We Call It Imagineering - Soundscapes

Disney

The second episode of We Call It Imagineering has arrived on YouTube and it is just as amazing as the first. This episode takes a listen to the magic of music in creating scenes and moods within the Parks, rides, and shows. The episode features the new soundtracks for three attractions: the Country Bears, the Dreams That Soar drone show at Disney Springs, and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. And, of course, they share some footage of classic rides like the Haunted Mansion, as well as highlighting the contributions of the Sherman Brothers. This series is fantastic and I'm looking forward to seeing the next episode.

Moana Is Being Called Back To The Sea

All images: Disney

The first trailer for Moana 2 has arrived and it looks fantastic. In this movie, Moana goes on an adventure set by the ancestors to bring their people together again.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

“Moana 2” reunites Moana (Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnsonl) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Moana 2 arrives in theaters on November 27th.

This LEGO Wicked Trailer Is Awesome

LEGO

I love when LEGO makes full versions of trailers with minifigures. They're so cute!

Wicked Part One arrives in theaters on November 27th. Wicked LEGO sets will appear on October 1st.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Character Posters

All images: Warner Brothers

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice looks so delightfully strange and unusual. And it has quite the cast. Alongside three returning characters, the bio-exorcist himself, Lydia Deetz, and Delia Deetz, are several new faces. This collection of character posters from Warner Brothers gives a glimpse of each one. Michael Keeton is back as Beetlejuice.

Winona Ryder returns as Lydia Deetz, who was nearly a child bride of Beetlejuice in the first movie.

Jenna Ortega joins the tale as Lydia's rebellious daughter.

Catherine O’Hara is Delia Deetz once again. I wonder if her art is still dangerous.

Justin Theroux is Rory, a bit of an unknown as of yet.

Willem Dafoe is Wolf Jackson, a cop for the dead.

Monica Bellucci is Delores, who, in an intriguing twist, is Beetlejuice's mysterious wife.

And finally, we have Bob, a Shrinker, likely thanks to the talents of a Witch Doctor in the waiting room for the deceased.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice arrives in theaters on September 6th.

Memorial Day

A Memorial Day Prayer

They served and fought and died

so that we might be safe and free. 

Grant them, O Lord, eternal peace

and give them the victory.

And in these days of unrest

filled with grave uncertainty,

Let's not forget the price they paid

to keep our country free. 

- Helen Steiner Rice

Midsomer Murders Quote

ITV

Trust is something

hard to win,

easy to lose,

and never to be taken lightly.

- Tom Barnaby,

Midsomer Murders

Coco Topiaries

Miguel and Dante the Alebrije from Coco are so cute as topiaries at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Trailer

All images: Warner Brothers

The first full trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has arrived and it is hilarious. Can the living and the dead coexist? I can't wait to find out.

Here's the official synopsis from Warner Brothers:

Beetlejuice is back!  After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River.  Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened.  With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

Michael Keaton returns to his iconic role alongside Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Arthur Conti in his feature film debut.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice arrives in theaters on September 6th.

Descendants: The Rise of Red

All images: Disney

Disney is returning to Auradon with a new story about the Villain Kids. This time around, Red, the daughter of the Red Queen, and Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella, must work together to save the kingdom.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

Former Villain Kid Uma, now headmaster of Auradon Prep, extends an invite to the school to another VK – Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts from Wonderland. After the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, Red must team up with Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter Chloe and travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

Descendants 4: The Rise of Red arrives on DisneyPlus on July 12th.

Deadpool & Wolverine - Tickets Available Now

All images: Marvel

The latest trailers for Marvel's Deadpool & Wolverine have been absolutely hilarious.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have obviously enjoyed creating ridiculous ads to let everyone know that tickets are available now.

This may be the wildest Deapool movie yet. I can't wait!

Deadpool & Wolverine arrives in theaters cinemas on July 26th.

