Wreck it Ralph’s favorite video game duo are returning to the El Capitan Theatre this November for a special engagement of the upcoming sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet. The historic venue will present the film in Dolby Vision as well as special Disney Digital 3D showings.
An exclusive Ralph themed mural will be there to welcome guests as they enter, transporting them into the exciting world of the Internet. This will be the perfect opportunity to recreate your own Disney Princess Selfie. Before each showtime, audience members will also get a chance to experience living internet projections that are sure to be a virtual treat.
“The El Capitan Theatre is simply the best place to see Ralph Breaks the Internet this holiday season,” said Ed Collins, General Manager of The El Capitan Theatre. “Not only will Guests literally walk into the world of the internet at The El Capitan Theatre, they can even be the first to see the movie by attending our special Double Feature on Tuesday, November 20 at 4:00pm, and enjoy both Disney’s WRECK-IT RALPH followed by Disney’s RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET back to back!”
Tickets to the Special Opening Night Double Feature are $45 each and include a Reserved Seat, Movie Themed Screen Wipe, Cinch Backpack, Special Collectible Popcorn Container with one refill, and 20 oz Bottled Drink.
Disney’s RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET showtimes: DOUBLE FEATURE opening night, Tuesday, November 20 beginning at 4:00pm (only). November 21 to December 16 daily 10:00AM, 1:00PM, 4:00PM, 7:00PM & 9:55PM (9:55PM on Opening Weekend and Fridays and Saturdays following).
Disney’s RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET will be shown in Disney Digital 3D™ on Sundays at 10:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM. All other showtimes will be shown in 2D. Showtimes and dates are subject to change. Special group rates for Disney’s RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET of $12 for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110.
Check out all the exciting things coming to the El Capitan Theatre by clicking here. See you at the movies!
D23’s official magazine is set to release a tribute to everyone’s favorite nanny, Mary Poppins, for the upcoming winter release of the highly anticipated sequel, Mary Poppins Returns. Emily Blunt, who has taken over the reins of the iconic role from Disney Legend, Julie Andrews, graces the cover in a practically perfect pose.
Within the issue, fans will get an up-close look at D23’s visit to the set of the upcoming film in London, as well as a sit down with Blunt and costar, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Readers will also get a chance to see a first look at the new book, Practically Poppins in Ever Way, which will cover the character’s journey from page to screen, to Broadway.
Mary Poppins isn’t the only story getting the star treatment either, as Ralph Breaks the Internet gets an exclusive scoop with directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston. Sarah Silverman also gives fans an exclusive tour of some of the exciting things to expect in the animated sequel coming out later this month. Ralph and Vanellope will take over the back cover of the magazine, which is set to release mid-November.
Also included in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three:
Every bit of magic (or just about) coming from Disney in 2019 ”from theme parks and movies to television and beyond”.
The re-dedication of Stage A to Sherman Brothers Stage A, as Disney Legend Richard Sherman reflects on the honor.
A reflection on Tinker Bell’s timeless charm and enduring legacy.
A close look at Disney Legend Peter Ellenshaw’s background artwork for 1964 Mary Poppins, which makes an appearance in the new film.
From the Desk of: El Capitan Theatre organist Rob Richards.
Regular features including By the Numbers, Character Analysis, D Society, and Ask Dave.
The magazine is apart of Disney’s exclusive D23 Membership. You can learn more about D23 and all the perks and special exclusives by visiting the official site!
Your movie collection is about to get a little sweeter with the release of Disney’s Christopher Robin on Blu-Ray/Digital, bringing Pooh and his beloved friends from the Hundred Acre Wood home to enjoy on the small screen. You can read our full review of the film here, which goes into detail about what to expect in this new adventure.
When you dive into the special features, you will find a short list of featurettes, each pertaining to the movie magic dedicated to bringing Pooh and his friends to life in live action style.
For those who don’t know the history behind how Winnie the Pooh became the iconic Disney character we know and love, these mini-features really give you the opportunity to see Walt’s admiration for A.A Milne’s famous stuffed bear. It took Walt over 20 years to bring his vision to life, and from the very first animated short, people worldwide fell in love with him just the way Walt did way back in the early days of his daughters’ childhoods. The series list brings that all in perspective, giving you the full story in a condensed and quick run time. Any nod to Walt is wonderful, as it goes to show how powerful his legacy still is to this day.
