Pixar announced this past Friday that Toy Story 4 will be coming to the big screen next June! Slated for a summer opening, Pixar is keeping the excitement alive leading up to the big comeback of their flagship franchise. Back in 1995, the original Toy Story was a smash success, leading to a film trilogy, television spinoffs, and seasonal shorts.
After recently celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary in 2015, Toy Story has become one of the most recognizable franchises in animation history. A teaser image was posted across Disney Pixar Social Media for the new film, featuring “Post It” notes.
This is the first real tease at the upcoming film. Though no official plot details have been released, there’s bound to be plenty of buzz around this latest development. Toy Story 4 is slated to release on June 21st. Stay tuned for more details!
The Green Aliens have landed at the Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest and are bringing an exclusive Annual Passholder popcorn bucket with them to celebrate the festivities. From April 24th to May 24th, the premium bucket can be purchased for $20.
The bucket will be part of the Annual Passholder Refill Promotion, that will allow unlimited $1 refills through June 21st of this year. This item will fly away fast, so make sure to grab yours while you can!
Here’s a full list of where you can find these little green buckets!
Disneyland Park Popcorn Cart Locations:
Frontierland (near Mark Twain Riverboat)
Main Street, U.S.A. (near City Hall)
Main Street, U.S.A. (Central Plaza)
New Orleans Square (near Haunted Mansion)
Fantasyland (small world promenade)
Fantasyland (Fantasyland Theater – refills only)
Mickey’s Toontown (near Gadget’s Go Coaster – refills only)
Tomorrowland (near Star Trader – refills only after May 3)
Disney California Adventure Popcorn Cart Locations:
Buena Vista Street (near Carthay Circle)
Grizzly Peak (near Soarin’ Around the World)
Hollywood Land (Hyperion Theater – refills only)
Disney has also announced that the following locations will not be valid for popcorn refills.
The Cozy Cone Motel
Downtown Disney District
Disneyland Resort Hotels
Pixar Fest blasts off on April 13th! You can learn more about Pixar Fest by visiting Disneyland’s Official Site!
Disneyland may be getting shorter food lines with a newly announced initiative to bring mobile ordering to the official Disneyland App this year. Similar to services already provided in Walt Disney World, Disneyland’s latest grub update will allow users to order in advance while visiting both Disneyland Disney California Adventure Park. The service, which has not been given any release details, will only be available to park guests as hotel dining locations do not appear to be included.
Mobile ordering will be available at select fast and quick service locations. Will any of the Pixar Fest offerings be part of that list? More details to come!
Orders can be made through the app with a valid debit or credit card. Any Disney Gift Card purchases will have to be made in person at the dining location rather than through the app. Disneyland Annual Passholders will be able to use their discounts when ordering.
The new service will also have the option to prepare your order when you arrive. By telling the app you are at the location, meal prep will start so you can receive your food fresh and ready to go. Once finished, a push notification will be sent to you directly and food can be picked up at new mobile ordering signs which will be placed at each location.
You can read the entire press release by clicking the link below:
The iconic Disneyland Monorail will be getting the Pixar treatment next week when Pixar Fest begins, featuring one of a kind designs that follow some of our most popular Pixar movie moments.
The Disney Parks Blog shared some of the exciting images of the newly enhanced monorail system. The red monorail train will also be dressing up for the celebration soon, though details have not been announced on which Pixar story will be showcased.
Starting on April 13th, Pixar Fest will be in full swing with special food offerings, entertainment, and unique experiences. This will mean the return of the electrifying Paint the Night Parade, which will stepping off in Disney California Adventure for the first time ever. A new fireworks spectacular, “Together Forever”, will also be debuting over in Disneyland Park. A special sneak peak video was released by Disney Parks and Resorts, which you can view below!
Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port will receive a Toy Story “Pizza Planet” themed overlay, which was teased to have some fresh menu options that include a green alien specialty pizza that includes pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms. For those who want to be a bit more adventurous, a cheeseburger pizza will also be available that includes ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, diced tomato, slider patties, pickles, and a house made burger sauce.
The Green Alien specialty pizza direct from their home planet of “Pepperonia”
Check out the other fun food options coming to The Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest here! You will also get a chance to see some of the limited time merchandise. Pixar Fest will run from April 13th through September 3rd at the Disneyland Resort.