Disney Dreams That Soar At Disney Springs

Disney

A new nighttime drone show is headed to Disney Springs this Thursday. The theme of the show is characters who dream of flying. Some 800 drones (more than double the number of drones in Starlight Holidays) will work in sync with familiar music to create a stunning display across the night sky. From a Baymax who inflates to nearly twice the height of Spaceship Earth, to classic characters like Dumbo and Peter Pan, and unexpected favorites such as the Rocketeer, there will be something for everyone. 

There will be two shows nightly, weather permitting, from May 24 - September 2. The best place to watch the 10 minute show will be along the waterway in the Disney Springs West Side.

Star Wars: The Acolyte - Plan

Lucasfilm

We're just a few weeks away from the premiere of Star Wars: The Acolyte. Who's ready to explore more of the history of the Jedi and the Sith?

The first two episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte arrive on DisneyPlus on June 4th. New episodes will debut each Tuesday.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

Photo by Josiah Johnson Hawes

To be great is to be misunderstood.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self Reliance

Minnie Topiary

Living With The Land is one of my favorite rides at EPCOT. I love seeing all of the new plants and planting techniques. And it's always fun to search for hidden Mickeys, or Minnies.

Sing Along with Johnny

Illumination

I love the Sing movies. They're absolutely ridiculous, but they have great characters and music. Listening to the songs always makes me smile.

Wicked Looks Amazing

All images: Universal

The official trailer for Wicked has arrived, and it looks amazing. I can't wait to see how Elphaba and Glinda become the characters we're all familiar with from The Wizard of Oz. 

While you're waiting to see this epic musical on the big screen, you might consider applying to Shiz University, the same school that Elphaba and Glinda attend. Applications are being considered now.

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 27th. Part Two arrives on November 26, 2025.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2

All images: Amazon

The first teaser trailer for season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has arrived. It looks just as dark and intriguing as season 1.

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon: 

The Rings of Power Season 2: Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season 1’s epic scope and ambition, Season 2 of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 arrives on Amazon Prime Video on August 29th. New episodes will debut each Thursday. Season 1 is available now.

Wednesday

Netflix

When I saw the cast reveal trailer for season 2 of Wednesday, I knew it was time to sit down and watch season one. I'm only halfway through and I absolutely love it! It's so delightfully dark, and hilarious, and full of mystery. Such a fun twist on the Addams Family. I can't wait for season 2!

Season 1 of Wednesday is available now on Netflix. Season 2 won't arrive until sometime next year.

Star Wars: The Acolyte - Conflict

Lucasfilm

Star Wars: The Acolyte looks more amazing with each clip. I can't wait to watch this new glimpse into what came before the Star Wars stories we know and love.

The first two episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte arrive on DisneyPlus on June 4th. New episodes will debut each Tuesday.

Happy Mother's Day!

The warmest corner of my heart

Is set aside for Mother,

A place reserved for her alone

And not for any other

- anonymous

Happy Mother's Day!

Aurora Borealis

Well, there's one more thing I can check off my bucket list. Last night, I finally had the chance to see the Northern Lights, and in my own backyard, no less. It might not have been as spectacular as it can be up north, but it was an unexpected delight.

Grim Grinning Ghosts Dance Party

Disney

What better way to end Halfway to Halloween week than with a bit of music. This Dance Party version of "Grim Grinning Ghosts" from the end of last year's delightful Haunted Mansion strikes just the right note to head into the weekend.

Need a little more ghostly fun? Haunted Mansion is available on DisneyPlus.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Is Now On Digital

Sony

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has now arrived on Digital. That means you can enjoy the latest adventures of the Spengler family and their ghost busting pals from the comfort of your own home. And if you haven't had the chance to watch it yet (like me), here's a sneak peek of the first seven minutes.

And, in case you missed it, here's the official synopsis from Sony: 

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started -- the iconic New York City firehouse -- to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an army of ghosts that casts a death chill upon the city, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Halfway To Halloween Disney Style

Disney

We're halfway to Halloween, so Disney has released a look at a few exciting things coming to Disneyland, Disney World, and the Disney Cruise Line this spooky season.  The new Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure looks ghoulishly delightful!

