“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day”
Winnie the Pooh is back in live action glory in the new Christopher Robin trailer that dropped on Friday morning on the Ellen show. Struggling and lost, Christopher Robin will need the help of Pooh and his friends to rediscover the meaning of family, joy, and friendship. The new live action film is a new frontier for the beloved A.A. Milne characters, transporting them into the real world for the first time.
Disney’s Christopher Robin is directed by Marc Forster. The screenplay is written by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers.
The film has a star studded cast that includes Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Giles Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.
Along with the trailer, a new poster and images were revealed, which can be seen below.
Tigger in Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN.Madeline Robin (Bronte Carmichael) and her father Christopher’s longtime friends Tigger, Piglet and Winnie the Pooh go on an adventure in Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN.
The film also has been given an official release date, which is coming up late summer of this year. The film will join a heavy hitting list of Disney releases from its own studio, Marvel, and Lucasfilm that include Ant Man and Wasp, Pixar’s Incredibles 2, Mary Poppins Returns, and the recently released Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Sunny skies and warm weather have arrived at Knott’s Berry Farm and we’re welcoming summer by introducing an entertainment lineup with two brand new shows and the return of the award-winning story of the Wild West, Ghost Town Alive! This year’s summer entertainment will take you from a musical performance celebrating the sunny beach culture of the Boardwalk to experiencing life in the Old West.
This summer the western adventure continues as the award-winning experience of Ghost Town Alive! returns for another action-packed season. With Ghost Town Alive! guest are invited to visit the beloved town of Calico and experience an authentic western adventure by becoming a star in the day’s evolving storyline, each guest has the power to unlock adventures through interactions with the townsfolk or by joining in on the town’s activities and much more. Guests have the ability to influence how the story takes shape. This year, the town of Calico bursts to life with new adventures and guest interactions. Gold has been discovered in town and guests will get swept up in gold fever as the good citizens of Calico set their sights on seeking their fortunes. Starting Saturday, May 26 and runs select days through September 3.
Debuting in June at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre, Beach Blanket Beagle is a musical dance party set to the classic beach comber tunes of the 60’s and 70’s, and stars the coolest beagle around, Snoopy! Showing select days June 9 – August 19.
At the Calico Mine Stage, Knott’s is presenting another new show called Calico’s Mountain Jamboree! It’s a stunt-filled spectacle featuring the rivalry between the Timber Mountain Loggers and the Calico Miners set to an upbeat soundtrack and comedy galore. Showing select days June 9 – August 19.
Summer entertainment beginning Saturday, May 26 and Saturday, June 9th.
It’s hard to call a town with the world’s largest man-made marina a hidden gem, but in a way, Marina Del Rey is just that. Located near the larger, more famous areas of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can easily be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is waterfront paradise.
“Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views,” says Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Jamaica Bay Inn is a tropical island resort located on the beach
I began a recent getaway to Marina del Rey at Jamaica Bay Inn (www.jamaicabayinn.com), a tropical island-like resort located in the marina, on Mother’s Beach, with great views of sand and water. The boutique hotel is a true West Indies-inspired experience, complete with rattan furnishings, warm colors, rich textures and lush flora. And like a Caribbean resort, the water is only few steps away.
My room at Jamaica Bay Inn featured a 55-inch flat screen TV, two queen beds with plush linens, an office desk with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker, an oversized comfy chair, Molton Brown bath amenities, plush bathrobes and a huge waterfall shower. But the room’s best feature was the balcony overlooking the coastal skyline and the marina full of beautiful boats.
Rooms at Jamaica Bay Inn are Californian cool with great views
Beyond comfortable rooms, the hotel boasts a heated year-round pool with marina views, fitness center, 24-hour lobby business center, on-site bicycle rentals, a gourmet restaurant, banquet and conference rooms, and a location within walking distance to attractions like Venice Beach or the shop district of Abbot Kinney Blvd.
When not relaxing at Jamaica Bay Inn, I was exploring the rest of town. Built in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.
Marina del Rey is a great place to kayak
To get an up-close look at the water and boats, and some of the luxury condos and new developments lining the shoreline, I rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop (www.prosupshop.com). Located in the parking lot behind Jamaica Bay Inn, the company specializes in stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking and offers lessons daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.
During my hour tour of the harbor I paddled past million-dollar yachts, old wooden sloops and even a couple visiting tall ships. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on rocks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddle boarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.
The marina is full of all kinds of beautiful boats and even tall ships
After playing on the water, I pulled my boat ashore and headed back to the hotel for a workout in the fitness center and a nap by the pool. I then changed for dinner at Beachside Restaurant & Bar, located next to the lobby. Offering indoor and outdoor dining, the newly redesigned restaurant offers eclectic California cuisine and innovative creations by Executive Chef Victor Morales.
