The Disney Diaries: The Force Awakens 3 Years Later

December 19, 2018

3 years have passed since we jumped into the new era of Star Wars with release of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Since that day, fans have been given four films, two new Star Wars’ animated series, live action television adaptation announcements, and more information than anyone could have possibly imagined. Through it all, there have been ups, downs, and plenty of shakeups. With the end of the Skywalker Saga already in sight with next year’s release of Episode IX, let’s take a moment to reflect on the film that started Disney’s involvement with the iconic franchise.

The Force Awakens literally woke up the Star Wars fandom, bringing in a whole new wave of excitement to the somewhat dormant base. The last theatrical Star Wars release was the animated feature Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which kicked off a hit series that was the only real lifeblood of direct content to fans worldwide. There wasn’t much else for anyone to get excited about. With the film series in the books, it really seemed like the big screen treatment might finally be over, even if fans had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t the end.

George Lucas and Bob Iger sign Lucasfilm and Star Wars over to The Walt Disney Company in 2013.

Disney blew us all away. Not only surprising the world with their purchase of Lucasfilm back in 2013, but with the immediate announcement of a sequel trilogy that would begin with Episode VII. Shortly after, fans also received the shocking news that the entire Star Wars Expanded Universe would no longer be canon, creating a wave of mystery around what was going to happen in these new films. For the first time in a long time, fans didn’t know what to expect and a flurry of anxious anticipation followed.

But, what matters most is the extremely exciting period that followed, leading right up to the big premiere. Fans were energized: We were ready. Star Wars was fun again, and that’s really made this film such an important part of the Star Wars saga. We were getting back the best of it, and it was only the beginning.

The first teaser trailer dropped. Almost immediately, cosplays were being drafted, fans were drawing up fan theories, and the world wanted December 2015 to arrive at hyperspeed. “There’s been an awakening…have you felt it” was repeated time and time again. New faces, new droids, new lightsabers. There were so many questions and so many guesses at what was to come. We literally had no idea how to process it, but for that brief time period, everyone came together and celebrated the magic of it all.

Flash forward to Star Wars Celebration Anaheim and the opening panel. Fans met the entire cast of The Force Awakens, saw BB-8 roll on stage for his first ever public appearance, and learned more about the team behind the film. Mark Hamill stood in front of the crowd, arm and arm with Carrie Fisher, letting us know we were not only fans, but family. It was such an amazing experience, which brought everyone to the moment we had all been waiting for…the first full length trailer for the film.

Never before in my experience with Star Wars, have I felt such a powerful connection to the fandom than in the convention hall that early April Morning. As you can see from the highlight trailer above, everyone eagerly watched the screen as the trailer began, pulling in the iconic scenery, Rey speeding past a fallen Star Destroyer, Luke’s lightsaber being recovered, and finally, the reveal of Han and Chewie. The screen went black, and Harrison’s unforgettable line, “Chewie, we’re home!” echoed across the room. Immediately, fans blew up. Never again will there be such an amazing response. The energy carried throughout the event, and ultimately, set the tone for what the film meant for fans.

The level of positivity was astounding. To see so many people wanting to know more about Rey, Finn, Kylo, and the rest of the cast was so empowering. Fans had more to connect with, people to relate to. There was a strong sense of diversity, and that’s something that the fandom proudly embraced. The adventure was set, and we were ready for whatever came next. Ticket sales set record numbers, and online purchasing for opening night tickets literally broke the internet.

Then, the night came where we all came together and went back to the galaxy far far away. The lines took up the entire theater with costumed fans out in full force. It was finally happening. Star Wars was back, and there was no turning back. Despite the mixed reactions that would follow, we all got something unique and special with this film, all coming down to the connections it made leading up to the event itself. The Force Awakens symbolizes the power behind Star Wars and its fans. We are all a part of something special, and no matter what, we all have something to get excited about.

3 years later, I still feel the magic that came from 2015. That positive wave of energy has carried over ever since, especially when the fandom wasn’t on the same page. It doesn’t matter how you feel about the films that have been produced since. The Force Awakens revived us all and we owe our thanks to all that has come since then. Star Wars is just as big as it ever has been, bringing something in for everyone. Now we wait for what the future holds, in hope that it will be just as invigorating. Happy 3rd Anniversary and May the Force be with you!