The disc also includes a special look at legendary voice actor, Jim Cummings, who reprises his role as Pooh and Tigger in the film. Cummings, who spoke with Socalthrills earlier this year about the picture, is the heart and soul of Christopher Robin, so it’s great to see a focus on his incredible work with Pooh even if it is just for a moment. It’s hard to not smile when you hear Cummings. He really brings his all into this performance, and the feature brings it all to you in a nicely wrapped bow.
Here’s a full list of special features included:
A Movie Is Made for Pooh – Learn how the “Stuffies” are magically brought to life.
Pooh and His Friends Come to Life – See how love, magic, and special attention to detail were put into every frame.
Marc Forster with Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger on the set of Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN.
Pooh Finds His Voice – Follow the iconic “voice of Pooh” from voice actors Sterling Holloway to Jim Cummings.
Pooh and Walt Become Friends – Explore the legacy of Walt Disney’s love for Winnie the Pooh
Though, as charming as the features are, they are very few and far between. For die-hard Winnie the Pooh fans, a more in-depth collection should have been made. Given the nature of the production, there must be plenty of behind the scenes footage, cast interviews, and even on set bloopers that would have made this a fully packed release. Nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful film and a must have for any fans of Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood. Disney’s Christopher Robin is now available to take home, don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection.
Disney Chairman and CEO, Bog Iger, dropped a big announcement for what’s to come in the Star Wars universe, focusing in on a new live action series featuring Rogue One character, Cassian Andor. Diego Luna, who played the rebel captain, will reprise his role and jump back into production next year.
Jon Favreau’s new live action series, The Mandalorian.
The new series will debut on the new Disney Streaming Service, titled Disney+, and join two other Star Wars series including the return of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian. The news comes shortly after Iger announced they would be reorganizing their efforts with Lucasfilm and stating they would be slowing down Disney’s original plan of releasing a film on an annual basis.
Though there are still plenty of film projects in the production pipeline, it’s safe to reaffirm Disney’s goal is to shift the focus on bringing all their big IPs to television, especially knowing that Star Wars isn’t the only big property jumping in for more. Iger also revealed Marvel will be moving forward with a new series featuring Tom Hiddelston’s Loki from Thor. Other series include a new adaptation of High School Musical and a new look into the world of Pixar’s Monsters Inc.
The small screen is becoming a bigger factor in the entertainment world, with the demand and consumption growing to unprecedented levels. With services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video in the mix, Disney isn’t going to take a back seat. As we have already seen, their sights are set on one goal: Becoming the dominant media on every screen format you can possibly imagine. Yet, the rush to the small screen will have its impact on fans, who have seen a huge wave of change over the recent years to how they connect with their favorite films and media.
What it translates to for the consumer is pretty straightforward, more direct driven content and diversity in the industry. With Disney’s push, other studios will continue to respond in kind, taking their most popular franchises and creating a multitude of content and series focused on a more custom entertainment experience. Though the film will always be a powerhouse in terms of reaching the masses, television is a regular and consistent push that is only getting stronger in the age of online streaming. Fans have a lot to look forward to, but also have to be wary.
More content means more to watch, a way to get a quick fix and stay involved with your favorite stories. Yet, it also means saturation and an overwhelming amount of choices. Marvel’s success with the MCU is the perfect example, as a lot of studios are trying to use the same strategy at capturing lightning in a bottle with new anthologies, sequels, and reboots. The small screen isn’t much different, as every service has developed a large array of original and exclusive content. There’s a lot out there to choose from, which can be good for some, but overwhelming for others. Things are going to get more and more interesting as we get ever closer to Disney+.
As a fan, it’s important to push for high-quality content and unique storytelling. With so many directors and visionaries coming on board, there’s a lot of ground for great stories. Getting that diversity is essential, and fans need to make sure their voices are heard to ensure that quality takes priority over quantity. Though the hopes for Disney are high, the new service won’t work without the power of fandom. There’s a new platform to explore, and in the end, we are all in this together to have fun and get a more personalized experience. Make sure every moment counts.
Dapper Day has once again made its trip through the Disneyland Resort, bringing with it another day full of high-class fashion, vintage throwbacks, and amazing memories. Though, rather than focus on the flashy fashion choices and unique outfits, let’s focus on the real phenomenon behind Disney’s best-dressed event.
