Author: queenmouse

Movies, Uncategorized

LITTLE BO BEEP MAY HAVE LOST HER SHEEP BUT STILL KNEW WHERE TO FIND HER FRIENDS.. HIGHLIGHTS FROM TOY STORY 4

Was anyone else surprised that it all didn’t end with Toy Story 3? Toy Story 4 starts out much like the other Toy Story movies, with a new kid who likes to play with different toys… Is it still worth it? Definitely. 

Bo-Beep is found again, along with her three sheep and she lives and views life very differently than a household toy. 

There are some frightening moments in an antique shop in Toy Story 4, and our hearts go out to those toys who sit for days in a shop like that… but we do learn that Woody had the opportunity to go with Bo when she left Andy’s house and chose to put his own feelings aside because Andy still needed him.  

Bonnie has now moved on to other favorite toys, Andy is no longer the sheriff. He realizes that he has a chance to follow his dreams of being with Bo and seeing the world. So when he’s offered the chance to return to the life he knew with Bonnie and his friends, or on different adventures with Bo Peep, he finally decides to live a life for himself…. 

The creepiest doll you will ever meet.
Bonnie
Bonnie’s room
Andy finally sees Bo Peep

 

What that means is that, most likely, this is the last time we will see Andy in a new movie involving his old friends. Maybe an Andy/Bo-Peep spin off is in the mix? Will Bo-Peep now be seen at Toy Story World at Disney? Let’s hope so. 

 

Uncategorized

3 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN DECIDING WHETHER TO BUY A DISNEY ANNUAL PASS IN 2019

Annual Passholders receive many benefits, but the pass comes at a price. Here are some things to mouse or “muse” over before you decide:

  • Recent Price Increase might make you wince:  

Updated Disney World Annual Pass prices for the public are as follows: 

Updated Disney World Annual Pass prices for Disney Vacation Club Members are as follows:

Disney Platinum Plus Pass New Purchase: $999 (from $849)
Disney Platinum Plus Pass Renewal: $849 (from $721)

Disney Platinum Pass New Purchase: $899 (from $749)
Disney Platinum Pass Renewal : $764 (from $636)

  • Still reading? One of the reasons prices may have increased is because of the new perk for pass holders: they get VIP access to Galaxy’s Edge.The Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge passholder preview will be on select dates this August inside Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. An email will be sent out to those eligible for this preview event. Here’s some important information regarding the preview from Disney Parks Blog.

How to Register

  • Email invitations with registration details will be sent out later this summer.
  • If you are an eligible Passholder and would like to register a Guest to accompany you, that Guest must also have a valid Platinum, Platinum Plus or Premier annual pass, be listed on your Family and Friends List and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you.

Important Information

  • Advance registration is required.
  • Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders must register by making an online reservation for ONE event.
  • Valid Annual Pass and photo ID are required at check-in for each Passholder and Passholder Guest.
  • Reservations are limited and are subject to availability.
  • Activities and attractions are subject to change without notice.

When the email is sent out the space available for this preview event will book quickly. Make sure to have your My Disney Experience account set up in advance with guests you will be wanting to take. Also make sure they are platinum passholders or above. Guests can not accompany you unless they also have paid the hefty price to be platinum pass holders or above!

* OTHER PERKS OF BECOMING A PASSHOLDER – Free refrigerator magnets, discount on Disney Park Merchandise, Discount on Dining. Is it worth it? You tell me. Part of me feels as if they raised the prices just to get those Star Wars fans on board. Is that fair? 

BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEAS, Uncategorized

A GLOW PARTY WITH A DISNEY TWIST

Looking to add a Disney Twist and have some glow in the dark fun in the process? If you can get your hands on a black light, it’s quite easy!

Have you been to Disney recently? Did you have any snack credits left over? I did and I decided to stock up for the party and created a fun basket of lollipops and Pez, all using snacks left over from our dining plan: 

Snacks as Party Favors!
Basket of Pez and Lollipops a la Disney

For the room, some fun neon balloons, glow sticks, and music will put the kids into an alternate biosphere: 

 

What next? Once the kids arrive, all you need are some highlighters, glow face paint (if you’re so inclined), glow sticks, and a few fun activities like Duck Duck Goose in the Dark, the Electric Slide, or the rainbow tent. The fun just creates itself!

Duck Duck Goose
Duck Duck Goose
Balloon fun
Rainbow Party Game
Put highlighters and paper on tables for the kids who don’t want to play games. Did you know highlighters glow in the dark?

 

Don’t forget the cake, or cupcakes! Any kind will do but we found Glow in the dark horns and ears to top our cake with: 

Sisters share birthday candles

When the lights go on, everybody goes home and takes a fun party favor and assuredly, a good memory. 

Uncategorized

JAFAR AND OTHER DISNEY VILLAINS WICKEDLY TAKE OVER DISNEY AFTER HOURS

Who is Jafar? The most talked about Disney Villain right now.  He is a total psychopath who will not let anyone get in his way from his dreams of total power.  He has no soft side, he enjoys watching those beneath him suffer. 

