Summer Quote

Then followed that beautiful season... 

Summer...

Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,

Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie

Mickey Topiary

On our last trip to Disney World, we decided to try out the Behind the Seeds tour at EPCOT. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the methods Disney uses to grow the plants in the greenhouses that are part of the Living With The Land ride. This Mickey topiary is a pepper plant and the oldest living plant in the greenhouses.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Has Begun

Disney

Today's the day. Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened this morning in the Magic Kingdom. If you, like me, won't have the chance to ride for quite some time, not to worry. Disney has released a video of the full ride so that you can experience it at home.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure is open now in Disney World. It opens in Disneyland later this year.

Fourth of July Treats At Disney World

All images: Disney

The culinary teams at Disney World have come up with a few patriotic treats just in time for the Fourth of July. These treats are only available for a limited time, so which red, white, and blue delight would you try first?

Animal Kingdom

Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus

• Fourth of July Cupcake: Strawberry cake with blueberry compote, red, white, and blue vanilla icing, white chocolate Mickey-shaped decoration and gold star sprinkles 🎆🇺🇲

Magic Kingdom

Liberty Square Market

• Red, White, and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies 🎆💥

Sleepy Hollow

• Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, and festive sprinkles 🎆💥

EPCOT  

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

• Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich with house-made pickles, coleslaw, and an onion ring on a brioche roll  💥

Hollywood Studios  

PizzeRizzo

• Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey ears 🍎

Woody’s Lunch Box 

• 4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling topped with vanilla fondant and star sprinkles 🍎 

Disney Springs  

Amorette’s Patisserie

• Fourth of July Minnie Mouse Dome: White chocolate and strawberry mousse with vanilla chiffon cake and glaçage 🎆💥

The Ganachery  

• Stars and Stripes Minnie Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with popping candy-chocolate bark 🎆💥

Disney Resorts

Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Contempo Café and Gasparilla Island Grill

• Fourth of July Cheesecake: Strawberry bavarois, lemon cheesecake, and blueberry chiffon cheesecake 🎆 💥

Various Resort Quick-Service Restaurants

Red, White, and Brownie: Red velvet-brown butter brownie with cream cheese icing, graham streusel, and caramel 🎆💥

• All-Star Music - Intermission Food Court
• All-Star Sports - End Zone Food Court
• Art of Animation - Landscape of Flavors
• Caribbean Beach - Centertown Market & Spyglass Grill
• Pop Century - Everything POP Shopping & Dining
• Port Orleans: Riverside - Riverside Mill Food Court
• Port Orleans: French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

🎆 - New

💥 - Available June 30 - July 6

🍎 - Available June 30 - July 31

🇺🇲 - Available July 1-5

Red One

All images: Amazon/MGM

There have been quite a few wild and crazy Christmas movies in recent years. They can be hilarious or heartwarming, action packed or family friendly, but they're often unexpected. This upcoming Christmas movie from Amazon/MGM starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans is definitely unexpected.

Here's the official synopsis from Amazon/MGM:

After a shocking abduction from the North Pole, the Commander of the E.L.F. Task Force must partner with the world's most infamous bounty hunter to save Christmas. "Red One" stars JK Simmons, Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, and Bonnie Hunt.

Red One arrives in theaters on November 15th.

"The Circle Of Life" - The Lion King

Disney

The music from Disney's The Lion King is so iconic. Just hearing the opening song, "The Circle Of Life", always puts me in a good mood.

The entire Lion King saga is available now on DisneyPlus. 

Summer Quote

H. Armstrong Roberts

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. 

– James Dent

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

I finally took the time to visit Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at the Polynesian on my last trip to Disney World. I absolutely loved it. The decor is wild and hilarious: from fun tikis everywhere, to an octopus tentacle in search of a drink, a giant oyster that dispenses lovely pearls, and the sudden storms and craziness that accompany particular drinks, there's never a dull moment. I can't wait to go again!

Tiana Inspired Treats At Disney World

All images: Disney

When Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens on June 28th, a tempting array of tasty dishes will begin appearing throughout Disney World. From gumbo to beignets, there should be something for everyone.

