This summer, iconic Disneyland Park attractions make their return with the reopening of “Fantasmic!,” the Rivers of America attractions and the Disneyland Railroad. These classic are very special to Disneyland Park fans, and excited to celebrate their return.
For 25 years, “Fantasmic!” has taken Disneyland Park Guests on a journey into Mickey Mouse’s imagination, and its return on July 17, 2017 – in celebration of the park’s 62nd anniversary – will bring new magic to this beloved nighttime spectacular! The treasured Disneyland Park experience Guests have loved for years, complete with its original fanfare and theme song, will be taken to brilliant new heights. New mist screens will combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before, and the show will feature new scenes inspired by Disney animated classics such as “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”
Also this summer, the classic Rivers of America attractions will reopen, starting with Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island this Friday, June 16, followed by Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes on July 29, 2017. For decades, Guests have traveled the landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande; each carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests and wildlife. The return of these watercraft will bring even more breathtaking views for guests to discover, including an enhanced adventure featuring the new Columbia Gorge section, highlighted by five picturesque waterfalls. Last year, we shared the artist’s rendering above, courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering, showing the gorgeous new north bank of the Rivers of America, which will feature a beautiful new waterfront.
This new waterfront will also include several elevated trestles over which the Disneyland Railroad will travel when it reopens along with the Rivers of America attractions on July 29, 2017. An icon for more than 60 years, the Disneyland Railroad holds a special place in the hearts of everyone, and can’t wait to go on the grand circle tour of Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom once again. This classic experience will also feature new and enhanced adventures! For the very first time, the Disneyland Railroad will make a left-hand turn to continue around Disneyland Park, and Walt Disney’s legendary dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World have been carefully restored to their original splendor, with a bit of new magic added to both!
Players can race alongside Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez, Jackson Storm, and more in the new mobile game inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3”
Disney today announced the launch of Disney•Pixar’s Cars: Lightning League on the Apple App Store and Google Play. After a devastating crash, Lightning McQueen’s career is on the line. Players are invited to train the racing champ as he prepares for a speedy comeback in this all new mobile game inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3”.
In Cars: Lightning League, racers can give it everything they’ve got by building their own collection of cars including Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez, Jackson Storm, and more.
Additional game features include:
– Speed through iconic locations from “Cars 3”,whether it’s cruising the beach or burning rubber near Radiator Springs.
– Complete high-speed missions to gain new upgrades and blitz past rivals, and build a garage of new speedsters and old favorites.
– Through challenges, racers can upgrade their cars, earn slick prizes and reach record-breaking speeds to go lightning fast.
Developed by Playside Studios, Disney•Pixar’s Cars: Lightning League is available now for free download with in-app purchases on the Apple App Store and Google Play. It will be available for download on the Amazon App Store soon.
Universal Studios Hollywood announces the return of FX’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning television series “American Horror Story,” bringing Ryan Murphy’s demented “Roanoke” installment to life at this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” event, beginning Friday, September 15, 2017.
“American Horror Story: Roanoke” will unearth the twisted legacy of The Lost Colony of Roanoke, transporting guests to the haunted backwoods of North Carolina where they will experience the terror that has tormented the town for centuries. The all-new disturbing maze, reimagined in acute and disturbing details, will unmask a cast of deranged killers, from the cannibalistic Polk family who subsist by feeding upon innocent victims to The Butcher who thrives on human sacrifices. Trapped in a vicious circle of evil and murder, guests will find themselves in a life or death battle to outrun the nightmare of Roanoke before the vindictive spirts and demented killers soak the earth with the blood of their victims.
“The macabre mind of Ryan Murphy brings a treasure-trove of limitless possibilities to ‘Halloween Horror Nights,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “Because of the multitude of terrifying layers that come to life within this latest installment of FX’s ‘America Horror Story,’ we are devoting our entire maze to uncovering every twisted detail to fully immerse our guest into the Roanoke storyline.”