The Disney Diaries will be returning in a big way. Going into the new year, we will be posting two entries of The Disney Diaries a month, introducing brand new and exciting adventures from all across the Disney universe. Stay tuned and don’t miss out!

Kickoff the Holiday Season with Disney and ‘Star Wars’ Games

Robbie Bulus

December 17, 2018

The holidays are here and Disney and Star Wars Games are gifting fans with a season full of giveaways, holiday-inspired content updates, and events across Disney Emoji Blitz, Frozen Free Fall, Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War, Kingdom Hearts Union χ[Cross], Star Wars Battlefront II and more.

• Disney Emoji Blitz: Now – December 25 – Fans can celebrate the season with 25 days of giveaways. Fans will be gifted with one gift per day when they open the app, from December 1 – 25. Additionally, a Holiday Item Event will be available from December 21 – 25. Plus, when players complete the event, they will win a Diamond Box, featuring one of the following exclusive emojis: Holiday Minnie, Holiday Mickey, or for the first time in-game, Holiday Pluto. Disney Emoji Blitz is available for free on the App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store.

• Frozen Free Fall: Now – December 25 – The magic of the holiday season is at work in Frozen Free Fall. Fans are invited to join Anna, Elsa and friends for a Holiday Tree Event and will see the Arendelle transformed into a winter wonderland! Frozen Free Fall is available now on the App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store.

• KINGDOM HEARTS Union χ [Cross]: Now – December 24 – This limited-time Frozen collaboration event gives players the chance to add special film-inspired Anna and Elsa Banner Medals to their collection as well as exclusive Frozen-themed outfits and accessories. KINGDOM HEARTS Union χ [Cross] is available now on the App Store and Google Play.

• Disney Junior Appisodes: Now – January 17 – Ten Disney holiday Read-Along eBooks are coming to Disney Junior Appisodes for the first time. The app will also feature a wintry-fun Puppy Dog Pals Play-Along Show and a Frozen Watch+Read motion book. Disney Junior Appisodes is available now on the App Store.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War: Now – December 17 – Players who check in a total of seven days throughout the December Attendance Event will receive a Unique Tactician Invitation. There are also various holiday and end-of-year events in the works that will provide an abundant number of gifts for everyone. Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War is available now on the App Store and Google Play.

• Disney Tsum Tsum: Now – December 24 – Players can celebrate the holidays with a festive Christmas Party in-game. Users will collect decorations as they play to earn Skill Tickets to ultimately receive an exclusive pin! Disney Tsum Tsum is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

• KINGDOM HEARTS III Experience at Disney Springs: Now – January 31 – This one-of-a-kind, limited-edition experience features the chance to be one of the first to play a demo of KINGDOM HEARTS III, a special Keyblade exhibit, featuring life-size replicas directly from the upcoming game, larger-than-life art, inspired by characters and worlds from the game and more.

• Star Wars Battlefront II: Now – December 27 – The game will celebrate Life Day with an event that features a 50% increase in XP earned in all game modes and25% off heroes, vehicles and reinforcements in Galactic Assault. Star Wars Battlefront II is available now for PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

• Disney Magic Kingdoms: December 21 – January 1 – Merry holiday costumes are coming back to Disney Magic Kingdoms. Mickey’s holiday costume will be available to players as a reward in the Collect Gold Trophies leaderboard event and Minnie’s holiday costume will be available for purchase with gems through January 1. On December 24 and 25, players will also receive special gifts in-app. Disney Magic Kingdoms is available now on the App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Store.

Movie Review: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ is practically perfect in every way

Drew Hackney

December 14, 2018

When TOY STORY 3 was released in 2010, a full 11 years after TOY STORY 2, there was some concern that the gap was too wide. Can sequels survive that far apart? Turns out they can. I’m not sure if this is a record or not, but MARY POPPINS RETURNS comes 54 years after the first installment, a standalone classic that has been loved by millions the world over. Now that’s pressure!

