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Merchandise Monday: A Visit to Disney TAG

Merchandise Monday:

A Visit to Disney TAG

Disney TAG is the newest store to open at the Marketplace Co Op in Disney Springs, and features key travel essentials called Disney Travel-Accessories-Gear or Disney TAG that let you Travel With Character.

Located where Zoey & Pickles formerly was in the Marketplace Co Op, the store brings a lovely touch of whimsy and fun to organizational items that are almost always utilitarian in design.

Disney TAG Disney Springs Walt Disney World

As soon as I walked in, I found myself drawn into the eclectic mix of items focused on making travel both more comfortable and organized.

There we so many great pieces in Disney TAG, but here are a few of my favorites!

Disney TAG Disney Springs Walt Disney World — **Carry-On Duffle Bag – $99**

I absolutely LOVE this pattern featuring a fun mix of silhouettes of characters, distinctly Disney vacation highlights, and transportation icons. The bright colors pop against the black background making it a piece that you will be able to quickly locate on a luggage carousel, too.

You can find a large variety of luggage tags, but these were my favorites! These luggage tags are oversized and are a hard acrylic to help with durability. How fun would it be to keep WDW and DLR tags to use especially when you are heading to those locations? Answer…lots of fun!

Not every product that I use comes in a size that is approved for travel, so this Travel Bottle Set is a fun way to take your favorite products along with you. With the bottles featuring character couples (Donald & Daisy FTW!!!), you could split the set between two people to use with items that go together like shampoo & conditioner or face wash & toner. Perfection!

This iPhone 6 Case features a pattern that you can find throughout Disney TAG, and it is perfect for any Disney vacation. From a trip on the monorail to sailing with Disney Cruise Line, you are set with this phone case.

I know what you are thinking…an electric toothbrush? Just take a second look at the packaging. There are two heads with this electric toothbrush, so you could pack one per couple on your trip to help save precious toiletry space. Plus, you get to start your day with a magical thought.

The Monorail Throw is a bit pricey, but it is a great weight that will fold nicely into a larger carry-on so you can nap in comfort while you are On the Go.

Zoe has gotten me into these Sleep Eye Masks, and I really love the fun design of this one. How could you pass up napping under a fun pair of Mickey glasses?

These Reusable Totes come in handy when you are traveling, and are useful for so many things! Some ways I like to use them are a small hamper for hotel rooms for shorter trips, a way to consolidate purchases, and as a pool bag to carry my sunscreen and snacks without packing an additional bag.

When I was a little girl one of the COOLEST things I ever got for traveling was a collapsible cup, so imagine how excited I was to see this hanging up. Cut me some slack…I am easily amused!

This Travel Flats and Tote is ideal for longer trips, because the flats are a great way to stay comfortable and the tote lets you keep just a few items near your seat so you can stow your carry-on to clear up valuable leg room.

I love a patterned umbrella, and the umbrella with the TAG pattern was my first purchase from the store! It is so great to see fun umbrellas back at the park again!

I learned the joys of a Neck Pillow late in life, so learn from my mistake and pick up one before your next trip. You won’t regret it or this Haunted Mansion print.

You can find all of these and more at the Disney TAG store open daily from 10 am to 11 pm in the Marketplace Co Op located at Disney Springs in the Marketplace.

A Spoiler-Free Look At #Zootopia

Zootopia opens in movie theaters today, and while the story may seem ‘fluffy’ from the trailers the world of Zootopia is dealing with some heady issues.

Zootopia is an anthropomorphic metropolis where ‘Anyone can be Anything’, and different species of mammals can live and thrive as neighbors in well designed, connected ecosystems having evolved past the predator/prey relationship that had haunted their history for years.

Zootopia

The story of Zootopia follows Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, as she fulfills her dream to become the first rabbit Police Officer in the history of Zootopia despite several obstacles.

However upon her arrival in Zootopia she quickly learns that her dreams have a harsh reality, and that in this new place she must now work even harder to overcome prejudices. It doesn’t matter if she is facing a bully boss named Chief Bogo, voiced by Idris Elba, stereotypes from co-workers, Clawhauser voiced by Nate Torrence is the first to learn you can’t call a bunny ‘cute’, or cons by the sly fox Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman, Judy never loses sight of who she is and what she wants to achieve.

Now if the story stopped there you’d have a good film, but what really makes it great is that you are drawn into the world of Zootopia with the rich cultivation of the relationship between Judy and Nick, coupled with the moments of laugh out loud comedy that break the tension, and ‘Try Anything’ by Gazelle, voiced by Shakira, is an ear-worm of a song that will have you dancing in your seat.