Captivating – and shocking – viewers since its debut in 2011, “American Horror Story” has won 15 Emmys, three Golden Globes, four Critics’ Choice Awards and one People’s Choice Award. The latest installment of “American Horror Story” returns to FX Fall 2017.
“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Featuring an all-new slate of unrivaled film production quality mazes, frightful scare zones and a fully re-imagined “Terror Tram” experience uniquely themed to today’s most definitive horror properties, “Halloween Horror Nights” will taunt, terrorize and torment guests with spine-chilling haunted attractions as part of Southern California’s most extreme Halloween experience.
Pixar has nothing to prove with resounding success across the board critically and commercially.
At the Lou panel director Dave Mullins and producer Dana Murray were able to break down their passion for the short film. Mullins began pitching to Pixar in 2005 and for several years was unable to find a suitable production between him and the company. After several years further, eventually Lou was born and the production began.
Lou is about a little monster hiding in a “lost and found” box that witnesses a bully on a playground taking toys from other kids. What begins as a game of keep-away reveals itself to be a heartwarming story of outsiders. In Pixar tradition, it’s two flawed characters going on a journey of discovery; only this journey is set on a middle school playground.
Mullins showcased the variety of designs that were tested as the film involves a creature that would be absolute murder to animate. It involves multiple standalone objects forming one cohesive creature dubbed “Lou.” The inventive nature of the creature required extensive work already but with production on movies like The Good Dinosaur, there were entire months when the film was halted. As production continued, Mullins and Murray note the continuous work on story is also commonplace for Pixar. The framework of the story mechanics are in constant flux in an attempt to always find the appropriate pacing, beats, and conclusion for the story.
Having seen Lou, this writer can tell you they found something pretty special here.
Later at the Cars 3 press conference, the atmosphere is explosive. Pixar knows they have another winner on their hands, as do the cast and crew. Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonza, Armie Hammer, and Kerry Washington were brought out with director Brian Fee and producer Kevin Reher to discuss the film.
When asked why the Cars franchise endures, director Brian Fee answers, “I think it’s the characters. I think there’s an appeal and a realism. I think people relate to the characters… when you walk away from a movie, if it meant anything to you, if you cared at all, it’s probably because you related to the characters. You can see a lot of what they’re going through, and you can see a little of yourself, see people that you know… I think at the end of the day that’s what we take away.”
On the next gen racers and how Armie Hammer’s character, Jackson Storm, impacts Lightning McQueen. “He’s part of a class of racer called ‘the next gen’ and they’re faster, they’re smarter, they’re better looking…”
When asked about how their characters step into the world and how they are strong female characters, Cristela and Kerry Washington had insightful comments.
On how Kerry Washington’s role is a strong female character, “It’s fun to see women in the film who are brave and smart, and courageous and also teachable. Women that balance having extraordinary talent and intellect but also are humble enough to learn the lessons they need to learn by the end of the film; which is that you have to step into your greatness and it’s not as simple as numbers. Heart and passion is the most important thing.”
Cristela Alonzo on how her character helps Lightning McQueen, “Cruz Ramirez is a great little character I loved playing. She’s very good at what she does but she still has doubts about herself regarding the same skills she uses to teach the other cars. She’s very relatable to boys and girls where you might have doubts about things and you don’t know how you’re going to pull something off. At the end of the day you realize that the only you can do your best is just by going for it and to trust your instincts… You think you can do something but you have doubts.
“It’s not about a boy or a girl doing something it’s about the best person doing the best that they can. I think that’s such a great way of telling a story of female empowerment by reminding everyone we’re all pretty much alike and we’re all the same. And if you work hard, and you have the skill, whoever is the best will win.”
Furthermore, when the crew was asked about their own personal mentors (mentorship is a recurring throughline in the film itself), Washington and Alonzo had micdrop worthy answers.
“I’d probably say Shonda Rhimes, my boss at ABC on Scandal. It’s great to have a mentor that’s a friend and a mentor. But I really look up to her as a leader and a mom and as a citizen of the world.” said Washington.
