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Universal Studios Hollywood Honors Lunar New Year

Come celebrate the Year of the Pig with Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Master Po from DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda” movie franchise warmly welcomes all to his home away from home to share his traditions with you.

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The Universal Plaza has been transformed into Po’s Village for an immersive experience.  There are plenty of activities, decorations, characters, and entertainment designed for all ages.

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The Dragon Warrior trains you in the ways of kung fu
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Learn to draw a member of The Furious Five
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Engage with Tigress and Po
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Meet and greet with Mr. Ping at his Noodle Shop
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Try to ask for his secret ingredient
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Write a personal wish to be hung for luck
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The set is dressed for your big close-up
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The minions don traditionally inspired garments
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Hello Kitty can’t wait to show off her new dress
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Megatron has been reprogrammed to speak Mandarin
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Commemorate your visit with a keepsake
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Shirts, mugs, calendars, and pins mark the occasion
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All this fun can work up an appetite
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Even more speciality food items
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These little piggies are made of cookies
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Adventures with Po last throughout the year at the DreamWorks Theatre

Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood runs for a limited time February 2-18, 2019.

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Happy Lunar New Year!

Run Amok with the Minions at Universal’s First Ever 5k

The Minions are loose! Run with your favorite villainous, but hilarious, sidekicks as they take over Universal Studios Hollywood in a fun-filled 5k thru the theme park and movie studio backlot.  The course begins at the park’s main gates and ends in Universal CityWalk.

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Be sure to stretch beforehand

This family-friendly event takes place on the morning of Saturday, May 11, 2019.  There’s sure to be healthy snacks waiting for you at the finish line.  You can almost smell the bananas at the end.  Great motivation for our similarily yellow friends.

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Time to put on your goggles and pull up those overalls!  Don’t miss your chance to participate in the side-splitting festivity.  Universal Studios annual pass holders may also receive a $10 discount upon registration.  Space is limited.  Don’t delay!

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The finishing medal actually spins to showcase the running minions!

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Theatre Review: Come From Away

There is an islander in all of us

LunarThe much talked about and critically acclaimed Best Musical of a number of productions, including a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical, has landed at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. I think it will come at no surprise that I highly recommend you  make your way to see this incredibly important story before it’s cleared for take off. Puns aside and despite popular belief, this is not a 9/11 story. Sure it takes places on the subsequent hours after that tragic morning, but COME FROM AWAY focuses the true stories of what transpired when 38 planes were routed mid-flight to a small town by the name of Gander, Newfoundland. That’s in Canada by the way…

A musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, COME FROM AWAY follows an otherwise untold story of some 7,000 travelers that ultimately had their lives diverted and stranded within the charming most eastern province of Canada. When the American airspace is grounded, the planes in flight had nowhere else to go. With nearly no word of what had happened, with only several cell phones available that pre-dated the invention of smart phones, and being kept in the dark on the tarmac for over 24 hours, these passengers were trapped. You can imagine the toll this would take on them. The shear panic alone of not knowing what’s happened at home or even not knowing if your loved ones are okay can create mass hysteria. Fortunately, these people from afar are welcomed by the remarkable generosity of the Newfoundlanders. 

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The audience is quickly introduced to the overwhelmingly friendly citizens of the small town of Gander. The entire town and island come together to bring shelter and the necessities of life to these fearful travelers who practically have no idea where they are. The displaced are lost, not just physically, but also in their souls. Their home is under attack and they are stuck in what appears to be an entirely different world. But leave it to the Newfoundlanders to easily gain their trust with hospitality and friendliness that is second to none. While they await to return home, the stranded find something special in their temporary home teaching them the importance of human kindness no matter the situation.

COME FROM AWAY features a true ensemble cast with everyone playing multiple roles where one actor can switch between from a richly-cultured Newfoundlander to a frightened airline passenger, to a number of things in between. The character changes usually occur within the same scene too. It’s not just a few that do this, but the entire cast. The show is truly deserving of its Best Direction awards.

The cast shines to the point where I feel guilty not listing them all, but I’ll shy away from going into an abundance of detail of each character and the actor playing them. However, there is no way I can get through this without raving about BECKY GULSVIG. Playing the first ever female airline captain, GULSVIG not only shows off Beverly Bass’s courage, bravery, and commitment to her plane but also displays her versatility in the role by playing several other characters (along with the whole cast). The most exhilarating moment, however, is her ballad, “Me and the Sky”. One of the shows strongest songs, it’s at this moment when I realized how much this show engages you in the story.