The overall message of the movie comes across as positive and not preachy, because the story focuses on the changes you can make to the world around you to make it a better place rather than how to best cope in a world where you are always put down. And while you feel Judy’s lows you never feel ‘sorry’ for her, because she owns responsibility for her role in the scenarios she finds herself in and uses her determination and smarts to figure out how to make things better.

I’m really excited that Judy and Nick will be coming to the Magic Kingdom’s Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play it! Parade! The only thing better than a Meet & Greet, is the chance to shake a tailfeather with them!

Zootopia is a wonderful movie for the whole family, and as soon as the credits started to scroll we all agreed that we wanted to see it again! While younger viewers will really enjoy the movie and its story, it can also serve as a conversation starter for introducing and addressing delicate issues in a relatable way.

8 Zootopia Easter Eggs #ZootopiaEvent

At the #ZootopiaEvent I had the chance to be a part of a roundtable interview with the film’s Co-Director Jared Bush, Producer Clark Spencer, and Screenplay Writer Phil Johnston to get a glimpse into the process of creating the story of Zootopia.

ZOOTOPIA Junket Zootopia Easter Eggs — Co-Writer Phil Johnston, Producer Clark Spencer and Co-Director/Co-Writer Jared Bush speak to press at the ZOOTOPIA Press Junket at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Fl. Photo by Alex Kang. ©2016. Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Inevitably the discussion of Zootopia Easter Eggs came up, and having just seen a preview of the movie I was really excited to get the stories behind some of their favorite details.

An Easter egg is an intentional inside joke, hidden message, or feature in an interactive work such as a computer program, video game or DVD menu screen. The name has been said to evoke the idea of a traditional Easter egg hunt.

None of the Zootopia Easter Eggs I’m sharing are ‘story spoilers’, they are just really fun touches to the world of Zootopia!

8 Zootopia Easter Eggs

1. The Corner of Tujunga & Vine

“If you look at when they,they arrive at the Rain Forest district, the sign says Vine and Tujunga, and Tujunga is the crappy warehouse that we had working in for the last two years. They moved us – they’re renovating our main Disney animation building, and they put us in a warehouse with a leaky roof…But it was such a, sort of a family building environment because you really kinda, okay, we’re all stuck next to the planes, and the trains, and the weird junkyard, and who knows what else.

So that’s my favorite because it’s one of those very specific things that people that worked in that building, it’s really something for them, that they all – and when we got to the premiere, everyone really liked that, that didn’t see it before.” – Jared Bush, Co-Director – Zootopia

I wanted to mention this Easter Egg first, because it really showed how much heart the cast and crew of Zootopia worked with on this project. How awesome is it that they have this memory to share with the world!

2. Who knew an Arctic Shrew could be a kingpin?

This one walks the line between obvious and Easter Egg…but I’m counting it! You don’t want to mess with Mr. Big, because this Arctic Shrew might ice YOU!

3. Double the Weaselton

“And we’re like, and we have a weasel. Oh, well, we should call him, uh, Weasel. His last name is Weaselton, and then Jim Reardon’s like, it should be Duke Weaselton. It’s gonna be Duke Weaselton. And then we’d always been looking for what role could Alan play, and there was like, I think this- these things are all coming together. Let’s make that happen. And so it was kind of perfect.” – Jared Bush, Co-Director, Zootopia

Alan Tudyk is the voice of Duke of Weselton in Frozen, and I adore how he is back to voice Duke Weaselton to really drive the connection between the two characters similarity home!

4. Elephant Princesses

“In the background, you’ll see little animation in the background characters or signage that is- we still discover that, and it’s entertaining as we’re going through it. So there’s even new stuff for us going through it, having seen it in different forms a thousand times.” – Jared Bush, Co-Director – Zootopia

Now while I cannot take credit for finding this Easter Egg, it is such a wonderful example of how much thought goes into creating the background of Zootopia!

5. Chief Bogo thinks you should Let it Go

Do you think that this is some cartoon musical where your insipid dreams come true?

Well, Let it Go.

“Phil was working with us on Wreck-It Ralph and said, hey, Jennifer [Lee], do you wanna come out to LA and work on this project? So he kinda brought her out, so then to have Phil write a line that is back in there, that’s the true kind of inside – the audience is gonna enjoy it for the reference to Frozen, obviously, or hopefully they will.” Clark Spencer, Producer – Zootopia

There are quite a few Frozen zingers in Zootopia…and every single one of them made me laugh!

6. Sloth dreams do come true

This is also one of my favorite Zootopia Easter Eggs!

Kristen Bell is a sloth fanatic, and her dreams came true as she plays Priscilla the Sloth at the DMV…Department of Mammal Vehicles.