First things first, for those who have never heard of Dapper Day, or have wandered through the Disneyland Resort and want to know why people were all dressed up to go to the parks, make sure to make a pit stop and read our Dapper Day Overview. It’s a wonderful piece and will bring you up to speed.
This lovely couple, known on social media as “The Cosplay Parents”, are Dapper Day regulars and fan favorites within the dapper and Disneybound communities.
The real reason for the wild success of the event comes from the human element. Dapper Day is about the people, the common threads we all share, and the friendships it creates. It’s safe to say everyone who has attended the event at some point has come across a new face, and even if for a few seconds, created a memorable bond that was beyond a simple compliment and thanks.
To give you a better idea, let us rewind the clocks back to 2013 when my first dive into the dapper world began. A friend had organized a meetup at the once standing Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The goal was simple: Fill an elevator with all dapper folk that loved Tower of Terror. When we counted each head, hat, and petticoat, we noticed we were a few people short. At that point, we began to grab other dapper dressed people off the street, asking if they wanted to join us.
Within that group, I met my soon to be Dapper Day companion, David. Known as “Dapper Dave” by many of the Disneyland community, he took the time to get to know my friends and I and became a staple within our group. To this day, we still venture throughout the parks together, even when Dapper Day has come and gone, all based off a simple meetup that could have easily been missed. He was in every sense of the word, a complete stranger. Yet, he made the effort to go beyond the small talk and really make an impression. It’s one of many friendships that I have made personally, and one story of countless friendships that this event has helped form.
This fall was no exception, bringing in fresh faces and stories to the mix. Every single person was an absolute pleasure to meet and the best part of the whole celebration. Take a moment to say hello to those you encounter, learn their stories. You won’t be disappointed in what you may find. It’s really a “small world”. You may find neighbors, fellow college alumni, among many other commonalities right around the corner.
Dapper Day is filled with so many diverse backgrounds from the smallest of children to the oldest and wisest of us all. In the end, it’s not about what you wear, but how you mingle and make an impact on the small little world around you when you visit. Dapper Day is the perfect lightning rod that helps spark the foundations of friendship. In the end, it’s an art form, and one of the many things that is worth a smile and fond thought at the end of the day.
Dapper Day returns to Disneyland on April 13th, with the unofficial Disney Parks outing on Sunday, April 14th. You can look at event photos, get exclusive discount offerings, and learn more by visiting Dapper Day’s official site.
It’s the most magical time of the year at the Disneyland Resort, and in a few short days, there will be snow, colorful decorations, holiday entertainment, and food beyond the eye can see. There will be plenty of delicious treats to try, including a hearty collection of churros, seasonal drinks, and much more. You can also see what’s coming to this year’s Festival of Holidays by clicking here. Here’s a quick look at some of the delicious food offerings coming your way for Disneyland’s 2018 Holiday Season!
Disneyland Park
Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Sour Apple Churro with an option to add side caramel sauce
Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Churro with crushed pretzels and peppermint
Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle: Gingerbread Churro
Churros near Haunted Mansion: Sugarplum Candy Churro
The Golden Horseshoe: Churro Sundae: Peppermint ice cream and a cajeta-filled churro garnished with chocolate brownie crumbles, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream
Hungry Bear Restaurant: Churro Bites with eggnog gelato and caramel sauce
Refreshment Corner
Philly Cheese Steak Hot Dog: Premium hot dog with sliced roast beef, peppers, onions, and cheese sauce
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Santa Hat Macaron with mint white filling and rich chocolate ganache
Caramel Apple Muffin with streusel
Eggnog Latte Cheesecake finished with white chocolate mousse “foam” and a sprinkling of nutmeg
Holiday Vanilla Bean Cupcake filled with red and green chocolate candy pieces and topped with green and white swirled white chocolate mousse and round chocolate swirl candy pieces
Holiday Brownie topped with white chocolate mousse, sprinkles, chocolate presents, and a Christmas tree Gingerbread Cookie
