The first TV spot for Disney’s upcominglive-action adaptation “Aladdin” is here and includes new, never-before-seen footage.
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.
“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Hop on a magic carpet and go see “Aladdin” in theaters nationwide on May 24, 2019!
Have you ever seen an elephant fly? For a limited time beginning in March, you will when you catch a special preview of scenes from Disney’s all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” in sneak peeks planned for Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. Check out this special message from two of the stars of the film, Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell.
Guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line during the month of March will get to see the “Dumbo” sneak peek while aboard the ships. At Disneyland park, the preview of “Dumbo” will be presented at the Main Street Opera House in Town Square, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include this advance look at a portion of the film as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction.
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.
Here’s a look at the latest trailer for Disney’s “Dumbo,” which flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.
This summer, Disney California Adventure park will come alive with a vibrant celebration inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Throughout the day, a traveling troupe of storytellers will arrive to celebrate “The Lion King” in story, song and dance, inviting everyone to join in. The fun continues with music, colorful craft activities and more, honoring the spirit of Africa.
The festive celebration of “The Lion King” will be presented for a limited time this summer at Disney California Adventure park. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead.
From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Check out a brand-new sneak peek of Tim Burton’s live-action reimagining of “Dumbo.”
Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.
Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”), “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.
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.
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.
The Dragon Warrior trains you in the ways of kung fuLearn to draw a member of The Furious FiveEngage with Tigress and PoMeet and greet with Mr. Ping at his Noodle ShopTry to ask for his secret ingredientWrite a personal wish to be hung for luckThe set is dressed for your big close-upThe minions don traditionally inspired garmentsHello Kitty can’t wait to show off her new dressMegatron has been reprogrammed to speak MandarinCommemorate your visit with a keepsakeShirts, mugs, calendars, and pins mark the occasionAll this fun can work up an appetiteEven more speciality food itemsThese little piggies are made of cookiesAdventures 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.
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.
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.
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!
The finishing medal actually spins to showcase the running minions!
The 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 youmake 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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 Marveland 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
Toy Story 4
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!
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!
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!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.
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.
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!
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.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!
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!
“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!
The 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
