Famous Disney Bears

In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, Disneynature is releasing another new documentary, Bears. This new movie will follow a bear family for a year as the young cubs learn life lessons. Seeing the commercials for this movie got me thinking about all of the bears in the Disney family.

Disneynature Bears
Disneynature Bears

Winnie the Pooh
Let’s start with probably the most famous Disney bear of all. Coming from the books by A. A. Milne, Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood are a childhood staple. He may be “stuffed with fluff,” but he can be quite courageous when needed. We’ve all joined in on their adventures (often in search of “hunny”) and learned about friendship along the way. Pooh and Piglet’s friendship in particular, never fails to warm my heart.

Pooh
Tigger, Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore

Baloo 

Carefree and fun-loving Baloo is Mowgli’s best friend in The Jungle Book and he taught us all about the Bare Necessities (which, thanks to writing this blog post, I have had stuck in my head for three days). For the most part, Baloo is playful, but he can be very protective of Mowgli. He is probably the most popular character from the movie and in fact, became the star of his own TV series: TaleSpin.

Baloo and Mowgli float
Baloo and Mowgli float

Koda and Kenai

These two bears from Brother Bear started out with quite the complicated relationship, but eventually became as close as brothers. Koda is the playful and talkative one, while Kenai is moody and serious. I think they both learn a lot from each other.

Koda and Kenai
Koda and Kenai

Harris, Hamish, and Hubert

Oh the triplet brothers from Brave. Definitely can’t forget them. Merida’s young brothers are always up to some sort of mischief, which is what caused them to become bears to begin with. Although they don’t stay that way forever, you can still see the brothers as bears in the Festival of Fantasy parade.

Brave triplets
Brave triplets

Br’er Bear 

Betsy mentioned Br’er Bear in her post about bunnies and rabbits as the antagonist to Br’er Rabbit in The Song of the South. Teamed up with Br’er Fox, the two keep getting outwitted by Br’er Rabbit and you can see a lot of their foiled plans in the Splash Mountain ride at the theme parks.

Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox plotting
Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox plotting

Country Bears

Big Al, Liver Lips, Wendell, Trixie, Terrence, Henry, and the rest of this musical gang have been entertaining guests at the Magic Kingdom since the park opened. There was also a version at Disneyland up until 2001. The popularity inspired a movie in 2002, but that wasn’t very successful. They remain pretty popular in the Magic Kingdom though, especially with fans who grew up with the show.

Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree

Fozzie Bear

This jokester of the Muppets is Kermit’s best friend. He’s very often the target of Statler and Waldorf’s heckling, but he keeps trying with his “wocka wocka” tagline! Fozzie always struck me as very loyal, especially to Kermit and though he may be slow to catch on most of them time, I think he is a friend you can count on.

Fozzie Bear
Fozzie Bear

Humphrey the Bear

Humphrey was created in 1950 and appeared in several Disney Animation cartoons at that time. Humphrey is kind of a big and goofy bear that lives in a national park and tries to steal food from the visitors. He doesn’t speak, but he does make different grunts to express emotions. His shenanigans are usually spoiled by Donald Duck or the park ranger. He got to be so popular that the animation studio created a series just for him, but unfortunately the studio stopped producing the short films soon after that. He later appeared in other shows like Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers and House of Mouse. If you’re looking for him these days, you might want to check out the Wilderness Lodge.

Humphrey
Humphrey

Honorable Mentions: Little John from Robin Hood, Gummi Bears, Duffy, Lotso, Bear in the Big Blue House

When I first started writing this post, I was surprised by how many bears would be on this list. It was fun to rediscover some old favorites like Humphrey! Did I forget any of your favorite bears?

 

 

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Merida Coronation At The Magic Kingdom

This morning the Magic Kingdom played host to the Merida, from Disney/Pixar Brave,  Coronation making her Disney’s 11th Princess .This was an especially exciting event, because this was the first time Disney held a Coronation of a new Princess publicly.

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

Cinderella Castle was all decked out in special banners for the Coronation, and it was even more beautiful than usual!

Merida Coronation

For this exciting event, 2 time Olympic Gold Medal Winner Gabby Douglas and her mother, Natalie, served as emcee, and spoke about their special relationship.

“I admire Merida for being determined and courageous as these are qualities that have had a big impact on my own life and helped me achieve my goals as an athlete,” said Gabby Douglas, gymnastics gold medalist.  “And like Merida, I have a strong relationship with my mom, whose support and belief in me has helped me recognize my own inner princess qualities. It’s really special for us to be here and share in Merida’s celebration, especially on Mother’s Day weekend.”

Merida Coronation

Then it was time for the Merida Coronation!

Merida Coronation

Merida was led to the forecourt of Cinderella Castle on the back of her trusty friend Angus, and followed by banners, a troop of Scottish dancers, and an authentic pipe and drum band. It was amazing!

