"A Newlywed Couple" - WandaVision

Marvel

I put off watching Marvel's WandaVision on DisneyPlus until the entire series was available, but it was well worth the wait. It was full of twists and turns, joys and sorrows, and I loved it. And the theme songs are perfect! This one is "A Newlywed Couple", the intro to the first episode.

Duffy And Friends "Spring Surprise"

Disney

Duffy the Disney Bear and his pals are back to help celebrate friendship and the arrival of Spring. So adorable!

Learn To Draw Baby Tuk Tuk

Disney

I love Disney's Learn to Draw videos. It's fun to try you hand at drawing favorite Disney characters. Disney's latest video teaches us how to draw an adorable baby Tuk Tuk from Raya and the Last Dragon. 

Quote of the Week

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.

- William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

Photo of the Week

I love all of the toys hidden throughout Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. The Green Army Men are always on the lookout for fun.

At Home With Olaf - Candy

Disney

It's been almost a year since Disney released the first At Home With Olaf short. I've watched them a dozen times and they're still hilarious! In this dort, Olaf has discovered a jar of candy way up on the shelf. His ability to get it down seems to be about as good as mine usually is.

Black Widow Is Finally Coming To Theaters... And DisneyPlus

Marvel

After multiple delays and a plethora of release date announcements, it looks like Marvel's Black Widow will finally be coming to theaters. On the same day, it will also be available on DisneyPlus Premiere Access for $29.99. While I really want to see it, after all this time, I think I'll wait for the Blu-ray. Black Widow arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on July 9, 2021.

This Loki Poster Is Glorious

Marvel

The first poster for the upcoming Marvel series Loki has appeared and it looks like the God of Mischief is ready to live up to his title. I can't wait to see how this series will play out and how it will tie into the MCU. Loki arrives on DisneyPlus on June 11.

Keala Settle Singing "it's a small world" Is Just Beautiful

Disney

I've always loved riding it's a small world. It's so sweet and fun to take a boat ride around a world filled with happy children, even if the song can be a bit much after the fourth or fifth trip. Even so, it always reminds me of how much Bean loved it on her first trip to Disney World. 

This performance by Keala Settle slows down the upbeat earworm and turns it into something amazing. Who knew "it's a small world" could be beautiful?

Jungle Cruise Fun

All images: Disney

Disney's plans to update the classic Jungle Cruise ride sound amazing. They not only plan to keep the old and very ridiculous humor, but they'll be adding new funny moments, scenes, and jokes. I can't wait! In the meantime, here's an interview with Alberta Falls, granddaughter of Albert Falls, original owner of the Jungle Navigation Company, from a 1938 issue of The Daily Gnus.

Quote of the Week

Pixar

Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.

- Anton Ego, Ratatouille

Photo of the Week

This Ollopom, a small, gentle rodent from the Gungan Swamps of Naboo, can be found in a tank in Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities. 

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Has Arrived!

Marvel

The wait is finally over. Marvel's The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has arrived on DisneyPlus. It looks like it's going to be an incredible story told in only six episodes.

"The only power I have is that I believe we can do better."

Meet The Queen of Mean

Disney

Disney recently released an intriguing sneak peek of Cruella. From this glimpse, it's easy to see how young Estella transformed into the queen of mean.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Academy Award winner Emma Stone stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella. 

Cruella arrives in theaters on May 25, 2021.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Disney

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I love celebrating St. Patrick's Day, especially since I learned I'm a wee bit Irish. Every year, I make the expected corned beef and cabbage with Irish soda bread or Guinness bread. And of course, I have to watch Darby O'Gill and the Little People and The Quiet Man. But if you're looking for something a little different, here's a fun recipe for a St. Patrick's Day snack from the chefs at Disney World. These Reuben Totchos were only available for a limited time from Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom, but now you can make them at home.

Disney

St. Patrick’s Day Reuben Totchos

Serves 4-6

2 slices marble rye bread

1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing

1/4 cup whole grain mustard

1 (2 pound) package frozen potato barrels

1 (15 ounce) jar cheddar cheese sauce

2 cups canned or bagged sauerkraut

1 cup shredded green cabbage

1 pound sliced top round corned beef

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut marble rye bread into 1/4-inch cubes. Place on baking sheet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until toasted. Set aside.

Combine Thousand Island dressing and whole grain mustard in small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook frozen potato barrels according to package directions and keep warm until ready to serve.

Heat cheddar cheese sauce in small saucepan over medium-low heat, until warm. Keep warm.

Heat sauerkraut in medium saucepan over medium heat for 8 minutes, until warm. Remove from heat and cool for 3 minutes. If needed, drain any excess liquid. Stir in shredded green cabbage. Set aside.