Which one are you most looking forward to?

Star Wars: The Acolyte Trailer & Poster

All images: Lucasfilm

The new trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte looks incredible. In the series, which takes place approximately 100 years prior to the events of the Skywalker Saga, a Master and his former Padawan investigate a number of mysterious crimes against the Jedi. What they uncover is most unexpected. 

"No one is safe from the truth."

The first two episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte arrive on DisneyPlus on June 4th. New episodes will debut each Tuesday.

The Mandalorian Quote

Lucasfilm

I’m not leaving my fate up to chance.

- Din Djarin, The Mandalorian

Happy Star Wars Day!

May the Force Be

With You,

Always

Grapefruit Cake Recipe From Disney

Disney

Have you tried the Grapefruit Cake at the Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios? It's so good! If you can't make it to the park, but are craving this delightful dessert, you're in luck: here's the recipe from Disney.

Grapefruit Cake with Cream Cheese Icing - The Hollywood Brown Derby

Serves 8 

Grapefruit Cake

1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour 

3/4 cup granulated sugar 

1 1/2 tsp baking powder 

1/2 tsp salt 

3 large eggs, separated 

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

1/4 cup water 

3 Tbsp grapefruit juice 

1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest 

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 X 2-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper and sides. 

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk egg yolks, oil, water, grapefruit juice, and lemon zest until smooth in a medium bowl. Whisk in the flour mixture. 

Beat the egg whites and the cream of tartar just to stiff peaks with an electric or stand mixture. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture with a rubber spatula until just blended. Pour into prepared pan. 

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center. Invert the cake, still in the pan, and cool on a wire rack. 

Run a spatula or a table knife around the edge of the cake and carefully remove from the pan.  

Cream Cheese Icing 

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest 

1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

Beat cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on high speed until light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and the lemon zest. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until well blended. Keep covered until ready to frost cake. 

Topping

1 can (16 ounces) grapefruit sections, drained well 

Grapefruit syrup  

To Serve:  

Halve cake horizontally with a serrated knife.  

Spread 1/3 to 1/2 cup frosting over top of first layer to with about 1/4 inch of edge. Top with several grapefruit sections. 

Place second cake layer, rounded side up, on frosted first layer. Frost top and sides with remaining icing. Garnish with remaining grapefruit sections and desired amount of grapefruit syrup.  

Treats For Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Disney World

All images: Disney

Today is the first day of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. And that means a ton of fun sweets and treats will be arriving throughout Disney World. Which one are you planning to try first?

Animal Kingdom

Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus

• Moana Heart of Te Fiti Cupcake: coconut cake, pineapple custard filling, coconut buttercream, white chocolate “Heart of Te Fiti,” and coconut crumble 

Nomad Lounge

• Bangkok Chicken Wings: Crispy chicken wings, fish sauce caramel, peanuts, and cilantro

Terra Treats

• Thai Sweet Chili-glazed Pork Pizza: Sweet chili-glazed smoked pork on our thick fresh-baked pizza dough with melted mozzarella

Tiffins Restaurant

• Butter Chicken: Chickpea-rice croquette, English peas, young squash, and pickled onion

Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar

• Singapore Sling: New Amsterdam Gin, Heering Cherry Liqueur, grenadine, and Sprite

EPCOT

The Citrus Blossom - Flower & Garden Festival

• Orange-Sesame Tempura Shrimp with Orange-Chile Sauce

Hanami - Flower & Garden Festival

• 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 🍚

Lotus House - Flower & Garden Festival

• 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

Trowel & Trellis - Flower & Garden Festival

• Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs: Soy-glazed sticky ribs with green onions and peanuts

Magic Kingdom

Energy Bytes

• Passion Fruit IceOForm: Ice cream mochi, citrus, shortbread crunch, and purple ube foam