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The story never has a lull. There is no intermission and it helps the audience remain engaged through a production that doesn’t focus on show-y numbers or big choreographed dance numbers.

The musical plays more as a play opposed to a musical. I mean, it’s definitely a musical, but it still has long spoken word segments with other momentum-building sections that do feature song after song. While COME FROM AWAY has some traditional musical styles, it also stays refreshing with an authentically Newfoundland flair that resembles more or less Scottish/Irish melodies. Compared next to other musicals, this show is lighter on the musical numbers in a way that doesn’t detract, but rather entices the audience in wanting it to keep on coming.

With a minimalistic stage and one static backdrop that changes with lighting to present different settings, the set design allows for the story to play center stage at all times. It’s a story-heavy, not a confusing story, but a character-heavy show where a prop-light production allows for the actors onstage to be the only thing that matters. It’s a serious topic that features many comedic relief moments helping the show feel lighter, but also helps the serious tonal points have more weight when they occur. Keeping it robust and energetic is an onstage band that is clearly into the music and even gets their spotlight after the show.

COME FROM AWAY teaches us the power of humanity and how it can take hold of us. The towns humanitarian outlook helps the travelers overcome tragedy and loss even when something goes missing from inside of them. We must continue to love one another, helping one another by working together, understanding one another, and understanding we are one… one community who can thrive off one another.

Come From Away is performing at the Center February 5 – 17, 2019.

Tickets start at $39 and are on sale now at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556- 2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

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Great Views, Food and Thrills at Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas

The Stratosphere Hotel offers great food, views and thrills off Las Vegas Strip (photo by Greg Aragon)

The Stratosphere stands out among other hotel-casinos in Las Vegas. Not only is the 1,149-ft-tall tower the tallest resort on The Strip, but it also boasts some of the scariest rides I’ve ever seen up close – including one that I actually experienced.

My recent getaway to the Stratosphere began when a friend and I checked into an 18th-floor guestroom overlooking the glitzy city and sprawling mountains and desert beyond. One of 2,427 guest rooms and suites at the property, our room was spacious and comfortable. It came with two luxury queen beds, contemporary decor, a work area with desk and a big flat-screen TV.

Once unpacked, I took the elevator down to the 80,000-sq-ft casino for a little action. With more than 1,200 of an exciting slot and video poker games and 50 table games luring me in, I began at the quarter slots, where I played long enough to drink a few beers and lose a mere $15, which wasn’t bad for about an hour or so of gambling fun.

With the gambling fever out of my system, I met my friend for an elegant dinner at the Stratosphere’s award-winning Top of the World Restaurant, located more than 800 ft above Las Vegas. Here, in an elegant dining room that revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes, we absorbed fabulous views, good wine, and great food.

Our meal began with a delicious warm spinach salad, with shallots, apples, pecans, blue cheese and bacon vinaigrette. We followed this with a comforting bowl of lobster bisque, with brandy and lobster cream garnish. While enjoying the appetizers we sipped Robert Mondavi Merlot from Napa, California and watched the lights of the city slowly drift past as the floor of the restaurant slowly revolved.

For the main course, I devoured fresh Alaskan cod, with soba noodles, bok choy, cashew raisin, and soy butter. My friend enjoyed the chef’s special Rosen Farms Colorado lamb chop, with mint jelly, horseradish, natural jus. With these plates we split ample sides of lobster mac and cheese with mascarpone and Béchamel sauce; and grilled asparagus.

After dinner, we finished the night with a couple martinis at AirBar, located near the restaurant, on level 108 of the Stratosphere tower.

In the morning we were back atop the tower, which is said to be the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. But this time we weren’t there to fill our stomachs, we were there to empty them. In other words, we were about to board X-Scream, the craziest amusement ride I’ve taken.

The adventure begins when passengers are strapped into an eight-seat rollercoaster sitting on one short track. The coaster is then fired up and the victims, I mean passengers have propelled 27 ft out over the edge of the 866-ft high tower observation deck. After being shot over the edge, we dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled over again for more. It all sounds pretty simple, but it is also the most thrilling thing I’ve done since skydiving.

But this isn’t all. Besides X-Scream, the tower offers thrill seekers three other rides. These include Insanity, which employs a massive mechanical arm extending out 64 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower and spins passengers in the open air at speeds of up to three ‘G’s, and an angle of up to 70 degrees; and Big Shot, which sits at the very top of the tower and catapults people 160 ft in the air at 45 mph, until they reach an altitude of 921 ft.

