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Thursday, February 29, 2024

Disney Electrical Sky Parade

Disney Electrical Sky Parade
Disney

The Disney Electrical Sky Parade at Disneyland Paris is quite incredible. 500 drones dance across the sky in a show that is both nostalgic and new. My favorite part is the giant Elliot peeking out from behind the castle. Here's the entire parade as shared by Disney.


The Disney Electrical Sky Parade will appear nightly until September 30, 2024.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Everything You Need To Know Before Watching Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two
Warner Brothers

With Dune: Part Two heading to theaters this Friday, Warner Brothers thought you might need a brief reminder of the politics and characters fighting over the planet Arrakis. So, here's a highlight reel of everything you need to know in less than 90 seconds.


All caught up? Well, if you want to know a little more, here's the official synopsis from Warner Brothers:

The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on “Dune: Part Two,” the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast.

The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller Dune with returning and new stars, including Timothée Chalamet (PaulAtreides), Zendaya (Chani), Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica), Josh Brolin (Gurney Halleck), Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha), Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan), Dave Bautista (Beast Rabban), Christopher Walken (Emperor Shaddam IV), Léa Seydoux (Lady Margot), Souheila Yacoub (Shishakli), Stellan Skarsgård (Baron Harkonnen), Charlotte Rampling (Gaius Helen Mohiam), and Javier Bardem (Stilgar).

“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Dune: Part Two arrives in theaters on March 1st.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Behind the Scenes of Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4
DreamWorks

Sixteen years ago, Po, a rather bumbling panda who loved the art of Kung Fu, stumbled his way into becoming the Dragon Warrior. Now, three movies, 3 series, and an awesome holiday special later, it's time for Po to pass on the mantle and become something more. Here's a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kung Fu Panda 4. It's gonna be epic.


Here's the official synopsis from DreamWorks:

After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unm atched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position. 

Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. 

So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.

The film features the voice talent of returning stars Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father Mr. Ping, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis. Ke Huy Quan joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves. 
 
Kung Fu Panda 4 arrives in theaters on March 8th.

Monday, February 26, 2024

This Wish - Wish

This Wish - Wish
Disney

I finally had the chance to watch Disney's Wish recently and I really enjoyed it. Not only was the story wonderful, but the music was fantastic. "This Wish" is Asha's wish to be able to change things for the better, not just for herself, but for the entire kingdom of Rosas.


Wish is available now on Digital and arrives on DVD/Blu-ray on March 12.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Elsa in Frozen Ever After

Elsa in Frozen Ever After

I love the Frozen Ever After ride at Disney World. It's a delightful boat ride full of music and magic with lots of scenes of favorite characters from Frozen. This scene is Elsa singing "Let It Go" in her ice palace.

Friday, February 23, 2024

Meet the Ghosts of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Sony

There are a lot of new ghosts in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Here's a quick look at a few of the cast's favorite spooks and spectres.


Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire arrives in theaters on March 22nd.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs' Cottage LEGO

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' Cottage LEGO
All images: LEGO

Have you seen the new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs LEGO set? This 2228 piece set includes a whopping 10 minifigures: Snow White, the Prince, the Evil Queen in disguise, and all 7 Dwarfs, Grumpy, Bashful, Happy, Sleepy, Doc, Sneezy, and Dopey. And there are six Disney animal figures, too. The cottage has multiple rooms, a light brick, and a removable roof section.

The Wishing Well

There are also two smaller builds that help to set the scene. The first is the wishing well where Snow White first meets the Prince.

Snow White Coffin

The second includes the glass coffin where Snow White waits to be awakened by love's first kiss. 

This set is intended for adults, and as such, comes with a rather large price tag. The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' Cottage LEGO will be available on March 4 for $219.99.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

He's A Tramp - Lady & the Tramp

Peg - Lady & the Tramp
Disney

I love classic Disney songs from animated movies. This song, "He's a Tramp", was performed by Peggy Lee in Lady and the Tramp.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Treats At The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

Swirled Showcase
All images: Disney

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is just around the corner. With fantastic garden displays, exciting music, collectible merchandise, and of course, amazing food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And don't forget to pick up a Festival Passport so that you can enjoy the Garden Graze Food Stroll. Simply purchase 5 of the eight dishes, collect the stamps, and enjoy a complimentary treat from Pineapple Promenade. Here are all of the tasty treats you can find at the Festival, which runs from February 28-May 27.