Carnation Café
Roast Beef TV Dinner: Roast beef topped with roasted shallot and sun-dried cherry demi sauce, mashed potatoes, haricot verts, and carrots and served with chocolate croissant bread pudding and crème anglaise
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
Peppermint Holiday Sundae with peppermint ice cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint
Market House
Holiday Strawberry Lizner Cookie
Snowman Shortbread Cookie
Gingerbread Cookie
Plaza Inn
Chocolate Mint Yule Log: Chocolate sponge surrounded by mint chip filling and finished with buttercream, white chocolate curls, and white chocolate crispy pearls
Holiday Bundt Cake
Coconut Cream Pie: 5” pie shell filled with coconut pastry cream and topped with coconut whipped cream and red and green-colored coconut
Red Rose Taverne
Snowman Pancake with Applewood-smoked bacon
Snowman Shortbread Cookie
Holiday Pastry Wreath: Pate choux dough filled with cranberry-raspberry compote with orange and white chocolate mousse and finished with green chocolate, silver and gold edible glitter, yellow and blue crispy pearls, a yellow chocolate bow, and a red rose
Gingerbread Cookie
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
Chile Relleno: Red and green sauce topped with queso fresco and crema and served with rice, ranchero beans, and pickled vegetables
Dessert Nachos: Cinnamon crisps topped with apple filling, vanilla sauce, cajeta caramel, and whipped cream
Frozen Abuelita Hot Chocolate: Frozen Mexican hot chocolate with chocolate sauce topped with peppermint whipped cream and crushed candy canes
Sopapilla Cheesecake: Cheesecake filling layered between croissant dough baked with melted butter and cinnamon sugar and topped with sugar and whipped cream
Galactic Grill
S’mores Parfait: Layers of chocolate pudding, chocolate cake, marshmallow filling, crushed graham cracker, and ganache topped with chocolate chips and a toasted marshmallow
Alien Pizza Planet
Space Dip Pizza with spinach and artichoke dip, chicken, capicola, and assorted cheeses
Green Alien Holiday Macaron
S’mores Parfait: Layers of chocolate pudding, chocolate cake, marshmallow filling, crushed graham cracker, and ganache topped with chocolate chips and a toasted marshmallow
Bengal Barbecue
Lamb Kofta: Aromatic lamb with tzatziki sauce, spinach, and pickled onions on grilled pita bread
French Market
Dessert Trio with a Jack Skellington Chocolate Cupcake, a Mini Coffee Éclair, and a Sugar Pie
Wreath Bundt Cake: Cinnamon and candied pecan bundt cake with a crème brûlée center topped with green icing, red chocolate pearls, and red mousse
Mint Julep Bar
Candy Cane Beignets
Royal Street Veranda
Cinnamon Spiced Fritters with eggnog dipping sauce
Harbour Galley
Traditional-Style Pozole: Slow-roasted tomatillos, hominy, and serrano chiles served with limes, onions, radishes, and shredded cabbage
Blue Bayou
Gingerbread Crème Brûlée with Chantilly cream and a mini gingerbread chocolate man
Café Orléans
Santa’s Lumps of Coal Beignets: Chocolate-hazelnut beignets tossed in peppermint mocha sugar and topped with peppermint ice cream
Beef and Grits: Braised beef served over cheesy grits with a cabernet sauce
Outdoor Vending Carts
Apple Cotton Candy
Cinnamon Caramel Corn
Disney California Adventure Park
Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Peppermint Churro with crushed candy canes and chocolate and vanilla icing
Cozy Cone Motel: Gingersnap Churro with cream cheese dipping sauce
Churros near Goofy’s Sky School: Holiday Churro with red and green sugar
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe
Snowman Shortbread Cookie
Holiday Brownie
Gingerbread Man Cookie
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Candy Cane Premium Cone
Red and Green Sprinkles Premium Cone
Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Cone with scoops of chocolate and peppermint ice cream and chocolate-dipped cookies in a candy cane premium cone
Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae with scoops of chocolate and peppermint ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate-dipped cookies, and crushed peppermint in a candy cane premium waffle cup
Chocolate Peppermint Bar with your choice of ice cream bar dipped in chocolate, drizzled in peppermint icing, and topped with crushed peppermint
Mortimer’s Market
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough
Snowman-shaped Sourdough
Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge
Holiday Cocktail with Bombay Sapphire, St. Germaine, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, cherry bitters, and Crème de Yvette garnished with a lavender sprig
Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake Fries (only available through Nov. 23)
Gingerbread Funnel Cake Fries: Churro funnel fries topped with crumbled gingerbread, caramel, icing, and whipped cream (available starting Nov. 23)
Schmoozies!