Director Rob Marshall (CHICAGO) is fiercely protective of the original film, and it shows as the movie unfolds. Subtle homages that never go too far are peppered throughout the movie, providing more continuity than outright fan service. Marshall said when approaching the project he asked himself what he would want to see in a MARY POPPINS sequel. He has great instincts: MARY POPPINS RETURNS is a triumph.

Marshall assembled a dream team here. Writer Dave Magee (THE LIFE OF PI) strikes the right tone throughout, balancing real pathos with British fantasy. Composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman (SMASH) provide the heartbeat of the movie with songs that fit right in alongside the Richard and Robert Sherman score we all know and love. Shaiman’s score is pure joy from start to finish; a treat for anyone who misses the sweeping orchestral thrills of yesteryear.

Emily Blunt (A QUIET PLACE) assumes the parrot-headed mantle with grace and ease, creating a new, sassier Mary Poppins rooted more in P.L. Travers’ books than Julie Andrews’ cinematic take. Lin-Manuel Miranda (HAMILTON) makes his screen debut as Jack, a lamplighter who “apprenticed with Bert” and provides a mega-watt smile to put the wayward Banks children at ease.

Ben Whishaw (PADDINGTON) shines as Michael Banks, a thankless role in a movie filled with showy ones. Whishaw is relied upon to provide the pain at the base of the new film’s story, and he does so without going over the top. Emily Mortimer (LARS AND THE REAL GIRL) is suitably quirky as Jane Banks, a labor activist with a penchant for vests.

Meryl Streep (MAMMA MIA) and Colin Firth (LOVE ACTUALLY) make the most of smaller, but pivotal roles. Streep in particular appears to be living her best life as Topsy, employing a perfectly bonkers Russian accent and standing on her head. The film draws from the books to provide magical situations to hang on the plot, and Travers employed a consistent style throughout the Poppins adventures. So if the trip into the Royal Doulton bowl, or the tribe of lamplighters feel similar to chalk drawings and chimney sweeps, that’s by design.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS is joy, optimism, nostalgia, whimsy, sadness, grief – it’s magic. In a world where everything seems to be falling apart, the idea of Mary Poppins, descending from the clouds to fix everything, should prove to be more popular than ever. Bring some tissues; anyone who has long loved Mary will tear up more than once. Congratulations to Disney and the production team for creating a movie Walt would be proud of.

ONCE UPON A DEADPOOL Movie Review

Patrick Campbell

December 14, 2018

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Deadpool who had decided to kidnap Fred Savage for his new cut of Deadpool 2. First things first: Once Upon a Deadpool is not a new film. This is the same Deadpool 2 that was released earlier in the year, but now as a PG-13 cut that is told in the vein of The Princess Bride. What could be seen as a cash grab – – and understandably so, considering this is the second new cut of the film we’ve gotten this year – – ends up being a rather fun experiment of what you can do with the Deadpool character.

If you’ve seen Deadpool 2, you know exactly what you’re getting to. I originally reviewed it back in May, and the film itself hasn’t changed much outside of the new structure. The idea of Deadpool trying to censor himself for a younger audience, and using Fred Savage to do so is actually pretty clever. The Princess Bride is a very beloved film, so taking a page out of its book – – pun fully intended – – actually breathes a bit of fresh air into the proceedings. If anything, the best thing about the new cut of the film is the chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Fred Savage, which ends up being really, really funny. The two banter back and forth in a way that makes you feel like they’ve being doing this forever, and it adds a sense of extra levity to an already pretty light film. It’s great that Savage is willing to poke fun at his career so much throughout the proceedings, which adds an extra layer of fun for those who have watched him grow both in front of and behind the camera.

The thing about Once Upon a Deadpool that inevitably is going to come up for many is what’s the point of watching the film if you’ve already seen it before. Is this new cut any better than the one we already got? And honestly, the answer is a bit of a tricky one because it depends on what you’re looking for in the film. The truth is, the film really doesn’t stand on its own, because seeing the theatrical cut honestly makes the movie play better. As fun as the new cut is, at times it can be jarring and feel a bit jumbled, like it’s moving too fast. But having the knowledge of the film’s previous cut, it helps alleviate most of those problems. They’ve also added in many of the film’s deleted scenes, some from the already released extended cut, to help flesh out the story where other things were cut out to try and achieve the PG-13 rating. Some of those scenes are a welcome addition, a few from the suicide montage come to mind, but for the most part, they don’t add a whole lot.

