What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

While I'll be spending a quiet night in this New Year's Eve, I have been fortunate enough to spend the evening in a Disney Park on 3 occasions: twice at EPCOT and once at Disneyland Paris. EPCOT is my favorite park to visit to ring in the New Year. It's extra magical somehow on that night. And they used to have the most amazing Christmas light display at the entrance to World Showcase. I loved it!

A Stan Lee Documentary Is Coming To DisneyPlus

Marvel

Stan Lee would have turned 100 this month. To celebrate all of his accomplishments, Marvel and Disney have put together a documentary that will air on DisneyPlus in 2023. 

Marvel Day At Sea Treats

All images: Disney

Disney Cruise Line's Marvel Day At Sea is coming to the Disney Dream this January. And with it, comes a few fun and tasty treats. If Captain America is your favorite Avenger, give the Captain America Brownie a try.

More of an Iron Man or Spider-Man fan? Then these cupcakes are for you. The Iron Man Cupcake is a vanilla sponge cake with vanilla frosting, while the Spider-Man Cupcake is chocolate devil cake with white chocolate mousse.

Or maybe you love all things Groot. There's a Baby Groot Marshmallow Stick that's adorable. 

And finally, for every Marvel fan, there's a Marvel Cookie Sandwich filled with dulce de leche. Yum!

Nothing Is Lost - Avatar 2

20th Century Studios

The music from the first Avatar was incredible. It sounds like the music from Avatar: The Way Of Water is, too.

Avatar: The Way Of Water is in theaters now.

It"s LEGO Build Day!

LEGO

For the past two years, LEGO fans around the world have celebrated LEGO Build Day on the 27th of December. It's the perfect day to build that new set you received for Christmas. Or maybe you'd like to play a few of the crazy games and competitions from the LEGO website. They even have printable scorecards and certificates for the winners. This year, I'll be building my newest set: the Death Star Trash Compactor from Star Wars. I can't wait to see it finished!

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Sony/Marvel

Are you ready to return to the Spider-Verse? In Marvel's next animated Spider-Man movie, Miles Morales will be drawn back into the Spider-Verse for an unexpected adventure.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse arrives in theaters on June 2, 2023

Merry Christmas!

I wish you the best 

that the season can give,

and hope you'll be happy

as long as you live!

Merry Christmas!

Photo of the Week

Santa's sleigh is filled with toys, ready for his Christmas Eve flight.

It's Christmas Eve Eve!

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Eloise at Christmastime. There's just something so delightful about how Eloise approaches the world. I've seen the movie dozens of times, and it always makes me laugh. December 23rd seems like the perfect day to watch it again because one of my favorite moments in the movie is when Eloise wakes up and declares, "It's Christmas Eve Eve!" Eloise at Christmastime is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. 

Here It Is Christmastime

Marvel

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is so funny. And the songs put a smile on my face every time I hear them. "Here It Is Christmastime" is from the end of the special and features Kevin Bacon singing with The Old 97's as everyone exchanges gifts. (I love what the Guardians chose for each other!)

I Love Retro Christmas Art

I don't quite know why, but I love kitschy, quirky, retro Christmas art. From cards, to wrapping paper, to advertisements, this fantastic artwork seemed to pop up everywhere. There's just something about the colors and style and nostalgia that I find impossible to resist. Take, for instance, this sassy kitty with the holly on its tail. It's just too cute.

And these simple, yet sweet Santas sledding on candy canes. Can you imagine finding gifts under the tree on Christmas morning wrapped in this paper?

This candy jar card reminds me of the glass candy dish my great grandmother kept on her coffee table. Even though I was just little, she always let me take off the lid to sneak a piece or two.

So many of the designs feature little girls in elaborate Christmas costumes. While ridiculously impractical, these charming little Christmas tree outfits are sure to make you smile.

If you'd like to see even more delightful retro Christmas images, just check out my Pinterest board called I'm Dreaming Of A Retro Christmas. 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Pentatonix

Illumination

I've always loved Christmas carols. There's just something about singing or listening to carols that always puts me in a Christmassy mood. And I don't mind when a group puts a modern twist on one, such as this version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Pentatonix. Every time I hear it, it makes me think of all of the Who carolers chasing down the Grinch, which always makes me laugh.

Churro Marshmallow Wand Recipe From Disney

Disney

One of my favorite things to do during a trip to the Disney Parks is visit the candy shops to see what new sweets and treats have appeared. But making your own treats at home from a Disney recipe is the next best thing. This recipe for churro Mickey marshmallows sounds delightful.

Churro Marshmallow Wands - Marceline’s Confectionary, Downtown Disney District

Makes 8

Mickey-Shaped Marshmallows

3/4 oz unflavored gelatin

1 c water, divided

2 c sugar

1/3 c light corn syrup

Pinch salt

1/2 c cornstarch

1/2 c powdered sugar

Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray.

Mix gelatin with 1/2 cup of water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, stir remaining 1/2 cup of water, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, until mixture reaches 240°F. Remove from heat and allow mixture to rest for 1 minute, until it reaches 230°F.