“My two biggest influences are my mom, an immigrant who came from Mexico… She came to this country and sacrificed so much so I could live my dream. It’s something that we never thought was possible. With her I learned that hard work and being nice and really just giving it your all is the best way to succeed. Also, my drama teachers in school. In eighth grade my drama teacher saw something in me and changed my schedule without me knowing and told me that I had something… I grew up in a border town and acting is a million miles away from that. I thought I would just be doing a blue collar job like everybody else in my family. My teachers really taught me that if I wanted a dream I could go do it, which is why I love this movie so much because it has that theme.” said Alonzo.
Alonzo continued dominating the event with her candid answers about identity and empowerment.
“I like this movie a lot because I feel like it’s a good way of telling kids that they matter. When you come from a family that doesn’t have a lot, a lot of times the parents tell the kids they matter because they’re too busy trying to survive. I want them to know back home – because my brother’s still live there and I visit there often – I want people down there to know that it’s possible to have a dream and actually achieve it. Everyday I wake up so grateful that I have the opportunities that I have and it came from living in an area that everyone is so kind, warm and loving. I want them to know that everyday and every opportunity that I do, I carry that area with me because I know it’s such a rarity. I just love that I get the chance to do that, not just for my family but for everybody there in my hometown.
“You can’t dismiss somebody that’s younger, or is inexperienced or has more experience. I think the lesson in this story is knowing that we each have something to learn from each other… You can’t dismiss the kids that like iPad’s and you can’t dismiss the kids who grew up with VCR’s.”
Summer Play Days zooms back into Disney Store this week with free daily events all summer long in locations nationwide. The popular series will kick off with a special Disney·PixarCars 3 event on Saturday, June 10, where Guests will learn about the film’s characters before jumping into the “driver’s seat” and testing their “driving” skills with remote control vehicles on a mini racetrack inside each Store.
Beginning on June 10, Guests who participate in Summer Play Days will be able to collect Disney Emoji patches featuring different Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters. New patches will be available each Wednesday between June 14 and August 9*:
Sat. 6/10: Lightning McQueen
Wed. 6/14: Cruz Ramirez
Wed. 6/21: Pascal
Wed. 6/28: Storm Trooper
Wed. 7/5: Spider-Man
Wed. 7/12: Jackson Storm
Wed. 7/19: Olaf
Wed. 7/26: BB-8
Wed. 8/2: Iron Man
Wed. 8/9: Stitch
“Summer Play Days has become a Guest favorite at Disney Store and we know many look forward to these events each year,” said Jonathan Storey, VP of Store Experience. “This summer, we are excited to continue offering our Guests great experiences now with the added fun of collectible Disney Emoji patches.”
Guests will receive a special display card where they can attach their patches and those who have collected all of the weekly patches can receive an exclusive Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse patch between August 9-20.** Cast Members will also be distributing a special limited Simba patch spontaneously throughout Summer Play Days as a special magical moment for Guests.
Free daily events taking place through August 9 include Storytime, Art of Drawing and Showtimes:
Tangled the Series Event: Guests will learn to draw Pascal, Rapunzel’s mischievous friend. A brief introduction is given to the history of Disney Animation.
Star Wars Adventures Event: Guests are invited to participate in three activities, including defense training against Stormtroopers, Millennium Falcon flight training and writing their name in Aurebesh. Guests will receive one of two Star Wars postcards (BB-8 or Chewbacca) and Aurebesh alphabet stickers
Art of Drawing Marvel’s Spider-Man Event: Guests will learn to draw Marvel’s Spider-Man. A brief introduction is given to the history of Disney Animation, as well as an explanation of traditional and modern Disney animation.
Mickey and the Roadster Racers Event: Guests will prepare for a race in Hotdog hills before they head to Italy to cheer on the Roadster Racers. Each Guest will receive their own trophy.
Princess Gathering Event: Guests will discover the Disney Princesses’ ambitions, strengths and will learn what makes each one of them special. Guests who participate will receive a special wristband.
Star Wars Storytime Event: Guests will hear the story, “Star Wars: Escape from Jakku.” Journey through the story, helping the narrators bring the story to life with interactive movements. Guests will receive a BB-8 finger puppet of their own.
