Category: Uncategorized

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!

 
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!

Uncategorized

“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!

DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun, Uncategorized

FIVE REASONS NOT TO AVOID THE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY HOSTS AT DISNEY – YOU CAN HUG THEM INSTEAD
  • Do the cheerful smiles of Disney Activity Hosts creep you out? Don’t let them- they are genuine, and you may want to hug them at the end of your visit. While the Activity Hosts are not babysitters (you must supervise your kids unless you are at the activity center with babysitting for a small fee), they will surely keep your child entertained and give you some breathing room
  • Toasted Marshmallows: Who doesn’t love a campfire? Almost every Disney Resort Hotel holds a family campfire with marshmallows to toast (no smores). And get this: As long as you wear shoes and follow the rules, you are entitled to unlimited marshmallows!
  • Community Hall: Guests of the resort are welcome to do arts and crafts (small fee), play games (ping pong/board games/ video games) and watch movies. We have made and painted pottery, made slime, created a craft bag, and done all sorts of fun things! And the activity reps walk your kids through every step of the way. You can participate or sit back and read a magazine!
  • Poolside activities: Starting at 1pm, the activity reps usually play games with the kids at the pool. It can be a godsend. Often the games have fun prizes. They aren’t lifeguards, though so be sure to keep your eyes on them.
mermaid bank made at community hall
  • Rainy day activities: When it rains, it sometimes pours! And the pool is closed. For those days, the activity reps will usually move the poolside activities into community hall or the Resort lobby.
  • MOVIES: Every evening of the week the Resort usually plays a family friendly Disney movie. The movies are shown on a large blow-up screen in a large area and range from Disney animated classics to Disney Channel Original Movies. They will even show Disney’s newest releases as soon as they’re available to the public. Some of the resorts will also provide an indoor option if it is raining or the movie can’t be shown outdoors for some reason. This activity is a great way to enjoy an old favorite or catch a new movie you’ve been dying to see. Bring snacks!
  • participating in poolside games
  • Halloween craft: painted rocks
  • drums at Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • drums!
  • learning about drums with the activity hosts
  • learning about Africa with the activity hosts
  • activities at Jumbo House and Kidani Village
  • activities at Kidani Village

 
Uncategorized

WONDERING ABOUT PIRATE’S LEAGUE? HERE ARE FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO THERE.
  • DON”T GO to the Bippity Boppity Boutique expecting to be dressed up as a pirate and a mermaid. You won’t find any pirates or mermaids there. The Pirates and Mermaids Experience is located in Adventureland, in the Pirates of the Caribbean area.

  • DON”T go into the pirates and mermaids salon if you are not willing to undergo a transformation. They will use makeup on your face and style your hair.
  • DON”T head to Pirates and Mermaids, or even Adventureland at all, if you are not willing to figure out how to read a map. You may need to use a compass to find your real Pirate Name.

DON”T let your guard down and lose sight of the treasure lurking in corners. You may even be allowed to take it home if you find it. Listen closely as Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Masters teach you the art of navigating the high seas while telling you tall tales of sunken ships and buried treasure. These savvy scallywags will have you talkin’ the talk and walkin’ the walk.

DON’T WORRY – if you choose to be a mermaid you will still leave with your legs – and your voice.

You definitely need to make a reservation, starting 180 days from your trip you can. There are different packages to choose from, from basic to more extravagant. Wondering more about Pirates and Mermaids, feel free to ask us in the comments – or else click here

Uncategorized

FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN YOU RUN INTO A STORM TROOPER
  1. DON”T Pretend that you are a droid. They are usually looking for Droids. If you pretend that you are a droid they may take you into custody. Do you know where the droids are? Don’t be a snitch, either.
  2. DON’T Forget your identity card at home. Going to Hollywood Studios? You don’t want to forget your identity card because the storm trooper will definitely ask for it. They DO arrest people without identity cards
  3. Don’t go near Hollywood blvd if you want to avoid Captain Phasma, Darth Vader, and the Stormtroopers. They march every hour on the hour and demand total obedience
  4. Don’t forget to walk through the Star Wars Launch Bay features a walk-through exhibit taking a look at memorabilia, costumes and artifacts directly from the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Don’t miss Launch Bay Cargo; they’ve got some pretty incredible artwork and collectibles for sale. Worried about getting past the Storm Troopers there? If you run into any of the characters in there they like to trade shiny objects like paperclips and aluminum foil for favors.
  5. Above all, DON’T relax around storm troopers. They will stop you. They will demand that you answer questions. Feel free to ask them some as well, if you are brave.

With Hollywood Studios soon opening up the new Star Worlds World on August 29, 2019, I am sure there will be even more places to encounter Storm Troopers. So be on guard and be on the lookout!