Magic Kingdom Park  

Golden Oak Outpost

• Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries: Chicken nuggets tossed in hot sauce-honey served with New Orleans olive relish and Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries 🐊 💚
• Shrimp Gumbo with Sweet Potato Fries: Shrimp and Andouille sausage gumbo topped with Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries 🐊 💚
• Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey 💚
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊 💚

Pinocchio Village Haus

• Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a Tiana chocolate piece 💚

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

• Butter Pecan Praline Sundae: Butter pecan ice cream topped with praline sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream 💚

The Plaza Restaurant

• Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece ✨️
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊 💚

The Friar’s Nook

• Princess Tiana Sipper 🐊
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊

Outdoor Vending near Cinderella Castle

• Princess Tiana Sipper 🐊

Main Street Confectionery

• Tiana’s Sweet Popcorn Serenade: Caramel popcorn with praline pecans, M&M’S Caramel Chocolate Candies, pretzel pieces, and dark chocolatey drizzle 🐊
• Tiana’s Bayou Crunch: Cajun cheddar popcorn with M&M’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, cheddar crackers, pretzel pieces, and white chocolatey drizzle 🐊
• Green Apple Gummi Frogs 🐊
• Spicy Butter Toffee Peanuts 🐊
• Crisped Rice Cereal Treat Lily Pad 🐊 💚
• Pecan Praline Caramel Apple 🐊 💚

Critter Co-Op

• Green Apple Gummi Frogs 🐊
• Spicy Butter Toffee Peanuts 🐊

Disney Springs  

Amorette’s Patisserie 

• Over the Bayou Cake Bar: Vanilla cake bar 🐊 💚
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊 💚

Various Locations:

Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊

• Hollywood Studios - Dockside Diner
• Grand Floridian - Beaches Pool Bar & Courtyard Pool Bar
• Port Orleans: French Quarter - Mardi Grogs Pool Bar

Crisped Rice Cereal Treat Lily Pad 🐊 💚 available at the following locations:

• Magic Kingdom - Big Top Souvenirs
• Disney Springs - Goofy’s Candy Company & Disney’s Candy Cauldron
• Animal Kingdom - Zuri’s Sweets Shop
• BoardWalk - Screen Door General Store
• Contemporary - Bayview Gifts

Pecan Praline Caramel Apple 🐊 💚

• Magic Kingdom - Main Street Confectionery & Big Top Souvenirs
• Disney Springs - Goofy’s Candy Company & Disney’s Candy Cauldron
• Animal Kingdom - Zuri’s Sweets Shop
• BoardWalk - Screen Door General Store
• Contemporary - Bayview Gifts

🐊 ‐ New

🧋 ‐ Non-alcoholic 

💚 - Available June 28 - August 8

✨️ - Available June 28 - September 6

"Almost There" - Princess and the Frog

Disney

With Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening in just over a week, it feels like a good day for a bit of Princess and the Frog music.

Princess and the Frog is available on DisneyPlus. Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens on June 28th.

Feathers McGraw Is Back!

Aardman

Thirty years ago, Gromit defeated the penguin known as Feathers McGraw in Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. This winter, he's back!

Here's the official synopsis from Aardman:

Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl arrives on Netflix this winter.

Happy Father's Day

Fathers are wonderful people

So little understood

And we do not sing their praises

as often as we should.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Happy Father's Day!

Groovin' Alps at EPCOT

Groovin' Alps is an amazing German percussion group. I had the chance to see them perform on my last trip to Disney World and I loved every minute. They will be performing at the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT until mid-July.

New Lion King Treats At Animal Kingdom

The Lion King recently turned 30, if you can believe it. To celebrate, the Disney Culinary Team has created a delightful selection of dishes inspired by characters from the film. These delectable sweets and treats will be available across Animal Kingdom until September 9th.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

• Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich - vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two blue cake-coated sugar cookies with a chocolate medallion on top

Harambe Market 

• You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake - a passion fruit-mango cheesecake with a coconut-lime crust, vanilla bean chantilly, and a chocolate medallion

Eight Spoon Café

• The Simba - mango-flavored slushy with grenadine and topped with two gummy candies

Isle of Java

• Timon’s Luau - a layered dessert with vanilla chiffon, passion fruit curd, guava jam, vanilla chantilly cream, an edible tropical flower for the lei, and mint for the hula skirt

Tiffins Restaurant 

• Rafiki’s Squash Banana - a shake blended with squash bananas, baobab fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom 
• “Remember Who You Are” - Kenyan coffee mousse filled with caramelized bananas, chai chantilly, banana-caramel sauce, chocolate-coffee crumble, chocolate decoration, and sugar sun

