Toy Story Land Opening Dates Announced

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February 16, 2018

TOY STORY LAND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT (LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.) — Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will take guests to infinity and beyond when Toy Story Land opens June 30, 2018. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy's backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys. Guests will whoosh along on a family-friendly roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, take a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and score high on the midway at the expanded Toy Story Mania! (Disney)

Break out your luxo balls and green army men, Toy Story Land now has an opening date thanks to a special announcement made on Good Morning America today. Playtime will commence on June 30th in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. Stretching over 11 acres with three signature attractions, there’s bound to be something for every Toy Story fan.

“With set pieces, staging, attractions, and experiences, Toy Story Land represents the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animations Studios”, proudly stated by Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek. “This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz, and their pals…and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy.”

Disney Parks and Resorts released a full breakdown of what’s to come this summer. You can take a closer look below:

Slinky Dog Dash: Andy has assembled his roller coaster kit for maximum family fun. Tracks and supports in bright colors of red, orange, yellow and blue are put together according to Andy’s hand-drawn plans, with Rex and Jessie lending a hand. And to complete his creation, Andy picked up everyone’s favorite floppy-eared dachshund with a strrrrretch-ing slinky coil belly and dropped it on to the coaster track. Get ready to ride inside Slinky Dog’s coils! Slinky Dog Dash is inspired by the delightful pooch spinoff of Slinky, the 1950s American toy classic. Riders of all ages will delight as Slinky Dog bends and twists his coils around curves, hills, bridges and drops in the Slinky-est coaster ever. Riders will zip around and above Toy Story Land, serving up panoramic views of all that the new land has to offer. Andy’s colorful creation will stretch Slinky Dog and his coils to the max – from his head to his upturned tail – and be fun for the entire family.

Alien Swirling Saucers: Brace yourself for out-of-this-world thrills because the aliens have powered up their flying saucers! Alien Swirling Saucers will immerse guests in the playful world of Andy’s toys. This galactic space toy is designed as a play set that Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant.

Adorable little Toy Story green Aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket-ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead. This space adventure is bathed in music re-imagined for intergalactic fun, dappled with multi-color lighting and sound effects from throughout galaxies.
Toy Story Mania! : While Andy’s away, the toys will play. One of the most beloved attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania!, gets an all-new colorful toy carnival game box entrance when the new land opens. In fact, this is the box that the Toy Story Mania! game came in. Recently updated with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more guests in the carnival play-set action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games. To the high-scorer go bragging rights.

Disney Parks worldwide will get to share in the Toy Story fun with the introduction of Pixar Pier at the Disneyland Resort in California as well as a new land in Shanghai that will debut on April 26th.

Concept Art for this summer's Pixar Pier at the Disneyland Resort. Toy Story Midway Mania will be wrapped in with the new themed land. — Concept Art for this summer’s Pixar Pier at the Disneyland Resort. Toy Story Midway Mania will be wrapped in with the new themed land.

With the newest expansions, there will now be a little bit of Toy Story in every Disney Park, highlighting the impact of the franchise to fans the world over. To learn more about Toy Story Land and all else Disney Parks, please visit the Disney Parks Blog!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

Disney Home Opens in Downtown Disney

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 15, 2018

Disney Home has just opened in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, providing a wide assortment of household goods with that magical Disney flair. SoCalThrills was at the scene, taking in all the excitement.

Disney Home is the latest in the transformation of Downtown Disney leading into the new year, joining the likes of Splitsville and the new VR experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire.

Take a look at the newest addition to the Downtown Disney family as well as all the merchandise options for your home below!

For more details on upcoming openings and special events throughout the entire Disneyland Resort, please visit the Disney Parks Blog:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Returns and Introduces a New Lineup of Tasty Foods

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 15, 2018

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is our annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s festival will feature over 75 new and returning boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by the Knott’s culinary team. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing line up of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to refreshingly sweet and tangy drinks and one-of-a-kind specialty desserts that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the tasty treats, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of daily entertainment, live music and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year’s festival has expanded to 24 days, starting March 16 and running daily through April 8.

