It's Black Widow vs The Taskmaster In The Latest Funko Short

Funko

I love the Funko animated shorts. They're cute, frequently silly, and feature POPVinyl figures recreating movie scenes. The latest is a scene from Black Widow, which hopefully will finally arrive in theaters on November 6 July 9, 2021.

Olaf Is Tickled Pink In The Latest At Home With Olaf Short

Disney

I love the At Home With Olaf shorts! Who knew something so brief could bring such happiness? In the latest short, Olaf tries pink lemonade, with hilarious results.

My, What A Guy, That Gaston!

Disney

When Disney made the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, they found the perfect pair to play Gaston and LeFou. Recently, Luke Evans and Josh Gad got together once again, virtually of course, to sing "Gaston" alongside composer Alan Menken, for the Disney Family Singalong. It was fantastic!

The Happily Ever After Fireworks At Disney World Are Truly Magical

Disney

One of the things I miss most between visits to Disney World are the nightly fireworks shows. There's something truly magical about the way the Imagineers have put it all together: the projected scenes that flow across the castle, the rousing music, and the fireworks that flash across the sky. One of my favorite shows is "Happily Ever After" in the Magic Kingdom. Disney recently released a wonderful video of the show so that it can be enjoyed from home. I hope it brings a little Disney magic to your day. (This video has since been removed.)

Quote of the Week

Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.

- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

Photo of the Week

The pitmaster droid hard at work turning the spit at Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

The Dapper Dans Are Back With A Classic From Dumbo

Disney

The Dapper Dans of Disneyland have created another Voices From Home video. This time, they sing "When I See An Elephant Fly" from Disney's animated classic, Dumbo.

Take An Exhilarating Virtual Ride On The Incredicoaster

Disney

The Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure is quite the ride. I've only ridden it once, back when it was called California Screamin', and it was truly exhilarating. This coaster has it all: high speed, fast drops, and a full loop that I found rather terrifying. And now, it's filled with scenes of the Parr family from The Incredibles. Disney has created a virtual ride video that is a blast to watch. And its filled with fun facts about the Incredicoaster, as well. (This video has since been removed.).

Learn To Draw Olaf

Disney

Have you ever wanted to learn to draw Olaf from Frozen? Well, here's your chance. Supervising Animator Hyrum Osmond teaches you the all steps to create an adorable Olaf in this video. Along the way, you'll pick up a few fun facts about everyone's favorite snowman.

Olaf Tries Gymnastics With Hilarious Results

Disney

The At Home With Olaf shorts may be short but they are also hilarious. I love what happens when Olaf attempts gymnastics!

I Wanna Be Like You - Darren Criss

Disney

If you missed the Disney Family Singalong last Thursday, you're in luck. The entire broadcast is now available on Hulu so that you can enjoy it again and again. There were many fantastic performances from home, but Darren Criss's "I Wanna Be Like You" from The Jungle Book was one of my favorites.

Quote of the Week

Do what you can,

With what you have,

Where you are.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Photo of the Week

The Avatar in the queue for Flight of Passage in Pandora: The World of Avatar is incredible.

Take A Virtual Trip On The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness!

One of my favorite rides at Disney World is Big Thunder Mountain. It's a fast, fun, mine train roller coaster that's an absolute blast, day or night. Disney has created a fact-filled ride through video that is as close to being in the park as you can get from home. So "Hang onto your hats and glasses, folks, 'cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!"

The Disney Family Singalong Airs Tonight

Disney

Tonight at 8PM Eastern time, ABC will broadcast a musical special filled with the magic of Disney. Ryan Seacrest is hosting an hour-long Disney Family Singalong. An amazing lineup of celebrities and their families will be singing favorite Disney songs from home. The show begins with a vocal warm up by Kristin Chenoweth and an introduction by Elle Fanning. And then it's time to singalong! (And don't worry that you'll forget the words, an animated character will guide you through the on-screen lyrics.)

