darker side in Disneyland Paris. The Tower of Terror has a similar storyline to its US counterparts, but the little ghost girl who warns you not to scream because they know you're there and it will only get worse is much creepier than the tiny glimpse of vanishing ghosts we have at Hollywood Studios.

Pirates of the Caribbean is full of skeletons and a fantastic effect where Barbossa turns into his ghostly skeleton self.

The Phantom Manor is also filled with skeletons that reach for you and a death's head figure that laughs maniacally. The rides are all still a lot of fun, but a little creepier than I expected.

Quote of the Week

Disney/Pixar

You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from.

- Chef Auguste Gusteau, Ratatouille

Photo of the Week

I never knew how much Disneyland Paris runs to the creepy side. I kinda like it! You kind find this skeleton hanging in the caves near Davy Jones Locker.

I'm in Disneyland Paris!

Getting here was a bit insane, but we've finally arrived in Disneyland Paris. I can't wait to share everything I learn about the parks with you in the coming weeks.

Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland

So, I let my family convince me to hike up to Arthur's Seat this morning. It sits upon a dormant volcano above Holyrood House in Edinburgh, Scotland. I think I must have been out of my mind!

We went up to the top of the hill the hard way, and it's quite the hike if you're not used to it. Ths view from the top almost makes it worth it.

We took the sloping path back down, which was much easier.

And we stopped to watch the swans, ducks, and geese on the loch before leaving. It was lovely, but I would definitely recommend the easier path.

Merry Christmas!

Nollaig Chridheil!

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy #Coosday! 🎅

A post shared by VisitScotland (@visitscotland) on Dec 24, 2019 at 9:04am PST

Merry Christmas from Scotland!

Netflix's Klaus Is Wonderful

Netflix

Are you looking for something the whole family can watch this Christmas Eve? I would recommend that you consider Netflix's new animated Christmas movie Klaus.

The story is unusual, but absolutely charming. And all of the characters discovered who they were always meant to be by the end. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but I think it will become one of my must watch films every Christmas.

You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix latest Christmas release is a video for "You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch." Too fun!

Quote of the Week

And it was always said of Scrooge, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.  May that be truly said of us, and all of us!  And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!

- Narrator, A Christmas Carol 

Photo of the Week

The toy soldiers in the Magic Kingdom are so cute!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Is Here!

Lucasfilm

Are you ready for the saga to come to an end?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is in theaters now.

A New Onward Trailer Hath Arrived

Pixar

Onward has a new trailer and it looks like it's much more than a silly adventure. The Lightfoot boys are going on a quest to see their dad once more. And their mom is following to protect them all.

"There's no magic like family. This March, how far would you go for one more day together?"

Onward arrives in theaters on March 6, 2020.

That's Christmas To Me - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix sings the loveliest Christmas songs, like this one, "That's Christmas To Me."

More Wonderful Christmas Commercials

Barbour/Raymond Briggs

I really am addicted to Christmas commercials. It seems like there are more and more fantastic ads each year. Here are a few more of this year's favorites.

This commercial from Very is very sweet.

Poor Father Christmas! At least his coat is reliable and the animation is adorable. 

Even Santa deserves a special treat at Christmas.

Everyone can be part of the magic of Christmas.

I love that so many of these commercials are about coming together to share joy at Christmas.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all see the world through a child's eyes?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Is Nearly Here!

Lucasfilm

The end of the Skywalker saga is nearly here. It's been an amazing journey over 40 years in the making.

Above all, it's the story of family, those related by blood and those you discover for yourself along the way.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters on December 20.

Quote of the Week

Disney/Pixar

If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead.

- Chef Gusteau, Ratatouille

Photo of the Week

The Star Wars tree on the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is out of the world. I especially like the Porgs and Jawas.

EPCOT's Candlelight Processional Is Incredible

Disney

For several years, I've wanted to see EPCOT's Candlelight Processional in person, but never quite managed it. I finally had the chance this year, and on a night when Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator. The show was absolutely incredible!