The historic boysenberry is a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry and is named after its originator Rudolf Boysen. The Knott family was the first to successfully harvest and sell the boysenberry on the land that is now known as Knott’s Berry Farm.

Some of the tastiest and most unique food items are rolled out exclusively during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival.

This year’s appetizing lineup includes the first ever boysenberry quesadilla made with a boysenberry-infused flour tortilla, paired with boysenberry salsa, boysenberry sour cream, sprinkled with cotija and mozzarella cheese. Plus, the boysenberry pierogies with onions, bacon and boysenberry sour cream will be bursting with a combination of sweet and savory flavors. Other flavorful items that will be prepared and served to perfection include the slow cooked boysenberry short ribs, the juicy meat is smothered in boysenberry hoisin sauce served over butter basmati rice and complete with chopped green onions will leave guests asking for more. The guest favorite and finger-lickin’ boysenberry chicken wings will also be available during the festival; the irresistible wings are smothered in the delicious and popular boysenberry BBQ sauce which is made exclusively at the Farm. The meaty and boysenberry inspired items also include the very filling boysenberry grilled sausage on a fresh roll prepared with a fresh farm-baked roll, topped with boysenberry ketchup, relish and mustard. For guests craving a refreshing drink, Knott’s is offering an all-new boysenberry boba tea which consists of boysenberry milk tea and chewy berry-soaked tapioca balls served over ice. The boysenberry elote is one of the satisfying treats guests will be able to find in the streets of Ghost Town. The lightly grilled corn is smothered in fresh boysenberry butter, mayo and perfectly topped off with cotija cheese. The Festival also offers a variety of sharable snacks for the family including a new vegetarian/vegan option like the highly enjoyable boysenberry hummus served with pita bread and prepared with garden-fresh boysenberries. Sweets and desserts are a key part of the festival and this year the culinary team is introducing the scrumptious, perfectly bite-sized boysenberry coconut macaroons, dipped in a decadent chocolate ganache, which are great to enjoy while strolling through the park. A great option to indulge in a variety of new and returning food items during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $30 which offers 8 of the new food options per card; guests can select any 8 items of their choice. Returning and other signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte during each day of the festival. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or in the theme park.

Guest can also take home a taste of the boysenberry festival with limited edition merchandise that can be found throughout the park, such as a new boysenberry bath and body line including soaps, salt soaks, bath bombs, lip balms (introducing three new flavors) and candles. New to the festival this year is Knott’s sugar-free boysenberry concentrate, a low calorie, no sugar version of Knott’s popular drink, a wide selection of boysenberry chocolates including boysenberry versions of milk chocolate bars, truffles, caramel squares, peanut butter and jelly cups. New and exclusive to Knott’s Berry Farm this year is the all-new boysenberry Jelly Belly. The Knott’s Berry Market also features signature boysenberry items like the delicious boysenberry BBQ sauce or the classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry inspired products with a homemade twist will also be available as the Craft Fair returns offering a variety of products like boysenberry cashew nut brittle, boysenberry pie shaped homemade accessories and more.

Entertainment:

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers endless entertainment options for the festival goers who have a hankerin’ for some good ol’ country fun:

Tied up in Knott’s! – “Tied Up in Knott’s!” is a tribute art show to the rich history of Knott’s Berry Farm, its beginnings as a farm and its standing as a Southern California institution for millions of visitors during its (almost) 100-year history. More than a dozen artists will be contributing pieces to the show, which pays homage to Knott’s Berry Farm’s past, present and future in various mediums including: oil paintings, illustrations and digital mixed media. These original pieces will be hung on display at the Wilderness Dance Hall during the duration of the Boysenberry Festival and Guests will have the opportunity to purchase many of the pieces, as well as prints of some of the art.
Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree! – Guests are invited to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts Gang in a show that will have families dancing and playing along at the Calico Mine Stage.
Old Time Melodrama – Knott’s pays tribute to its past at the Legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the musical comedy melodrama with a surprising boysenberry twist!
Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – A group of krazy talented performers will have guests toe tappin’, vine dancin’ and knee-slappin’ to a comedic country music show at the Wagon Camp stage.
Ghost Town Miners – The joy of scrumptious food and country music encompass guests as the Ghost Town Miners take the stage in a fun musical performance.
Easter Beagle – Spring has sprung all around the park including in Camp Snoopy where guests can meet everyone’s favorite beagle as he celebrates the season.
Ghost Town’s Town Hall– In honor of the famous berry that started it all, guests are invited to learn the history of the boysenberry and how Walter and Cordelia Knott started the Farm.
Old MacDonald Petting Zoo – Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends.