The Disney Parks Blog announced this past Thursday that Doctor Strange will be joining the ranks of Marvel heroes at Disney California Adventure. He will be a unique meet and greet experience that will surely be full of personality.
Other meet and greets currently include Spiderman, Captain America, and King T’Challa’s Black Panther. This is one of many new developments at the Disneyland Resort that will bring more of the Marvel Universe into the Parks and Resorts experience. Last month, Disney Parks also revealed that the current Bugs Land area in Disney California Adventure will be set to be transformed into a super hero themed land that will include Spiderman, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other key members of The Avengers Team.
The new land is slated to open in 2020, which means the larger than life kids area of Bugs Land will be soon a part of Disneyland’s yesteryear. As Bugs Land is the one area in the second California park that is toddler friendly, it will be interesting to see how Disneyland will take on the new themed area. Though one attraction already exists, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, we will have to wait and see until more is revealed.
You can keep up on all things Marvel by visiting the Disney Parks Blog!
For the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Singapore are partnering with Netflix to bring “Stranger Things” to life at this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” events. Fans of the series will get the chance to brave the Upside Down and confront the supernatural as each park debuts all-new mazes inspired by season one of the critically-acclaimed series.
The parallel universe, referred to as the Upside Down that terrorized the small town of Hawkins, Indiana in Netflix’s mega-hit “Stranger Things,” will bring the chittering, predatory Demogorgon to “Halloween Horror Nights” to stalk unwitting guests as they encounter iconic scenes, characters and environments from the mesmerizing series.
Working collaboratively with Netflix, along with the creators and executive producer of the blockbuster series—Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer and Shawn Levy, the mazes at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Singapore will be authentic representations of “Stranger Things,” designed to transport guests into artfully recreated scenes and storylines. From the menacing Hawkins National Laboratory, under the U.S. Department of Energy, to the Byers home adorned with an erratic display of flashing Christmas lights and the eerie Upside Down woods oozing a shower of floating orb-like spores, the chilling new mazes will offer surprising twists and unexpected turns around every corner.
Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 25 years, guests from around the world have visited “Halloween Horror Nights” to become victims inside their own horror film. Multiple movie-quality mazes based on iconic horror television shows, films and original stories come to life season after season. And, the streets of each park’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing scare-actors lunge from every darkened corner.
Halloween Horror Nights begins Friday, September 14 in Hollywood and Orlando and on Friday, September 28 in Singapore. Additional details about the events will be revealed soon. Select tickets and vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on sale now. For more information about “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Singapore, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Disney and PerBlue announced Disney Heroes: Battle Mode, a new, action-packed mobile role-playing game (RPG) that features Disney and Pixar heroes battling together in the same universe in all new ways. Players will experience fun, unexpected 5v5 match-ups with fan-favorite characters from The Incredibles, Wreck-It Ralph, Pirates of the Caribbean and much more. Pre-registration begins today on Google Play™, and the game will be available on the App Store® and on Google Play later this year.
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“Disney Heroes: Battle Mode brings together Disney and Pixar characters in an all-new, original universe,” said Lisa Anderson, vice president, Games, Disney. “PerBlue has done a great job of bringing our characters to life in authentically Disney ways, and players will be surprised and delighted as they mix and match hero team-ups.”
Key Features Include:
• Deep Bench of Characters: Collect and transform 30+ Disney and Pixar heroes into battle-ready big shots, including The Incredibles, Frozone, Wreck-It Ralph, Vanellope von Schweetz, Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more.
• Missions and Friend Campaigns: Team up unlikely Disney and Pixar characters to battle together in the same universe to earn exclusive bonuses.
• A New Digital World: Lead characters through a corrupted digital world that they’re charged with saving from an evil virus.
• Epic Abilities and Gear: Activate skills, equip gear, and level up characters to take on bigger and badder enemies.
“We’re excited to be working with some of the most recognizable characters and brands in the world and to bring them together in the new universe we’ve created,” said Justin Beck, CEO, PerBlue. “Disney and Pixar have been great collaborators that have shared our vision for creating a fun, multiplayer experience that can be enjoyed by all gamers.”
Disney Heroes: Battle Mode marks the first game developed between Disney and PerBlue since the deal was announced earlier this year.