My meal at the Beachside began with a bowl of New England clam chowder, and Ahi tuna tartare, with red Indian curry, charred peanut, cucumber and avocado. For the main course I had the tender and delicious Meyer lemon and herb chicken with baby carrot, blue lake beans, potato puree and lemon thyme jus.
Food Truck Thursdays is a tasty summer event with live music
After dinner I walked to “Mother’s” Beach to listen to live music at Marina del Rey’s “Food Truck Thursdays” weekly event, where gourmet food trucks and bands welcome in summer every Thursday night from 5 – 9 pm.
In the morning I rented a bicycle from the hotel and rode to Venice Beach to lounge on the sand and play basketball.
The Jamaica Bay Inn is located at 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Ray, 90292. For more info call (888) 823-5333 or visit: www.jamaicabayinn.com. For more information on visiting Marina del Rey, visit: www.visitmarinadelrey.com
With Pixar Pier opening soon, The Disneyland Resort has announced four themed neighborhoods that will reside in the new land, all inspired and coming directly from Pixar’s most popular stories.
Here is the full list of each neighborhood and what to expect for each area:
Incredibles Park –As you first enter the pier, Incredibles Park will feature mid century modern design with a special entrance archway where guests will find the Incredibles Logo. From there, the newly designed Incredicoaster will be up and running, taking guests on a “thrilling race” with the famous super hero family. As guests exit the coaster, there will be a Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums stand that will host a variety of baked goods.
Toy Story Boardwalk – Right past Incredibles Park, Toy Story will join the party with the freshly painted Toy Story Midway Mania. King Triton’s Carousel will also be re-themed to feature Jessie the Cowgirl, called Jessie’s Critter Carousel. The new carousel will open in 2019. Food will not be far behind, as Poultry Palace will host special fare inspired by the pixar short, Toy Story Toon: Small Fry. It even comes with a toy photo-op, which will be a fun-sized version of the Evil Emperor Zurg. For dessert, head over to Senor Buzz Churros, where you will want to make sure to switch to Spanish mode.
Pixar Promenade – As guests continue past the boardwalk, they will be welcomed by a turn of the century twist at the end of the boardwalk. At the center of it all will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round. For fans of Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Mickey will still remain on the attraction, with Pixar characters taking center stage on each of the wheel’s 24 gondolas.
Games of the Boardwalk will be getting an update, bringing guests new games and prizes. The game booths will include Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, Wall-E Space Race, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede.
There has also been a promise of entertainment and special character meet and greets with a band shell stage being added. Food will also be found along the way, as Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff will feature sweet treats like saltwater taffy and rainbow cotton candy. Anger will handle the savory fare with a new location called Angry Dogs.
Inside Out Headquarters – Located on the western end of the pier, the rest of the Inside Out gang will host a playground of fun that include a new attraction that will be revealed at a later time.
Make sure to keep an eye on all the latest details from Pixar Pier by checking our continuing coverage.
There’s a hot new spot coming to Disney California Adventure park! Located at the entrance of Pixar Pier, Lamplight Lounge will be a stylish, fun place to hang out with the whole family. The lounge will be serving up playfully presented California casual gastro-pub cuisine and unique signature cocktails.
The Disney culinary team has been hard at work cooking up a spectacular menu, and giving you a sneak peek at some of the delicious items you’ll taste when Pixar Pier opens on June 23.
Starting with “Shorts” to Share – also known as appetizers – the Potato Skins will make for the perfect crunchy snack to start off your meal. Made with crispy Yukon gold potatoes, these skins come with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aïoli, and Manchego cheese.
If creative sushi is more your style, then the Carne Asada Roll will be right up your alley, with New York grilled strip steak, roasted Fresno chili salsa, escabeche, and crema.
For the Bigger Bites menu, a vegetarian entrée will take the “lamplight” – the Spinach Salad! This salad consists of curly spinach with warm wild mushrooms, a soft poached egg, charred onion vinaigrette, shiitake “bacon,” and blue cheese toast.
Another featured entrée will be the Chicken Sandwich. This savory, spicy sandwich comes with crispy chicken with spicy chili glaze, vinegar slaw, and pineapple butter and served on an Amish bun alongside malted fries.
On the kids menu, “Budding Artists” will love the PB&J Roll! A fun twist on a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this creamy peanut butter and whole wheat “roll” comes drizzled with strawberry jelly. It’s also served with fresh fruit and a flower pot of hummus and veggies.
Lamplight Lounge and Pixar Pier are set to officially open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park. This expansive reimagining will transform the shores of Paradise Bay with your favorite Pixar stories. Other exciting food and beverage locations coming to Pixar Pier include Poultry Palace, Señor Buzz Churros, Angry Dogs, and the recently-opened Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats.