The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Additional costs apply for food tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days March 16 – April 8, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.

The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2018 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the recently expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $94 or six easy payments of $15.66 and Gold Passes are $113 or six payments of just $18.83. These offers end April 8, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Partners with Disneyland Resort

By

Socalthrills Staff

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February 15, 2018

The Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® has partnered with the Disneyland® Resort to offer special, limited-time savings for Southern California Residents on both train travel and Disneyland® Resort theme park admission through May 21, 2018. The Pacific Surfliner brings nearly 3 million travelers annually to Southern California destinations including Anaheim, the gateway to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Pacific Surfliner and the Disneyland® Resort have partnered to offer Southern California Residents a magical offer including:

Kids ride free on the Pacific Surfliner to the Disneyland® Resort with a paid adult
An additional 5 percent savings on the SoCal Resident Ticket offer for Disneyland® Resort theme parks

“We are excited to partner with the Disneyland® Resort to offer enhanced savings not only on train travel, but on a quintessential SoCal experience,” said Bryan MacDonald, chairman of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency, which oversees the Pacific Surfliner service. “Through this partnership, we hope to make passenger rail service more accessible and approachable for Southern Californians, while also providing added value to our existing Pacific Surfliner customers.”

Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) provides a convenient shuttle connection from the train station to Disneyland® Resort. From the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), board ART Route 15 to the theme park. The ride is free with your valid train ticket. Participants can travel to ARTIC by train from points throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Program details:

Kids Ride Free to Anaheim – Book the train to Anaheim, CA and for each adult ticket purchased, receive one child ticket free (ages 2-12). To redeem, select one “Adult” and one “Child” as your passenger types, and enter promo code V231.
Enjoy Special Savings on the Disneyland® Resort SoCal Resident Ticket – Unlock an additional 5 percent savings on the SoCal Resident Ticket offer by visiting PacificSurfliner.com/Disney.

Visit pacificsurfliner.com/Disney for complete offer details.

Elastagirl Steals the Show in ‘Incredibles 2’ Olympics Preview

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 14, 2018

SUPER FAMILY -- In Disney Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home when a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot that only the Incredibles can overcome together. Also featuring the voices of Sarah Vowell as Violet and Huck Milner as Dash, “Incredibles 2” opens in U.S. theaters on June 15, 2018. ©2017 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The Incredibles are back and going for gold in Disney’s latest trailer which debuted during Winter Olympics coverage. This is the first real trailer and review from Disney since the film’s announced release and the focus is on Helen Parr, who’s super hero persona is the sassy, overly flexible, Elastagirl.

Mr Incredible, Bob Parr, is left with parenting duty while his wife is recruited to bring back the world of supers to the spotlight. Rather than jumping back into action with his wife, Bob is left with math, stress, and keeping his infant from going nuclear.

Over 14 years have passed since we last saw this super charged family and now we are all left to wonder how much has changed since the plot of the film will pick up immediately after the climax of the original 2004 film.

What is clear is that the Incredible family will have their work cut out for them in an epic balancing act between fighting crime and having a stable home life. More reveals and questions will most likely form as we get closer to the release date, in classic Disney fashion.

Similar to Solo: A Star Wars Story as well as Avengers: Infinity War, Disney is beginning to strategically place their preview slate in the mix during sporting events, which draws in a larger number of diverse viewers. It’s a great marketing strategy, but also a very obvious one. Other studios are also taking the same page from their playbook, as we saw in this past Super Bowl slate.

