The Lion King: Diamond Edition on Blu-Ray Roars Into Stores Tomorrow!

 

 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TI3cSw9MuM

 

When I first received the The Lion King”: Diamond Edition on Blu-Ray, available October 4th, my thoughts went back to when I saw the movie on the big screen in 1994.

I had just finished up my junior year of High School (yes, I am totally dating myself here), and as I walked up to the ticket counter I felt like people were going to think I was a total weirdo for going to see a ‘Kid’s Movie’ by myself. However, I was shocked (at the time) to find so many adults inside the theater.

The thing that I most enjoyed then was the music (by Elton John and Tim Rice), because I felt like it spoke to me as I was starting to realize that soon I would be leaving home…alone…to start my own adventure. I sincerely hoped that I would find a friendly warthog, Pumbaa, and meerkat, Timon, along the way that would be there to help me, because I was scared.  The whole ‘Circle of Life’ theme found a place deep in my heart, as I didn’t know what tomorrow would exactly bring.

Now we fast forward to now…And as I watched this movie as a Mom with Zoe, I find that my thoughts drifted into two drastically different directions.

I found that the sense of loss in this movie absolutely jumped off of the screen, and into a huge lump in my throat.  Seriously if you don’t experience this, you may want to consider consulting a doctor!!! 😀

But on a sometimes lighter note, the exploration of the many responsibilities and benefits of being a loyal friend and family member made me think back on events in my life with a touch of laughter and tears.

While the music is still absolutely amazing and helps set the mood of the movie, I find that I am more attached to the story itself rather than the big ‘song and dance numbers’.

Yet at the same time Zoe’s biggest take away from the movie was the friendship between Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, because she is just learning how friendships work…at least in a Kindergarten way. Also, she now likes to hold up a doll and exclaim, “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba” or something to that effect.

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this Disney Classic as an adult. It was definitely an interesting way to look back on my life at a different time.

 

 

 

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New Tip Board At Epcot

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Today is the debut of the new Tip Board in Epcot!

And while it still gives the basic wait time information, there is an awesome new addition!

If you tweet with the hashtag #EpcotFW11, it will show up on a scrolling Twitter Marquee. The lag time between the time you tweet and it appearing on the screen was about 3 minutes. Just an FYI, if your account is private your tweets won’t appear on the scrolling timeline.

I am STOKED about this new addition!!!

Hope you enjoy the pics!!!

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Ford Explorer Made Entirely of LEGO® Bricks For the LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park

 

Earlier this month a super unique Ford Explorer rolled off the line at an Assembly Plant in Chicago. This was a unique vehicle in that it was assembled in 2,500 hours and made entirely of LEGOs. In total it was made of 380,000 LEGOs to be exact.

The bright red LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer, created by 22 designers, weighs 2,654 pounds and is supported by a 768-pound interior aluminum base.

This marks the start of an alliance between Ford and LEGOLAND® Florida theme park. After its debut at the Chicago Plant, which produces the Explorer, the vehicle will be loaded onto a trailer with transparent sides so motorists can see the LEGO Explorer as it makes its way to the new 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida theme park just outside Orlando.

“Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers. The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqJ20tABoC8

Ford Driving School at LEGOLAND Florida allows children to experience the fun and responsibility of driving in their own vehicles in a neighborhood setting (at a maximum speed of 3 mph). There will be a Ford Junior Driving School for children ages 3 to 5 years old and a Ford Driving School for those ages 6 to 12.

The New LEGOLAND Florida them park will be the second in the United States and the fifth largest LEGOLAND Park in the world, made of up more than 50 million LEGO bricks and covering 150 acres. I am soooo excited to take Zoe to experience all that this Park will have to offer!!!! I can’t wait until the October 15th Grand Opening!!!!

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Earn Up To 30 Disney Movie Rewards Bonus Points!

I am almost obsessive about entering my Disney Movie Rewards codes once I open up a new DVD,  and when I see bonus point opportunities I make sure to take advantage of them before they disappear!!!

The first one SUPER easy!!! When you visit Disney Movie Rewards , enter the following magic code V7NK93DQ5Y for 5 bonus points!!!

Then you can also link your Disney Movie Rewards site to your Facebook account with a brand new app for an additional 25 bonus points!!!

To take advantage of this you must first log into your Disney Movie Rewards account, and then look under where you ‘Enter Magic Code’ to find the ‘Connect with Facebook’ button/link.