Swirled Showcase 
  • Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone: Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Grape Jelly 
  • Strawberry Basil Sorbet in a waffle cone 🌻
  • Ice Cream Float: Vanilla Soft-serve and Barq’s Red Creme Soda 🧋
  • Liquid Nitro Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with fresh honey, granulated honey, honey mead blueberry compote Presented by National Honey Board 🌻
  • Vanilla Soft-serve with Cantaloupe Liqueur 🌻
  • Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Strawberry Banana Whip Hard Seltzer
  • Strawberry Basil Sorbet with Hard Seltzer
The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth
  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with cucumbers, olives, and multigrain crackers 🌻
  • Açaí Parfait with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola 🌻
  • Strawberry Fruit Bar 🥕
  • Florida Smoothie: Pineapple, orange, and mango 🌻
Trowel & Trellis

Trowel & Trellis
  • IMPOSSIBLE Farmhouse Meatball with lentil bread, spinach, marinated vegetables, and creamy herb aïoli 🥕🥬
  • Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with green onions and peanuts 
  • Chocolate Mousse Terrarium with matcha crumble, and chocolate soil 🌻
  • Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, and Simply Limeade 🌻🧋
  • Raspberry and Lemon Herbal Tea with Gin: Twinings Raspberry & Lemon Herbal Tea, Simply Limeade, and Conniption Kinship Gin 🌻
  • Surreal Brewing Co. Natural Bridges Kolsch Style Non-Alcoholic Beer 🌻
  • Brew Hub Strawberry Heatwave Berliner 🌻
The Honey Bee-stro

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board  
  • Chicken and Waffles: Crispy chicken and a honey sweet cornbread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey 
  • Honey-glazed Cauliflower with honey-roasted carrot purée, wild rice pilaf, spring vegetables, honey-blistered grapes, and sunflower brittle 🌻
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Streusel 🧋
  • Copperpoint Brewing Co. Bee’s Squeeze Blonde Ale 🌻
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel
Pineapple Promenade

Pineapple Promenade 
  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips 
  • DOLE Whip 🥕
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade 🧋
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta 🧋
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
  • Copperpoint Brewing Co. Tropical Hibiscus Blonde Ale 🌻
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Perni Haze Hazy IPA 🌻
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur 
  • Pineapple Beer Flight 
Refreshment Port

Refreshment Port 
  • Plant-based Buffalo Chicken Tender Poutine on crispy potato barrels with ranch, and plant-based blue cheese crumbles 🥕🥬
  • Country Boy Brewing Orange Cream Hard Cider 🌻
  • Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc 
  • Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum 
Northern Bloom

Northern Bloom
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips with mushroom bordelaise sauce, whipped potatoes, and garden vegetables 
  • Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake 
  • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Blackberry Wine 🌻
  • Collective Arts Brewing Beyond Reason Micro Pale Ale 🌻
  • Glutenberg Blonde Ale
  • Collective Arts Brewing Grapefruit Lime Sour 🌻
  • Beer Flight 
Canada Popcorn Cart
  • Peach Smash: Canadian Club Whiskey with lemon, peach purée, and ginger 🌻
United Kingdom Beer Cart
  • Scottish Thistle: Fords Gin with lemon and blackcurrant-cucumber syrup garnished with cucumber 🌻
Fleur de Lys

Fleur de Lys
 
  • Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs, and Roasted Garlic 
  • Parmentier de Canard A L’Orange: Pulled Duck Confit with Orange Sauce and Garlic-Rosemary Mashed Potatoes 🌻
  • Gâteau au Crémeux Citron, Lavende et Thym, Compote de Fruits Rouges: Warm Cake filled with Lemon, Lavender, and Thyme-infused Cream served with Berry Compote 🌻
  • Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized Beignet filled with Vanilla Cream and glazed with Caramel Fleur de Sel 
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664: Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes
  • Sparkling Raspberry Cocktail: Sparkling Wine with Raspberry Flavor
  • Jean Bojour Val de Loire: Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley 🌻
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juices
La Isla Fresca

