Take a Virtual Ride on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is a high-speed, outdoor roller coaster in Disneyland Paris. It is a thrilling, if a little bumpy, journey around a temple covered in sculptures of snakes.

"Snakes...why did it have to be SNAKES?!"

I loved the theming, which is perfect for an Indiana Jones archaeological dig. The ride is a blast, with the first fully circular inversion on a Disney roller coaster, although it is a very small loop. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this ride, although you really have to keep your head back to prevent getting banged up. If you like roller coasters and Indiana Jones, be sure to give it a try.

The Room Where It Happens - Hamilton

Disney

It's time for another Hamilton clip. This one is from the Aaron Burr song "The Room Where It Happens."

There are just 4 more days until Hamilton arrives on DisneyPlus!

Quote of the Week

New Line Cinema

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.

- Bilbo Baggins, Lord of the Rings

Photo of the Week

Swordfish 1 - I heard he went face to face with a jellyfish.

Swordfish 2 - You heard incorrectly old chap. It was an entire jellyfish forest.

Swordfish 1 - Be that as it may, he escaped unharmed.

Swordfish 2 - He may have, my good man. But will you?

Swordfish 1 - Touche.

I love Finding Nemo: The Musical at Animal Kingdom. It's my favorite show at Disney World.

The Muppets Are Invading DisneyPlus

Disney

The Muppets are back with an all-new series! Beginning July 31, the Muppets will bring their zany antics to DisneyPlus in Muppets Now. I can't wait!

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

“Muppets Now” is The Muppets Studio’s first unscripted series and first original series for Disney+. In the six-episode season, Scooter rushes to make his delivery deadlines and upload the brand-new Muppet series for streaming. They are due now, and he’ll need to navigate whatever obstacles, distractions, and complications the rest of the Muppet gang throws at him. 

Are You Ready For Hamilton?

Disney

Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is coming to DisneyPlus in eight days. I can't wait to see it! Here's a clip from the first song, "Alexander Hamilton."

Hamilton arrives on DisneyPlus on July 3.

Phineas and Ferb Theme Song

Disney

I think we could all use a little Phineas and Ferb style summer vacation fun right about now.

What to Expect When Disney World Reopens

When Disney World reopens the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11 and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios on July 15, things will look a little different. From reservations to get into the parks on a specific day, to no Fast Passes, to guests and Cast Members wearing masks, it will definitely be a new experience.

Before you go, make sure to book a reservation through Disney's Park Pass System. Reservations can be made beginning June 22 for resort guests, June 26 for Annual Passholders, and June 28 for existing ticket holders. All guests must have a Park Pass and ticket to enter the Parks and can only select one park per day, no park hopping. All guests may be subject to a touchless temperature check and must wear a mask to enter the Parks.

Once you enter the Parks, most attractions will be available including:

• Magic Kingdom - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean
• Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest, and Avatar Flight of Passage
• EPCOT - Spaceship Earth (the refurbishment has been delayed), Soarin' Around the World, Frozen Ever After, and Test Track 
• Hollywood Studios - Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

There will be characters in the Parks, although Meet and Greets have been suspended for the time being. Some characters can be seen in surprise parades while others might pop up in unexpected locations. Here are a few ways the characters will appear:

• Magic Kingdom - cavalcades down the parade route, perhaps a captive Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean queue (I've seen Cap'n Jack in the queue before and it's hilarious!)
• Animal Kingdom - characters sailing the waterways 
• EPCOT - processions along the World Showcase promenade, Queen Anna and Elsa may cross your path in the World Showcase
• Hollywood Studios - motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard, Resistance members may be hiding from the First Order in Black Spire Outpost

Several music groups will also be returning, such as Mariachi Cobre and JAMMitors at EPCOT and the Main Street Philharmonic at Magic Kingdom.

While it will be different, I can't wait to return to Walt Disney World this summer!

Hamilton on DisneyPlus

Disney

Disney just released a teaser trailer for Hamilton. I can't wait to see it on DisneyPlus on July 3rd!

Quote of the Week

CBS

The past is written, but we are left to write the future. 

- Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation

Photo of the Week

My Baby Yoda from Build-A-Bear is so cute! Can you have too many Baby Yodas?

It's Time For A Virtual Ride Through Grizzly Gulch

Disney

Now you can take a virtual ride on Grizzly Gulch in Hong Kong Disneyland, and learn a few fun facts along the way.  The ride landscape looks like Big Thunder Mountain, but the track seems like a combination of Big Thunder and Expedition Everest. It looks like a lot of fun!

These Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings From 'Ohana Look Delicious

Disney

I love a good sticky and spiced chicken wing. This wings recipe, courtesy of 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort, looks perfect.

Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings
Serves 4 to 6

WINGS

• 1 Tbsp coarse salt
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 Tbsp canola oil
• 4 pounds chicken wings or drumettes, patted dry

Preheat oven to 500°F, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients except chicken in large glass bowl; stir to combine. Add chicken and toss to coat. Divide chicken in single layer between prepared baking sheets and bake until browned and completely cooked through, about 35 minutes, rotating baking sheets on racks and turning chicken halfway through cooking.

SAUCE

• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 Tbsp ground coriander
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup honey
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch

While wings are baking, combine ingredients in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally, until liquid thickens and reduces to a syrup, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.Brush or toss baked chicken with wing sauce to coat. Serve with remaining wing sauce on the side or with preferred dipping sauce.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

Pentatonix always does an incredible job weaving their voices together in a capella harmonies. Their version of "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" from The Lion King is fantastic.