Outside of that, the other question is just how PG-13 is this film, and is it suitable for kids. The answer really comes down to this: this is still a Deadpool film. Does it feel more tame than the original? Yes. However, the movie still really straddles that line of R, meaning it really isn’t suitable for the younger crowd it’s aimed at. And really, how many kids have seen The Princess Bride and will understand this very meta presentation to begin with? My guess, not that many, which isn’t a problem, but this cut is clearly made for older fans of the character even with the PG-13 repackaging.

Once Upon a Deadpool is a fun experiment that definitely gets some good laughs from the new material in play. Reynolds and Savage are fantastic together, and The Princess Bride bookends are a lot of fun. However, to get the full effect of the film, you really need to have seen the R rated cut, as the two pair together and compliment each other, instead of being their own versions of the film. Fans of Deadpool can rest easy though knowing their favorite Merc with a Mouth is still having the time of his life on the big screen, and for that, what more can you ask for?

Wellness and Luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

December 14, 2018

The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is not only a luxurious resort; it is also a world-renown sanctuary and wellness retreat. And as an added bonus for Angelinos like me, the place is less than an hour drive from Downtown LA.

Located in the city of Westlake Village, in the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu and Santa Barbara, the 270-room, the five-diamond resort is a secluded paradise, surrounded by gardens and lawns, ponds and footbridges, a rocky waterfall, giant sequoia trees, and a myriad of amenities.

holidays — Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is a sanctuary in the Santa Monica Mountains (picture – Four Seasons)

A friend and I recently checked into a gorgeous suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating experience I won’t soon forget.

Our 5th-floor room overlooked the cascading waterfall, the lush main lawn, and a row of tall trees – a view reminiscent of a rustic mountain resort. The room featured a large, comfy king bed, huge TV, office/desk area, mini-bar, and a beautiful, marble-rich bathroom, with a walk-in shower, huge tub, and a second TV.

Once acquainted with the room, I joined a few other hotel guests for a Sunday morning interactive healthy cooking class held in the hotel’s Wellness Kitchen. The two-hour course was led by an expert dietician who gave us an informative lesson on healthy eating. She then gave us a menu full of the dishes to choose from that we would all be cooking.

I selected a stuffed mushroom appetizer with spinach and garlic; and decadent chocolate cupcakes with ganache. The other guests made Salmon Wellington, caramelized carrot and beet soup, citrus and cranberry salad, pumpkin lasagna with turkey sausage, roasted winter vegetables, and baked pears with spiced pomegranate syrup.

With a little help from talented hotel chefs, we created a truly delicious dinner. Not only was the food great, but the experience was fun and therapeutic.

After cooking I met my friend in the elegant lobby and explored the 450,000-sq-ft property. Our first stop was the Pagoda Lawn, where an authentic Chinese pagoda towers above a reflecting pond and a serene, two-acre private garden featuring sequoia trees, 2,000-year-old boulders from the River Kwai in Thailand, and lots of colorful flowers. It is easy to see why this is a favorite spot for special gatherings and events, or meditating or doing yoga on the lawn.

From here, we walked down curving pathways, lined with thousands of plants, flowers and shrubs, to the Waterfall and main lawn. I then visited the state-of-the-art, 16,000-sq-ft fitness center for a workout, a steam room and a spell in the Jacuzzi. I then had an invigorating, deep-tissue massage at the hotel’s spa.

The 41,000 sq-ft spa features 28 treatment rooms, 30 face, and body treatments and 12 types of massages. As the largest spa within Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is known as a wellness epicenter.

Signature treatments include The Return to Balance which features a foot soak followed by a full body exfoliation and a bath with minerals and organic extracts; and The Lavender Milk and Honey Cocoon that begins with a whole grain and organic oil body buff to increase and stimulate circulation. Next, a velvety blend of pure honey and warm lavender milk envelops you in a nourishing cocoon to renew elasticity. This is finished with a full-body massage using herb and lavender cream.

After the revitalizing rub, I felt so relaxed that I decided to order room service and lounge on the big bed the rest of the night.