The last ride and maybe the scariest of them all is Skyjump, which is part skydive and part reverse bungee. The highest controlled free fall in the world, the Skyjump allows guests to put on a flight suit and attach to a high-speed “descender” cable and then literally jump off an 855-ft-high tower ledge.

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower is located at 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV. 89104. Parking is free.

For more information on the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and all of its amenities and thrilling rides, call 800.998.6937 or visit: www.stratospherehotel.com

D23 Brings 10 Year Anniversary Celebration to the Walt Disney Studios

D23 Gold and Gold Family members are getting a special treat in honor of D23’s 10th anniversary next month, as the official Disney fan club has just revealed they are hosting an elegant evening reception at the Walt Disney Studios on March 10th.

The event will be held at the famed Legends Plaza, where fans will get a chance to meet some of their favorite Disney legends and honored guests that have made an impact during D23’s 10 year run. The event will also be home to a wide selection of food and beverage that Walt Disney would have enjoyed. Walt’s famous chili has also been revealed to be part of the menu.

The night will continue to dazzle with the Walt Disney Archives, who will be on site with a rare display of some fan favorite items and hidden treasures from deep inside the Disney Vault. All guests will get plenty of photo opportunities, including a special curated window exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in addition to the 90th birthday celebration of Mickey Mouse.

All attending guests will receive an exclusive gift created for the event as well as a commemorative “D23 10-Year FAN-iversary Celebration” event credential. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at The Walt Disney Studios and will last until approximately 8 p.m. Security will open The Walt Disney Studios at 4 p.m., and check-in will begin approximately 30 minutes before the start of the event.

Tickets go on sale for the event on February 7th at 10AM PST. This event will sale out quickly, so mark your calendars!

Disney’s Big Game Winning Trailers Dominate Super Bowl Coverage

With another Super Bowl now in the books, let’s review an instant replay and take a closer look at the real winner of last night’s epic sport spectacle, The Walt Disney Studios. Disney brought their A-Game, releasing three major TV spots yesterday featuring the highly anticipated releases of Marvel Studio’s Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame. Pixar joined the ranks in special teams, bringing a brand new TV spot for Toy Story 4. For those who missed the big game, we have you covered. Take a look at all three of the exciting clips below!

Captain Marvel

Avengers: Endgame

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Each trailer gives a slight tease, providing some big game reveals including Bo Peep’s first official appearance in the film as well as Captain America strapping up with his trusty shield that was left behind at the end of Captain America: Civil War. With 2019 filled with so many blockbuster heavyweights, Disney is pulling out all the stops in getting fans fueled up and ready for what’s coming. Stay tuned for more details as they come!

Scott Pilgrim Returns to the Frida Cinema

Grab your extra life and garlic bread, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is returning to the iconic Frida Cinema in Santa Ana later this month. The 2010 cult classic is part of the Frida’s diverse run of throwback screenings slated for February and will have a special limited run leading into March. This will be the theater’s first run of the film since 2017’s fan favorite event, The Scott Pilgrim Picture Show.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Frida Cinema, it’s Orange County’s premiere non-profit movie house and theatre venue. Founded in 2014, the venue focuses on year round entertainment offerings that range from live concert events, diverse cultural experiences, as well as a wide array of film screenings that cover classic cinema, independent film, blockbuster classics, anime, and avant-garde film.

Tickets are now available for Scott Pilgrim, which include showings on February 28th and March 1st. The film is joined by a heavy hitting list of films that include A Clockwork Orange, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, as well as the 40th Anniversary of Ridley Scott’s Alien.

You can see the Frida’s entire February calendar of events by clicking here!

The Disney Diaries: Get Your Ears On

Mickey and Minnie’s “Get Your Ears On” Celebration is now in full swing at the Disneyland Resort and with all the fun little additions sprinkled throughout the parks, it was about time I ventured in to experience all it has to offer. From countless food options, to unique decorations and merchandise offerings, there’s really so much to see, taste, and experience.

Right when you enter the gates of the Magic Kingdom, you are tossed into red, yellow, and polka dotted euphoria. The entire park is turned over in bright banners, flags, and pennants, each reminding you where it all started: Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Despite the celebration being focused on the adoring Disney duo, the entire gang gets to take part. It was really exciting and surprising to find that Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and Daisy were not left out of the fun and instead take the parks by storm in their own special way. Take a look at some of the amazing sights below, each highlighting the brilliant decorations now on display for all to see who venture into the resort.