Journey To Cloud City With Star Wars: Galaxy Of Adventure

Lucasfilm

Two more Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventure shorts have arrived to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back. Both of the shorts take place on Lando Calrissian's Cloud City of Bespin.

"Rendezvous at Bespin" is about Han Solo and how he ended up being Frozen in carbonite. 

"Clash on Cloud City" is about Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader's battle from the end of the film.

Olaf Has Fun While "Alone In The Forest"

Disney

These At Home With Olaf shorts are so cute. They always make me happy. I love that Olaf does ballet while "Alone in the Forest."

Quote of the Week

Disney

Think beyond your lifetime if you want to do something truly great.

- Walt Disney

Photo of the Week

I love spending time visiting the ghosts in the Haunted Mansion.

Duffy And Friends And The Morning Glory

Disney

Duffy is the adorable Mickey-faced teddy bear first found in Tokyo Disney. He's had several origin stories, but this is the current story according to Disney.

"One day in Cape Cod, Mickey Mouse the sailor was leaving on a long sea voyage. Minnie Mouse didn’t want Mickey to be lonely, so she hand-sewed him a cuddly teddy bear to keep him company and gave the bear to Mickey in a duffel bag, which inspired him to name the bear “Duffy.” Together, Duffy and Mickey share adventures – big and small – and make new friends along the way."

Duffy has met many new friends over the years, including:

• ShellieMae - Duffy's teddy bear girlfriend
• Gelatoni - a green kitty cat who loves to paint
• StellaLou - a lavender bunny who loves to dance
• CookieAnn - a puppy who loves to cook
• 'Olu Mel - a green sea turtle who loves to sing and play the ukulele 

Duffy and his friends have had many adventures, and now there's an adorable video where the friends try to grow several "Morning Glory" seeds. 

This video would be perfect to share with little ones. It's so sweet to see the friends work together and share when thing don't quite go as expected. 

Disneyland's Reopening Plan Is Here!

Disney

Yesterday, Disneyland announced their plan to reopen the Parks. The date they've chosen turned out to be quite serendipitous. Disneyland hopes to reopen on July 17, 2020, 65 years to the day after the park opened for the very first time.

Here are the proposed reopening dates:

• Downtown Disney District - July 9
• Disneyland & California Adventure - July 17
• Grand Californian & Paradise Pier Hotels - July 23

And, just in case you missed it, here are Disney World's reopening dates:

• Disney Springs - May 20
• Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom - July 11
• EPCOT & Hollywood Studios - July 15
• Resort Hotels - June 22

All of the Parks will be operating at a limited capacity, without character meet and greets, character dining, and no new tickets will be sold for now. The rules to enter the Parks have changed to reflect Covid-19 restrictions, so be sure to read them before you go.

This Will All Make Sense When I Am Older

Disney

I love all of the music from Frozen II, but this song that Olaf sings is one of my favorites. It always makes me laugh! How old do you suppose you have to be before "absolutely everything makes sense"?

Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back

Disney

I still can't believe it has been 40 years since Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back debuted in theaters. In May, Disney released two new Galaxy of Adventures shorts recreating scenes from the film in animated form.

In the first short, the Rebel base on Hoth comes under attack by the Empire.

In the second, Luke arrives on Dagobah to begin his training with Master Yoda. These shorts are a fun new spin on my favorite classic Star Wars stories.

Olaf Goes On An Unexpected Adventure

Disney

In this At Home With Olaf short, Olaf sends himself on a most unusual "Adventure".

The Final Season of Agents of SHIELD Has Begun

Marvel

I can't believe we're approaching the final mission of Agents of SHIELD. I have enjoyed watching their weekly escapades and the way their stories touch on those of the Avengers movies. But, all good things must come to an end. The final season, which began two weeks ago, is full of time travel and adventures through the history of SHIELD.

New episodes debut every Wednesday at 10PM Eastern time and are available on Hulu the following day.

Photo of the Week

It's a small world after all...

Quote of the Week

People

I believe race is too heavy a burden to carry into the 21st Century. It's time to lay it down. We all came here in different ships, but now we're all in the same boat.

- Congressman John Lewis

"Try Everything" From The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II

Disney

I love this Shakira song from Zootopia. It's so upbeat and fun to sing along to.

Disneyland's Big Thunder Ribs Recipe Sounds Delicious

Disney

I love the various barbecue restaurants at the Disney Parks. I haven't had the chance to try these Big Thunder Ribs from Disneyland yet, but the recipe sounds amazing.

Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub

• 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon pepper
• 2 Tbsp seasoning salt
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/4 Tbsp cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.

Ribs

• 1 1/2 cups Citrus Roundup BBQ rub
• 1 (4-pound) rack pork spareribs, trimmed of excess fat
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

Sprinkle Citrus BBQ rub on both sides of ribs, rubbing the meat to adhere. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for eight hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350º F. Place ribs in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet and pour water into pan. Cover with foil and roast for one hour. Remove the pan from the oven and uncover. Pour off any excess water. Evenly coat top of ribs with barbecue sauce. Return pan to oven and roast for 30 more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and cover lightly with foil. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes. Slice the ribs between each bone with a serrated knife. Serve immediately.

Learn To Draw Bruni

Disney

One of my favorite things to do in Disney World was taking the short drawing classes taught by Disney animators. It was fun to try your hand at drawing the various characters. In the last several months, Disney has released several videos that can teach you to draw characters at home. This video will teach you to draw Bruni, the adorable salamander in Frozen II.

At Home With Olaf - Sunrise

Disney

In this At Home With Olaf short, Olaf takes the time to appreciate some everyday magic: watching the sunrise.