Once you click on it, you will be taken to your Facebook account where you will need to give the app certain permissions on your account. They will ask to allow the “Disney Movie Rewards” application to access to your basic information, send you email, post to your wall, and access your data anytime (which you can later modify).

Then you will be asked to enter your Disney Movie Rewards log in information to connect your account.

And once that step is completed, your account will show a credit of 25 points! You will also then be able to enter magic codes, redeem movie ticket, and redeem CD’s points directly through the Facebook app.

Many Many Thanks to  Couponing to Disney for this awesome information!!!

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Jake and The Never Land Pirates First Music Soundtrack and DVD

You may notice that Daddy has been taking some time off from the movie reviews (silly work), so it’s Mommy’s turn again to have some movie time with Princess Zoe!

Now that you know why you are suffering with my review…Let’s get to the fun stuff!!!

A new soundtrack and DVD inspired by Disney Junior’s #1 series Jake and the Never Land Pirates, are planned to set sail this September with Walt Disney Records’ album release of eighteen hook-filled songs from the series and The Walt Disney Studios Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away! DVD release featuring seven episodes from the series

Zoe is a HUGE fan of the show, and she was STOKED when the DVD/Soundtrack came in the mail!!!

If you haven’t seen the show, you are definitely missing something! Jake, Izzy (armed with pixie dust), Cubby, and their parrot Skully set sail in their ship, Bucky, in search of treasures and adventures. However, Captain Hook and the every faithful Mr. Smee are always around causing trouble for the foursome. The episodes are filled with lessons about friendship, problem solving, and tons of fun pirate rock. I really think that Sharky and Bones, of the Never Land Pirate Band, are her favorites! When the songs come on at the end of each episode, she is up and off of the couch in .08 seconds!

The DVD bonus features were fun, and Zoe really got a kick out of the Pirate Party with Pirate-oke, where she got to sing along with her favorite pirate band, and Yo, Ho, You Want To Be A Pirate?, where Jake taught her how to talk like a REAL pirate!

The 7-track CD sampler and pirate eye patch were a total bonus!!! I don’t think that the CD is coming out of the car anytime soon!!!

Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away! is a new favorite in our house!!!

 


 

Jake and the Never Land Pirates is cable’s #1 series among Boys 2-5 and is on track to be Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series ever. It is the most co-viewed series among all Disney Junior and Nickelodeon series, with 47% of Moms watching with their preschooler. A music-filled interactive treasure hunt, the series introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney’s classic “Peter Pan.” Every episode features the animated Sharky and Bones characters as they pop up throughout to perform original pirate ditties, and each episode concludes with a live action music video featuring The Never Land Pirate Band.

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Written and performed by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson, a.k.a. Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band, the album features 18 swashbuckling tracks sure to thrill any young pirate. Also included are downloadable activities and games to plan the perfect pirate party, a Sing-Along version of the show’s theme song and a bonus track from a future episode. The deluxe edition includes a pirate bandana. The album arrives at stores and online retailers September 20.

The album features a variety of songs that kids and parents can enjoy together. Songs include the kooky, comical “Hot Lava,” “Aw Coconuts,” “Pirate Password,” and the arrrghhh-rated “Talk Like a Pirate.” Some songs refer to popular characters in the show, such as “What’s Cookin’ Smee,” “Captain Hook (Is A Cranky Crook),” “Tick Tock Croc” and “Bucky’s Shanty.” Others capture the island spirit of Never Land, such as “Castaway on Pirate Island,” “Shipwreck Shuffle” and “Never Sky,” as well as the “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” theme song. All songs can be heard in episodes of the show.

Portland, Oregon-based Hoskins and Hendrickson have been creating pirate rock music for kids of all ages for more than a decade. The duo produced four previous children’s albums and even led their own pirate band. The pirate rockers also provide the musical score for “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

The Jake and the Never Land Pirates soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on September 20. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit www.Disney.com/music , become a fan at www.Facebook.com/disneymusic and follow at www.Twitter.com/disneymusic .

 

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FEED Our Small World Products Now Available At TrenD

This year marks the 45th anniversary of “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland, and to celebrate and carry on the message of It’s a Small World a line of products has been created to help children around the world.

It’s a Small World represents a powerful, unifying idea: regardless of individual nationality or ethnicity, we are all more similar than we are different. This idea champions what we all know in our hearts—though a world apart, we are all connected to each other.

The FEED Our Small World tote is made of natural burlap, and has cream-colored organic cotton interior lining. Each bag measures approximately 16” wide, and 14” high.  Each Tote bag purchased* will help UNICEF supply 500 children with a year’s worth of essential Vitamin A supplements.