Here's a list of the songs and performers:

• "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" - Demi Lovato & Michael Bublé
• “A Spoonful of Sugar” - Little Big Town
• “Be Our Guest” - Derek Hough, Hayley Erbert, & Julianne Hough
• “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” - Christina Aguilera
• “Colors of the Wind” - Tori Kelly
• “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” - Thomas Rhett
• “Friend Like Me” -James Monroe Iglehart with the Broadway Company of Aladdin
• “Gaston” - Josh Gad, Luke Evans & Alan Menken
• “How Far I’ll Go” - Auliʻi Cravalho
• “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” - Ariana Grande
• “I Wan’na Be Like You” - Darren Criss
• “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” - Donny Osmond
• “It’s a Small World” - John Stamos
• “Let It Go” - Amber Riley
• “The Bare Necessities” - Erin Andrews, Bobby Bones, Carrie Ann Inaba, & Marcus Scribner
• “Under The Sea” - Jordan Fisher“You’ve Got a Friend In Me” - Josh Groban
•  “We’re All in This Together” - Kenny Ortega and his friends from High School Musical, Descendants, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, ZOMBIES, and more

The show is, in part, Disney's effort to raise awareness about Feeding America's resources to help people facing hunger at this time. For more information, visit FeedingAmerica.org/FeedTheLove.

The At Home With Olaf Shorts Are Adorably Hilarious

Disney

At Home With Olaf  is a new series of shorts from Disney, created at home by Hyrum Osmond with Josh Gad providing the voice, from home as well. The shorts are adorable and sure to make you smile.

In "Fun With Snow", a Snowgie comes to play.

In "Birthday", Olaf is just like a little kid.

There are 20 shorts in all, and six have been released so far, so keep an eye out on YouTube for the remaining shorts. They'll definitely brighten your day.

It's A Small, Small World!

Disney

I don't know why, but riding "it's a small world" always makes me smile. I've taken many trips on "the happiest cruise that ever sailed" in three different parks (Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris) and loved them all.

This ride through video of the various small worlds around the world is so cute!

There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow... Just A Dream Away!

Disney has released another Voices From Home video to brighten your day. This time, its Disney World's Dapper Dans singing "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" from the Carousel of Progress.

Hoppy Easter!

Disney

May the gifts of Easter

Cause you much delight,

And the sun of Easter

Make your pathway bright.

Hoppy Easter!

Photo of the Week

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run is a blast!

Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart Recipe From Woody's Lunch Box

I love the food at Woody's Lunch Box in Toy Story Land. The sandwiches are delicious and the Lunch Box Tarts are a delightfully sweet treat. Here's the recipe from Disney for the Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart

4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt, divided 

3 sticks unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1/4 cup coconut oil 

3 eggs, divided

10 Tablespoons water

1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread

• Combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, butter, coconut oil and two of the eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined.
• Add water and mix on low speed for one minute. Increase speed and blend until dough is smooth. Do not overmix. 
• Divide dough into 2 even balls and wrap in plastic wrap. Rest in refrigerator for 45 minutes. 
• Preheat oven to 375° F.
• Mix remaining egg and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl and set aside. 
• Lightly flour a large cutting board and roll first ball of dough into 1/4 inch thick rectangle. Cut into eight 2x6-inch rectangles. 
• Place rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with reserved egg wash. Spread 1 Tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread on each rectangle. 
• Roll remaining ball of dough into 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut into eight 2x6-inch rectangles. Place on top of chocolate-hazelnut covered rectangles and seal edges with a fork. Brush top of tarts with egg wash.
• Bake for 17 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely.

Icing & Garnish

1 cup confectioners sugar 

2 Tablespoons milk, divided 

1 teaspoon lemon juice 

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Mix sugar, 1 Tablespoon of milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add remaining milk until icing is smooth and spread easily, but is not runny.
• Spread icing on each cooled tart and top with bacon pieces.

Horchata Recipe from Disney California Adventure

Disney

Horchata is one of our favorite drinks. We order it every time we eat at our local Mexican restaurant. Horchata is a creamy blend of rice and sweetened milk with cinnamon. So delicious! This recipe is from the Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure.

Horchata
Serves 1 to 2

Rice Base

2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups filtered water

Horchata

¾ cup whole milk
¾ cup condensed milk
¾ teaspoon vanilla syrup
¼ cup water

Garnish

Dollop whipped cream
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 Mexican cinnamon galleta (cookie)

For rice base:

Combine cinnamon sticks, jasmine rice, and water in container and cover with lid. Allow to sit, in the refrigerator, overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours to ensure cinnamon sticks and rice are softened. Blend and strain through cheesecloth and set aside.

For Horchata:

Combine whole milk and condensed milk in large container and stir in rice base. Add vanilla syrup; stir. Add ice to serving cup and pour Horchata over ice. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Cut Mexican cinnamon galleta in half and place on whipped cream to create Mickey “ears.”