Mickey and Minnie flags can be found throughout the park, including City Hall, Main Street Station, and across the entire street side of Main Street!
Mickey and Minnie flags can be found throughout the park, including City Hall, Main Street Station, and across the entire street side of Main Street!
One of the most exciting things to find out was that the entire gang is being included in celebrating the new Mickey and Minnie event!
One of the most exciting things to find out was that the entire gang is being included in celebrating the new Mickey and Minnie event!
It's a complete, simple, and stunning takeover.
It’s a complete, simple, and stunning takeover.

The decorations really put you in a wonderful mood, but prepare your wallet, as there are a ton of limited items ready for the taking that await you in both parks. Merchandise is everywhere and has been tailored to make sure nobody is left out. Kids of all ages have plenty of shirts, toys, commemorative nick knacks, and other surprises waiting for them in every store. World of Disney being the leader, throwing in a huge wall display dedicated to the celebration.

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Some classic collectibles are making a comeback, including the quick selling Mickey Mouse Sipper. Since the celebration has begun, food service locations and quick service carts are stocking up in droves to ensure that everyone has their chance to bring the special cup home. Good news for all those who weren’t able to make it to Mickey’s 90th birthday party this past November! Though, my personal favorite from the line of “Get Your Ears” merchandise is the new Tsum Tsum collection. Every character has their own birthday outfit and party favor. You can see the full line of exclusive items by clicking here!

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If that isn’t enough to make you dip into your savings, wait until you see the full array of limited food items currently available resort wide. Mickey food is everywhere, from giant triple Mickey burgers, to specialty sweets and drinks. My goal is to taste and savor the entire menu over the course of the celebration. Starting out, I had the chance to check out both a sweet and savory item, starting in Toontown and wrapping up in New Orleans Square.

The adventure started out with these Mickey and Minnie chocolate chip cupcakes, each featuring decorative sweets that are perfect for that sweet tooth in your squad.
The adventure started out with these Mickey and Minnie chocolate chip cupcakes, each featuring decorative sweets that are perfect for that sweet tooth in your squad.
Later on, I discovered the incredibly tasty Mickey Beignet sandwich plate from Cafe Orleans. It takes the best of both worlds and brings the sweet and savory of buffalo chicken and baked beignets together in a heavenly meal that is perfect to share!
Later on, I discovered the incredibly tasty Mickey Beignet sandwich plate from Cafe Orleans. It takes the best of both worlds and brings the sweet and savory of buffalo chicken and baked beignets together in a heavenly meal that is perfect to share!

There’s a lot more to taste, so make sure to venture out and find your favorites. There’s even a vegan offering on the menu! Stay tuned, as we will definitely be sharing more foodie post as the celebration continues onward into the spring! Share your foodie finds by tagging us at @socalthrills and using the special hashtag #GetYourEarsOn. Some items look almost to amazing to eat, including this very festive Mickey Mouse cake pop!

This Mickey Mouse cake pop is a bit hit on social media, being one of the most Instagramable food items of the event so far!
This Mickey Mouse cake pop is a bit hit on social media, being one of the most Instagramable food items of the event so far!

Whatever you do in the parks, make sure to give a big welcome back to Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. The fan favorite is back with a brand new beat, featuring two new float additions that have been made exclusively for “Get Your Ears On”. The first float features Chip and Dale and a giant celebratory birthday cake. They are followed shortly after by Goofy and Mickey’s giant toy drum. You can catch the new version of this Disney classic by watching the video below!

Soundsational isn’t alone though. Mickey’s Mix Magic has debuted at Disneyland Park, bringing in a brand new musical experience that features the music and sounds of Disney favorites with a special mouse-eared flair. It’s a stunning show that happens nightly, taking advantage of Disney’s new projection technology. Though, if you want to get the best view, I highly recommend dropping by It’s a Small World. It’s your best chance to see the entire series of projections and dazzling fireworks in full, mesmerizing color!

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“Mickey’s Mix Magic” lights up the night at Disneyland Park with a new high-energy projection show celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse. The nightly extravaganza creates a family-fun dance party throughout the park with “DJ” Mickey spinning the new celebration song, “It’s a Good Time” along with new, fun takes on favorite Disney songs. On select nights, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” is enhanced with the addition of fireworks. Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, Calif. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

“Get Your Ears On” will be taking the parks by storm until May, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun. It’s been a fantastic experience so far and is only going to get better as we draw closer to the summer. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more, as we have a special Disney Diaries surprise coming soon. See you in the parks!