La Isla Fresca
 
  • IMPOSSIBLE Jamaican Beef Patty with Spicy Papaya Syrup 🌻🥕
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked with oat, almond, and coconut milks topped with toasted coconut 🥕🥬
  • Tropical Slush: Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup 🧋
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Mango Wowie Hazy IPA with mango 🌻
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
  • Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
 
  • Mediterranean Flatbread with chermoula, roasted vegetables, artichoke, olives, feta cheese
  • Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake 
  • Pomegranate Mimosa 
  • Keel Farms Pear Honeysuckle Hard Cider 🌻
  • Woodchuck Imperial Sippin’ Citrus Hard Cider 🌻
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
  • Cider Flight 
Hanami

Hanami
  • Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in coconut rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut 
  • Steam Bun filled with vegetables and plant-based soy meat 🌻
  • Ramen Cup: Ramen salad shaken in a cup with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and dashi broth with chili oil and yuzu 🌻
  • Watermelon-Strawberry Lemonade 🌻       
  • Orange Blossom Brewing Co. Cherry Blossom Green Tea Pilsner 🌻
  • Ichigo Breeze Cocktail: Sake with Strawberry and Watermelon 🌻
  • Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake 🌻
Funnel Cake

Funnel Cake
  • Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream, strawberry glaze, and strawberry crunch 🌻
Magnolia Terrace

Magnolia Terrace
 
  • Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad 
  • Spicy Chicken Gumbo with andouille sausage and long grain & wild rice
  • Bananas Foster Bread Pudding 
  • Bayou Cocktail: Spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice 
  • Urban Artifact Capy Snacks Fruit Punch Fruit Ale 🌻
  • Schneider Weisse LoveBeer Weissbier 🌻
  • Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
  • Beer Flight 
Primavera Kitchen

Primavera Kitchen
 
  • Bocconcini: Mozzarella bocconcini, grape tomatoes, and pesto sauce 🌻
  • Arrabbiata: Pennette pasta, spicy tomato sauce, and buttery shrimp 🌻
  • Quattro Formaggi: Pennette pasta and four-cheese sauce 🌻
  • Chocolate Cannoli: Chocolate-covered cannoli shell with peanut butter-ricotta filling 🌻
  • Peroni Pilsner                                                              Sauvignon Blanc 
  • Prosecco                                                                        Italian Sangria (Available in red or white)      
  • Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Bauernmarkt: Farmer's Market

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
 
  • Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce 🥕🥬
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with berry compote
  • Bitburger Premium Pils
  • Stiegl Brewery Raspberry Radler
  • Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
  • Apfelschaumwein: Apple Sparkling Wine and Apple Liqueur 
  • Beer Flight 
Refreshment Outpost

Refreshment Outpost
  • Seasonal Fruit Parfait with sweet chili sauce and DOLE Whip Mango 🌻🥕🥬
  • Tangerine Soft-serve 
  • Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and Barq’s Red Creme Soda 
  • Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with lavender and lemon 
  • Crooked Can Brewing Sorpresa Picante Pale Ale Winter Garden 🌻
  • Woodchuck 802 Barrel-Aged Hard Cider 🌻 
  • SweetWater Brewing Co. Fruit Punch IPA 🌻
Lotus House

Lotus House
  • Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce 
  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons 
  • Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings 
  • Mango Bubble Tea 🧋 
  • Brew Hub Honey Jasmine Lager Draft Beer 
  • Dragon Dynasty: Baijiu spirit, light rum, dragon fruit syrup, piña colada mix, and soda water 🌻
  • Lucky Peach: Peach whiskey, oolong tea, honey, lemon juice, and soda water 🌻
  • Tropical Moon: Vodka, triple sec, passion fruit syrup, soda water, and white boba pearls 
Jardin de Fiestas

Jardin de Fiestas
 
  • Sope de Chilorio: Guajillo pepper-braised pork on fried corn shells with black beans, shredded cabbage, crema Mexicana, queso fresco, and chives 🌻
  • Tamale de Rajas: Poblano peppers, corn, and cheese in masa topped with poblano cream sauce, crema mexicana, pickled carrots and onions with chives 🌻
  • Flan de Guayaba: Vanilla flan with guava coulis, whipped cream, and fresh fruit 🌻
  • Lychee Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, lychee liqueur, citrus juice, and agave nectar 🌻
  • Floral Margarita: Cherry liqueur, mezcal, hibiscus tea, and lime juice 🌻
  • Craft Mexican Draft Beer 
Florida Fresh