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

• “Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork: Char siu-marinated pork tenderloin served with house-pickled vegetables and jasmine rice
• Nile Nellie’s Noodle Bowl: Sauteéd shrimp tossed with a spicy tamarind sauce, picked radish, eggs, toasted peanuts, and fresh-cut herbs
• Mango Float: Kalamansi namelaka, mango crèmeux, and house-made graham cracker 🍚

Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary

• Pork Adobo: Soy and vinegar-braised pork served with steamed white rice, pickled onions, and a sesame-cucumber salad 🍚

Backlot Express

• Teriyaki Tofu Bowl: Seasoned jasmine rice, marinated tofu, yuzu-pickled edamame, carrots, cucumber, and onions drizzled with house-made lemon-tahini chipotle vinaigrette and sesame seeds

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

• Bánh Mì Burger: Grilled house-made pork patty topped with roasted pork belly, pickled vegetables, cucumber, herbs, and a sriracha aïoli

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

• Strawberry Boba Milk Tea Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla cake soaked in strawberry milk tea filled with strawberry mousse, strawberry boba pearls, and crushed strawberry biscuit sticks 🍚
• Mushu Cake Bar: Chocolate and red velvet cake bar 🍚

eet by Maneet Chauhan

• Bombay Smash (served in a souvenir cup): Coconut, pineapple, apricot, and spiced rum 
• Gobi Manchurian: Crispy cauliflower, ginger, garlic, chili sauce, pico de gallo, and cumin basmati rice

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

• Purple Glazed Ube Donut
• Purple Reign: Iced chai tea, purple ube coconut milk, coconut syrup, and ube syrup swirl

The Ganachery

• Year of the Dragon Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with dark chocolate-covered candied orange peel and five-spice marshmallows

Morimoto Asia

• Adobo Tacos: St. Louis pork adobo, taco shell, guacamole, tomato, lime, and micro cilantro

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

• Golden Spider Roll: Tempura fried softshell crab, cucumber and avocado wrapped in soy paper and sushi rice, topped with diced mango, honey wasabi, eel sauce, and micro greens

STK Steakhouse Orlando

• Fish & Poi: Tuna poke, kukui nuts, and poi chili sauce
• Tako Poke: Octopus, Maui onions, cucumber, kimchi garlic sauce, and sesame seeds    
• Pipikaula Wagyu Skirt Steak: 4 oz steak, wild mushroom poke, lomi tomatoes

The BOATHOUSE

• Changing Tides: Conniption Gin, Fever-Tree Sparkling Lime & Yuzu

The Polite Pig

• Loco Moco Meatloaf: With smoked sticky rice, lomi tomatoes, sunny side up egg, and smoked Maui onion demi glace 

Vivoli Il Gelato

• Ube Tiramisu: Ube cream with coconut-soaked ladyfingers

Disney Resorts

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Sanaa

• Samosas: Potato and pea samosas with tamarind and mango chutney
• Zanzibari Vegetable Curry: Seasonal vegetables with fragrant rice
• Zanzibari Vegetable Curry with Chicken: Seasonal vegetables with fragrant rice

Various Food Courts - All-Star Resorts, Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation, Centertown Market at Caribbean Beach, Everything POP at Pop Century, Riverside Mill at Port Orleans – Riverside, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Port Orleans – French Quarter 

• Pork Sisig with Noodles: Citrus-roasted pork with lo mein noodles, onions, peppers, chiles, and ginger-butter sauce 🍚

Various Food Courts - All-Star Resorts, Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation, Centertown Market & Spyglass Grill at Caribbean Beach, Everything POP at Pop Century, Riverside Mill at Port Orleans – Riverside, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Port Orleans – French Quarter

• Moana Chocolate-Coconut Pie: Coconut and chocolate custard, graham cracker crust, Chantilly cream, toasted macadamia nuts, and Moana fondant décor

Various Lounges and Bars across Disney World

• Thai Basil Fizz: Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, ginger beer, Thai basil, and lime  

🍚 - New

🧋 - Non-alcoholic