Pre-registration for Disney Heroes: Battle Mode begins today on Google Play. Pre-registered players will receive a free hero of their choice at game launch. Heroes to choose from include Mr. Incredible, Fix-It Felix, Jr., Nick Wilde, Jessie and Sulley with Boo.
As Ready Player One jumps into theaters this weekend, you will have an opportunity to bring part of The Oasis home with exclusive merchandise from Hot Topic. From Funko to fragrances, there’s something for everyone, including retro throwbacks to some of the iconic films and childhood favorites referenced in Spielberg’s latest blockbuster.
Part of the Ready Player One Funko line. 9 figures make up the set including Parzival, Art3mis, and Aech.
Part of the Funko Pop series, Hot Topic has also released a special transparent exclusive figure of Parzival. Paired with Art3mis, he’s a great addition to the Funko line. If you feel a little more devious, Sorrento is also available to bring out your villainous side.
Make up kits and bath bombs are also available celebrating the film’s release.
As always, this merchandise is on a limited run and will not be available forever. Show your pride, throw on your t-shirt, grab your hat, and join the game! Check out the entire collection, including special online only merchandise.
Hot Topic also sponsors the “Ready Player One Challenge” which can be experienced until April 1st in Hollywood. You can read more about the experience by checking out our exclusive feature below! If you’re lucky, you might get a chance to jump back in time in the legendary Back to the Future DeLorean.
If you happen to be walking on the corner of Hollywood and Vine, don’t miss your chance to experience the “Ready Player One Challenge”. Going into its final weekend, it’s a fun filled adventure that celebrates the release of the film in an immersive team experience that puts you right into the hunt for the ultimate prize.
Think of it as a cross between a walk-thru maze, an easter egg hunt, and an escape game. Each player is given a wristband to track their progress through the challenge. A digital scoreboard tracks your ranking as you exit. Groups are joined together in reserved time slots and are given an explanation of the challenge. Just like the movie, there are three keys in the maze that must be found in order to “win” the egg. Just like in the movie.
Photo ops are available as you continue in what appears to be a set straight from the film. This is your chance to take your pictures in front of a vehicle and high-rise structures set to the theme of Ready Player One. It is most impressive and detailed.
From there, you are then escorted in the back of a van and lead past clues and set pieces stored inside it. All around are citizens engaged with their Virtual Reality (VR) sets, experiencing the world of The Oasis. The setting appears to be a home that our main character would live in.
Make a quick turn and you are now being thrust into The Oasis itself… which leads to a dance party with Batman, Superman, Harley Quinn, and a giant Care Bear. It has the vibe of a Comic-Con after party! You are then set free to explore all the vivid details to find your keys (Crystal, Copper, and Jade) that will grant you access to the egg. One set piece include a living room with plenty of 1980s movie and video game references. Even the movie posters are parodies with the Ready Player One movie characters in them. Other set pieces include a Rubik’s Cube room and infinity mirror room.
If you can master the challenge and find all three keys, a door slides open to reveal the egg accompanied by props on display that were used in the movie. The exit contains a gift shop provided by Hot Topic. You can even purchase your very own set of key replicas!
Just when you think it’s over, a hidden gem appears, with no signs or hints to lead you to it. The time machine from Back to the Future is waiting, and is the ultimate prize. You can actually take a picture with the DeLorean. As you leave, a free poster is given to celebrate your victory. Overall, it was a pretty worthy experience.
The challenge is open now until April 1st, from 11am-11pm. Admission is free. Learn more about the limited time event at http://www.readyplayeronechallenge.com/
AMC Theatres is moving into the Anaheim Gardenwalk next year, relocating from its current location in the Downtown Disney District. The news was announced in preparation to construction for Disneyland’s latest hotel project that will close most of the area the current theater is part of. Other closures will include The ESPN Zone, Rain Forest Cafe, and Earl of Sandwich.
AMC will renovate 22,358 square feet on the upper level of the Garden Walk, next to House of Blues, ushering in new life to the local hot spot.
