Are Two Lokis Better Than One?

Marvel

There are just three episodes left of Marvel's Loki and a million questions that need answered. 

I can't wait to see how it all ties together and where it's leading.

Episode 4 of Loki is now available on DisneyPlus.

Black Widow "Chance" Trailer

Marvel

New trailers and clips for Marvel's Black Widow are arriving daily as we count down to it's theatrical release. It looks better and better with each new glimpse.

Black Widow arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on July 9th.

Sing Is Getting A Sequel!

Illumination

Sing is one of Illumination's best animated movies. It's filled with fantastic music and an unexpectedly delightful story. Each of the characters is trying to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to follow their dreams, but in the end, they discover that only by working together can they achieve them. Sing is definitely a favorite in our house.

When I discovered that Sing is getting a sequel, I was over the moon!

Here's the official synopsis from Illumination:

This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon, and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them. 

Buster (Matthew McConaughey) has turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City. 

But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother pig Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy elephant Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, porcine provocateur Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul wolf Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale).

In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star lion rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife. Even worse, Buster has failed to realize that Mr. Crystal is an egocentric gangster who would rather drop somebody off the roof of a building than be lied to.

As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Rosita’s leading role in the show gets ripped away and handed to Mr. Crystal’s spoiled daughter, Porsha, played by Grammy-nominated artist Halsey. Desperate to save the show, and his life, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage.

What begins as a dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart. 

Sing 2 arrives in theaters this Christmas.

Quote of the Week

Charlie Mackesy

"Nothing beats kindness," said the horse.

"It sits quietly beyond all things."

- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

by Charlie Mackesy

Photo of the Week

When in Disney World, it never hurts to look up. You might just be surprised by what you see. I loved the ceiling in the Appleseed Orchard Booth at the 2019 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. It reminded me of a carnival big top.

The First Trailer For Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Is Action Packed

Marvel

The first trailer for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has arrived and it looks fantastic. This will be the first movie in Phase 4 to introduce a new set of heroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Shang-Chi left behind his family's legacy to find his own way in the world. But what happens when he's pulled back in?

"You can't outrun your past..."

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel:

Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings" stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi's friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng'er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters on September 3, 2021.

Black Widow Clip: Spy

Can you believe the wait is nearly over? Just two more weeks until Marvel's Black Widow makes its long awaited debut!

Black Widow arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on July 9th.

Loki Is Marvelous

Marvel

The God of Mischief has met his match in Marvel's Loki. So far, the series is fantastic, delightfully cunning and full of unexpected twists and turns. 

I can't wait to see what happens this week! Episode 3 of Loki arrives on DisneyPlus today.

Tonga Toast Recipe From Disney

After reading about the Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort a few years ago, I knew I had to try it. And I'm so glad I did. The combination of bananas and French toast, coated liberally in cinnamon-sugar is absolutely delightful. If you'd like to try making your own Tonga Toast at home, here's an easy to follow recipe from Disney.

Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe

Serves 4

Cinnamon-Sugar:

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended. Set aside.

Batter:

4 large eggs

1 1/3 cup whole milk

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp granulated sugar

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Tonga Toast:

1 quart canola oil, for frying

1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)

2 large bananas, peeled

Preheat oil to 350° F in a large pot or a deep fryer. 

Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.

Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.

Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast. Serve immediately.

For even more Polynesian Resort inspired fun, serve POG Juice alongside your Tonga Toast. 

Luca Splashes Into McDonald’s Happy Meals

Pixar's Luca is the sweetest movie. It's all about friendship and family, and of course, a few loveable sea monsters.  It's absolutely adorable, and so are the toys in McDonald’s Happy Meals. 

There are 8 toys in all:

• Luca Paguro changes color in cold water and has clip on sea monster hair and tail
• Alberto Scorfano changes color in cold water and has clip on sea monster hair and tail
• Luca Pagura wind up sea monster swimmer
• Alberto Scorfano windows up sea monster swimmer
• Giulia Marcovaldo wind up swimmer
• Machiavelli water squirter
• Massimo Marcovaldo wind up swimmer and water squirter
• Mona Lisa water squirter

These toys are available for a limited time in Happy Meals nationwide. Luca is now on DisneyPlus. 

Quote of the Week

Marvel

Where there are wolf's ears, wolf's teeth are near.

- Loki Laufeyson, Loki: "The Variant"

Photo of the Week

I can't wait to see fireworks at Disney World again! This photo is from Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at EPCOT in 2019.

Fireworks Are Returning To Disney Parks!

Disney

The magic I've missed the most at Disney parks is the fireworks. There's just something about seeing the sky light up above the castle in a spectacular pyrotechnic display that makes me feel like a little kid again. And the music and projections just add to the magic. While fireworks have been missing from the parks since they reopened, Disney has announced that they will be returning, and soon. Starting July 1, "Happily Ever After" will return to the Magic Kingdom and "EPCOT Forever" will be back at EPCOT. In Disneyland, the fun starts on July 4th with "Mickey's Mix Magic" transforming Main Street USA, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and "its a small world" into the setting for a family dance party celebrating the Mouse himself. If you can't wait even that long, why not watch this clip of "Happily Ever After" from Disney. It's pretty magical!