Restaurantosaurus

• Shenzi Strawberry Lemonade - Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, and blue curaçao syrup served with a souvenir glow cube 
• The Rightful Ruler Cupcake - a red velvet cake with cookies ‘n cream cheesecake filling and chocolate icing topped with a chocolate medallion on chocolate rocks (also available at Pizzafari) 

Trilo-bites 

• Zazu DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut Float - DOLE Whip Lime swirled into Sprite with coconut and blue curaçao syrup, topped with a white chocolate medallion

Various Outdoor Food Carts

• Simba Paw Cookie - an adorably decorated sugar cookie

Paddington in Peru

All images: StudioCanal

I love the Paddington Bear movies. The adorable little bear in a duffle coat, who always has an marmalade sandwich under his hat (in case of emergencies, of course), has the ability to make everyone around him happy. (A truly remarkable skill!) I can't wait to see his next adventure with the Brown family: a trip to Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy.

Here's the official synopsis from StudioCanal & Sony:

"Paddington in Peru" brings Paddington's story to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Paddington in Peru arrives in UK and Irish cinemas on November 8th and in US theaters on January 17, 2025.

The Wild Robot Trailer 2

All images: DreamWorks

The second trailer for DreamWorks' The Wild Robot has arrived and it looks so good! The idea of a robot that fights to change its programming may not be new, but one that learns to talk to animals seems rather unique.

Here's the official synopsis from DreamWorks:

"The Wild Robot" is a powerful story about the discovery of self, a thrilling examination of the bridge between technology and nature and a moving exploration of what it means to be alive and connected to all living things. The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. 

The Wild Robot stars Lupita Nyong’o as robot Roz, Pedro Pascal as fox Fink, Catherine O’Hara as opossum Pinktail, Bill Nighy as goose Longneck, Kit Connor as gosling Brightbill, and Stephanie Hsu as Vontra, a robot that will intersect with Roz’s life on the island. The film also features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames.

The Wild Robot arrives in theaters on September 27th.

D.I.Y. Duck

Disney

In honor of Donald Duck's 90th birthday, Disney has created an all-new animated short starring everyone's favorite temperamental duck. In "D.I.Y. Duck", Donald discovers how one small home improvement project can often lead to several much larger ones.

Poor Donald! He does have the worst luck.

Venom: The Last Dance Trailer & Poster

All images: Sony

The first trailer for the final Venom movie has arrived and it looks like one insanely wild ride. It appears that Eddie and Venom are on the run once again, but this time, they're not just being hunted by humans, but by an army of symbiotes from Venom's homeworld. 

Here's the official synopsis from Sony and Marvel:

In "Venom: The Last Dance", Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance. "Venom: The Last Dance" stars Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham.

Venom: The Last Dance arrives in theaters on October 25th.

Mark Twain Quote

When a man loves cats,

I am his friend and comrade,

without further introduction.

- Mark Twain

World Showcase Lagoon

The view from Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya in the Japan Pavilion of EPCOT's World Showcase is rather incredible. 

"This Is The Thanks I Get" - Wish

Disney

I really enjoyed the soundtrack from Wish. The songs are so perfect for each character. This song, "This Is The Thanks I Get", shows exactly how King Magnifico really feels about his subjects.

Wish is available on DisneyPlus.

Inside Out 2 Final Trailer

Pixar

With only 9 days to go, Pixar has released one final trailer for Inside Out 2. It looks even more wild and crazy than the first movie. And I love the new Nostalgia character: a granny with rose colored glasses. Hilarious!

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar: 

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” invites moviegoers inside the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters undergoes a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions. 

 

In the follow-up to 2015’s “Inside Out,” 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, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up. The voice cast includes Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser and Yvette Nicole Brown.

Inside Out 2 arrives in theaters on June 14th.

The Adventures of Indiana Jones

Patrick Schoenmaker

I stumbled across this awesome video yesterday. I would love to see an animated Indiana Jones series.

This video was made by fan and artist Patrick Schoenmaker.

Indiana Jones Quote

Lucasfilm

I don't know, I'm making this up as I go.

- Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark

Who Wouldn't Enjoy a Tropical Serenade?

This delicious dessert from Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom is truly delightful. It consists of pineapple-orange-guava juice with coconut soft serve and an upside-down pineapple cakepop. It's perfect for a hot day in the park.