7. Bootleg ‘Disney’ Movie Hustle

Seems like Duke Weaselton has QUITE the Bootleg Movie Hustle going on in Zootopia! He’s got the latest blockbuster movies available! Pig Hero 2, Wrangled, Wreck-It Rhino, Floaten 2, Giraffic, and Mewana…he’s got them all!!!

8. Is it a Jug-Band Christmas in Zootopia?

If you haven’t seen Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, well then you are missing one of the saddest and most beautiful Christmas Specials ever created. It is one of my absolute favorites, so you can imagine my excitement when a character named EMMET OTTER was introduced!!!

When Zootopia opens in theaters on March 4th, I can’t wait for you to experience these Easter Eggs and to find some that aren’t included because they were spoiler-ish.

I can’t wait to see Zootopia again to find even more!

Wordless Wednesday: New Friends #ZootopiaEvent

Wordless Wednesday – March 2, 2016

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to the #ZootopiaEvent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where I got to meet my two new friends from Zootopia, opening March 4th, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde!

A Chat With Ginnifer Goodwin At The #ZootopiaEvent

Ginnifer Goodwin is a self-proclaimed ‘Disney Geek’ who was in her red Mickey Mouse pajamas when she received the call offering her the role of Judy Hopps in Zootopia, opening March 4, 2016.

I had the chance to participate in the #ZootopiaEvent and speak with her about the process of creating the movie, what she learned along the way, and what she hopes you’ll learn from Zootopia.

Zootopia ZootopiaEvent Ginnifer Goodwin — ZOOTOPIA – Actress Ginnifer Goodwin speaks to press via Skype at the ZOOTOPIA Press Junket at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Fl. Photo by Alex Kang. ©2016. Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Zootopia - Anyone can be Anything

“I mean I grew up seeing and loving every Disney film. Hence it being the goal to be in a Disney animated feature.”

Who hasn’t dreamed of one day being in a Disney movie where you could save the day? I know I have!

Hearing the joy in Ginnifer’s voice when she talked about the process really showed just how much fun she had bringing Judy to life.

“…it’s better than the dream was of getting to work on them. Like, the reality is even better than the dream is what I should say.”

Although Ginnifer was in Vancouver filming Once Upon A Time while Zootopia was taking shape, she chose to travel the Disney Studios for her recording sessions whenever she could.

“I love that they would surround me with art from the film. So the booth was always really an inspiring place to be. There’s something about the history being in the place where Disney came to be, what Disney is.”

Zootopia - Chief Bogo Quote

While her animated favorites Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland hold a special place in her heart, she prepared for the work and challenges as she normally would.

“I think most of the challenges came from just learning how to act with only my voice, more than it was about the character…there’s something about not having your facial expression, and body language, a costume, props to which you can clink to express something. Anything.

And having to relinquish all control to the animators, to the editors, and just say, okay, I’m going to throw, I’m gonna throw everything into my voice. And I’m gonna give the directors a million different choices for every single scene, and then let them edit together what they think makes their character. I mean, I didn’t know who the character really was, I don’t feel, until I saw the movie.

And that’s the opposite of the experience I have in live action where I feel like it’s about being a control freak and sort of protecting your character from everyone else who’s working on the project.

And saying, like, no, this is my journey, and this is how I’m going to express this journey. And it was a really liberating.”

Zootopia ZootopiaEvent Judy Hopps

We could all learn something from Judy Hopps, and Ginnifer Goodwin shared how she can’t wait for her children to watch the movie one day.

“I feel like the overlying theme, the one that Judy articulates in the movie…anyone can be anything is gonna be one of the…I think probably one of the first things that I know I hope my kids pick up on when they’re old enough to see this film.

There’s some more underlying themes that are a little more sort of politically based and about the human condition. Ironic, since this is a story about animals, that I hope that they get to at some point when they’re ready for it.

And then I just love that, for instance, Judy takes real responsibility for her actions. And I think she’s so noble in that way. And I hope that kids pick up on that.”

It was such a wonderful experience hearing from Ginnifer Goodwin, and I can’t wait to bring you more interviews and information about Zootopia this week!

Make sure that you’re keeping up with Zootopia on all their Social Media Channels!

Like ZOOTOPIA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow ZOOTOPIA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official ZOOTOPIA website here: http://movies.disney.com/zootopia

ZOOTOPIA opens in theatres everywhere on March 4th!

P!nk Creates Original Music for Alice Through The Looking Glass #DisneyAlice

Three-time GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter P!nk on the studio’s upcoming release

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Starring Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Rhys Ifans, with Helena Bonham- Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen

Walt Disney Studios is partnering with three-time GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter P!nk on the studio’s upcoming release Alice Through the Looking Glass.