Tote handles and the messenger strap have approximate drop lengths of 11” and 17” respectively. Both handles are made of sturdy cream-colored organic cotton. The center of each bag, along with the messenger strap, both feature the adorable Small World characters, representing children from many different cultures around the world.

The FEED Our Small World shirt is cream-colored and made of cotton and polyester. Each shirt purchased* will help UNICEF supply 150 children with a year’s worth of essential Vitamin A supplements.

 

These high quality items not only look amazing, but offer you the chance to make a difference in the life of a child!

*For each FEED Our Small World Tote purchased, FEED Projects will donate $10.00 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF’s nutrition programs. No part of the purchase price is tax-deductible. UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. For more information visit unicefusa.org or feedprojects.com.

 

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Dumbo: 70th Anniversary Edition Flying In Today

Dumbo: 70th Anniversary Edition is out today for the first time in Blu-Ray high definition featuring 7.1 Digital Theater System High-Def Surround Sound today and I couldn’t be more excited!!!

While I have always loved the story of Dumbo, it means a lot more to me now that I am a Mom. We have all those ‘Mom’ moments where we have wanted to protect and hold our kids like Jumbo held Dumbo in her ears. I know I am a sap, but I was a complete mess during this scene!!!

Also, I think that this might be the beginning of my fear of clowns!!! These guys were so mean and creepy!!!

What I love the most is that just when you think that Dumbo has reached the lowest point of the movie when the crows are picking on him so harshly, the story turns and he finds out that he CAN fly and makes the most of his talents. I have to admit that I laughed my buns off when Dumbo swoops above the clowns and the other elephants and gives them a taste of their own medicine!

Another super interesting fact about Dumbo:70th Anniversary Edition is that the Walt Disney Studios Restoration Team turned to the US Library of Congress who store the original 70 year old nitrate camera negative in their film vaults, and for reference, to an original 1941 ‘release’ print, held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Using this rare nitrate “dye-transfer” Technicolor print for color reference, the team was able to restore Dumbo to the color settings most likely approved by Walt Disney himself, which will be seen in their full splendor for the first time in 70 years, on the Blu-Ray debut.

In addition, the rare film print (housed as part of the UCLA Film and Television Archives collection) proved to be the earliest surviving generation of the original audio for Dumbo which provided a unique source from which to build the new Disney Enhanced Home Theatre (DEHT) mix for the Blu-Ray release.

Plus there are TONS of extra added bonus features on this Blu-Ray/DVD Set! Interactive games, deleted scenes, bonus shorts, and a ‘Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo’ talks about the importance of Dumbo in animation history.

After having the opportunity to revisit this movie as an adult, I can honestly say that the story means so much more to me and that the re-mastered quality makes me appreciate Dumbo so much more than I thought I ever could!

 

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Spooky Buddies On Disney Blu-Ray And Disney DVD Out September 20th

If your house is anything like mine, you have a small child that has been going on and on about Spooky Buddies, out on Disney Blu-Ray and Disney DVD available on September 20th!

Zoe is a huge fan of these cute puppy movies, and I have no doubt that she will love this one as well!!!

It’s Halloween, and Disney’s irresistible talking puppies are back in an all-new movie that takes them far across town to a mysterious mansion where something very spooky is going on. With the help of some unexpected new friends, including a friendly ghost, this trick-or-treat adventure is howling-good Buddy fun.

In a race against the Howlloween Hound, the Buddies and their new friends, Pip, Zelda, Rodney and Skip must stop Warlock the Magician – and save the world from his dastardly deeds.

Overflowing with action, humor and a bag full of bonus features, Spooky Buddies is a spooktacular adventure that treats you to a celebration of friendship and teamwork your whole family will enjoy.

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Blu-ray™ Bonus Features

  • “Monster Mash” Music Video — Featuring The Cast Of Disney Channel’s Hit Show Shake It Up
  • Sneak Peak: Disney’s Treasure Buddies
  • DIGS: Rosebud Edition — Join Rosebud As She Invites Kid Reporter Leo Into Her Home For An Exciting Tour

Blu-ray™ Technical Specs

  • Presentation Size: 16×9
  • Presentation Type: Widescreen
  • Color: Color
  • Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital , Latin Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
  • Subtitles: French Canadian, Latin Spanish

DVD Technical Specs

  • Presentation Size: 16×9
  • Presentation Type: Widescreen
  • Color: Color
  • Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital , Latin Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
  • Subtitles: English ESL, English SDH, French Canadian, Latin Spanish
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2011 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Exclusive Merchandise

One perk of attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is that you can purchase special 2011 edition event merchandise at specific locations throughout the Magic Kingdom.