Check out this all-new 60-second look at Disneynature’s “Penguins”

Disneynature "Penguins"

As Disneynature celebrates 10 years since its first feature-film debut, its newest conservation intitiative—this one tied to the upcoming big-screen adventure “Penguins”—was revealed today.  For every ticket sold opening week (April 17-23, 2019), Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern hemisphere.

Founded in 2002, WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground conservationists, including top experts in the field of penguins like the Global Penguin Society (GPS). The worldwide leader in science-based penguin conservation, GPS champions specific programs that align with Disneynature’s conservation mission. “For example, one of our aims is to track different species of penguins’ movements across four continents in the southern seas,” said GPS founder and president Dr. Pablo Borboroglu. “Penguins swim thousands of kilometers to migrate and look for food. What they encounter during their journeys determines their survival, affects the viability of their species and informs science and conservation action. We are also dedicated to cleaning plastics from the beaches, breeding areas and seas impacting penguin populations. Campaigns to clean up beaches around penguin colonies along selected coastal sectors will help secure a healthy and safe habitat for penguins.”

“Disneynature has an amazing platform,” said Charles Knowles, president and co-founder of WCN. “They’re able to reach a global audience in a way that we can hardly fathom. They are uniquely positioned to tell the real story of penguins and the challenges they face. By teaming up with Disneynature—which is so strongly aligned with our own mission—we are able to uniquely communicate about the species we care so much about.”

“Antarctica is one of the few areas in the world that most people will never have an opportunity to see firsthand,” said Roy Conli, one of the producers of “Penguins.” “It’s one of the most remote and harshest environments on Earth—but its stark beauty is breathtaking. Cultivating an understanding and appreciation of the area, the surrounding oceans and the animals who live there is essential to the future of our planet. That’s one of the reasons I love sharing the story of Steve—a penguin who’s working so hard to thrive in this world, and doing his part for the next generation.”

To capture the stunning footage for “Penguins,” a team of the best polar experts in the world traveled to four different locations over the course of three years for a total of nearly 900 camera days. Temperatures dropped below -40 degrees on several occasions and winds twice topped 150 mph while filmmakers were on location. Their efforts resulted in the extraordinary story of Steve who promises to charm audiences worldwide. “It’s so fun to watch Steve compete with all the other penguins to set up his nest and win his mate,” said Conli. “It’s hard not to relate to this guy.”

“Penguins” will be the first-ever Disneynature film released in IMAX®. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of the IMAX EXPERIENCE® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-Mastering) technology.

Theatre Review: Hello Dolly

Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes

Put on your Sunday clothes and head out to the theater! Hello, Dolly is dancing across the stage of Segerstrom Center for the Arts until January 27, then parades to the Hollywood Pantages Theater from January 29 to February 17. Hello, Dolly! is a feel-good farcical comedy about the meddling self-made socialite, matchmaker, dance instructor, and anything else you need her to be, Dolly Gallagher Levi. We begin with Dolly in the process of assisting artist Ambrose Kemper with getting to marry the love of his life, Ermengarde Vandergelder, the niece of Yonkers half-a-millionaire feed shop owner Horace Vandergelder. Dolly, a widow, soon reveals that she is in pursuit of marrying Horace herself, despite having just set him up with Yonkers milliner and fellow-widow Irene Malloy. Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, Mr. Vandergelder’s overworked and underpaid employees, decide that since he will be out of town on business, they will sneak out and spend the day in New York themselves. Upon arriving in New York, Cornelius and Barnaby meet Irene Malloy and her apprentice, Minnie Fay. The pairs instant attraction to, unbeknownst to them, their boss’ fiancé quickly sets off the ridiculous farce that allows true love to fall into place for everyone.

This performance was originally set to Star the famous Betty Buckley, but due to illness, she was unable to perform this leg. Her understudy, Jessica Sheridan (Dolly), is an absolute delight! Her stage presence, comedic timing, and facial expressions really bring Dolly Levi to life.  Sheridan has phenomenal vocal prowess, making you laugh and cry from song to song. I actually teared up for her Curtain Call.

Lewis J. Stadlen (Horace Vandergelder) is quite the character actor. He has a perfect voice and accent for this role! Stadlen’s dry humor is spot on. I was also delighted by Nic Rouleau (Cornelius Hackl); his singing and vaudevillian stage ability are absolutely delightful.