Special teaser posters were also released, which you can see below!

The Incredibles 2 is set to release on June 15th. You can learn more about the upcoming film on the official site: http://movies.disney.com/the-incredibles-2

Wonder: Blu-Ray Review

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 14, 2018

“You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”

Wonder has just blasted off on Blu-Ray with over three hours of special features that will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired. The film, based off the novel by R.J. Palacio, follows the life, struggle, and triumph of the Auggie Pullman and his family. The movie challenges us all to learn to see with a different point of view and understand that we all need our chance to shine in a world that may not always appreciate or see us the way it should.

What makes this set stand out is the level of teamwork needed bring the world of Auggie and the idea of kindness to life. From page to screen, every part of process in this film was painstaking, full of heart, and nothing short of a miracle.

The documentary pulls that craft into intricate pieces, highlighting the work with writer, R.J Palacio, the entire children’s cast and the creative use of multi camera shooting, as well as some of the struggles of filming on a very limited schedule. Unlike most feature series, this set takes a humble approach and is refreshing since it really brings forward the effort on everyone involved, rather than just focusing on the surface of the film for content.

Interviews are given by many of the major players, but you also get some feedback from the smaller parts of the crew and cast. When watching these clips, the audience really gets an opportunity to see what Wonder means to the entire production. It’s truly captivating and genuine.

The overarching message of hope endures, and the set of special features is a great guide to learning how much effort goes into this type of film, but also the many reasons that it succeeded when there was so much room for failure. Just like the story itself, there’s a real sense of hope and discovery.

Here’s a full list of the available features on the Blu-Ray/Digital set:

Summer of Fun 5-Part Documentary:

A (com)Passion Project- Part 1

“Family Matters”- Part 2

“A Technical Wonder”- Part 3

A Note of Kindness- Part 4

We All Deserve a Standing Ovation at Least Once in Our Lives- Part 5

A Child’s Sense of Wonder Featurette

What a Wonderful World Featurette

DVD/Blu-Ray Features

Audio Commentary with Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacio

“Brand New Eyes” Music Video

Wonder Soundtrack: Behind-the-Scenes

To celebrate the release, Director Stephen Chbosky hosted a special launch event, which was covered by SocalThrills this past weekend. Check out the amazing and heart warming story.

Learn more about the book and real stories that helped make this film a reality by visiting http://wonder.movie. Wonder can be purchased at most major in store and online retailers!

Photo Break: Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year Festivities at Disneyland

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 14, 2018

Happy Valentine’s Day Disney Fans!

It’s a special time of year at the Disneyland Resort, full of bright colors, feelings, and nostalgia. Valentine’s Day is here and in park tradition, hearts, chocolates, and lovely touches of red and pink can be found throughout the resort.

Here’s a look at some of the blossoming Valentine’s displays and merchandise for this year’s celebration!

Plenty of dazzle for those on your Valentine's list. — Plenty of dazzle for those on your Valentine’s list.

What would Valentine's Day be without chocolate? — What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate?

Disneyland wasn’t the only park with their heart on their sleeve, as Disney California Adventure also shared in the fun of the sweetest time of the year!

Oh boy! Isn't this the greatest gift idea? — Oh boy! Isn’t this the greatest gift idea?

Plenty of love for the pin collectors too!

Minnie in her Valentine's Best! — Minnie in her Valentine’s Best!

For those wanting something else to celebrate, Lunar New Year is still in Full Swing over at Disney California Adventure. Take a look for yourself and ring in the Year of the Dog!

The Year of the Dog means Pluto is in the spotlight. This is fantastic!

Pluto is front and center for this year’s festival. It’s great to see him featured alongside Mickey and Minnie with pride!

Some of the featured merchandise for the event, including a new Pluto plush!

Let’s not forget about our other special guests for the event, Mulan and Mushu! Stepping aside for a goofy moment, they will definitely have some fun memories to reflect on!