Slice corned beef into thin strips. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add corned beef and sauté for 3 minutes, until corned beef is warm and edges begin to crisp.

Place potato barrels on large serving dish and cover with warm cheddar cheese sauce. Top with warm corned beef and sauerkraut. Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. Top with toasted rye bread and sliced green onions.

The Final Trailer For The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Is Intense

Marvel

The final trailer for Marvel's The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has been released and it is intense. While previous glimpses have been fairly light and even a little fun, watching Sam and Bucky trying to figure out the nature of their partnership, this trailer shows what they're up against. Not only are they struggling with the weight of Captain America's legacy, but Baron Zemo seems intent on pursuing his own deadly agenda.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier arrives on DisneyPlus this Friday, March 19th.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Debuts This Friday!

All images: Marvel

It's nearly time for another adventure with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. I can't wait! Disney and Marvel have released four new character posters from the series along with two hilarious clips. The posters above feature Sam Wilson, the Falcon, and Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier. 

I love Sam's take on the Big Three... and that Bucky read The Hobbit in 1937.

These two posters feature Sharon Carter, Agent 13, and Baron Zemo.

I'm sensing some tension in this relationship. How do you suppose they'll work it out without Steve to act as their buffer? Only time will tell. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier arrives this Friday on DisneyPlus. 

Quote of the Week

The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.

- Abraham Lincoln

Photo of the Week

3...2...1... Lift Off! The Astro Orbiter is a real blast, especially when the wait time is short.

The Mandalorian Theme

Lucasfilm

I love The Mandalorian. It has an amazing storyline, interesting characters, and incredible music. This theme always makes me think of old westerns with a Star Wars twist, which is just about perfect for the series. 

Float - A Pixar SparkShort

Pixar

Pixar's SparkShorts are incredible, thought-provoking, beautiful, although sometimes sad, short stories from the animators at Pixar. I love watching each new SparkShort and wondering what the story will be. The latest SparkShort, which can be viewed on DisneyPlus, is called "Float". Wouldn't it be amazing if we could all find simple joy to be this uplifting?

Raya and the Last Dragon Happy Meal Toys

McDonald’s

The latest Disney toys have arrived at McDonald’s. Eight new toys representing characters from Raya and the Last Dragon can now be found in Happy Meals across the US. Here's a list of the toys:

• Raya
• Sisu
• Boun
• Namaari
• Tuk Tuk
• Noi
• Ongis
• Tong

They look pretty adorable. If you'd like to see the toys in action or download a fun activity sheet, check out McDonald’s Happy Meal website. And hopefully, the whole set will be released this time (after the problems with the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway toys.)

Irish Brown Bread Recipe From Raglan Road

I love the Irish Brown Bread with Guinness Reduction at Raglan Road in Disney Springs. It's so good! With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share Disney's recipe for this delightful treat.

Irish Brown Bread with Guinness Reduction

Makes 1 (3-pound) loaf

6 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups whole-wheat flour

1 1/2 cups rolled oats, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

4 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup Guinness

1/4 cup molasses

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 1/2x5x3-inch loaf pan or a 9×9 square pan; set aside.

Combine all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, 1 cup rolled oats, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, Guinness, and molasses in a medium bowl. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture in three batches, mixing and folding dough by hand lightly; the mixture should be sticky.

Transfer dough to prepared pan and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup oats, pressing lightly to adhere. Bake until bread is golden brown and makes a hollow sound when top is tapped, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from pan and cool slightly before serving. Serve with Guinness Reduction and olive oil.

Guinness Reduction

2 cups Guinness

2 cups sugar

1/4 cup olive oil, for service

Combine the Guinness and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Note: Do not leave the pot unattended while it is coming to a boil, as it may boil over.

Simmer until mixture is reduced by half and is thick and syrup-like, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature

To serve, place 1/4 cup olive oil in a saucer or small plate. Drizzle with 1/4 cup Guinness Reduction. Refrigerate any remaining reduction for up to 2 weeks.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier "Coworkers"

Marvel

Marvel's The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will make its debut in less than 2 weeks. It looks like it's going to be a blast!

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier arrives on DisneyPlus on March 19.

Quote of the Week

I am a part of everything that I have read.

- Theodore Roosevelt

Photo of the Week

I love all of the character topiaries at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. This Stitch topiary from 2010 is one of my favorites.

Apple Pie Recipe from Whispering Canyon Café

Disney

Disney has some amazing dessert recipes. While I haven't yet tried all of them in the parks and resorts, I love it when I have the chance to try them at home. It's also a good way to bring home the magic when you can't go to the parks. This recipe for apple pie is from the Whispering Canyon Café in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. 