The Candlelight Processional is performed three times every night from November 29 until December 30. It's an amazing show, though it can be difficult to get a seat, unless you don't mind standing just outside the theater, like I did.

If you can't see it in person this year, the replay of the live stream from the Disney Parks Blog is fantastic. (Unfortunately, the Disney Parks Blog video has been removed, but there are several versions on YouTube.) It will really fill you with the spirit of Christmas.

These Christmas Commercials Will Really Put You In The Spirit

Aardman Animation

I absolutely love Christmas commercials! The sappy ones that require several tissues, the adorable animated ones, and the ones that make you laugh out loud, I love them all. This year, I've found a few fantastic commercials to share with you. Hopefully, they'll bring a smile to your face, too.

This first commercial features my favorite claymation duo from Aardman Animation. Wallace and Gromit make for a cracking good commercial.

The next commercial features a Tesco delivery van that takes an unexpected journey through time.

This advert from John Lewis & Partners reminds me of one of my favorite Christmas songs, "Darcy the Dragon".

Sainsbury's ad features a clever take on the origins of Santa Claus.

This Aldi ad from Australia features a most unique ham with the power to bring everyone together.

And finally, an unexpected holiday reunion between long lost friends. Now that you've enjoyed so much much holiday fun, which one is your favorite?

Jock Lindsey's Holiday Hanger Bar Is A Real Treat

Christmas has arrived at Jock Lindsey's Hanger Bar in Disney Springs. The bar is filled with the most delightfully kitschy decorations and a few fun new treats.

The decor is completely over the top, but sure to bring a smile to your face.

The Ugly Sweeter Bread is a wonderful sweet cinnamon brioche with eggnog icing. Its decorated with a chocolate Minnie bow and sugar lights.

The Jingle Bell Pops are a sparkly trio of dark chocolate and peppermint truffles, made dazzling with edible glitter. They're decorated with a snowflake, holly, or Santa belt, and are rich and delicious.

These treats, along with four Christmas inspired drinks, will be available until January 5, 2020.

This Funko Frozen II Short Is Adorable

Funko

I love the shorts Funko creates as mini movie trailers. The Disney themed ones, like this Frozen II short, are too adorable.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker "Forever" TV Spot

Lucasfilm

Can you believe the Star Wars saga will come to an end when The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters on December 20? Somehow, 42 years is not enough!

Quote of the Week

Disney

Seeing isn't believing.

Believing is seeing.

- Charlie Calvin, 

The Santa Clause 2

Photo of the Week

Rise of the Resistance is visually stunning!

This Mulan Trailer and Poster Look Fantastic

Disney

The first full length trailer for Mulan has arrived and it looks fantastic! There's a gorgeous new poster, too.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father. 

Disney

“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”

Mulan arrives in theaters on March 27, 2020.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Is Now Open

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an epic new ride in Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios. I had a chance to ride it yesterday afternoon and it was incredible! Here are a few of the highlights.

The entrance into the Resistance base.

The base, like so many Resistance hideouts, is carved into the mountain.

BB-8 greets new members of the Resistance.

A holographic Rey gives us our orders.

Oh no! Our shuttle is under attack!

We've been captured by the First Order!

Waiting to be interrogated by the First Order.

Full size AT-AT aboard the Star Destroyer.

Kylo Ren and General Hux on the bridge.

The ride was officially dedicated last night with an amazing party that I had the privilege to attend. It is the longest ride, in the largest building, with the most new technology at a Disney Park. It takes theme park rides to a whole new level. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to ride it again!

Black Widow Teaser Trailer and Poster

Marvel

This looks amazing!

Black Widow arrives in theaters on May 1, November 6, 2020, July 9, 2021.

Marvel

The Animated Pentatonix Christmas Short Is Hilarious

Pentatonix

It seems like there's a new Pentatonix Christmas album every year. Fortunately, I really enjoy them and look forward to each new one. This year, there's an animated short featuring a compilation of their previous Christmas songs, to go along with the new album. It's hilarious!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Featurette

Lucasfilm

Look back at the last 40 plus years of the Star Wars saga in this featurette. I can't believe its coming to an end.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters on December 20.