Pour sugar mixture into gelatin and water. Whip on medium speed 2 minutes, until mixture begins to thicken. Add salt. Continue to whip 8-10 minutes, until mixture doubles in size.

Spray a spatula with non-stick cooking spray. Pour marshmallow mixture into 9×13 inch pan. Smooth using spatula. Marshmallow mixture will be very sticky. Let marshmallows rest for 4 hours, until set.

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and powdered sugar. Once marshmallows are set, spread half of the cornstarch mixture on a large cutting board. Carefully flip marshmallows onto cutting board and cut into 8 Mickey-shaped marshmallows, using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Dip marshmallows in remaining cornstarch mixture and store in an airtight container. 

Churro Marshmallow Wands

8 large lollipop sticks

8 Mickey-shaped marshmallows

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

3/4 c granulated sugar

1/3 c graham cracker crumbs

1 pound white melting chocolate

Dip one end of each lollipop stick in 1 inch of water. Skewer Mickey-shaped marshmallows onto each stick, starting at the wet end of the stick.

Mix cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs in shallow bowl or pie plate. Set aside.

Melt white melting chocolate according to package instructions. Keep warm.

Dip Mickey-shaped marshmallows into melted white chocolate, gently tapping to remove excess white chocolate. Sprinkle cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker mixture over all sides of the marshmallows; place on clean parchment paper. Repeat for all wands.

Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, until white chocolate is set.

Quote of the Week

Warner Brothers

Just remember,

the true spirit of Christmas

lies in your heart. 

- Santa, The Polar Express

Photo of the Week

I loved the giant Mickey wreath over the entrance to Disneyland Paris in 2019.

Rolie Polie Olie Christmas

Treehouse Direct

There's just something about Rolie Polie Olie that is absolutely adorable. I've watched the Christmas episodes many times over the years and I still find them wonderfully sweet and delighfully retro. 

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

Apple

I absolutely adore Charlie Mackesy's book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. It's such a kind and gentle book with beautiful illustrations. It has recently been turned into an animated film that is coming to Apple TV+ on Christmas day. I know it's probably going to make me cry, but I can't wait to watch it.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse arrives on Apple TV+ on December 25th.

Last Christmas - Pentatonix Featuring Hikakin & Seikin

Pentatonix

Pentatonix latest Christmas album, Holidays Around the World, is truly wonderful. They've teamed up with musicians from around the world to put their own spin on familiar Christmas songs. This version of "Last Christmas" features Pentatonix familiar harmonies alongside brother duo Hikakin and Seikin.

Gingerbread Recipe From Disney

I love going to the Disney Resorts at Christmastime see their incredible gingerbread displays. There's nothing like the smell of gingerbread to make it feel like Christmas. If you'd like to make up a batch of this tasty gingerbread at home, here's a recipe from the Disney Chefs.

Gingerbread Cookies from the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Makes 36 cookies

2 sticks softened butter

2 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

2 eggs

1 ¼ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

3 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

2 ¼ tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground star anise

1 tsp ground fennel

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground clove

¼ tsp ground mace

Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the eggs and mix until combined.

Sift all the remaining dry ingredients in a separate large mixing bowl and mix well. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a dough forms.

Remove dough from the bowl and wrap in plastic wrap; place in refrigerator until firm, two to four hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove dough from refrigerator and allow dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, until pliable. Divide dough in half and place on floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out until about 1/8 inch thick. While rolling, flour the work surface and rolling pin as needed.

Cut out desired cookie shapes with cookie cutters. Transfer cookies to a greased cookie sheet, placing them 1 inch apart.

Bake until firm and edges begin to darken, 10-14 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a minute, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here)

Marvel

As soon as we watched the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, this crazy song became our new favorite bizarre Christmas song. If either of us starts singing "Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain... deer, deer, deer, deer, deer" we both start cracking up.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is now available on DisneyPlus.

Quote of the Week

20th Century Studios

Oh, Christmas isn't just a day,

it's a frame of mind...

and that's what's been changing.

That's why I'm glad I'm here,

maybe I can do something about it.

- Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street

Photo of the Week

Santa Mickey is so cute delivering a present to Minnie in Disneyland Paris.

Silent Night - Pentatonix & The King's Singers

Pentatonix

Pentatonix's latest Christmas album, Holidays Around the World, is an absolute delight. This version of "Silent Night" featuring The King's Singers alongside Pentatonix, is truly beautiful. 

You're A Weird Boy

Disney

This clip of the animated Night At The Museum movie is actually pretty cute. It looks like an unexpectedly fun sequel.

Night At The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again arrives on DisneyPlus tomorrow, December 9th. 

Return to Pandora

20th Century Studios

Avatar: The Way Of Water looks absolutely incredible. I can't wait to finally see more of the Na'vi and Pandora.

Avatar: The Way Of Water arrives in theaters on December 16th.

Alfajores Recipe From Disney

Disney

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays has arrived, bringing so many delicious goodies to eat. One of my favorite delights is the Cookie Stroll. It's so much fun to try different cookies from around the world. But if you'd like to try making one of these cookies at home, here's a recipe for Alfajores from the Disney Chefs. 