Our meal began with Peruvian ceviche and an avocado salad. For the main course, I enjoyed a grilled salmon wrap, with avocado spread, mizuna, tomato, sunflower sprouts, pickled onion, and cucumber. My friend devoured a prime flat iron steak, with grilled forest mushrooms and mashed potatoes.

The Four Seasons Westlake Village is also home to the California Health & Longevity Institute. The institute focuses on providing a proactive and integrative approach to healthy living. Operating under the belief that people deserve access to the very best science-based information, the facility offers sustainable retreats and experiences to help people take control and responsibility of their personal health.

The resort also boasts two pools, two restaurants, a wine tasting room, coffee shop, poolside dining, and the new Rhythm & Hair salon, which offers hair styling, nail and beauty services to hotel guests and LA locals.

The resort is located at Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village CA, 91362. For more information, call 818.575.3000 or visit: www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

Peace, Love, and Poppins: The Cast and Creators of MARY POPPINS RETURNS Share Backstage Secrets

Drew Hackney

December 12, 2018

The love flowed at Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS press conference, where the film’s stars, director, producers, and composers all took turns waxing poetic about the original film, the new film, and each other. A tight-knit group, the panel was moderated by mega-producer Marc Platt (Wicked), and everyone had nothing but glowing things to say about their experience bring MARY POPPINS RETURNS to life.

Director Rob Marshall (Chicago) approached the material with the reverence it deserves. He explained that he’s fiercely protective of the original and that if Disney wanted to make a sequel, he wanted to be sure it was going to be well…practically perfect. He said the movie is about “finding light in the darkness” and that “people need this film now.” Anyone involved had to have the original movie “in their blood” and he said that there’s only one person in the world who could play Mary, and that’s Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place).

Blunt revealed that prior to the production she made a point to not watch the original so that she’d avoid a performative impersonation of the incomparable Julie Andrews. “She had such a big imprint on my life, and everyone’s life…no one is Julie Andrews.” She and Marshall worked to provide her own stamp on the role – familiar, but not a carbon copy. They hewed closer to the books as well. Blunt notes that Mary is often “rude, vain” but has a “generosity of spirit”, in addition to being an “adrenaline junkie.”

Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) plays Jack, a lamplighter who fills the void left by Bert (played by Dick Van Dyke in the original film). Miranda noted that “there’s no childlike wonder in Alexander Hamilton”, as opposed to this character, a wide-eyed working-class optimist. He and Blunt joked about the “white hot sensuality” of Mary Poppins, noting that nothing he does in the movie hadn’t been done in the first, including rap. “Bert has a thirty-second rap about all the women he dated before Mary Poppins,” referring to a sequence in the “Jolly Holiday” song in the original film. Miranda performs a similar rap in the new movie’s “The Cover is Not the Book” song.

Ben Whishaw (Paddington) is the emotional core of the film as a mourning Michael Banks. He said that the original film was a huge part of his childhood, so much so that he insisted on dressing up as Mary and “parading around our village” as a kid.

Emily Mortimer (Lars and the Real Girl) raved about Marshall and the process of discovering Jane Banks as an adult. She rewatched the original and marveled at the “loving” but “out-to-lunch” Banks parents, and heaped praise on Karen Dotrice, who played Jane Banks in the original film and makes a cameo appearance in the sequel.

Composer Marc Shaiman (Smash, Hairspray) was a delight to listen to as he recounted the impact the original film’s score made on him. His favorite lyrics in the original come from “The Life I Lead (Reprise)”: “A man has dreams of walking with giants, to carve his niche in the edifice of time, before the mortar of his zeal has the chance to congeal,” none of which he understood at four years old. Lyricist Scott Wittman (Smash, Hairspray) joked that he hopes kids will ask their parents what “bathtub gin” is (referenced in the new song “Can You Imagine That?”), just as kids asked their parents what the “edifice of time” is.

Screenwriter David Magee (The Life of Pi) said that the collaborative process of creating this story was the most magical time of his professional life. He and Marshall, along with producer John Deluca (Into the Woods), worked on the story together before Magee ultimately wrote the script. Marshall said that in deciding what to include, they looked to the books for inspiration, as well as asking themselves what they would like to see in a Mary Poppins movie.