"Let's get down to business! No, seriously" — “Let’s get down to business! No, seriously”

Can’t wait for what’s to come. Until next time!

Rey to Launch into Disneyland This May

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 13, 2018

“I need someone to show me my place in all this”

The Disney Parks blog announced great news for Star Wars fans today as Rey will be coming to greet guests at the Disneyland Resort starting this May.

The popular character introduced in The Force Awakens will be joining forces with her furry companion, Chewbacca, in Star Wars Launch Bay this summer opposite Kylo Ren and Darth Vader.

This will be a Disney Parks first as Rey currently is featured exclusively in the hit Walt Disney Studios show, Star Wars: A Galaxy, Far, Far Away, in Walt Disney World. More exciting updates are sure to come leading up to the debut of both Solo: A Star Wars Story and the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in 2019.

Disney's Hollywood Studios' Galaxy Far Far Away Show in Florida. — Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy Far Far Away Show in Florida.

For those thirsting for more Star Wars, Disney Parks has just released new information on all that is to come for Star Wars fans through Japan’s D23 Expo this past weekend. You can see the full coverage below:

socalsite.socalthrills.com/explosive-announcements-japans-d23-expo-marvel-star-wars-big-hero-6/

Star Wars: Force for Change has also released special limited shirts to celebrate Solo’s upcoming release, which can be found in Disney Parks right now.

You can learn more about Force for Change and all the great offerings by visiting the official site: https://forceforchange.starwars.com/

May the Force Be With You!

Lionsgate’s ‘Wonder’ and the Science of Happiness

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 13, 2018

“Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle”

Powerful themes and emotions were shared at the California Science Center in Los Angeles during a special Blu-Ray release event for the hit film, Wonder. Leading the discussion was Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, director of Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.

Simon-Thomas tied in pivotal scenes from the film, discussing the positive trends towards kindness and generosity and how they exemplify those principles in a very moving discussion that impressed the audience as well as the director of the film, Stephen Chbosky. “Our behavior tends to be in the realm of kind, generous, and cooperative. That’s really what the Wonder film was trying to tap into and demonstrate”, stated Simon-Thomas.

In her studies, those levels of kindness and generosity are found to be a huge factor in the overall happiness of an individual. In multiple studies ranging from children to young adults, findings leaned towards the positive reinforcement of quick action towards selflessness. Teamwork, friendship, and social bonds were also discussed, as friendship is a huge theme in the film through Auggie’s search for common ground with children his own age.

Wonder director, Stephen Chbosky, related directly to her discussion of kindness and ultimately the importance of finding your place in a world where you might not always feel you belong. Not a stranger to the narrative power of emotions and self discovery, Chbosky comes from a strong background of relatable themes and characters with his critically acclaimed novel and film, Perks of Being a Wallflower, in addition to his work for the live action adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. When focusing on Wonder, Chbosky believes Auggie is perfect representation for those universal themes.

“This movie is probably the purist expression of that. Whether in my career you are talking about Charlie, Beast, or Auggie Pullman, all three heroes for various reasons don’t feel they fit in the norm of their surroundings and society”. He went on to explain what stands out in these characters is how their experiences help them find their own individual humanity. Though each story is unique, each character’s growth brings them closer to the world around them and altogether transforms the world around them. It’s the human connection and need for kindness that breaks down the barriers that many can relate to.

The entire cast was said to bring in their own stories and experiences to help bring Wonder to life, creating a gripping, realistic, and inspiring story that is worth telling. Auggie’s sister, Via, played by Izabela Vidovic, was a great example of that.

Having struggles of her own, Via still finds a way to reach out and push her brother to be the best that he can be. That bond, sense of friendship, allows her to put him first and support him in a way vital to his self discovery. “She’s very frank with him because she loves him and she wants to be realistic with him. She wants him to understand that not everyone’s going to treat him the way he should be treated and I think that’s very important”, said Vidovic.