The galaxy far far away is one step closer as Disney Parks revealed the opening season dates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The newest themed land will open in summer 2019 Disneyland Resort and in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort. A special sneak peek has been provided, which can be seen directly below!
Fans have been eagerly waiting for any details Disney could provide on the latest expansion, which is the largest in the company’s history for a single land. The new area will span over 14 acres, bringing guests directly into the off world planet of Batuu.
The remote outpost will be the stage for two action packed attractions. One will allow guests to hop straight into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and the other will bring guests right into in an intense battle between the Resistance and First Order.
EDNA MODE ARRIVES AT PIXAR PIER AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Just in time for the opening of “Incredibles 2” in theaters on June 15, celebrated designer Edna Mode is jetting over to greet guests at Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort, as part of the first-ever Pixar Fest. The iconic super suit designer, from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the upcoming “Incredibles 2,” will continue to grace guests with her presence at Pixar Pier, to celebrate the opening of this newly reimagined land. Guests will discover Edna’s role at the new Incredicoaster, too, beginning June 23, 2018. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
Make sure to bring your style game and leave your capes at home, as Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts will be getting a special visit from Incredibles and Incredibles 2 star, Edna Mode. The iconic fashionista will be making appearances at Magic Kingdom Park starting Memorial Day weekend for Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer” along with other Incredibles characters at the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo.
Edna will also be jetting over to Disney California Adventure to celebrate Pixar Fest and the release of Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2 on June 15th. She will be spending time with guests and will be the life of the party during the grand opening of Pixar Pier this summer.
Join in the epic battle to save The Oasis, as Warner Bros has revealed both the digital and Blu-Ray release dates for Stephen Spielberg’s blockbuster smash, Ready Player One. The announcement was made this Tuesday, with a digital release on July 3rd and special Blu-Ray, 4K Ultra HD/3D formats on July 24th.
Based off the best selling book by Ernest Cline, Ready Player One takes place in the not so distant future of 2045. The world has become harsh, resources have become scarce, and people have given up on reality, escaping to an immersive virtual universe called The Oasis. Created by a nerdy and eccentric techie named James Halliday (Mark Rylance), The Oasis is a place where anything is possible and where the setting for an epic quest begins.
Leaving behind his vast fortune and power to change the fate of The Oasis, only one can be worthy of winning the prize. Wade Watts, played by Tye Sheridan, will find himself in the midst of a thrilling, dangerous, and nostalgia-filled adventure that will have the very fate of his life and the entire Oasis in the balance.
Here’s a list of the full features list available on all formats for the film.
“Ready Player One”4K Ultra HD3DBlu-ray and Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:
Game Changer: Cracking the Code
Effects for a Brave New World
Level Up: Sound for the Future
High Score: Endgame
Ernie & Tye’s Excellent Adventure
The ’80’s: You’re The Inspiration
“Ready Player One” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:
The ’80’s: You’re The Inspiration
Best Buy has unveiled an exclusive steelbook for the film, featuring Wade Watt’s Oasis avatar, Parzival, and the crystal key. Target, Walmart, and Amazon are also featured retailers that are now accepting pre-orders for the set along with major digital outlets such as iTunes, Google, Vudu, and Movies Anywhere.
Ready Player One stars Tye Sheridan (“X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Mud”), Olivia Cooke (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” TV’s “Bates Motel”) and Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One – A Star Wars Story,” TV’s “Bloodline”). The ensemble cast also includes Lena Waithe (TV’s “Master of None”), T.J. Miller (“Deadpool,” TV’s “Silicon Valley”), Philip Zhao, Win Morisaki, Hannah John-Kamen (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), Simon Pegg (the “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible” movies) and Oscar® winner Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies,” “Dunkirk”).
Three-time Oscar® winner Spielberg* directed the film from a screenplay by Zak Penn and Ernest Cline. The film was produced by Donald De Line, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg and Dan Farah. Adam Somner, Daniel Lupi, Chris deFaria and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.
You can pre-order the film today and can read our full review of the film by clicking here.
After a successful opening weekend, HangTime is now open at Knott’s Berry Farm. Check out our exclusive ride through of the newest coaster to make some waves on the California Coast.
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Music for ride through provided by Incompetch.
You can check out our full opening weekend coverage by clicking here!
HangTime Basic Stats:
Height: 150 feet
Track Length: 2,189 feet
Capacity: 3 trains with 16 single passenger carrying units each
Maximum velocity 57 mph
Disneyland’s previously announced Mobile Food Service feature has just made its way to the official Disneyland App with 15 locations on board for launch. The service will be made available in both parks, with six different locations in Disneyland Park and nine locations in Disney California Adventure. The app feature allows you to select an arrival window, view menus, review annual passholder discounts, and create a custom meal that is made to order. The service will also allow users to select any available allergy-friendly offerings to help with certain dietary restrictions.