Watch the full press conference below.

The cast and creators are clearly passionate about MARY POPPINS RETURNS, and their passion paid off in a spectacular film that will be loved for generations. Look for our full review soon!

Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS at El Capitan Theatre opens Dec 18

Robbie Bulus

December 10, 2018

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS, December 19 to January 13, shown in brilliant Dolby Vision^TMLaser Projection & Dolby Atmos® Sound Technology. Tickets are now on sale at www.elcapitantickets.com, by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 and at The El Capitan Theatre box office.

El Capitan Guests will step into Cherry Tree Lane as they enter the theatre. A holiday experience for the whole family featuring costumes from the movie, interactive Cherry Tree Lane photo ops & the debut of the all-new El Capitan Theatre curtain show with a dazzling crystal curtain!

“We are thrilled to offer an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family with our special engagement of Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS,” said Ed Collins, General Manager of The El Capitan Theatre. “Guests will be transported to the magical world of Cherry Tree Lane the moment they step into The El Capitan Theatre – it will be a you are there experience – and Guests can also view and admire costumes from the film before and after every screening.”

El Capitan Guests can even be the first to see the movie on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00pm (Doors will open at 6:00PM). Tickets to The Special Opening Night at $35 include a Reserved Seat, Collectible Umbrella Popcorn Container with one refill, 20 oz Bottled Drink, Kite, and limited edition exclusive artwork poster, collectible gold heart Variety Charity pin, & movie soundtrack download.

Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS showtimes: December 19 to January 13 daily 9:30AM, 12:55PM, 4:20PM, 7:45PM & 10:55PM (10:55PM on Opening Weekend and Fridays and Saturdays following). Showtimes and dates are subject to change. Special group rates for Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS of $12 for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110.

Avengers: Endgame Brings Emotional Trailer to Marvel Fans

Maverick Bohn

December 7, 2018

Turn on the tears and assemble for Marvel Studio’s latest trailer, revealing the next chapter in the MCU and bringing fans ever closer to the end of an era for the Avengers. The trailer, which begins with Tony Stark adrift in space, brings the aftermath of Thanos front and center, not being forgiving at all, as it draws you right back into the wave of emotional wreckage left behind from last year’s Avengers: Infinity War.

Our heroes are at the “Endgame”, which reveals the new title for Avengers 4, bringing together what’s left of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for one last chance to save humanity. Take a look at the slideshow below, giving you some up close images and teases, including the epic return of our favorite archer, Hawkeye, in addition to a nod to the late Peggy Carter.

Avengers: Endgame First Look

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Avengers: Endgame will come to theaters April 26th, shortly after the debut of the prequel film, Captain Marvel, which blasts off next spring. Stay tuned Marvel fans, as the end is just beginning!

Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival to Return in 2019

Maverick Bohn

December 7, 2018

The fan favorite, Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, is returning to the Disneyland Resort in 2019, expanding to eight weeks. The event will be kicking off March 1st, bringing in live entertainment, family-friendly cooking demos as well as unique seminars. Children will also receive their own cooking experiences, featuring a delicious surprise at the end of the fun.

The festival will feature over a dozen festival marketplaces, featuring a wide array of specialty wines and craft beers, along with small plates and exclusive food offerings. The Sip and Savor pass will also return, allowing guests the flexibility to find their own culinary adventure.

Restaurants throughout the park will feature their own inspired festival fare menus, bringing even more delectable food offerings to the table for 2019. Make sure to stay tuned for more exciting updates as we draw ever closer into the new year!

Beauty and the Beast and Much More Coming to Tokyo Disneyland

Maverick Bohn

December 7, 2018

Prepare for one of the most imaginative and exciting expansions in the history of Tokyo Disneyland, bringing with it new attractions and experiences from all over the Disney story vault that includes beloved titles Beauty and the Beast and Big Hero Six. The news, which sparked a viral following this week on social media, revealed that Fantasyland in Tokyo Disneyland will double in size and will be ready for visitors in Spring 2020.