Vidovic‘s own background gravitates towards positive examples of inner strength and kindness. At 17, she has produced two of her own film projects, has her own philanthropic foundation, Passion for Compassion, and is a strong supporter of making the community more aware of some of the issues brought to the light in the film. Working together with myFace and the Children’s Craniofacial Association, Vidovic wants to make sure important causes like craniofacial disorders and bullying have an accessible platform.

“However you want to make a difference, you can”, Vidovic urged. “Go online, research. There are so many great organizations out there.”

Beyond the cast, so many people came together to help bring Auggie’s story to life. One of the biggest players was Arjen Tuiten, who created and designed the practical makeup used in the film for Auggie. “This is the first time in film history, to my knowledge, where a 9 year old has been in full prosthetics as a lead” Tuiten explained.

The makeup consisted of 4 part mold. 40 prosthetics were made to be used during the production, which included a very intricate design that was heavily researched and drawn on real medical records, personal accounts, and visits from children experiencing the same struggles and condition as Auggie.

“Normally on a make up of this type…you’re looking at three and a half hours,” Tuiten said. However, due to the production’s needs and time restraints, the crew was able to do the work each day in half the time while still keeping the balance between actor and effects in check.

“If the make up became distracting, the movie wasn’t going to work. It had to be a real boy, a real actor”. Tuiten and the crew helped make that reality come to light in a monumental way. Wonder has received an Oscar nomination for that work, which will be featured against other major features such as Gary Oldman’s The Darkest Hour.

All aspects of this film were done with the upmost care and respect by all involved. For those who haven’t yet seen the film, Wonder is now on Digital, Blu-Ray and DVD.

To learn more about the real stories and work behind the film, please visit the official site at http://wonder.movie/

Explosive Announcements at Japan’s D23 Expo for Marvel, Star Wars, and Big Hero 6

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 11, 2018

Image_WDW_Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway — Walt Disney World Resort guests will step through the movie screen and join Mickey and pals on a wacky adventure set to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida in 2019. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, the first-ever ride through attraction themed to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, will feature dazzling visual effects, a lovable theme song, and twists and turns ideal for the whole family.

Big changes are coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts with new attractions, hotels, and entertainment just announced at Japan’s D23 Expo. Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, Bob Chapek, took the stage and gave the audience a preview of all that’s to come to Disney Parks worldwide.

Disneyland’s Pixar Pier will open on June 23rd that includes the previously announced Incredicoaster, a new Inside Out attraction, as well as a new Incredibles themed float for the Paint the Night Parade. The parade, transitioning over to Disney California Adventure for this spring’s Pixar Fest, will step off on April 13th after being on hiatus from Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Meanwhile in Florida and Disneyland Paris, Marvel will be brought out in full force as two new attractions will open up in Walt Disney Studio Park and Epcot. Paris fans will have to say goodbye to Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster as it will be re-imagined into a “high speed, hyper-kenetic adventure” where guests will team up with Iron Man and other famed avengers.

Epcot will be given a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction in Florida, which is stated to be a “one of a kind family attraction” and will feature an innovative ride system that will also boast one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world. According to the Disney Parks Blog, the attraction will open in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration for Walt Disney World in 2021.

Disneyland Paris’ summer will also get the Marvel treatment as they will host the “Marvel Summer of Super Heroes” that will feature Captain America, Spider-Man, Star Lord, and Black Widow.

Similar to Disneyland’s recent event, fans will get an up close look at the world of Marvel in a seasonal offering that is sure to excite and tease future additions to the French resort. Hong Kong Disneyland’s popular Iron Man attraction will be joined by an Ant Man and Wasp attraction based off this summer’s Ant Man and Wasp film and take on Arnim Zola and Hydra in an exciting battle.

As popular as Marvel was at the announcement, Star Wars was teased further through more details around the luxury hotel mentioned at Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim last year. The Star Wars themed resort will bring the experience full circle, which will be seamlessly connected to Galaxy’s edge.

At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.