Be careful, Jafar is known to roam Disney After Hours, a special event that’s open to a limited number of guests and offers low wait times at more than 20 attractions and experiences after the park closes to day guests, from classics like the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, to newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more.  Although Disney After Hours spans three parks, the villains can be found at the Magic Kingdom. Expect a few of the Magic Kingdom rides to have villainous enhancements. 

** Although you may see characters roaming, and performing in shows, there will be no character meet in greets for this event – which to me makes the cost of the ticket a bit pricey. 

Event tickets also allow entry as early as 7 p.m., which gives you time to enjoy fireworks before heading off to the attractions. Ice cream novelties, popcorn and select bottled beverages are also included in the cost of admission. Admission to Disney After Hours can be purchased in advance for $125 per adult or child, plus tax—or purchased on the day of the event for $129 per adult or child, plus tax. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of specially priced tickets for just $95 per adult or child, plus tax.

Look for these villains, during the shows, among others: 

  • Hades from Hercules,
  • The Queen From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 
  • Jafar
  • Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty
  • Dr. Facilier from Princess and the Frog

Compared to Disney’s Not So Scary Halloween, this is more of a party vibe (with no lines for candy and NO character meet and greets).  With free ice cream and popcorn, you may not need snacks. If you do wish to purchase, look for these specialties: 

  • Not so poison apple cupcake (Main Street Bakery)
  • De Vil’s Treat (Casey’s Corner)
  • Hades Nachos and Hades Temptation (Tortuga Tavern)
  • Headless Horseman Brownie (Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)
  • Dr. Facilier’s Tarot Card Tart (Sleepy Hollow)
  • Dragon’s Breath Float (Storybook Treat)
  • Intergalactic Noodles (Cool Ship)

Disney Villains After Hours takes place from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on the following dates:

  • Thursday, June 6, 2019
  • Thursday, June 13, 2019
  • Thursday, June 20, 2019
  • Thursday, June 27, 2019
  • Monday, July 1, 2019
  • Thursday, July 11, 2019
  • Thursday, July 18, 2019
  • Thursday, July 25, 2019
  • Thursday, August 1, 2019
  • Thursday, August 8, 2019

 

Do it if you dare! – but if I were you I might wait for Not So Scary Halloween. 

DINING, Uncategorized

INTER-GALACTIC FARE: THE FOOD AT Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

The Star Wars-themed land has opened in California already and is set to open on August 29 in Florida’s Hollywood Studios. And the food at this land will surely be unique and different. LOTS of thought and creative minds back each and every item in the land.

The Coca-Cola Company introduces hundreds of new products each year to give people more of the drinks they want in a range of innovative packaging – but none quite like this. Spherical “orb” bottles – which will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – stay true to the Star Wars aesthetic with a rounded look, resealable caps and brand names printed on scuffed, rusted labels in Aurebesh, the written language featured in the film franchise.

Food and drink at  Black Spire Outpost  will be purely out of this world, and served at a few eateries and watering holes, including the newly-revealed Ronto Roasters, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, and Oga’s Cantina.

star-wars-galaxys-edge-ronto-roasters-1024x553

“If it looks like one thing and maybe it tastes like something else, that could be really cool.  Given that no-one has made or tasted Star Wars before, Disney wants every guest to be surprised. The goal is a “farm to table” feel full of surprises. I’d love the cookbook!

 
disney themed fun

Five characters you won’t be able to shake, our harshest critic takes over after watching Aladdin 2019.
  • Will Smith as Genie – some of us weren’t born when the Fresh Prince first took the stage in West Philadelphia, but his musical talent shines through again in Agrabah, along with some comedy, for a fresh take on the genie. He passed.
  • Mena Massoud as Aladdin – His dance moves and acrobatics help mold his character into the kind hearted slippery thief that steals Jasmine’s heart. One thing he doesn’t do much of – sing. His warmth effectuates and he is perfectly in character. 
  • ABU as ABU – for those of you who are wondering, NO MONKEYS were harmed in the making of this movie. He is a clever guy and might even be the true hero of this movie. Wondering who the voice of Abu is? Click here. 

abu-aladdin-2019-77.5

  • Marwan Kenzari as Jafar – He is as evil as it gets, probably one of the few characters in the movie that is not better than the original Aladdin. This actor could have done better. The best thing about him was his talking parrot. 
  • Naomi Scott as Jasmine – She grew up singing in church, and started writing songs at the age of 15. The new songs in Aladdin 2019 highlight her talent. Some might say she stole the show. The new version of Aladdin reimagines Jasmine as a stronger woman, which is perfect in the age of Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, and hopefully a female president one day soon. 

 

Our verdict is in and we vote YES.  According to our toughest critic, you won’t want to miss the moment where Aladdin does his back flips. 

 

 

 
Uncategorized

FIVE WAYS DISNEY HAS TAUGHT US TO THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT DOGS
  • A Cocker Spaniel and A Schnauzer Mix/ Mutt lead the pack with the first canine story of true love in – Lady and the Tramp. Looking to eat spaghetti they did? Try it at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street (they eat by the back entrance). Now whenever I see a cocker spaniel I think about true love. 