P!nk will write and record an original song which will appear in the film and on the motion picture soundtrack from Walt Disney Records featuring four-time Academy Award® nominee Danny Elfman’s score. She has also recorded a cover version of the iconic song “White Rabbit” for the film’s marketing campaign.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJBdSaH6hl4

Alice Through the Looking Glass is an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories which stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Rhys Ifans, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKE0Py64jmk

In Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Directed by James Bobin, who brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen with “Alice in Wonderland,” the film is written by Linda Woolverton based on characters created by Lewis Carroll. The producers are Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton. John G. Scotti serves as executive producer. Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass reunites the cast from the 2010 worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Matt Lucas and Helena Bonham Carter and introduces new characters played by Rhys Ifans and Sacha Baron Cohen. Also back are the talented voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Barbara Windsor and Paul Whitehouse, and they are joined by Toby Jones.

Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

Alice in Wonderland in the Disney Parks

As I am gearing up for my next Disneyland trip that will be in a couple months, I am looking forward to visiting and going on my favorite ride multiple times: Alice in Wonderland. While this ride is my favorite of all the Alice in Wonderland themed rides and attractions, it is by no means the only thing themed after the 1951 animated classic. The movie, based on the Lewis Carroll story, spawned several rides in Disney Parks and resorts around the world that I’d like to highlight today. Each Disney property around the world has at least some representation of Alice in Wonderland in their parks.

Disneyland

Alice in Wonderland is the classic dark ride which opened June 14, 1958, is found exclusively at Disneyland, and has been a favorite of mine since my first trip five years ago. While it isn’t the first Alice attraction in Disneyland, it is my favorite. I love the new graphics from the latest refurbishment. Going inside and out and on the second level to go over the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Attraction is a fantastic use of space in Fantasyland.

Three original opening day attractions are based on or feature Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Tea Party (tea cups) are a favorite of many to this day. I especially love this ride at night lit up with the colorful lanterns. Also connected to Alice are both the Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Land Canal Boats, from which you can see the English Village from Alice in Wonderland. As of 2008, the characters of Alice and the White Rabbit were added to it’s a small world.

Aside from rides, the influence of Alice appears in two shops in Disneyland, both called The Mad Hatter, one in Fantasyland and one on Main Street USA. Just around the corner from the Alice in Wonderland ride, you can find my favorite bathrooms in any park, which are themed around the cards who serve the Queen of Hearts. There’s also a very cute White Rabbit statue here.

In Downtown Disney, an art gallery called WonderGround Gallery takes its name and inspiration from the Alice stories. For the next few weeks one can also experience some Alice themed rock in the Diamond Mad T Party in California Adventure. The Mad T Party was just announced to be closing on March 30th, 2016. This dance party and area of Hollywood Land hosted concerts with musicians dressed up like Alice, The Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, March Hare, and Dormouse with hosts Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. The House of Cards and Drink Me Bar carried on the theme in the evenings for the Mad T Party.

Walt Disney World

In the Magic Kingdom the most visible representation of Alice in Wonderland is in the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland. Alice and friends can be seen in the evening Main Street Electrical Parade. The Cheshire Cafe is a quick service location where guests can find snacks right near the Mad Tea Party Gardens. In the evening before Wishes, Alice is shown along with the Cheshire Cat in the Celebrate the Magic castle projection show.

OHIO with the Mad Hatter at 1900 Park Fare

Other locations across Disney World property where Alice can be found are at the Grand Floridian. She participates along with the Mad Hatter each morning in the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. The Beach Pool Water Play area was created a couple of years ago and features an Alice in Wonderland theme. Over at the Polynesian at Lilo’s Playhouse, Club Disney features an Alice play area with video games for the kids. In addition to meeting guests in the Magic Kingdom, Alice is usually found doing a meet and greet near the tea gardens in the UK in Epcot.

Disneyland Paris

Like all of the other Disneyland style parks around the world, Paris continues the tradition of a tea cup ride with their Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups. There’s also an Alice in Wonderland themed maze called Alice’s Curious Labyrinth in Fantasyland. In the amazing nighttime castle projection/water screen/laser/fireworks presentation called Disney Dreams, you can see clips of Alice projected onto Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. There is an incredible Alice in Wonderland float in the daytime Disney Magic on Parade. At Walt’s – an American Restaurant, the Fantasyland area has artwork and theming from Alice as well as several other stories.

Alice's Curious Labyrinth — Alice’s Curious Labyrinth

Hong Kong Disneyland

Artwork from Alice in Wonderland and many other Disney animated films are on display at the Art of Animation attraction on Main Street USA. Of course you can also find the Mad Hatter Tea Cups in Fantasyland. The spectacular nighttime show called Disney in the Stars Fireworks is a sight to be seen and like some of the other projection shows, this one features animation from Alice.