Coming in 2019, the Star Wars themed land will be home to two attractions focused around epic setting of the saga that include piloting the Millennium Falcon in addition to jumping into the middle of a battle between The Resistance and First Order forces. Merchandise won’t be far behind, as announcements were also made to include a Toydarian street market where fans can bring home a hand made doll featuring different characters around the galaxy.

A sneak peek of the hand crafted toys which will be available in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. — A sneak peek of the hand crafted toys which will be available in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

Baymax and Big Hero 6 will take the center stage in Toyko Disneyland with a brand new Big Hero 6 themed attraction set to open in Tomorrowland. Meanwhile, Fantasyland will get an upgrade with an entirely new area based off of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. A musical attraction is set to open along side with a full scale, live entertainment theatre. Soarin’ will also fly into Toyko DisneySea while Minnie will be given a special meet and greet in Toontown.

The announcements made are none short of explosive. Though there will be sacrifices to old favorites, there’s plenty of new things to come for fans to look forward to worldwide. To learn more about the recent Disney Parks news, please visit the Disney Parks Blog at https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

Universal Studios Hollywood Debuts the All-New DreamWorks Theatre

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 8, 2018

On the heels of the recent acquisition of DreamWorks Animation, Universal Studios Hollywood is setting the stage for the Summer 2018 debut of the all-new DreamWorks Theatre presenting the premier attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.”

Inspired by the global blockbuster franchise, the attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual effects for a highly engaging experience.

Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” recounts a plot-filled story whereby on the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace, while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure filled with raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and Kung Fu.

With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” will introduce the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. Developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, this never-before-adapted technique will depict a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform within the interior space and enhance the story. With detailing that is so precise, it will be near impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere illusion.

Coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio, sweeping physical effects from water to wind will empower guests to feel more like participants than spectators in the adrenaline-spiked adventure.

Featuring an original score by composer Germaine Franco, the storyline begins as guests enter the pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks characters who kick-off the attraction’s narrative. From there, guests will enter the main theatre, complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot and swivel in tandem with the 180-degree action.

The newly constructed building that houses the DreamWorks Theatre is inspired by Mission revival architecture and harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood’s Art Deco period of the 1920s, including a box office ticket seller booth, reminiscent of the time period and staffed by a three-dimensional Pinocchio character asleep on the job.

As guests navigate past the ticket booth, through the flourishing outdoor garden and into the theatre queue, they will encounter a series of 36 movie posters that pay homage to DreamWorks Animation films. Within the lobby, a selection of over 20 award statuettes will be on display, representing a sampling of the Golden Globe, Emmy, People’s Choice, Critic’s Choice, National Board of Review and Annie awards DreamWorks Animation has amassed from 2008 to 2015. A collection of original sculpted maquettes of the “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” characters will also be on display along with artifacts embodying magical powers that Po brought back from the Spirit Realm.

Anthony Gonzalez Performs “Un Poco Loco” on Good Mythical Morning

By

Robbie Bulus

-

February 8, 2018

Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” —the story of a 12-year-old aspiring musician’s extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors—won a 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Motion Picture, topped the domestic box office Thanksgiving holiday weekend, became the highest grossing film of all time in Mexico, broke records in China and earned widespread praise, receiving 96 percent from critics and 97 percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch as the 13-year-old breakout star peforms a live rendition of the film’s hit song “Un Poco Loco” with help from the Mariachi Divas while hosts Rhett & Link prepare and serve hot cocoa for the entire band throughout the performance.

Now this vibrant tale filled with love and laughter arrives home Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere on Feb. 13, and on 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 27.

Through fresh and fascinating bonus material, adventurers of all ages will tag along with filmmakers as they soak in Día de los Muertos in Mexico; explore the essential role of music in “Coco;” and learn how the cast and crew personally connect with the film’s message. They’ll step behind the scenes to discover the inspiration behind the film’s creative costuming; Miguel’s beautifully complicated family; Dante the loyal Xolo dog; and the stunning worlds of both the dead and the living. Features also include deleted scenes, insightful filmmaker commentary, the music of Coco and more.

Socalthrills.com

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