Churro Bites Recipe from the Disney Parks

Disney

Are you missing those wonderful fried churros that can be found throughout the Disney Parks? I know I am! Well, we're in luck because Disney has shared a recipe for Churro Bites that I can't wait to try.

Disney Parks Churro Bites

1 cup water
8 Tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil
½ cup sugar

Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to rolling boil. Reduce heat to low. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside.

Heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚. Spoon dough into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer. Drain churro bites on paper towel.

Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce.

Craving Pongu Lumpia? Try My Pongu Inspired Crepes!

One of my favorite things to eat at Disney World is the Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu in Pandora: The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom. I was really craving them this week, so I decided to try my hand at creating a version I could make at home. After a few tweaks, such as substituting crepes for the usual egg roll wrappers and baking them instead of frying, this is what I came up with and I love it. So if you're craving Pongu Lumpia, give this a try.

Pongu Lumpia Inspired Crepes

8 oz cream cheese
8 oz crushed pineapple, drain well before measuring
1/2 cup powdered sugar
8 crepes (I used a modified version of America's Test Kitchen's Gluten-Free Crepes but you can use any basic crepe recipe)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Soften cream cheese for 30-45 seconds at 50% power in the microwave. Stir pineapple and sugar into softened cream cheese. Divide into 8 equal portions, approximately 3 Tablespoons each. Spread onto crepes before rolling up. Bake for 10 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm. Makes 4 servings.

National Tartan Day

Today is National Tartan Day, the North American holiday that celebrates all things Scottish. So discover your family tartan, the Buchanan and Davidson tartans seen above are mine,

listen to some Scottish bagpipe music, and enjoy a little shortbread for dessert.

If you can't get Walker's Shortbread, which makes the most delicious cookies and adorable tins, even for Disney, then why not try making your own. Here's my family recipe for Scottish Shortbread.

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter, at room temperature
2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour slowly, 1/4 cup at a time. Place on board and knead. Divide into 2 balls. Roll each ball into a 1/2 inch thick circle. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Score each circle into 8 wedges with a knife. Prick the surface of each wedge with a fork. Bake until light brown. Makes 16 servings.

We like to add Skor Toffee Bits to the dough before baking for an extra special treat.

Quote of the Week

Marvel

For as long as I can remember, I just wanted to do what was right. 

- Steve Rogers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Photo of the Week

Fireworks are one of the best ways to end a night at Disney World. The Not So Spooky Spectacular, which can only be seen during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom, is one of my favorite fireworks shows.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

I've been thinking about my favorite foods at Disney World. Here's my Top Ten list:

Night Blossom from Pongu Pongu, Pandora the World of Avatar, Animal Kingdom - a delicious slushy drink made with limeade, apple and desert pear, topped with passionfruit boba balls

Werthers Caramel Popcorn from the Karamell-Kuche, Germany Pavilion, EPCOT - the best caramel corn I've ever tasted

Dole Whip from Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom - that delightfully pineapple frozen concoction that's completely addicting, with or without upside down cake

Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu, Pandora the World of Avatar, Animal Kingdom - pineapple and sweetened cream cheese wrapped up in a lumpia wrapper and fried

Poutine Fries from the Daily Poutine in Disney Springs - I don't know what it is about the combination of thick cut fries, gravy and cheese curds, but I just can't get enough of this Canadian classic

School Bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Norway Pavilion, EPCOT - a lightly sweetened bread filled with custard and topped with coconut

Blue Milk from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Hollywood Studios - a fruity, dairy-free beverage from a galaxy far, far away

Outpost Mix Popcorn from Kat Saka's Kettle in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Hollywood Studios - a sweet and spicy kettle corn that is seriously good

Rum Cake from Tortuga Tavern, Magic Kingdom - a lightly sweetened spice cake with rum sauce drizzled over the top

Ronto Morning Wrap from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Hollywood Studios - eggs, sausage, cheese and a peppercorn sauce in a pita

Now that you know my favorites, what Disney World foods are yours?

Onward Coloring Pages

Disney

While you're stuck at home, why not spend a little time coloring with the kids. There are lots of coloring pages to download on the Disney Family website, including these new pages from Onward. And tomorrow, Onward makes its debut on Disney+. I can't wait!

In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room

I love the Enchanted Tiki Room where the birds sing words and the flowers croon. It's one of my favorite animatronic shows at Disney World.