Tokyo Disneyland

There is probably the most variety in the Alice in Wonderland themed offerings in Tokyo. There is the traditional Alice’s Tea Party in Fantasyland. Then Alice can be seen in both parades in the park, during the day in the Happiness is Here Parade, and at night in the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights riding on top of the Cheshire Cat. The coolest thing in the park (it appears to me who hasn’t been there, but has friends who have been) is the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall. This entire restaurant is themed from top to bottom around Alice in Wonderland and it looks epic! In addition to the parks, the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel gets in on the fun with Alice in Wonderland themed rooms. Also, in April of 2015, Oriental Land Company announced an expansion of Fantasyland scheduled to start tentatively in 2017 which will include a new Alice in Wonderland section.

Alice in Wonderland themed room at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Shanghai Disney

I know this park isn’t opening until June of this year, but we already know they are going to have some influences from Alice in Wonderland when they do open. The most direct connection is the Alice in Wonderland Maze, but this will be more themed towards the 2010 Tim Burton movie than the 1951 animated classic. Shanghai is going to be the first of the Disneyland style parks around the world that does not have a tea cups ride. Instead, they will have a very similar, but Winnie the Pooh themed Hunny Pot Spin.

Outside of Shanghai, all of the Disneyland style theme parks (and Epcot) offer character meet and greets with at least Alice, and sometimes other characters like the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. I could not find any evidence that there will be a meet and greet with Alice in Shanghai, but where the park hasn’t opened yet, this may change.

When I first started researching for this post, I thought I’d find one or two things outside the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, but found myself almost overwhelmed at all of the incarnations in which you can find Alice in Wonderland all over the world. I hope to someday experience all of these, but in the meantime I will have to settle for looking forward to my Disneyland trip in May and hope that I get to go on my favorite ride multiple times.

Subscribing To Fandom Of The Month

First off, I just want to say that this is in no way shape or form a sponsored post…it is just something really cool I wanted to share. I subscribed to Fandom of the Mont with my own money and on my own accord.

I’ve been looking at all the different subscription services that are around, and I finally decided to try one so I subscribed to Fandom of the Month.

Fandom of the Month is monthly (with some surprise boxes offered outside of subscriptions) jewelry subscription that includes 3-4 handpicked fandom inspired jewelry items, with a surprise theme!

Past items included have been:

Earrings, necklaces, rings (size 7 or adjustable), bracelets, keychains, and pins. Each month the jewelry comes in a hand screen printed muslin drawstring bag with a custom postcard and a custom magnet. Also the mailing boxes are super cute!

Now while the theme is a surprise, but you will want to follow their Instagram because they gives clues to upcoming themes, updates on shipping, and special announcements.

How it all works…

Visit the Fandom of the Month website to choose which subscription you would like. Boxes start at $12.00 (Shipping is an additional charge of $3.75 in the US, $8 for Canada, and $11.50 for International), but the longer you subscribe the price goes down.

Also don’t be shocked if you have to wait a month before you are able to sign-up if you sign up later in the month, because the spots are limited and they do fill up.

And then you impatiently wait for the boxes, which are delivered between the 20th and 25th of every month.

And don’t forget to keep in mind…

Once you subscribe to Fandom of the Month Club, your subscription will automatically renew at the end of your cycle.
You may cancel ANY TIME, simply log into your account and cancel.
There are no penalties or fees for canceling.
Due to the extreme savings offered in our boxes, we cannot accept returns or grant refunds for already received boxes.
Once a payment has been processed the sale is final. You may however cancel for future months.

Now, let’s look at my first box where the theme was Death Eaters!

Horcrux Charm Bracelet

Dark Mark Earrings

‘Have you Seen this Wizard’ Compact

Death Eater Mask Muslin Bag

Bellatrix Lestrange Magnet

Fandom of the Month Postcard

I have to say that I am really pleased with my first Fandom of the Month, and I can’t wait to see what February’s box has in store when the theme is Classic Alice in Wonderland!

The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60

This coming Sunday, February 21st, ABC will air the Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 tv special celebrating 60 magical years of Disney’s first theme park. The show will highlight talent from music, stage, screens big and small, and will be sure to entertain us all. With segments taped in front of audiences in Disneyland Resort over the last few weeks, the two hour special hosted by Dancing With The Star’s Derek Hough airs starting at 8pm Eastern.

During the show, Disneyland 60 will feature elements of the Disneyland Park’s year plus long celebration commemorating the opening of the park in 1955. I can only hope they will show the great new additions of Paint the Night and Disneyland Forever fireworks. These are two of the reasons I’ll be heading back to California in a few months to catch the parade and fireworks before the celebration officially ends on September 5th, 2016.