“We are extremely pleased to announce the new AMC Theatres planned for Anaheim GardenWalk,” says Jonathan Mayblum, Co-Founder and Principal of Arcturus, a real estate asset management company responsible for the operation of Anaheim GardenWalk. “Anaheim GardenWalk has become one of the premier ‘eatertainment’ destinations in Orange County, and with the wide array of dining and entertainment options the center offers – including the coming AMC Theatres – there’s something of interest for people in every age range and walk of life.”
Though an official opening date has not yet been announced, AMC will be in Anaheim to stay. It will join the likes of Bubba Gump, The Cheesecake Factory, and Bowlmor Anaheim. You can take a look at all the current offerings at the Gardenwalk by visiting their official site below!
Pismo Beach is one of my favorite Central California locations. Set on the ocean, with perfect weather, miles of sandy beaches, an historic pier, unique shops and dining, nearby wineries and tons of classic vibe, the city has everything I look for in a weekend getaway.
So when I heard about an exciting, new, boutique hotel that recently came to town, I knew I had to investigate. Called Inn at the Pier, the property is aptly named. It is located directly in front of the 94 year-old Pismo Pier, mere steps from the beach.
My getaway to the Inn at the Pier began when a friend and I checked into an incredible suite, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Pismo pier. Covering more than 800 luxurious square-feet, the room was highlighted by mesmerizing ocean and pier views from two separate balconies: one off the living room and one off of the separate bedroom.
The views from rooms at Inn at the Pier are memorable
Other suite amenities included a spacious living area with an L-shaped couch; 55-inch LCD TV; office work desk with chair and high-speed Wi-Fi; and a kitchen with sink, refrigerator, microwave, espresso machine and dining bar with chairs. There was also a huge bathroom with double vanities, walk-in shower and separate toilet area; not to mention the two aforementioned balconies overlooking the gorgeous Pismo coastline.
After unpacking, we walked about 100 yards from the hotel to the sand, where we laid out a blanket and relaxed, watching surfers ride waves and seagulls perch on the historic pier. Currently undergoing a nearly $9-million renovation, the pier was originally constructed in 1924. Since then it has suffered damage during several storms and a partial collapse in 1983.
The pier is currently getting a structural upgrade, with a new electrical system, water lines, lighting, benches, tables, public art and other public amenities. When complete in fall of 2019, the Pismo Pier will have the look and feel of “Classic California” with a traditional wooden decking and outdoor recreational space.
The Rooftop Bar offers incredible views and delicious cuisine (photo by Greg Aragon)
After lounging on the beach and shopping in downtown, we headed back to the Inn at the Pier for dinner at The Rooftop Bar, the hotel’s signature restaurant / lookout spot. To get here we walked down the hallway from our 3rd floor suite, past the fitness room to the roof deck. Featuring a small pool, Jacuzzi, deck chairs, couches, fire pits and a bar / dining area, The Rooftop offers memorable coastal views and seasonally-inspired small plates, signature cocktails and local craft brews.
Our dinner at Rooftop began with an heirloom beet salad with watercress, grapefruit, pistachio, goat cheese, radishes and lemon-sage vinaigrette. We then had a bowl of tasty Pismo Beach clam chowder, with local clams, smoked bacon, potatoes and croutons. For the main course I devoured king salmon with carrot, radish, fennel heirloom potatoes, and lemon fennel cream. My friend experienced Wagyu flat iron steak with kalbi marinade, ginger-soba noodle cake, charred broccolini and kimchi, miso butter. While dining we watched the sun fall into the ocean behind San Luis Obispo.
Pismo Preserve is a natural wonderland meandering above the sea (photo by Greg Aragon)
The next morning I worked out at the hotel’s modern fitness room, then had breakfast at Blonde, the hotel’s contemporary restaurant, located next to the lobby. From here, I drove a mile to Pismo Preserve (https://lcslo.org/) where I toured the 900-acre natural wonderland, overlooking the ocean.
Offering diverse docent-led recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, the preserve boasts more than 10 miles of rugged and beautiful trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trails traverse serene oak woodlands and coastal ridgelines with stunning panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean stretching from the Irish Hills to Point Sal.
Back at the hotel, we made dinner in our suite and dined on our private balcony watching the sunset over Pismo Pier.