Here is a list of each location currently available for the new ordering service.
The red ribbon has been cut, ushering in a huge wave of excitement from coaster fans everywhere waiting to welcome and experience Knott’s Berry Farm’s long awaited drop coaster, HangTime. With Snoopy, live performances, plenty of food, and other surprises in store, the party kicked off the first official run of the record setting coaster in tubular fashion.
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Vice President and General Manager, Jon Storbeck, welcomed guests as they awaited the big moment. “It feels like just yesterday we just shared the news of the first and only dive coaster in California”, Storbeck cheered. The coaster spans over 150 feet, being a centerpiece of the Boardwalk area of the park. It boasts a 15 story hill lift with 96 degree vertical drop to start off. As the ride continues, guests will experience 5 gravity defying inversions along with unique lighting effects that are fully customizable and programmable.
The entire team at Knott’s voiced their pride for the new attraction, mentioning to SoCalThrills that from concept to completed project, it’s been a collaborative effort that couldn’t have gone more smoothly. We caught up with some of the creative leaders that helped bring HangTime off blueprints and into a reality in an exclusive sit down with Adam Sandy, Eric Nix, and Jeff Gahagan.
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In celebration of the coaster’s maiden surf, new shows and entertainment were announced for Knott’s summer season. The main event, called “Beach Blanket Beagle” is a musical dance party that is set to classic beachcomber tunes of the early 60s and 70s, fitting right in with the surfer theme of the attraction. The new show will be held in the Charles M. Schulz theater starting in June.
It was also revealed that the popular event, Ghost Town Alive, will return on May 26th with more interactive adventures that include guests in an epic quest for gold. To go along with the theme, a new stunt spectacular will be held at the Calico Mine Stage called, “Calico’s Mountain Jamboree”. The show’s story centers around the fierce rivalry between the Timber Mountain Loggers an the Calico Miners. There will be plenty of comedy in the show, as Storbeck made sure to touch upon.
As the summer kicks off, Soak City has also opened, allowing guests to visit the recently renovated and expanded water park for the rest of the season. Along with HangTime, Knott’s is in full swing and not showing any signs of slowing down. Check out some of the photos from the grand premiere event this week at Knott’s below!
Disney and PerBlue has announced the worldwide launch of Disney Heroes: Battle Mode – a new, action-packed, mobile role-playing game (RPG) bringing together Disney and Pixar characters in an all-new experience. Available NOW on the App Store® and Google Play™, Disney Heroes: Battle Mode is the first title released since the announcement that Disney is collaborating with leading mobile game developers, made earlier this year.
EXCLUSIVE!Click HERE to get 200 Diamonds for free. (Works only on mobile devices, and can be redeemed once per player). Giveaway expires May 25 12:00 AM CT.
Disney Heroes: Battle Mode invites players on a heroic quest where they’ll collect and battle fan-favorite characters from Disney•Pixar films including The Incredibles and Toy Story and beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia as well as Disney’sPirates of the Caribbean and more in exciting 5v5 match-ups across a corrupted digital city under attack from a deadly virus. Gamers can choose from 25 Disney and Pixar heroes, including Elastigirl, Ralph and Vanellope, Buzz Lightyear, Captain Jack Sparrow, Judy Hopps, WALL•E, Mike Wazowski and many more. Additional fan-favorite characters will be added to the game on a regular basis.
“We think RPG players and Disney fans alike will enjoy creating one-of-a-kind match-ups with their favorite characters in this unexpected story where worlds collide,” said Lisa Anderson, vice president, Games, Disney. “It’s been wonderful working alongside PerBlue’s talented team and we look forward to bringing players even more Disney Heroes: Battle Mode adventures in the future.”
Key Features Include:
Deep Bench of Characters: Collect & battle with 25 Disney and Pixar heroes with more coming.
Missions and Friend Campaigns: Team up unlikely Disney and Pixar characters to battle together to earn exclusive bonuses.
A New Digital Experience: Lead characters through the corrupted digital City that they’re charged with saving from an evil virus.
Unleash epic abilities and gear: Activate skills, equip gear, and level up characters to take more enemies.
“We’re super excited about bringing this game to the market. We look forward to growing Disney Heroes: Battle Mode for years to come by bringing great Disney and Pixar characters into the game while keeping it fully stocked with new features, content, and updates,” said Justin Beck, CEO, PerBlue. “Working with Disney has been a very rewarding experience and their long term thinking aligns well with PerBlue’s similar long term strategy.”
EXCLUSIVE!Click HERE to get 200 Diamonds for free. (Works only on mobile devices, and can be redeemed once per player). Giveaway expires May 25 12:00 AM CT.
This Father's Day, soar to new heights of gift-giving with an incredible collection of DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon treasures from BoxLunch! On...