Avengers Training Academy Event: Guests will take part of the Avengers Age of Ultron Training Academy to get an overview of each of the Avengers and learn their key skills and poses.
Elena of Avalor Event: Guests will use Elena’s Scepter of Light to channel the powerful magic Elena has, play and dance along with an inflatable guitar and create their own Jaquin to fly around.
For additional information, contact your local Disney Store.
Starting July 17, 2017 there will be a delicious new way to experience “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot®. Reservations open today for the brand-new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, the coolest dessert party with reserved seating to an amazing fireworks spectacular, delicious desserts and a special opportunity to enjoy the Frozen Ever After attraction!
The party, which takes place in World Showcase Plaza East, overlooking World Showcase Lagoon, will feature décor, drinks, desserts and snacks inspired by the beloved film, “Frozen.” You don’t have to worry about staking out the perfect spot to view the fireworks, because Frozen Ever After Dessert Party Guests will have reserved seating. Specialty cotton candy lemonade or “melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages will delight Guests of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as a piña colada, margarita or “Summertime Punch,” a refreshing blend of prickly pear syrup, vodka, lemonade and ginger ale.
Desserts and snacks will be served on three buffet stations, check out the menus below!
Hot & Cold
Olaf’s Warm Double Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake
Elsa’s Warm Cottage Pudding with Salted Caramel Glaze
Hand-dipped Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Small Bites
Wandering Oaken’s Eclairons
Hans’ Key Lime Tarts with Red Glitter Glaze
Living Rock Crispy Bonbons
Anna’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes
Kristoff’s No Sugar Added Lemon Curd with Blueberry
Not So Sweet
Sven’s Fresh Fruits & Berries
Grand Pabbie’s Winter-spiced Snack Mix
Duke of Weselton’s Cheese Fondue served with Country Bread Cubes, Broccoli, and Grilled Flatbread
After “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be escorted to the Norway Pavilion for a special ride on the popular Frozen Ever After attraction.
The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is another exciting offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection, which allows your Clients to enhance their vacation with one-of-a-kind Disney experiences. Cost is $79 for Guests ages 10 and above, $47 for ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included. Reservations are now open for dates beginning July 17, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Whether you are heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this winter, make the evening even more magical with these delicious additions.
At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party, you can raise a glass for a ghostly toast of sparkling cider while indulging in Halloween-themed eats, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies created daily by our master pastry chef. Specialty drinks, signature lemonades, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will also be served.
You can top off this delectable event with boo-tiful views of the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular over Cinderella Castle for a fright fest of color, music and light they’ll never forget! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party takes place select nights Aug. 29 – Nov. 1, 2017.
If you are planning on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, experience spectacular views of the holiday fireworks and sweet treats at the Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, select nights from Nov. 9- Dec. 22, 2017.
Before the fireworks, at a table decked with boughs of holly, discover a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared by our pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats – like chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. And raise a cup of good cheer with sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and lights!
Book today by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. The cost is $79 plus tax for adults; $47 plus tax for children ages 3-9.
A valid ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend the fireworks dessert parties. Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for information on dinner reservations for party nights.
Cars 3 rolls into theaters soon, but you don’t have to wait to get your Cars 3 merchandise from Disney Parks and Resorts. Available now, fun and colorful new products feature classic favorites like Lightning McQueen and new friends like Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm.
New items include T-shirts, pins, and even a new limited edition MagicBand! The limited edition retail MagicBand will be released on June 16, and will have an edition size of 2,000. The Lighting McQueen-inspired band comes in a colorfully designed box, featuring his famous “95” racing number.
Two open edition pins are now available and feature next generation racer Jackson Storm, and Lightning McQueen with the eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez.
Other items available includes a Doc Hudson “Motor Oil” mug, a colorful backpack, and a hardcover book with 12 racing stories about favorite Disney-Pixar “Cars” characters. Of course a variety of classic die cast cars will also be available.