In addition to the great musical and dancing numbers I’m sure Disneyland 60 has in store, one of the most anticipated segments will likely be the details of Star Wars Land being reveled by Harrison Ford. This will be the official public announcement of the details we will be seeing in Disneyland (and possibly Disney’s Hollywood Studios here in Florida?) over the next several years.

According to ABC.com, there is a very long list of celebrities appearing on the show for the Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60. There will be superstars like Elton John and Idina Menzel, “Also taking part in the festivities is a star-studded line-up of music, film and television personalities that includes Alfonso Ribeiro, Ariel Winter, Bryce Dallas Howard, Eric Stonestreet, Fall Out Boy, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dame Helen Mirren, Hilary Duff, Jason Bateman, Jessica Alba, Jessie J, Jimmy Kimmel, John Stamos, Josh Gad, Julie Bowen, Kelsea Ballerini, Kerry Washington, Kiefer Sutherland, Kristen Bell, Little Big Town, Lupita Nyong’o, Maddie Ziegler, NE-YO, Neil Patrick Harris, Nolan Gould, Pentatonix, Pink, Priyanka Chopra, Sabrina Carpenter, Sarah Hyland, Sofia Carson, Tori Kelly and Kermit the Frog, Ty Burrell, Viola Davis, and Zendaya!”

With performances of all kinds to keep us singing and dancing along, The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 is something I don’t plan to miss. I grew up watching Disney specials on Sunday evenings hosted by Michael Eisner under the same title and would love to see the Wonderful World of Disney make a resurgence in some incarnation with programs like this and family friendly movies. Will you be joining in on Sunday to watch the celebration of Disneyland 60?

Disney Twenty-Three Spring 2016 Issue Celebrates Walt Disney Animation Studios

Disney twenty-three Celebrates the Unparalleled Storytelling of Walt Disney Animation Studios

John Lasseter, Ed Catmull, and the Feature Animation “Story Trust” sit down to reveal the secrets behind hits such as Tangled and Frozen with a look at the upcoming films Zootopia and Moana.

Plus exclusive interviews with Ginnifer Goodwin, Chris Evans, and The Jungle Book Director Jon Favreau.

As a charter member of Disney D23 I have been treated to many Disney Twenty-Three issues, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next issue!

In the 10 years since John Lasseter and Ed Catmull took over the reins of what is now Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney has enjoyed incredible creative and box office success with such films as Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, and, of course, Frozen. The spring 2016 issue of Disney twenty-three looks at the creative talents—from writers and directors to producers and animators—who have driven this wave of superior filmmaking that has resulted in two Academy Awards^® for Best Animated Feature for the studio.

Disney twenty-three, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, includes exclusive interviews with Lasseter and Catmull, as well as the teams behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ run of hits, discussing the secrets behind their work and how a Disney animated film goes from concept to creation. Plus, Disney twenty-three unveils rarely seen visual development art created for the Studio’s most recent films. There are also advance looks at the upcoming animated films Zootopia—including a revealing one-on-one with star Ginnifer Goodwin—and Moana.

In addition to the animation celebration, the issue offers a sneak peek of Captain America: Civil War, featuring exclusive interviews with star Chris Evans and one of the film’s directors, Joe Russo. And director Jon Favreau details the incredible work behind crafting the stunning live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, including how he snared Bill Murray to voice Baloo the bear.

Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

Three cheers for the 10-year anniversary of High School Musical, including interviews with the director and members of the cast
A look at the colorful concept art from the 1967 animated hit The Jungle Book, with stories from Disney Legend Floyd Norman, who worked with Walt Disney on the film
A walk through Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studio lot, recently restored by the Walt Disney Archives
Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late February.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Take In the Awesomeness That Is The Jungle Book Trailer #JungleBook

Take In the Awesomeness That Is

The Jungle Book Trailer

The Jungle Book Trailer is here, and you have to check it out!!!

httpv://youtu.be/C4qgAaxB_pc

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves.

But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray).

Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela.

“The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016.

I’m seriously so excited to see The Jungle Book in April! It looks amazing!

For more information, check out Disney.com/thejunglebook, like The Jungle Book on Facebook, and follow along on Twitter and Instagram.

Swiss Family Robinson

Recently I watched a new to me movie, which reminded me of one of my favorite movies as a kid, Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson. As I was raised to do, I read the book first and loved it, and then was introduced to this live action classic from 1960. Loosely based on the 1812 novel by Johann David Weiss, Disney acquired the rights to the Swiss Family Robinson in the 1940s after seeing an RKO produced version of the story.

The Swiss Family Robinson film is an adventure story laced with quite a bit of comedy, as well as a bit of romance, and lots of action. What I remember most from watching this movie when I was young is how awesome the treehouse was that the family built on the deserted island. This of course has been replicated in multiple Disney Parks around the world, including Disneyland from 1962 – 1999, the Magic Kingdom from opening day on October 1, 1971 and is still currently open. Disneyland Paris also opened with their version called La Cabane des Robinson, which is still open, and Tokyo Disneyland opened their Swiss Family Treehouse in 1993.