Travel To Portorosso With Pixar’s Luca

Pixar

Pixar's Luca looks like one rollicking adventure. Luca and his pal Alberto are definitely fish out of water when it comes to the human world. Take a glimpse behind the scenes at the evolution of the world of Luca.

Want to know more? Here's the official synopsis from Pixar:

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

Luca arrives on DisneyPlus this Friday, June 18th. 

Are You Ready For More Loki?

Marvel

Well, it's Wednesday again and that means it's time for the next episode of Marvel's Loki on DisneyPlus. 

It's time for a bit more mischief.

Avengers Campus Looks Pretty Incredible

Disney

Avengers Campus is the latest themed land in Disney’s California Adventure and it looks absolutely marvelous! The various neighborhoods are incredibly detailed and even contain a few hidden secrets. Check out a few of them in this video from Disney.

And, starting today, out of state guests can return to the Happiest Place on Earth. Which part of Avengers Campus are you most looking forward to?

Black Widow Looks Worth The Wait

Marvel

The countdown is on for the long awaited release of Marvel's Black Widow. It looks like it's going to be one wild ride!

Black Widow arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on July 9th. 

Quote of the Week

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Knowledge is limited.

Imagination encircles the world.

- Albert Einstein

Photo of the Week

"Here, give us the keys, you scrawny little beast!"

I love the dog with the keys in the Pirates of the Caribbean rides.

Sea Monsters?! What Sea Monsters?

All images: Pixar

The latest clip from Pixar's Luca is absolutely hilarious. Poor Luca and Alberto are definitely in over their heads!

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

Luca arrives on DisneyPlus on June 18th.

"Us Again" Is Adorably Heartwarming

Disney

"Us Again" is the latest animated short from Disney.  It is the story of an older couple finding their magic and joy again. It's absolutely adorable!

"Us Again" can be found on DisneyPlus. 

It's Time For Loki!

Marvel

The wait is finally over! The God of Mischief has returned to cause, or perhaps correct, even more chaos.

Marvel's Loki picks up where Avengers: Endgame left off: with the variant Loki causing a major problem in the sacred timeline.

Loki arrives today on DisneyPlus. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. 

The Wait For Loki Is Nearly Over

Marvel

Time is ticking away until the debut of the first episode of Marvel's Loki. 

Are you ready for a little chaos? 

Loki arrives on DisneyPlus tomorrow, June 9. New episodes will debut each Wednesday.

Are You Ready For Some Mischief?

Marvel

The countdown is on for Marvel's Loki.

"Mischief is timeless."

Loki arrives on DisneyPlus on June 9. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. 

Quote of the Week

BBC

In 900 years of time and space,

I've never met anyone who wasn't important. 

- The Eleventh Doctor, Doctor Who "A Christmas Carol"

Photo of the Week

Do you prefer the Blue Milk or the Green Milk in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? 

The Countdown Is On For Black Widow

Marvel

In a little over a month, we'll finally have the chance to see Marvel's Black Widow. It's been a long wait, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the story of Natasha Romanoff's life before she became an Avenger.

Black Widow arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on July 9th. 

Strawberry Shortcake With Lemon Cornbread Recipe From Disney

Disney

I love trying Disney's recipes at home. (Especially dessert recipes!) This Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cornbread, which was served at Disney’s Yachtsman Steakhouse once upon a time, looks like the perfect way to kick off summer.

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cornbread

Serves 12

Grand Marnier Strawberries:

7 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/3 cup Grand Marnier

3 Tbsp sugar

Combine 1 1/2 cups strawberries, Grand Marnier and sugar in a blender, blending until smooth. Combine remaining strawberries with pureed mixture in a large mixing bowl. Set aside to marinate.

Lemon Syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup lemon juice

Zest of 1/2 lemon

Mix sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and zest. If not using immediately, refrigerate in an airtight container.

Lemon Cornbread:

1/2 cup canola oil

1 1/4 cups whole milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

11/4 cups sugar

2 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 Tbsp fresh lemon zest

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Beat oil, milk and eggs in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Sift together flour, sugar and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until smooth. Stir in cornmeal, then lemon juice and zest. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 40 minutes.

To Serve:

Cut cooled cornbread into 12 squares, trimming off top crust. Drizzle each square of cornbread with 1 tablespoon of lemon syrup. Allow syrup to soak in for 2 to 3 minutes. In a buttered frying pan, sear both sides of cornbread until golden brown. Top cornbread square with Grand Marnier strawberries, then top with whipped cream, creme fraiche or vanilla ice cream.

Are You Ready For Loki?

Marvel

Just one more week until Loki invades DisneyPlus. It looks like it's going to be a blast!

Marvel's Loki arrives on DisneyPlus on June 9. New episodes will debut each Wednesday. 

Disney's Ultimate Princess Celebration

Disney

The stories of Disney's princesses are beloved around the world. To recognize their impact, especially when encouraging courage and kindness, Disney has created the Ultimate Princess Celebration. This global, year-long event will include a new 30 minute special on the Disney Channel in August, two new books: Tales of Courage and Kindness and The Ultimate Princess Celebration Story Collection, a concert tour, toys and collectibles, and much more. To kick off the celebration, Brandy has recorded a new song called "Starting Now." It's positively delightful.