If you are excited to see the movie, make sure you roll-in representing your favorite characters of the movie.
It’s National Candy Month, so we are bringing you some of our favorite treats from Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Did you know that the Disneyland Candy Makers hand-craft many of your favorite treats everyday? Some of these treats include English toffee, peanut brittle, and fudge.
Or how about a delicious caramel covered gourmet apple? We recommend you try the Pecan Turtle Gourmet Apple. This apple is covered in caramel before being drizzled with milk chocolate. It is then covered with pecans and topped with an additional drizzle of caramel. You can find this and many other delicious treats at Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District, Candy Palace and Hunny Spot in Disneyland Park, and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park.
Over in Walt Disney World, you can get the Cheshire Cat Tails at Cheshire Café in Magic Kingdom Park. This is a sweet pastry twist with chocolate chips and a drizzle of pink and purple icing. If you want a treat that will make you go a little mad, you’ve found it.
A new addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is refreshing shaved ice. This treat is being offered in the Harambe Fruit Market. They offer flavors such as watermelon, piña colada and mango-passion fruit.
With ‘Cars 3’ rolling into theaters soon, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is offering a special Lightning McQueen cupcake. This strawberry cake is topped with vanilla buttercream frosting and a white chocolate Lightning McQueen. You can find it at the ABC Commissary, The Trolley Car Café, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s and Fairfax Fare.
The Ganachery in Disney Springs is now offering made to order s’mores treats. This twist on the campfire favorite offers a house-made graham cracker, house-made vanilla bean marshmallow, salted caramel ganache and topped with a piece of custom dark chocolate ganache.
Looking to cool off from the summer heat? Then try a Berry Whip from the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Make sure to try out some of these new treats while they are still available. Which ones are you most excited to try?
Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) and Pixar Animation Studios are teaming up this holiday season when WDAS’ new featurette “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” opens in front of Disney•Pixar’s original feature film “Coco” on Nov. 22, 2017. The new trailer for the featurette will run in front of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3,” beginning this Friday, June 16, when Lightning McQueen’s new big-screen adventure opens in theaters nationwide.
“I’m thrilled that Disney Animation’s featurette ‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’ will be coming to theaters in November with Pixar’s ‘Coco,’” said John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. “It’s a perfect pairing – they’re both beautiful, heartfelt films about families and how people carry traditions forward. I can’t wait for audiences to get to see both of these terrific projects together on the big screen.”
Featuring four new original songs, the 21-minute featurette welcomes the original cast and characters back to the big screen, including Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), who is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) and Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff). Directed by Emmy®-winning filmmakers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (“Prep & Landing”), produced by Oscar® winner Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6”), with original songs by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (“Between the Lines”), “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” will be in theaters for a limited time beginning Nov. 22.
“Stevie and I were deeply honored to be entrusted by John Lasseterto create an all-new story with these characters we love,” said Deters. “We’re thrilled to have our film play on the big screen with ‘Coco’ during the holidays.”
“We loved getting in the recording booth with these incredible actors who know their characters inside and out,” added Wermers-Skelton. “We can’t wait for audiences to see the featurette, enjoy their performances, and hear the incredible new songs written by Elyssa and Kate.”
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” celebrates characters who won over audiences worldwide when “Frozen” first hit the big screen in 2013. Earning more than $1.27 billion globally, the film won two Academy Awards® (best animated film and best original song with “Let It Go”) and a Golden Globe® (best animated feature film). Slated for November 2019, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ untitled feature-length follow-up to the hit film reunites filmmakers Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck and Peter Del Vecho with the Grammy®- and Oscar®-winning songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Much like Lightning McQueen, the Cars films are Pixar’s own underdog. It was never a critical darling like any of the other Pixar productions, although the merchandise certainly outsold everything else for the studio. The characters were memorable enough but they lacked the zeitgeist notoriety of a Woody or Dory.
Cars 3feels like a car with a new engine and a full tank of gas. It’s repurposed the physical stakes of Cars 2 with the warm, if admittedly quite safe, storytelling of the original Cars. In the tradition of sports films and previous Cars entries, there is a race that must be won. Only this time, the race is within. Can Lightning McQueen outrace his own career?