Aside from the awesome treehouse, Swiss Family Robinson always conjures up memories of the animal races the family had on the island, especially the ostrich. Right along with that memory is that of the climactic battle with the pirates at the fort. Those homemade coconut bombs looked so cool when I was a child (disclaimer: we do not condone the making of coconut or any other kinds of bombs. Don’t try any of this at home kids).

This film was extremely successful in its day, making back ten times over its original $4 million budget. In today’s dollars adjusted for inflation that $40 million take would be closer to $400 million, which makes it one of the most successful live action family films to this day. The Swiss Family Robinson is the first Disney live action movie to be filmed in the widescreen Panavision as opposed to CinemaScope. The movie stars John Mills (Disney Legend and father of also Disney Legend Hayley Mills), Dorothy McGuire (who also starred in Summer Magic and Old Yeller), James MacArthur (played in other Disney movies The Light in the Forest, Kidnapped, Third Man on the Mountain, and in several episodes of the Wonderful World of Color before his most famous role of Danno in Hawaii Five-0), Janet Munro (who starred with Sean Connery in Darby O’Gill and the Little People, as well as Third Man on the Mountain, and a few episodes of the Wonderful World of Color), along with Disney mainstays and also Disney Legends Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran.

I picked up the Swiss Family Robinson movie on dvd not too long ago when it was being offered on the Disney Movie Rewards website. It is still available on Amazon as well as a few other places for less than $10, or for rent through Amazon for $3. I haven’t watched it in years and intend to revisit it this week. If you haven’t seen it, or if it has been a while, I highly recommend watching this Disney classic and visiting the Swiss Family Treehouse the next time you’re in one of the three remaining parks you can.

The Good Dinosaur Stampedes Home On Blu-ray This Month

The Perfect Adventure for the Whole Family Stampedes Home On Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, & Disney Movies Anywhere February 23

Extensive Bonus Features Include the Academy Award© Nominated Theatrical Short “Sanjay’s Super Team,” Making-of Featurettes, Deleted Scenes and More!

If you didn’t have the chance to catch The Good Dinosaur in theaters, you can own it on a Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere on February 23rd!

From the innovative minds of Disney•Pixar comes a hilariously heartwarming adventure about the power of confronting and overcoming your fears and discovering who you are meant to be.

The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely, and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Each version of The Good Dinosaur is full of great Extras!

The Good Dinosaur Digital HD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team – Sanjay loves the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance quickly turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.

TRUE LIES ABOUT DINOSAURS – We know – it’s preposterous to think Apatosaurs spoke English. Learn more about what separates the fictional dinosaurs of “The Good Dinosaur“ from what scientists know about real dinosaurs.

RECYCLOSAURUS – Pixar takes creative competition seriously. Maybe a little too seriously. Watch as “The Good Dinosaur” crew competes to see which department can create the best dinosaur ever…using only discarded items from the studio’s “free table.”

THE FILMMAKERS’ JOURNEY – Finding your way from an idea to a film takes a lot of exploration. Director Peter Sohn and his fellow filmmakers talk about the challenging, inspiring, and unexpectedly emotional experience of making “The Good Dinosaur.”

EVERY PART OF THE DINOSAUR – The filmmakers talk about the special animation challenges of “The Good Dinosaur” – including figuring out how to animate a dinosaur who’s really a boy, and a boy who’s got the spirit of a dog.

FOLLOWING THE T-REX TRAIL – Follow the filmmakers as they travel to a working cattle ranch and meet the McKays, a close-knit family whose work ethic, generosity, and stories inspired the T-Rex ranchers of the film.

COMMENTARY – Commentary from director Peter Sohn, story supervisor Kelsey Mann, supervising animator Mike Venturini, director of photography/lighting Sharon Calahan, and supervising technical director Sanjay Bakshi.

DINO BITES – Montage of original animated pieces produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”

HIDE AND SEEK – A short animated clip produced to promote “The Good Dinosaur.”

DELETED SCENES

o The Attack – An idyllic introduction to the family farm is cut short when a savage predator attacks the newborn Arlo. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

o Building the Silo – An admiring Arlo is thrilled to follow along as his father builds a silo for the family farm. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

o Waiting for Poppa – Arlo awaits the return of his beloved father on a stormy night, only to be greeted with tragic news. With an introduction by Director Peter Sohn.