Fantasyland’s expansion will be centered around a new themed area for Beauty and the Beast, complete with a 98-foot version of Belle and Beast’s castle. The castle will be home to a brand new attraction, the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, which will invite fans to take part in the story in a whole new way, riding along in vehicles that will take them through the “tale as old as time” to the rhythm of the film’s iconic music.

Nearby, guests can travel to the Village Shoppes and La Taverne de Gaston, which will bring the world of Belle’s village to life. Fantasyland will also receive a brand new entertainment venue, the Fantasyland Forest Theatre, which will feature signature Disney entertainment and musical offerings. Seating 1,500 guests, the indoor venue will be a major highlight of the new Fantasyland expansion.

Baymax will be making his triumphant attraction debut in Tomorrowland, hosting guests on The Happy Ride with Baymax. Fans will be able to join their own personal healthcare companions for an exciting musical whip ride set to swing them round and round, all the while making sure they are satisfied with their care. Though, once the fun is complete, guests will also be given the chance to visit the new outer space themed shop, The Big Pop, which will feature multiple flavors of popcorn as well as some fan-favorite resort exclusive popcorn buckets.

Last, but not least, Minnie will be bringing in a whole new level of couture in Toontown with Minnie’s Style Studio. The studio will be Minnie’s first dedicated character greeting location in Tokyo Disneyland. Dressed to the nines, Minnie will be on hand to take a memorable pose, showcasing her fabulous creations for the world to see.

The news comes shortly after the previously announced eighth themed port at Tokyo DisneySea, which features the stories of Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. More and more exciting news is coming, as we get closer to the new year and beyond with Disney Parks and Resorts. Don’t forget to check out what’s coming next year and mark your calendars for spring 2020!

Lunar New Year Returns to Disneyland Resort in 2019

Maverick Bohn

December 7, 2018

Prepare to ring in the Year of the Pig with a special return of Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year Celebration. From January 25th to February 17th, guests will be invited to join in a joyous celebration of Asian culture, featuring beloved Disney characters such as Mulan and Mushu.

This year’s celebration, The Year of the Pig, will feature a parade with the Three Little Pigs, bringing the iconic trio out to the park in a rare outing. Mulan and Mushu will continue to ring in the festivities as well, bringing back Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. There will be other exciting entertainment offerings, family-themed activities, as well as exclusive merchandise available throughout the event.

Mulan and Mushu goofing around during the 2018 Lunar New Year Festival

Don’t miss your chance to take part in the multicultural celebration. It’s all part of a fun-filled 2019, which will also bring a fabulous celebration for Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the return of Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival, as well as the grand debut of Star Wars’ Galaxy’s Edge Expansion.

Knott’s Merry Farm Continues to Charm

Maverick Bohn

December 7, 2018

Knott’s Merry Farm continues to charm and celebrate the magic of Christmas this season, ringing in the best the holidays have to offer. From the holiday favorite, Merry Christmas Snoopy, to the Snow and Glow experience in Ghost Town, there’s no shortage of winter entertainment.

There’s really so much to do, including It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown, which takes you behind the curtain with the whole Peanuts Gang as they plan their holiday celebration. The show will run on select dates from now until January 8th. If that’s not enough Peanuts, make sure to head over to Camp Snoopy.

A special show awaits the littlest ones in your pack, performing daily at the Camp Snoopy Theater. A Peanuts Guide to Christmas will offer the gang’s unique wisdom on surviving the holidays, while singing a mashup of their favorite holiday tunes. It’s a fun and interactive experience that will leave you coming back for more.

Don’t forget about Ghost Town’s very own, Bird Cage Theatre, which will be hosting two short holiday programs daily. You can see Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as well as O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi. Both are filled with dramatic flair and holiday magic.

Take a look at some of the amazing photos in the gallery below, featuring some of the most beautiful decorations across the park, including one of a kind displays filled with festive fun. You can also take a look at our full food and merchandise previews, going over all the amazing things to eat and discover while visiting. It’s all part of the excitement, leading up to next year’s “Seasons of Fun”. You can participate by purchasing a 2019 Season Pass, which also includes a complimentary visit to Knott’s Merry Farm. All the ticketing details, pricing tiers, and special offerings can be found by visiting knotts.com.

Knott's Merry Farm 2018 Slideshow

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