Florida Fresh
  • Grilled Warm Water Lobster Tail with Key lime butter 🌻
  • Cubanito with mojo-marinated pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and stone ground mustard sauce 🌻
  • Florida Strawberry Shortcake 🥕🥬 
  • Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy🧋
  • Cucumber-Watermelon Slushy with Gin 
The Citrus Blossom

The Citrus Blossom
  • Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange-chile sauce 
  • Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue
Orange Bird Sipper
  • Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper cup🧋
  • Southern Tier Brewing Company Orange Twist Imperial Ale 🌻
  • Left Hand Brewing Lemon Drop Shandy 🌻
  • Stone Brewing Tangerine Express Hazy IPA 🌻
  • Key Lime Wine Slush 🌻
  • Beer Flight
EPCOT Farmers Feast

EPCOT Farmers Feast
- with three additional rotating seasonal menus
  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cheese 🥕🥬
  • Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin 
  • Frozen Lemon Tea Cocktail with Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon
EPCOT Farmers Feast: Early Bloom Menu

Early Bloom Menu (February 28 - March 30): 
  • Veal Tenderloin with spring pea risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and red wine syrup 🌻
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream
EPCOT Farmers Feast: Springtime Menu

Springtime Menu (March 31 - April 27): 
  • Seared Scallop with tomato risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and tomato beurre blanc 🌻  
  • Blueberry Buckle with lemon crème fraîche 🌻
EPCOT Farmers Feast: Summer Solstice Menu

Summer Solstice Menu (April 28 - May 27): 
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with corn risotto featuring BEN’S ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL GRAINS Arborio Rice and roasted red pepper sauce 🌻
  • Peach Galette with ginger-vanilla whipped cream 🌻
Orange Bird Liege Waffle

Connections Eatery
  • Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich: Southern-fried chicken sandwich with hot honey and pickles on a brioche bun 🌻
  • Orange Bird Liege Waffle
  • Blood Orange Hibiscus Margarita: Teremana Tequila with hibiscus and blood orange syrup, and orange juice 🌻
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
 
World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) 
  • Iced Honey Jasmine Latte: A floral fusion of espresso, honey jasmine syrup, milk, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbles 🌻🧋 (Alcoholic version available with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur) 
Near Canada
  • Citrus Frosted Iced Tea: A tangy blend of frozen lemonade, Minute Maid Lemonade, Iced Tea, and orange-tangerine syrup garnished with a glazed orange peel 🌻🧋 (Alcoholic version available with Grey Goose Vodka)
Showcase Plaza (Near Disney Traders) 
  • Iced Berry Chai Latte: A berry sweet blend of chai tea, blueberry syrup, and milk topped with whipped cream and cinnamon 🌻🧋 (Alcoholic version available with Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur) 
The American Adventure
  • Tropical Frosted Iced Tea: An exotic blend of frozen lemon, Minute Maid Lemonade, iced tea, and Hawaiian Island Syrup garnished with a glazed orange peel 🌻🧋 (Alcoholic version available with Grey Goose Vodka)
🌻 - New
🥕 - Plant-based
🥬 ‐ Garden Graze Food Stroll
🧋 - Non-alcoholic

Sunday, February 18, 2024

The Darkling Elves

Arnold Lobel

"The Darkling Elves" by Jack Prelutsky

In wildest woods, on treetop shelves,
sit evil beings with evil selves–
they are the dreaded darkling elves
and they are always hungry.

In garish garb of capes and hoods,
they wait and watch within their woods
to peel your flesh and steal your goods
for they are always hungry.

Through brightest days and darkest nights
these terrifying tiny sprites
await to strike and take their bites
for they are always hungry.