Peppermint Affogato: Espresso over peppermint ice cream
Peppermint Crunch Shake: Peppermint ice cream blended with whole milk and topped with chocolate cream-filled cookie crumbles, crushed peppermint, and peppermint whipped cream
Minnie Wreath Donut filled with chocolate peppermint ganache
Gingerbread Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich with a scoop of brown sugar cinnamon ice cream rolled with crushed gingersnap cookies
Hollywood Lounge
Anchor 2018 Christmas Ale
Modelo Especial
Stone Delicious IPA
Anaheim Brewery Winter Wheat
Legends Cookie Galore Milk Stout
Wonderland Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, Schnapps, crushed peppermint, and whipped cream
Winter Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint (non-alcoholic)
Fireside Cider: Spiced rum hot apple cider
Holiday Cider: Hot apple cider (non-alcoholic)
Feliz Churro Cocktail: Frozen drink with churro-flavored alcohol and horchata
Mistletoe Mule: Cranberry-orange lemonade, ginger ale, and vodka
Fairfax Fruit Market
Snowman-shaped Sourdough
Studio Catering Co.
Holiday Dessert Nachos: Cinnamon-sugar buñuelos chips with chocolate and caramel sauces, whipped cream, and holiday sprinkles
Plant-etarium Street Tacos with Brussels sprouts, salsa verde, pickled red onions, and apple and pomegranate slaw
Holiday Frozen Horchata
Flo’s V8 Cafe
Blue Plate Special: Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich: slow-cooked turkey breast piled high on white bread and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and gravy
4” Chocolate Peppermint Pie
Chocolate Peppermint Shake topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint road gravel
Cozy Cone Motel
Crushed Peppermint Road Gravel Topping
Luigi’s Chicken Pesto Cone: Creamy pesto Alfredo pasta with marinated chicken, balsamic reduction, bruschetta tomatoes, and Romano cheese
Santa Cone Hat Macaron with cookies and cream filling
Pacific Wharf Café
Turkey Pot Pie Soup with oven roasted turkey breast, rich turkey gravy, peas, and carrots in a sourdough bread bowl
Candy Cane-shaped Sourdough Bread
Snowman-shaped Sourdough Bread
Gingerbread Man Cookie
Sugar Cookie with red and green sprinkles
Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA
Boudin Bread Cart
Candy Cane-shaped Sourdough
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Sourdough
Snowman-shaped Sourdough
Gourmet Coffee
Peppermint Mocha
Snowman Shortbread Cookie
Gingerbread Man Cookie
Paradise Garden Grill
Burrito: Flour tortilla with black beans, Spanish rice, molcajete salsa, crema, and choice of meat served with tortilla chips and molcajete salsa
Vegan Chile Relleno: Roasted poblano stuffed with veggie stew, topped with roasted tomato sauce and tofu “cream,” and served with Spanish rice and black beans
Torta al Pastor: Soft telera roll, chorizo beans, pork al pastor, cabbage, guacamole, and crema served with tortilla chips and molcajete salsa
Street-Style Tacos: Three corn tortilla tacos filled with carne asada, carnitas, and chicken with white onion and fresh cilantro served with Spanish rice and black beans topped with queso blanco
House-Made Pozole: Mild red chile and pork stew with hominy topped with shredded cabbage, onions, radish, lime, and oregano and served with tortilla chips
Buñuelos with Cajeta: Two golden fried flour tortillas dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of cajeta
Red Sangria
Dos Equis Lager
Dos Equis Ambar
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
Holiday Dinner Pizza with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, bacon, vegetables, and cranberry sauce
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Lamplight Lounge
Specialty Holiday Cocktail with aged tequila, mezcal, hibiscus, and lemon juice
Turkey Carnitas Poutine: Malted french fries topped with slow-cooked turkey carnitas, Yucatan-inspired gravy, cranberry-bacon habanero gelée, crumbled queso blanco, and green onions
Outdoor Vending Carts
Hot Chocolate Cotton Candy
Snowflake Cotton Candy
Street-style Elote
Disneyland Hotel The Coffee House
Holiday Donut
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Eggnog Latte
Caramel Apple Muffin with streusel
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
Sam’s Slay Ride: honey-flavored whiskey, orange and ginger liqueurs, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup garnished with a mint sprig and a cherry
Rum Around the Christmas Tree: spiced rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, apple juice, and ginger syrup garnished with an apple slice dusted with cinnamon
Under the Swizzletoe: chartreuse liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and falernum syrup dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg and garnished with a mint sprig
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Hearthstone Lounge
Hot Chocolate with Rum
Hot Cider with Rum
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Surfside Lounge
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Eggnog Latte
Peppermint Mocha
With so much to eat, make sure to make your holiday food checklist, check it twice, and have a wonderful time sampling all that’s coming your way. Make sure to share your favorites with us via social media #SoCalThrillsTreats and have a magical time!