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Photo Credit: Julieta Cervantes

This show has some of the coolest sets I’ve seen, including a horse-drawn carriage (no animals were harmed) and a steam train. Like almost all large-scale modern productions, the many sets moved seamlessly along invisible pulleys. I would even say that this was the most in-the-moment I felt in a musical in a long time, thanks to the large and intricate sets. The costume design is beautiful, boasting many bright colored Victorian-era outfits.

Overall, I can understand why this musical was able to win a Tony Award just for its revival alone. This was a stunning and heartfelt journey into love and moving on from life’s hardships.

Minnie Mouse Brings the Magic of Valentine’s Day to Disneyland

Love is in the air, hearts are fluttering, and the magic of Valentine’s Day can be felt throughout Disneyland Park thanks to a certain polka dot loving mouse! Minnie Mouse has added her own special flair to the park, sprinkling the land with decorative hearts and one of a kind treats.

Snap a lovely photo with this adorable photo op right on Main Street!
Snap a lovely photo with this adorable photo op right on Main Street!

From now through mid February, all guests of the Disneyland Resort will get a chance to take part in the fun. Minnie has placed her hearts in special locations, providing the perfect photo op for you and your loved ones. All the main street vehicles have been fully decorated, filled with flowers, flags, and sweetheart messages.

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If taking in the sights is not your only goal, make sure to ask about Minnie’s special Valentine’s scavenger hunt, which we will be covering in further detail very soon! Meanwhile, take full advantage of Minnie’s limited Valentine’s Day treat offerings, each available through mid February.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – Donut Sundae

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe – Heart Shaped Mousse Dessert

Golden Horseshoe – Strawberry Cheesecake “Funnel of Love”

Plaza Inn's limited Strawberry Bundt Cake!
Plaza Inn’s limited Strawberry Bundt Cake!

Red Rose Tavern – Cherry Mousse Treat

Market House (Starbucks) – Heart Shaped Linzer Cookie with Minnie Center

Plaza Inn – Strawberry Bundt Cake

Blue Bayou Restaurant – Strawberry Beet Salad and Pillow Cake Dessert

Market House's Heart Shaped Linzer Cookie with Minnie Center
Market House’s Heart Shaped Linzer Cookie with Minnie Center

Hungry Bear Restaurant – Specialty Funnel Cake

Rancho Del Zocolo – Molacajete Platter and Chocolate Tamale

River Belle Terrace – Southern Pork Belly Sliders and Chocolate Lava Cake

Bengal Barbeque – Roasted Vegetable Spring Roll

Check out the full Valentine’s Day Food Guide here.

There will also be specialty merchandise available, from pins to sweetheart paired plushes. It’s the perfect excuse to find your sweet spot and share a special memory with the one you care about most. Whether you want to cruise down lovers lane, or make a quick trip to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the fun continues on. It’s all apart of this year’s Get Your Ears On Celebration. Don’t miss out!

“Project Stardust” Revealed at the Disneyland Resort

In preparation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and for the 60th anniversary of Sleeping Beauty, Disney Imagineering has revealed more details on the recent plans to refurbish Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s all part of an initiative titled, “Project Stardust”, which encompasses all the recent changes and updates resort wide that include the recent debut of Tropical Hideaway, updates to the tracks and current curb layout of Main Street, in addition to many other elemental adjustments throughout the park.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the project goals aims “to continue to deliver a world-class guest experience. The enhancements will range from overall beautification of the theme park to maxi­mizing guest comfort and access.” The project will also provide additional efforts to provide even more updates to the park that have not yet been revealed, though for some veteran park goers, the changes may already be noticeable. This includes pathway updates in areas such as New Orleans Square, vendor cart location changes, enhanced stroller parking, and updated attraction queues across the resort.

The name “Stardust”, also holds a unique meaning, as it can be tied to both the power of Disney magic and whimsy in addition to being the code name for a top secret project in the Star Wars universe. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, it was revealed that heroine, Jyn Erso’s childhood nickname was “Stadust”, which ultimately became the Empire’s code for the Death Star project. With Galaxy’s Edge on the horizon, this may be the perfect project title, tying in both worlds to bring forward a new era for the resort.

Special film art from Sleeping Beauty is now on display surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle during its refresh.
Special film art from Sleeping Beauty is now on display surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle during its refresh.

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Imagineer, Kim Irvine, provides more details in the video below, provided by the official Disneyland YouTube Channel. Sleeping Beauty Castle will continue it’s refresh and updates throughout the spring. Special displays are already in place for those wanting to learn more about the history of the park icon, including art renders of the castle and scenes from the film.

Stay tuned for more details!

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