Apple Pie from Whispering Canyon Café

Makes one 9-inch pie 

Pie Crust

4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup shortening

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon coarse salt

1/3 cup 2% milk 

Combine butter, shortening, flour, sugar, and salt in bowl of electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix at medium speed until crumbly.  Add milk and mix until incorporated. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and place in 9-inch pie plate. Set aside. 

Apples

1 cup water

6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced

2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Bring water to simmer in large pot. Place apples in a steamer basket and add to pot. Steam for 10 minutes. Remove from water. Cool to room temperature and toss with apple pie spice.  

Apple Pie Batter

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

2 egg

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup heavy cream 

Cream butter and sugar in bowl of stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add eggs and mix until just incorporated. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl. Slowly add to mixer and beat on medium speed until combined. Add cream and mix until smooth. Set aside until ready to bake.  

To make the pie:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 1/2 cup apple pie batter on top of pie crust, spread until smooth. Top with apples and remaining apple pie batter. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 more minutes, until golden brown. Cool to room temperature before serving. If desired, top pie with sliced almonds and dust with confectioners’ sugar once cooled. 

Wind - A Pixar SparkShort

Pixar

I have really enjoyed watching Pixar's SparkShorts. All of them feature some conflict on the road to happiness, and frequently, something quite unexpected. The stories make you feel mixed emotions, but all of them are amazing. Wind is the story of a boy and his grandmother searching for a better life and it's beautiful. Wind, and all of the other SparkShorts, can be viewed on DisneyPlus. 

Raya and the Last Dragon Has An Amazing Song

Disney

The first song from Raya and the Last Dragon has been released and it's fantastic. "Lead the Way" is a wonderful song about coming together to make the world better. 

Raya and the Last Dragon arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on March 5.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Teasers

Marvel

The wait is almost over. In just 17 days, Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier arrives on DisneyPlus. I can't wait! 

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier arrives on DisneyPlus on March 19th.

The Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is Nearly Here

All images: Disney

I absolutely love the festivals at EPCOT. It's so fun to experience flavors and sights from around the world throughout the World Showcase. This Wednesday marks the start of this year's Taste of EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. There will be dozens of topiary featuring favorite characters, beautiful gardens, including the return of the butterfly house, music, and of course, a ridiculous number of delicious dishes to share.

Spike the Bee can be found buzzing his way throughout the Festival again this year. Guests can take part in Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, a flower-filled scavenger hunt that's fun for all ages. And there will be lots of festival-specific merchandise featuring Spike, Figment, Orange Bird and Minnie Mouse.

Music performances include the Voices of Liberty celebrating America and Mariachi Cobre performing Mexican folk music. The Jammin' Gardeners will be creating lively rhythms with backyard percussion and the EPCOT Pianist will be playing favorite music from the parks in the World Showplace. And for something new, each weekend, Friday to Monday, local Orlando bands will perform popular songs from yesterday and today in the American Gardens Theatre.

And don't forget to pick up a Festival Passport. Not only does it have all of the menus, but you can use it to keep track of everything you've tried. The Passport is also the place to track your Garden Graze purchases. Each time you buy a Garden Graze dish, get your passport stamped. Collect 5 stamps to receive a complimentary prize from the Promenade Outdoor Kitchen. 

And now for the part we've all been waiting for: the menus!

Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth (Future World West)

• Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis 🥖🥬🥕
• Seared Verlasso Salmon with Farro Risotto and Micro Herbs
• Strawberry Mousse with Chocolate Crisp Pearls
• Blood Orange Agua Fresca
• Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt

EPCOT Sunshine Griddle (Future World East)

• Avocado Toast with Marinated Toybox Tomatoes and Fresh Goat Cheese on Toasted Ciabatta 🌻
• Shrimp and Grits: Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Sweet Corn Salsa.Corned Beef Brisket Hash with House-made Potato Barrels, Onions, Peppers, Cheese Curds, and a Soft-poached Egg with Tabasco Hollandaise 🌻
• Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Bacon 🌻
• Froot Loops Shake

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board (Showcase Plaza)

• Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread with Jalapeños, Bacon, and House-made Whipped Honey Butter 🥖🌻
• Lavender Honey Mustard-marinated Chicken Flatbread with Whipped Honey-Ricotta Cheese, Marinated Vegetables, and Purple Haze Lavender Goat Cheese 🌻
• Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Whipped Cream, Whipped Honey, Crystalized Honey, Honeycomb, Dehydrated Honey, and Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses
• Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup

The Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)

• Meyer Lemon-poached Lobster Salad with Grapefruit-Rosé Vinaigrette, Yuzu-marinated Hearts of Palm, and Avocado-Yuzu Panna Cotta 🥖🌻
• Citrus-braised Crispy Pork Belly with Kumquat and Carrot 🌻
• Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble
• Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup

Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza)