Starting November 16 through January 6, guests can experience Knott’s Merry Farm’s largest Christmas display ever, with a full park transformation including all-new seasonal décor. A classic winter wonderland awaits park goers with a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, oversized snowflakes and a variety of picturesque holiday settings, all created as a backdrop to capture timeless holiday memories.
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Charming holiday shows remain at the core of the Knott’s Merry Farm experience and continue to delight guests of all ages. Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters returns as a Merry Farm tradition. In this fan favorite musical spectacular on ice, Snoopy and his friends enjoy all of the best parts of the season including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the Christmas Ball! Showing select dates, November 16, 2018 – January 6, 2019, at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre.
The Merry Farm musical, It’s the Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown takes audiences behind the scenes with the Peanuts Gang as they plan their holiday extravaganza; showing select dates, November 16, 2018 – January 8, 2019. Families visiting Camp Snoopy can also enjoy seasonal entertainment geared for little ones with A Peanuts Guide to Christmas, performing daily at the Camp Snoopy Theater. The Peanuts Gang offer their take and unique wisdom on surviving the holidays while singing a mashup of their favorite holiday tunes.
The streets of Calico play host to the merriest of Christmas traditions starting with the sound of holiday tunes performed by live Christmas Carolers. Holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to stroll through Ghost Town’s Christmas Crafts Village featuring dozens of local artisans selling their handcrafted gifts. Also available in Ghost Town at the historic Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company will bring to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi. Performances will be available on select dates, November 16, 2018 – January 6, 2019. The Bird Cage Theatre will also host the toe-tappin’, hand-clappin’ comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies who will continue their Knott’s Merry Farm residency this holiday season on select nights.
Visitors can also retreat to Santa’s Christmas Cabin—a transformed Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town that features twinkling Christmas lights, classic holiday decor and the opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus himself. It’s also home to an array of holiday treats, including roasted nuts and a cheesecake “tree” on a stick, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint.
When the sun sets, Ghost Town lights up with a nightly tree lighting ceremony and a special Snow and Glow experience that takes place every hour from sunset until the park closes. The magical snowfall and Ghost Town lights dance to a different song each hour, offering the perfect ending to a fun-filled day at Knott’s Merry Farm.
The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale. A new 2019 Season Pass includes one free visit to enjoy Merry Farm in 2018, unlimited visits in 2019 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the lowest price of the year, Regular Season Passes start at just $95.00 or eight easy payments of $10.00 after initial payment and Gold Season Passes are $115.00 or eight payments of just $12.00 after initial payment. These offers end January 6, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
It’s BACK – Disney Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure park on Nov. 9 with music, dance, and diverse cultural festivities. You can also enjoy the Festive Foods Marketplace featuring 12 delicious destinations and lots of good cheer!
Here is this year’s Foodie Guide with everything you need to know about the marketplaces. If you’re like me, you’ll want to try everything! You can even grab a Disney Festival of Holidays Tasting Passport at any of the marketplaces to guide you on your holiday food journey. As you visit each marketplace, get your passport stamped and when you’ve filled your passport, you’ll get a special completion stamp!