The Good Dinosaur Blu-ray 3D & DVD:

THEATRICAL SHORT – Sanjay’s Super Team

The Good Dinosaur Digital Exclusive:

JUST LISTEN – Trace the development of the unique soundscape of “The Good Dinosaur,” from the wilds of British Columbia as Sound Designer Craig Berkey collects sounds, to the recording studio where Jeff and Mychael Danna use instruments from around the world to create the music.

Check Out Shakira’s Original Song For #Zootopia

Zootopia is set to hit theaters on March 4, 2016, and while I’m excited to share a peek at the music of Zootopia with Shakira’s Original Song called “Try Everything”.

httpv://youtu.be/dmQaT6IY9vc

The all-new original song, “Try Everything,” was written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate.

Director Byron Howard said, “For the role of Gazelle, Zootopia’s most beloved superstar, there was only one person on our wish list: Shakira. Luckily for us, she said yes. Her immense talent and charm bring Gazelle and her song, ‘Try Everything,’ to life.”

Can’t wait for the Zootopia album to come out on March 4th? You find “Try Everything” on iTunes now!!!

Want a little more information about the movie?

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin), the very first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the opportunity to crack her first case—even if it means partnering with fast-talking, scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) to solve the mystery.

Want to keep up with the latest #Zootopia news?

Check out the official Website: http://movies.disney.com/zootopia

Like Disney Zootopia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneyzootopia

Follow @DisneyZootopia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyZootopia

Follow Disney Animation on Instagram: https://instagram.com/DisneyAnimation

High School Musical 10 Years Later

High School Musical is one of the most beloved and highest rated Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) and the movie celebrated its 10th Anniversary yesterday. In honor of this momentous occasion, I will share ten things I love about the High School Musical series, or at least the first three movies. Disney Channel replayed the movie last night with clips and interviews from the core six original cast members, including Zac Efron via recording since he was promoting his new movie and couldn’t be there in person. Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, Corbin Bleu, and Lucas Grabeel got together to reminisce about their days at East High. Tonight, Disney Channel will also replay High School Musical 2 at 8pm eastern, and Freeform will play both movies this weekend. Double check your local listings for correct times and channels.

Fun fact, my mom was actually the one who first got me to watch High School Musical. I, for whatever reason, probably work, originally missed this DCOM on its first airing, but thanks to its amazing record setting popularity, it wasn’t long before I had the chance to fall in love with Troy Bolton and the rest of the Wildcats. The songs were catchy, the dancing was fun, and it was like Grease lite for the slightly younger and more innocent teen and tween crowd. Since the first tv movie in 2006, there was another DCOM in HSM2 in 2007, the theatrical release of High School Musical 3: Senior Year in 2008, and the direct to dvd Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure in 2011. I have them all, yes, even Sharpay. I’ve seen the concert movie and also watched the “reality” tv competition, High School Musical: Get In The Picture, in 2008 where someone won the right to perform the end credit song in HSM 3.

I love Troy and Gabriella together. From their meet cute on New Year’s Eve at the ski lodge all the way up to choosing schools within 32.7 miles of each other. #RelationshipGoals
I miss the several incarnations of High School Musical live entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I can’t tell you how many times I caught the High School Musical Pep Rally, High School Musical 2: School’s Out, High School Musical 3: Right Here Right Now!, and of course Disney Channel Rocks. The music to all three movies are still on my ipod/iphone.
I was lucky enough to have a fan girl moment, but still cool and collected of course, while meeting Lucas Grabeel this past summer. He was so nice and was happy to pose for this selfie with me. 🙂
Lucas Grabeel and me
What I used to refer to as Troy’s angry dance soliloquy is hilariously mashed up with Frozen in “Bet It Go.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbO9QFxnOVk
One word: humuhumunukunukuapua’a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir38tIOQdT0
Scenes in the rooftop garden are so gorgeous and I’m glad they revisit it from the first film in the third. I want to dance with Zac Efron on that roof.
The original High School Musical broke sales records for the fastest selling tv movie on dvd selling 1.2 million copies in just six days. HSM2 broke records too when it aired to over 17.2 million viewers essentially live, eclipsing the original by over 10 million viewers.
Ryan’s hats throughout the series are incredible. Here is a sampling of just some of them.
Ryan’s hats
Kenny Ortega, known for his choreography on Dirty Dancing, directed High School Musical as well as other Disney movies like Newsies, Hocus Pocus, HSM 2, HSM 3, Cheetah Girls 2, and last year’s Descendants.
I love the fact that practically the entire cast remained in tact for all three movies from the core six to classmates, parents, teachers, etc. It has also been reported that the main six cast members are all still close and see each other regularly.

These are just a few things I love about the series and hope you found some things you enjoy about High School Musical also. I had a blast live tweeting last night and wish I could do the same tonight for HSM 2. Wildcats! Share some of your favorites if I missed any!