• House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers Poutine 🥕🌻
• Popsicle Trio: Honeydew, Raspberry-Mint, and Coconut-Lime 🥖

Pineapple Promenade (Showcase Plaza)

• Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
• Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake
• DOLE Whip 🥕
• Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade
• DOLE Whip with Fanta

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods (Showcase Plaza)

• Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread 🥖🥕
• Impossible Sausage and Kale Soup 🥕🌻
• Boneless Impossible Korean Short Rib with Cilantro-Lime Rice, Danmuji Slaw, and Kimchee Mayonnaise 🥕🥬🌻 
• Lavender Pot de Crème with Blueberry Cake, Pink Peppercorn, and Lime Whipped Cream 🥕🌻
• Twinings of London Energize Matcha Cranberry & Lime Green Tea 🌻

Refreshment Outpost

• Pineapple Skewer with Tajin Seasoning 🥖🥕🥬

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany)

• Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce 🥖🥕🥬
• Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream 🥖
• Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
• Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries

Magnolia Terrace (American Adventure)

• Crawfish Étouffée with Andouille Sausage and Dirty Rice🌻 
• Cajun-style Roasted Oysters.House-made Boudin Two Ways with Spicy Mustard
• Pecan Cake with Maple Whipped Cream
• Pecan Praline

Funnel Cake (American Adventure)

• Mini Funnel Cake topped with Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream, Blueberries, and Powdered Sugar

Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco)

• Moroccan Seafood Couscous with Shrimp, Mussels, Olives, Preserved Lemons, and Anchovy Breadcrumbs 🌻
• Shakshuka: Moroccan Baked Eggs in a Spiced Eggplant and Tomato Stew 🌻
• Lemon Magdalena Cake with Fig Compote and Sangria Gel 🥕🥬🌻

La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

• Lamb Curry with Sweet Plantains and Rice 🥖
• Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce 🥖
• Tropical Mousse Cup: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple
• Tropical Freeze 

Festival Favorites (World Showplace)

• Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, Feta, and Balsamic Reduction 🥖
• Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue, and House-made Pickle
• Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil
• Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue
• Frozen Lemonade

EPCOT Farmers Feast (World Showplace)

Rotating Menu 1:

• Spring Onion Soup with Crispy Shallots and Micro Chive 🌻
• Duck Confit with Carrot Purée, Roasted Root Vegetables, Rainbow Chard, and Duck Jus 🥖
• Off the “Beet”en Path: Profiteroles with Red Beet Mousse, Golden Beet Pastry Cream, Whipped Goat Cheese Cream, and Candied Walnuts 🌻

Rotating Menu 2:

• Cheesecake on Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Butter with Passion Fruit-Mango Compote

Cider House (World Showplace)

• House-made Potato and Cheddar Biscuit with Salmon Tartare
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart with Whipped Cream

Northern Bloom (Canada)

• Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood-smoked Bacon 🥖
• Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
• Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato
• Maple Popcorn Shake

Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)

• Tostada de Cochinita: Braised Pork on a Crispy Corn Tortilla with Black Beans topped with Pickled Onions, Mango-Habanero Relish, and Oregano 🥖 
• Taco Vampiro: Braised Beef on a Corn Tortilla with Crispy Grilled Monterey Jack Cheese and Salsa Ranchera 🥖
• Sope de Chorizo: Plant-based Ground Chorizo on Fried Corn Dough with Black Beans and Avocado Mousse 🥖🥕

Lotus House (China)

• Papa Cakes: Potato Cakes filled with Shrimp and Water Chestnuts served with House-made Strawberry Sauce 🌻 
• Bon Bon Chicken Skewer with Sesame and Peanut Sauce
• House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls

Primavera Kitchen (Italy)

• Margherita: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella
• Arancini: Sweet Sausage Fried Risotto Balls with Pomodoro Sauce
• Traditional Sicilian Cannoli: Crisp Pastry filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate, and Candied Orange

Hanami (Japan)

• Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe wrapped in Sweet Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Berry Sauce, and Toasted Coconut
• Shrimp and Crab with Spicy Mayonnaise and Cucumber Slices finished with Creamy Avocado and Violet Sauce 🌻 
• Soy-glazed Pork Shank with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Lotus Flower, Garlic Chips, and Green Onion                                

Fleur de Lys (France)

• Tarte aux Oignons Caramélisés et Chèvre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a flaky Pastry Crust
• Canard Confit à l’Orange aux Gnocchi à la Parisienne: Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Parisian Gnocchi 🌻
• Macaron au Chocolate en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop
• Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with Vanilla Cream and Glazed with Caramel Fleur de Sel 🌻

🥖 = Gluten/Wheat Friendly

🥕 = Plant-based

🥬 = Garden Graze

🌻 = New

The Taste of EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival runs from March 3 until July 5.