Merry Mashups
Food:
Turkey & Stuffing Tamale with Cranberry Relish
Lox & Everything Bagel Nachos
“Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron
Beverages:
Sparkling Wine Punch with Chandon Brut, Sparkling Wine and Lime Sherbet
Holiday Punch with Lime Sherbet and Sprite (non-alcoholic)
Winter Wonders
Food:
Pumpkin Soup with Maple Cashew Cream
Chana Masala with Grilled Garlic Naan
Vanilla and Cranberry Trifle
Beverages:
Pomegranate Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Brews & Bites
Food:
Chorizo Queso Fundido with House-made Tortilla Chips
Orange – Avery Brewing, White Rascal, Belgian-Style White Ale
Boysenberry & Raspberry – Smog City Brewing Co., Snugglebug, Sour Blonde Ale
Spicy Celebrations
Food:
Nashville Hot Fried Turkey with Dill Pickles
Jalapeño Latkes with Chipotle Crema
Chocolate Chipotle Pot de Crème
Beverages:
Pomegranate Margarita with Chipotle-smoked Sea Salt Half-Rim
A Twist on Tradition
Food:
Pozole Rojo Beef with Hominy Polenta
“Chicken-less” Mole with Spanish Rice
Black Forest Yule Log
Beverages:
Winter Michelada with Modelo Negra and Brown Sugar Rim
Modelo Negra, Dark Lager
Winter Sliderland
Food:
Roasted Turkey Slider with Cranberry Sauce
Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese
Milk Chocolate Candy Cane Pot de Crème
Beverages:
Frosty Frosé with Fleurs de Prairie Rosé, Blue Curaçao, and White Cranberry Juice served frozen with Mint Sprig
Oskar Blues Brewery, Old Chub, Scotch Ale
Making Spirits Bright
Beverages:
Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Baileyana, Firepeak, Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Bartenura, Moscato, Italy
MacMurray Ranch Estate, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Joel Gott, Zinfandel, California
Rodney Strong, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Chandon, Sparkling Wine, Brut, California
Mimosa Flight:
Pomegranate Mimosa
Pear Mimosa
White Cranberry Mimosa
White Wine Flight:
Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Baileyana, Firepeak, Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Bartenura, Moscato, Italy
Red Wine Flight:
MacMurray Ranch Estate, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Joel Gott, Zinfandel, California
Rodney Strong, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
In addition, available for all guests is the Sip and Savor Pass, which gives you the opportunity to taste your way through your choice of eight different dishes or non-alcoholic beverages from participating Festive Food Marketplaces. This pass can be purchased at various locations throughout the park, including Festival Merchandise Carts, Seaside Souvenirs, Kingswell Camera Shop, and Rushin’ River Outfitters.
This special holiday festival runs through Jan. 8. For more information on Disney Festival of Holidays as well as Holidays at Disneyland Resort, check out the Disneyland Resort website.
Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ was released 25 years ago (10.29). To celebrate, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) shared it’s tribute to Danny Elfman’s eerie masterpiece.
Revisit 12 of the standout tracks from this spooky collection, including: “What’s This,” “This Is Halloween,” “Sally’s Song,” Jack’s Lament,” “Kidnap The Sandy Claws,” “Jack’s Obsession,” and more.
Right in the heart of Southern California, thousands of geeks, nerds, and cosplayers assembled to ring in another exciting year of the ever popular, LA Comic-Con. Every inch of the convention center was taken over by a wave of nostalgia and creativity, creating a memorable experience that can only be defined as culturally phenomenal.
From the crack of dawn, crowds lined up in hoards, preparing to jump into the day’s panels, events, and fan gatherings. Some of the most notable appearances came from Tenacious D’s Jack Black, The Room’s Tommy Wiseau, Arrow’s Katie Cassidy, Halloweentown’s Kimberly J. Brown, and Mandy producer, Elijah Wood.
Similar to other large events, like San Diego Comic-Con, the three-day convention is home to multiple expressions of fandom that range from non-profit cosplay meetups, to film screenings, to fan-run panels discussing various topics across the never-ending mass of pop culture references. Each day, multiple events run from sunup to sundown, not leaving a moment to spare unless it’s for a quick photo op. Even concessions are a hot ticket, creating long enough lines to trick you into thinking you were waiting for a celebrity meet and greet.
Though, the main draw to any convention is cosplay, which was no exception in LA this year. All levels and ages came together, displaying their best and most creative interpretations of their favorite characters. You can see some of the amazing outfits we encountered by checking out our Cosplay Roundup.
Yet, for once, the attention shifted away from the flashy display of costumes to focus on another shining moment. During the convention’s Cosplay Championship, a couple was brought to the stage in honor of their first convention visit. Within moments, the crowd was surprised by a heartfelt proposal, with a well deserved yes following shortly after. The crowd cheered, warm and full of smiles, providing the very essence of what convention culture stands for: bringing people closer together.
Though this year’s event is in the books, there’s still plenty of time to prepare for the next celebration. LA Comic-Con returns to Southern California from October 11-13th 2019. You can learn more about the event and stay up to date with what’s to come by visiting their official site.
No convention is complete without cosplay, and LA Comic-Con was in no short supply, bringing in countless numbers of creative costumes, concepts, and one of a kind creations. From Star Wars to John Carpenter’s Halloween, to Deadpool, there was something for just about everyone. Marvel and DC dominated the con, with numerous variations of Spider-Man, characters from X-Men, and the DCU.