The Inn at the Pier is located at 601 Cypress Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449. For more information on staying at the hotel, call 805-295-5565 or visit: www.theinnatthepier.com. For more information on visiting Pismo Beach, go to: www.classiccalifornia.com/
Star Wars The Last Jedi has finally arrived on Blu-Ray/DVD in a set that includes stunning extras, exclusive behind the scenes footage, and more in depth insight at the risks in bringing the latest Star Wars installment to the big screen. For the sake of review, SocalThrills cracked open the Target Exclusive Edition that also includes a 40 page booklet highlighting characters, scenes, and making of the film along with a beautiful presentation which can be seen below.
The Last Jedi Target Exclusive Edition.
As expected, this set packs a punch, providing over 14 deleted scenes, candid moments with the cast and crew, and a deep dive into director Rian Johnson’s process. The most notable aspect of the set comes from the first featurette, The Director and the Jedi. As we all know, The Last Jedi had a mixed reception with the fan base and took the franchise in an unexpected direction. Even Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, was vocal about his reservations with his character. Yet, the set is one of the first times fans have had a chance to hear in to some of Rian Johnson’s own doubts and anxieties with the film process. Being a Star Wars film, a big level of responsibility is given. Especially as an outsider to the world of big franchises, Johnson was in a whole new universe of film making.
The feature shows that not all of his ideas worked, and rather than focus on the possibility of failure, Johnson strapped in and pushed himself to write and create the best possible film he could. The weak areas were scrapped, and the entire production came out even better for it. This is a wonderful way to show the immense weight any film maker has at taking on the Star Wars brand. There are huge expectations, and especially given the split reaction to Johnson’s vision with The Last Jedi, this feature helps level the playing field. It provides an intimate insight that needs to be shared, and shows how important Star Wars is to Johnson.
As the set list continues, there’s plenty of behind the scenes footage to keep you occupied. Andy Serkis’ motion capture performance is shown, highlighting the genuine skill and acting chops the veteran has. We also get a look at some of the amazing set pieces that took months to build that include the Canto Bight and Acht-To scenery. Though both planets do feature live locations, intricate set reproductions were made that seamlessly mesh with the real spaces.
Yet, the real power of the films come from the talent on screen, and the set does not hesitate to remind you of all the work each member of the crew put in to making the film a reality. Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver filmed each scene together during their Force bond moments to create a sense of real connection. Rather than speak to an empty room, Ridley could be found on the opposite side of the camera during Driver’s scenes. Both perspectives were shot, giving more depth to each interaction.
Some time is spent on Carrie Fisher and while somber, is a nice tribute to the late actress. Being her last film, Fisher stated during the featured content that this may be her best work. Though there is not a separate feature focused specifically on Fisher, Johnson takes the time to honor her and we have a last chance to say goodbye.
The Target edition also comes with an exclusive featurette, “Meet the Porgs”, which brings the creature shop to the spotlight. Over 15 Porgs were created that included traditional puppets, animatronics, and background pieces. Every feather was hand sewn, showing the level of dedication the shop had in bringing the new creature to life in a big way. Though, the feature comes on a separate DVD disc and it does not appear any other content is on it.
For those who download the digital copy of the film through the service, Movies Anywhere, a special score only version of the film will be available in the features section. It allows the viewer to watch The Last Jedi as a silent film, only accompanied with John Williams’ score. Johnson teased the version via Twitter, and it is a fantastic bonus to keep an ear open for.
Here’s a review at the full breakdown of features:
The Director and the Jedi –Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
Balance of the Force – Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
Scene Breakdowns
Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.
Snoke and Mirrors – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie’s malevolent master villain.
Showdown on Crait – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie’s final confrontation, including the interplay between real-word locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.
Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
Deleted Scenes – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
Audio Commentary – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
Target Exclusive Feature: “Meet the Porgs” Take a behind the scenes look at Star Wars’ newest creature and the practical magic made to bring the Porgs to life.
Movies Anywhere Exclusive: Score Only Version of the Film. A special edit of The Last Jedi that will allow fans to experience the film with no dialogue set to the epic score by John Williams.
You can purchase your copy of The Last Jedi at any major online or local retailer. You can take look at the full list of exclusive packaging and options by visiting Star Wars’ featured link below.
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
The Disney Parks Blog shared some of the exciting images of the newly enhanced monorail system. The red monorail train will also be dressing up for the celebration soon, though details have not been announced on which Pixar story will be showcased.