Watch every leaf of every tree,
for once they pounce you cannot flee–
their teeth are sharp as sharp can be…
and they are always hungry.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Chip & Dale

Chip & Dale

Chip & Dale really are "just a couple of crazy rascals out to have some fun". We caught Chip sneaking up on Dale while hiding under a picnic blanket at Hollywood Studios one day. Dale sure was startled when he finally realized where Chip was.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Dune: Part Two Sneak Preview

Dune: Part Two
Warner Brothers

Warner Brothers has released an extended sneak preview of Dune: Part Two. In the scene, Paul Atreides must prove that he can call and ride the giant sandworms of Arrakis on his own, an important ritual among the Fremen. 


Dune: Part Two arrives in theaters on March 1st.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

X-Men '97

X-Men '97
All images: Marvel

Talk about a blast from the past! I loved Marvel's X-Men: The Animated Series from the moment it debuted in 1992. It was my first real introduction to the Marvel Universe and I was instantly hooked. So I was very excited to learn that Marvel is bringing the series back with new episodes on DisneyPlus. And after a few delays, we finally have a premiere date. I can't wait!


X-Men: The Animated Series is currently available on DisneyPlus.

X-Men '97 Poster

X-Men '97 arrives on DisneyPlus on March 20th.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine
All images: Marvel

The first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine has arrived and it's a doozy. It looks like the merc with a mouth is in for another wild ride, one that will bring him into the MCU.


In the first 30 seconds, Wade Wilson has an encounter with the TVA from the Loki Multiverse, tying him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And by the end, at least one of the X-Men has arrived in the MCU as well.

Deadpool & Wolverine Poster

Deadpool & Wolverine arrives in theaters ahead of schedule on July 26th.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Tiana's House Gumbo
Disney

It's Mardi Gras today which means it's time to let the good times roll! If you want a little Disney flair to your celebrations, why not make up a batch of Tiana's House Gumbo. It looks delicious!

House Gumbo from Tiana's Palace at Disneyland
Serves 4-6

Dark Roux
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly for 15-20 minutes, until roux is deep brown in color. If necessary, lower heat to medium-low to prevent burning. Remove from heat and transfer to heatproof bowl; set aside. 

Gumbo
2 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided
12 oz mild andouille sausage, diced
1/2 pound boneless chicken thighs, sliced
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning mix
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 poblano pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 tsp dried thyme
6 cups chicken stock, divided
Reserved Dark Roux
10 okra pods sliced 1/2-inch thick (approximately 2 cups)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce, plus more to taste
1 tsp fresh chopped oregano
1 tsp fresh chopped parsley
4 cups cooked white rice

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned. Transfer to plate using slotted spoon.

Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning and add to stockpot, scraping up any browned bits from the andouille sausage. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until chicken thighs are fully cooked. Transfer to plate using slotted spoon. 

Add remaining tablespoon of oil to stockpot and heat over medium heat for 3 minutes, until hot. Sauté onion, bell pepper, poblano pepper, and celery for 5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and dried thyme. Cook one minute, until fragrant.

Add 1 cup chicken stock, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add remaining 5 cups chicken stock. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in reserved dark roux  and whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to medium and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until gumbo thickens, about 20 minutes.

Add oregano, parsley, okra, and reserved andouille sausage and chicken to gumbo. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, until okra begins to soften. 

Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir to combine. Add additional hot sauce, salt and pepper as needed. Finish with fresh oregano and parsley. Spoon gumbo into bowls and top with rice.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Wicked

Wicked
All images: Universal

The first trailer for Wicked has arrived and it looks amazing!


Here's the official synopsis from Universal:

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister, Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
 
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle.

Wicked Poster

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters this Thanksgiving.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Friday, February 9, 2024

Inside Out 2 - Team

Inside Out 2
Disney

Inside Out 2 looks just as wild as the original. I wonder how many new Emotions Riley will discover.


Here's the official synopsis from Pixar

The little voices inside Riley’s head know her inside and out—but next summer, everything changes when Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” introduces a new Emotion: Anxiety. According to director Kelsey Mann, the new character promises to stir things up within headquarters. “Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, might be new to the crew, but she’s not really the type to take a back seat,” said Mann. “That makes a lot of sense if you think about it in terms of what goes on inside all our minds.” A trailer, poster and film stills are now available for what promises to be the feel-good (or feel-everything) film of Summer 2024.

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, alongside Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust.

Inside Out 2 arrives in theaters on June 14th.