Alfajores from the Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen

Makes 6-8 Alfajores

Cookies

2 c all-purpose flour     

1/2 c cornstarch

3/4 c butter, softened

1/2 c powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside.

Cream butter and powdered sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla and mix on medium speed, scraping sides occasionally, until fully incorporated.

Add reserved flour mixture and beat on low speed until dry dough starts to come together. Remove from bowl and knead of floured surface until dough is soft.

Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch circles. Place on prepared baking pan, leaving 2-inches between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Alfajores

1 (14 ounce) can Dulce de Leche

12-16 cookies

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Pour dulce de leche into a piping bag. Place half of the cookies, bottom side up, on a flat surface. Pipe dulce de leche onto each cookie. Top with remaining cookies. Coat sides of cookies with shredded coconut and dust tops with powdered sugar.

Cook’s Note: To enhance the flavor of the coconut, toast it in the oven. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 300ºF, stirring every 3 minutes, until golden brown.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Lucasfilm

I have absolutely adored the Indiana Jones films since the first time I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. They are a fantastic mix of fantasy and adventure, history and romance, with an incredible cast of characters. The fifth, and likely final, movie finally has a trailer and a title: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I can't wait!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny arrives in theaters on June 30, 2023.

Quote of the Week

Dr. Nathan Myhrvold

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake

it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

- Aristotle

Photo of the Week

The kitchy Christmas decor in Jock Lindsey's Hangar Holiday Bar is always a delight.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Trailer

Marvel

The first trailer for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 has arrived. It looks like this one may be a tearjerker, but we may also learn more about Rocket's origins.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team around him to defend the universe and protect one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 arrives in theaters on May 5, 2023.

Night At The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again

Disney

Disney is putting an animated spin on one of my favorite movie series. Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again takes place after the films when the museum exhibits want Larry Daley's son Nick to be their new night guard. It looks rather fun.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

The Original Movie is about the mischief that takes place every night at the American Museum of Natural History when the sun goes down. Nick Daley’s summer gig as night watchman at the museum is a challenging job for a high school student, but he is following in his father’s footsteps and is determined not to let him down. Luckily, he is familiar with the museum’s ancient tablet that brings everything to life when the sun goes down and is happy to see his old friends, including Jedediah, Octavius, and Sacagawea, when he arrives. But when the maniacal ruler Kahmunrah escapes with plans to unlock the Egyptian underworld and free its Army of the Dead, it is up to Nick to stop the demented overlord and save the museum once and for all.

Night At The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again arrives on DisneyPlus on December 9th.

Pentatonix + Meghan Trainor = Joy

Pentatonix

Pentatonix's new Christmas album is an absolute delight. "Holidays Around the World" features the a capella group singing alongside amazing performers from around the world. It has a wonderful mix of songs, but I think this one with Meghan Trainor may be my favorite. It's just so happy!

Avatar - Our Fortress

20th Century Studios

It's nearly time to return to the world of Pandora. It looks like the Sully family are in for quite the battle to save their world.

Avatar: The Way Of Water arrives in theaters on December 16th.

Drax and Mantis Save Christmas

Marvel

The latest Marvel Special Presentation is the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. In the special, Drax and Mantis head out on a mission to save Christmas for Peter Quill. It looks downright hilarious.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is now available on DisneyPlus.

Quote of the Week

Christmas, in fact, is not an external event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.

- Freya Stark

Photo of the Week

This giant Santa LEGO minifigure is so cute!

Willow - Meet the Bone Reavers

Lucasfilm

There are only five days left until Willow arrives on DisneyPlus. I can't wait to see this new adventure!

Willow arrives on DisneyPlus on November 30th.

Happy Thanksgiving

Disney

For the bounty of the year,

For the friends that we hold dear;

For new blessings on the way,

Let's be thankful, all, today.

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Over the River - Pentatonix

Pentatonix

"Over the River and Through the Woods" is based on a Thanksgiving poem written by Lydia Maria Child in 1844. It was soon set to music and quickly became a popular Christmas song. Pentatonix & Lindsey Stirling's version of "Over the River" is a holiday delight.

The Final Avatar Trailer & Character Posters

All images: 20th Century Studios

With less than a month until Avatar: The Way Of Water arrives in theaters, the final trailer has been released. It looks incredible. 

And here are nine posters to introduce many of the new characters joining Jake and Neytiri on their journey through Pandora. 

Zoe Saldana as Neytiri 

Sam Worthington as Jake Sully

Sigourney Weaver as Kiri, one of Jake and Neytiri's daughters

Jamie Flatters as Neteyam, oldest son of Jake and Neytiri

Jack Champion as Spider, Jake and Neytiri's adopted son

Cliff Curtis as Tonowari, leader of the Metkayina

Kate Winslet as Ronal, leader of the Metkayina, wife of Tonowari

Bailey Bass as Tsireya, daughter if Tonowari and Ronal

Stephen Lang as Quaritch, a Recombinant, a Na'vi with human memories

Avatar: The Way Of Water arrives in theaters on December 16th.