Merida Coronation

After the processional, Merida was joined on the castle stage by the members of the Royal Disney Princess Court which includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Mulan, Pocahontas, Tiana, and Rapunzel for the reading of the Royal Proclamation. It is always a treat to see them all in one place!

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

To me, the most special part of Merida’s Coronation was that Queen Elinor had the honor of placing the tiara on Merida’s head making her Disney’s 11th Princess! The celebration of Mother and Daughter was such a touching way to start Mother’s Day Weekend at Walt Disney World! This was the first time that Queen Elinor has appeared at Walt Disney World! I am not going to even try to say that I didn’t cry.

“As a Disney Princess, Merida sets an admirable example for all, being brave, strong, passionate, determined and confident,” said Katherine Sarafian, “Brave’s” producer. “When Queen Elinor placed the crown on Merida’s head, it signified a moment of deep connection, as a mother recognized the spirit, heart and true personality of her daughter. It’s moments like these that encapsulate what is special about being a princess, but also resonate with mothers across the world.”

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

What an amazing & fun way to spend the morning!!!

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

Merida Coronation

I hope that you enjoy our pictures of the Merida Coronation!

Merida Coronation
Merida Coronation
Merida Coronation

UPDATE!

** We’ve posted several additional pictures on our Facebook Page! Take a peek! **
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Brave Is Available Now On Disney Blu-Ray

Brave
Brave is available now on Blu-Ray!

The first time I saw “Brave” it resonated with me on so many levels, and while I was an emotional wreck I was already excited to own it on Blu-Ray! Watching Merida and her Mother, Queen Elinor, made me think of when I was like Merida, a rebellious daughter, and now as a mother who, like Queen Elinor, is now in that tricky place where nurturing turns into molding a person where it is easy to get lost in responsibilities. And in November when “Brave” was released on Blu-Ray I was beyond excited with the quality of the movie and extras!

“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

 

Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor that audiences of all ages around the world have come to eagerly expect.

“Brave” is absolutely stunning in the Blu-Ray format. The picture itself is just as breathtaking as it was on the big screen and the sound is just as immersive. The attention to detail really resonates in HD, and is a true delight to watch over and over again.

Brave

There are tons of great HD extras spread over two discs. With 13 featurettes, 4 extended scenes, an alternative opening, 15 minutes of promotional pieces from around the world, an art gallery with almost 500 images, and a sneak peek at Monsters University you will be busy for hours!

While there are a lot of different opinions about “Brave”, I have to say that it is definitely a new favorite in our house!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKdLpBLp3nM&feature=share&list=PLB45404C640C25503

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Beauty And The Beast Returns To The Big Screen Bigger And Better Than Ever

“Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ on January 13th, 2012, as a refreshed classic ready to win over a whole new generation of fans.

The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff – a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others – and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD5pcGp62ec

While I was extremely apprehensive about how one of my most favorite movies would look updated with 3D, but I have to say I almost like it better!!! For me the 3D effects were amazing, because they added so much depth and visual intensity that you almost forgot that you had seen it before. This is what seeing the multiplane camera in action for the first time must have felt like! It was amazing! Also, I had almost forgotten how dark and scary Beast was as the beginning of the movie.

I am already looking forward to seeing it again this weekend!!!!

Before the movie, there was a Tangled short “Tangled Ever After” which was hilarious!!!! I am absolutely loving these shorts, because they are such a fun added bonus! The story stays true to the feel and humor of the original move, and leaves you wanting more!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjj5mqyszKE

Again, the trailers for The Secret World of Arrietty and Brave trailers have me super stoked to see them!!!

I absolutely recommend giving this refreshed and updated classic a chance to win you over in 3D!!!!

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The Muppets – Possibly The Bestest Muppets Movie Yet

So when I was asked to attend a Media Preview of The Muppets my heart soared and sunk at the same time.

I grew up on the Muppets and love them dearly like they are family members, and while I was stoked from the first second I heard about this movie I was also a little nervous about how it would turn out.

As I sat down in my seat this morning, I took a deep breath and hoped for the best…

First up were trailers for The Secret World of Arrarity and Brave, both of which I am now absolutely DYING to see!!! They both look like great stories that are breathtaking on the big screen.

Then it was time for the Toy Story Short ‘Small Fry’. This short lives up to it’s predecessor ‘Hawaiian Vacation’! It was super funny, just the right length, and absolutely set the mood for the movie!!!

The Muppets is a heart warming story where three devoted fans help the Muppets reunite to save their old theatre.

The story itself is full of nods to the history of the Muppet franchise while staying current enough to be funny to newbies. And in true Muppet fashion the jokes read on the adult and child level, which led to TONS of laughter from all of us.

I am not going to lie, I cried during The Muppets. Now this may sound silly, but there were parts that struck such a cord of nostalgia for the past and hope for the future that I couldn’t help myself.

I absolutely cannot recommend this movie highly enough…I seriously want to see this movie again…NOW!!!!

 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq5LfuvRBVM

 

 

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