 

  • How many polka dot/ spots does it take to make a Dalmatian a Dalmation?  No two dalmatians have the same number or pattern of spots (like snowflakes). (The Dalmation is the only spotted breed around). There are 6,469,952 spots in the film We can tell you that there are 101 Dalmations now in the Dearly family.  Also, If you look closely during the Twilight Bark scene, you’ll spot a few canines from Lady and the Tramp: Jock, Peg, Bull, Lady, and the Tramp (in silhouette).  Now whenever I see a Dalmatian I look over my shoulder for Cruella De Vil.

  • Need a dog that can hold his own and weasel himself out of any situation? Take a look at Dodger in Oliver and Company. A street smart canine who is capable of getting as much sausage off the streets as anyone needs and can also protect his friends and family, whenever I see a Jack Russell Terrier, I now think “loyalty”.

      • Looking to go out for the evening? Can’t find a sitter? I can’t deny that I have wished that my dog was as trustworthy and capable as Nana the Dog in Peter Pan. Whenever I see a Newfoundland/ St. Bernard, I picture it bringing us our slippers and tea.


      • A dachshund, just like his owner Andy’s dog Buster, Slinky Dog from Toy Story is trustworthy and loving, a cuddly dog that appreciates true friendship. He has taken on a new popularity with the new roller coaster ride at Hollywood Studios. If you can get on the ride, it surely can’t be missed!

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“STUCK IN NYC AND NEED CHEER? MEET SOME TROLLS!

An hour or so of your free time and a few connections, or a ticket (with timed entry), can get you into the BEST PARTY EVER.

pick your hair (headband or wig) and then get the party started!

The VIP package will turn your kids into trolls before they enter the party. Kids can choose between Poppy, Guy Diamond, generic Rainbow and Branch. Once you choose your headpiece, you get whisked away by glitter professionals

  • Face paint is optional

  • How do you want your glitter today?

Adults, while you wait – if you choose, you can get a troll nose and some paper party hat type troll hair right next to the kids salon.

Magically, you won’t see kids anymore but some trolls!

Next follow the magic rainbow to the magic forest, on your way you will pass some trolls

You’ll then get picked up by a magical bus

Which takes you to an interactive woodland

AND AFTER THE PARTY IS THE AFTER PARTY

You’ll then have the opportunity to make a scrapbook of the tokens that you have collected along the way, along with a cool Photo Booth.

You’ll, of course, walk through a gift shop and snack bar and then be on your way. Snacks look amazingly trolliffic.

Looking to check out the action? Head to 218 West 57th Street and visit this link to buy tickets. I would suggest taking your kids on this Troll Journey at least once!

COOKING DISNEY AT HOME

WHAT EXACTLY IS IN THE GREY STUFF?

Beauty and the Beast: The Grey Stuff

TAKES ABOUT 20 MINUTES

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of milk
  • 3.4 ounces of instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 15 cookie and cream sandwiches
  • Food processor
  • 8 ounces of whipped topping
  • 1 tablespoon of instant chocolate pudding mix
  • Scalloped cookies

Directions

  1.  Pour 1 1/2 cups of milk in a mixing bowl. Add 3.4 ounces of instant vanilla pudding mix, and whisk until smooth.
  2.  Take 15 cookie and cream sandwiches and place them in your food processor, puree until cookies are finely ground.
  3.  Add the pureed cookies to the original mix. Stir with a spoon until ingredients are fully mixed.
  4.  Add 8 ounces of whipped topping and 1 tablespoon of instant chocolate pudding mix. Stir all ingredients until fully mixed.
  5.  Take mix and put in refrigerator. Chill to thicken.
  6.  Place your mix (“grey stuff”) into a piping bag. Put aside.
  7.  Take a scalloped cookie and spread grey stuff with piping bag.
  8. BON APPETIT
 
DISNEY RESORTS

THE ROSE AND THE CROWN: NOT OUR “CUP OF TEA”

Looking for a place to have a drink? Stop by the Rose and Crown Pub in London’s Epcot. Looking for a place to have authentic British food like fish and chips? Feel free to try but be prepared to wait.

One more piece of advice? I would not suggest this to be a family friendly atmosphere.

Service is slow and the food is pricey. While I was excited to dine here given the wonderful reviews, my frustration began when there was no real place to park a stroller with convenience.

The walk to the tables is extremely hard to navigate. Maybe that’s how it is in London?

The one bathroom is in the pub, right next to the bar area – which is often filled to capacity with adults doing what adults do at a bar. It’s not the easiest place to bring a toddler who wants to go to the bathroom. What did we have to do multiple times? Go to the bathroom. I chose instead to leave the pub and walk across the road to the public restrooms.

  • Yes they have fish and chips. Let’s face it, we have seen these before. They are easily made.

I was not totally thrilled with the menu, found here.

Long and short of things was that our server took so long that we did not even stay to wait for the dessert that came with our dining plan offering. This restaurant was a total disappointment.

As far as Epcot’s England, however, definitely walk around the tea garden and shops. The country itself is not to be missed.