Visit the following locations in the Magic Kingdom® Park for special 2011 edition event merchandise

Emporium, Main Street, U.S.A

Pirates Bazaar, Adventureland

Frontierland Trading Post, Frontierland

Haunted Mansion Cart, Liberty Square

Heritage House, Liberty Square

Fantasy Faire, Fantasyland

Mickey’s Star Traders, Tomorrowland

** Event Merchandise available at the above locations based on availablity.**

**Please see a Merchandise Cast Member for details**

This year’s Limited Edition pin selections offer a little something for everyone, and cost between $10.95 and $12.95.

This set of Scarecrow Pins costs $44.95.
This is the entire set of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Pins, and it is $124.95
This is the framed pin set, and it is actually super cool!

They also were offering two t-shirts this year, with the same design for adults and children that glow in the dark and are candy scented!

These aren’t Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party exclusives, they are still AWESOME!!!!

This is what I call $12.00 well spent!!!
This guy lights up, and can possibly hold 3 pieces of popcorn! Plus it has an extra added bonus...
It projects this light out of the bottom!!! AWESOME!!!
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Create Your Own Treats At Goofy’s Candy Company!

I am always on the lookout for something different and fun to try as I am traveling around the parks, and one of our favorite places to explore is the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

On a previous trip with a friend I found the Create Your Own Treats at Goofy’s Candy Company, and I thought that it would be a perfect end to a girl’s evening!

After a super yummy dinner at Earl of Sandwich with Shalon Given, we headed over to Goofy’s to make our own delicious dessert!!!

Walking up we were overwhelmed by the choices, but after some careful consideration Shalon chose a Mickey Krispy Rice Treat and I chose the topped marshmallows!

Watching the cast members make our treats was a lot of fun, but definitely not as much fun as eating them!

I can’t wait to try this with Zoe…okay maybe I can’t wait to try the pretzel rods…either way this is a great way to have a little fun and eat it, too!

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Sweet Halloween Treats At Goofy’s Candy Company!

While I am working on tomorrow’s post, I thought that I would take a moment to share some pictures of the sweet Halloween treats that are available at Goofy’s Candy Company at the Downtown Disney Marketplace!

Can you tell that I love Halloween Merchandise???

I hope that you enjoy and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for more sweet treats!!! 🙂

These Halloween Goodies are almost too cute to eat!!!

 

Minnie Witch Apple

 

Jack Apple

 

Mickey Jack-O-Lantern Apple

 

I am in LOVE with these Mickey Ghost Marshmallows!!!

 

The Halloween Cookies are Zoe's favorite treat!!!
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The Carolwood Pacific: Fair Weather Route to host a ‘Conversation with a Magic Kingdom Steam Train Specialist’

Nestled inside the The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is a true Hidden Gem…The Carolwood Pacific: Fair Weather Route.

Now I am sure that the person who showed me this spot is going to KILL me for sharing, but I can’t help it!!!

This quiet and peaceful room is filled with comfy chairs, game tables, and tons of Steam Train Memorabilia!

This was my favorite Oil Painting!!!
This model of the Lilly Belle was made in celebration of Walt Disney's 100th Birthday, and was absolutely amazing!!!

But by far the most amazing thing inside of this space is two actual freight cars from The Carolwood Pacific!!! (I absolutely apologize for the the quality of these pictures. My enthusiasm is greater than my skill for taking photos!)

What I found to be super cool, is that this lounge will be playing host to a ‘Conversation with a Magic Kingdom® Steam Train Specialist’ September 13th and 27th at 11:30 am.

Learn how Walt Disney’s lifetime love of steam trains led to their becoming an integral part of the Magic Kingdom® in this opportunity to talk one on one with a knowledgeable Steam Train Specialist from the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour. Hear the history of how the Magic Kingdom® Steam Trains came to be the magnificent and massive steam locomotives they are today. We’ll See you in the Carolwood Pacific Room at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. All Aboard!

It never ceases to amaze me what you are able to find when you slow down and go off the beaten path during your visit to Walt Disney World!!!

If you are visiting the Wilderness Lodge, I absolutely suggest taking a moment to walk down to the Villas to visit this room that pays homage to such an important part of Walt Disney World’s history.

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