Yet, there were some other touching nods, such as this wonderful couples’ cosplay from The Greatest Showman. Each moment brought forth another surprise appearance, bringing everyone together in collective fun and excitement.
For saddened fans of Toys R Us, a little joy was also brought onto the faces within the convention halls, as Geoffrey the Giraffe was seen looking for toys, photo ops, and cheers from the crowd. Though the store may be dark and shuttered, its clear that the legacy of Toys R Us lives on in our hearts and minds, earning a permanent place in modern pop culture.
It all came together with an epic display of costuming, through the convention’s annual cosplay championships. The handful of lucky contestants strut their handmade creations for the entire hall to see. Victors were chosen in three categories. Leading the way was a flawless version of Elsa from Frozen, taking home the grand prize of $8,000. It was a night full fantastic moments, worthy of a joyful tear or two.
If you would like to catch up on some of the amazing outfits and costumes that made their way out to LA Comic Con this year, take a look at the full gallery of images below.
Mackenzie Foy is Clara and Jayden Fowara-Knight is Phillip the Nutcracker in Disney’s THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is in a world all its own, breaking out from the mold of the original ballet classic into a unique cinematic experience. This Nutcracker pays tribute to the original ballet, but not in the ways we’d expect, and ultimately, uses the base of the beloved suite to form a completely new version of itself that asks to be judged on its own merit rather than in comparison.
Nutcracker and the Four Realms is visually captivating, filled with beautiful scenery, lavish set designs, and stunning cinematography. From an aesthetic standpoint, this film is a real treat for the eyes and that breathtaking imagery is by far one of the film’s greatest strengths. The production definitely kept the ballet in mind, as every element is done on a grand scale. Anything less than spectacular would fall flat, especially when you are introducing an audience to a completely new world.
When you visit each location, whether it be the frosty streets of London in the opening sequence or the grand tour of each of the realms, you’re fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere. The film uses that immersion to its advantage, even taking a page from the Walt Disney classic, Fantasia, with a beautiful scene that pays tribute to the unforgettable symphony. The scene features Ballerina Princess, Misty Copeland, as she re-enacts the history of the Four Realms. Just like Fantasia, it’s theatrical, colorful, and exuberant.
Mackenzie Foy is Clara in Disney’s THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS
Costume design played hand in hand with that aesthetic, bringing the world of the Nutcracker to life with intricate, appealing, and eye-popping elements that come right off the screen. Costume Designer, Jenny Beavan, has really outdone herself with every single character, complementing the look of the film while finding ways to add unique flair. One example of this is Clara’s soldier attire. The uniform exemplifies Clara’s fiery attitude and independent personality.
That independent streak rings throughout the film, especially with the help of Mackenzie Foy. Clara is in every sense a fighter for what she believes in, with or without the uniform. Foy does a fantastic job, bringing a genuinely fun and engaging performance to the table, reminding us all that it is okay to not only be brave and curious but also uncertain and vulnerable. She is a wonderful role model for young girls, and part of a growing trend of positive female characters that society needs more of.
Jaden Fowara-Knight is Phillip in Disney’s THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS.
Foy is joined by a star-studded cast, with the expected strength of Morgan Freman, Keira Knightley, and Helen Mirren. Yet, even with such big Hollywood icons, the most entertaining character outside of Clara is a relative unknown. Jayden Fowora-Knight, whose only other screen credit includes a brief appearance in Spielberg’s Ready Player One, is marvelous as the Nutcracker. He compliments Foy perfectly, bringing in plenty of charm and poise. He’s definitely someone to keep an eye out for, as this may be just the beginning for him.
Nevertheless, the stars haven’t completely aligned with this film. While everything else about this film plays itself out marvelously, the story still feels lacking. Once Clara enters the land of the Four Realms, the pace moves incredibly fast, creating gaps in the narrative and leaves you wanting more. We are sped through the central conflict, which feels glossed over and a bit too easy to overcome along with a villain that gets very little screen time. Because of that, the pay off doesn’t have the same luster and it’s hard to not wonder if there was something left on the cutting room floor.
Still, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is an entertaining adventure that’s perfect to get you in the holiday spirit. There are so many wonderful elements put together to make this film a reality, along with the potential to be something more than it is. If you are interested in a heartwarming family tale, there’s definitely something in this picture for you. It’s marvelous, beautiful, and has the key to unlock a very positive experience if you give it the chance to do so.