After years of being on top in the racing world, Lightning has settled into a comfortable groove with his friends. He travels, he wins, he goes home to Radiator Springs. But he misses Doc, and as he gets older he daydreams of his mentor’s words of wisdom. Lightning and his fellow racers share a friendly rivalry on the tracks, seemingly with all the drama behind them. On top of the world and cruising through another season of racing, Lightning is living the good life. That is, until the next generation of racers, led by up and comer Jackson Storm, begin pushing out the older models. It puts the character in an interesting position as he watches his competitors and friends of the same age begin to retire around him. Lightning begins to wonder whether he truly belongs out on the racetrack or if he’s going to stop anyone from letting him out there.
Brian Fee makes his directorial debut with staggering sense of scale. After working as a storyboard artist for Cars, Ratatouille, and WALL-E, Fee takes full advantage of the Pixar approach to storytelling; i.e, flawed characters are paired up to go on a journey together. Sweeping digital vistas are filled with a lifelike quality that adds an atmosphere not present in the other Cars films. The driving feels more intense, with several sequences legitimately on par with full throttle action scenes that demand your attention. The moment in the initial teaser trailer with Lightning crashing has legitimate urgency. As one of the common complaints about Cars is how the character designs make it feel less “mature,” a complaint to which I call shenanigans, the more grounded sense of the crash sequence feels more immediate in a way the other films had not achieved. Just because it’s aimed at children doesn’t mean it’s any less capable of sincere emotions. Not to be mistaken with tonal inconsistency, something this film has nothing to worry about. It earns the tone it’s going for.
After his crash, Lightning seeks help from a young trainer named Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo). Cruz shows him around the modern training exercises to increase his speed, to which naturally Lightning scoffs at. Cruz also has her own set of problems stemming from self-doubt. She couldn’t cut it as a legitimate racer so she settles for training others. Where the film could have regressed into a “no school but the old school” mentality or one that tosses aside the older make for the new model, Cars 3 finds a balance. The film understands the pros and cons that come with material both old and new, eventually finding a happy middle ground between the two. Lightning goes to her for help but he slowly realizes that maybe he’s the one who should be helping her. It’s that sort of sincerity that keeps the film feeling fresh even a decade after the initial franchise outing.
Tugging further on the heartstrings, Cars 3 has recorded sound clips of Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, back on his work from the original Cars that wound up on the cutting room floor. As Lightning ponders his own legacy, he flashes to old discussions with Doc about the old racing days and times when he was truly happiest. It’s that sense of self-reflection that makes this Cars entry standout among the best recent sports films. Not to say it’s on par with Creed but as someone who was entirely won over by Cars 3 after not initially anticipating it, it’s at least on the same level of some of the other Rocky sequels (Rocky 3 to be exact). There are definitely inklings of Rocky Balboa and Creed nestled away too.
Cars 3 is filled with sincerity. Sure, the message is simple but Cars 3 takes an honest route with it.
Without getting into spoilers – Cars 3 shows it’s never too late to be great at something you love. And just because you try your best doesn’t mean you will always come out on top. There will always be times when you lose, just like there will always be opportunities to shine. You might shine in ways you won’t expect. Fear of failure should never stop someone from trying, or you just might miss something special along the way.
It might not win over too many new fans, but Cars 3 completely satisfies as a potential trilogy closer.
Craving the taste of a juicy burger? Or maybe you are looking for a new twist on an old classic? Well don’t worry, because there are plenty of places around Walt Disney World where you can indulge in a delicious burger. Here is a list of 10 of the best burgers to satisfy your taste buds:
Southern Burger, from D-Luxe Burger (Disney Springs) A newer addition to Disney Springs, D-Luxe Burger has a large variety of hand crafted burgers. The Southern Burger features a signature beef blend patty(brisket, Angus, chuck and short rib), topped with fried green tomato, pimento cheese, lettuce, grilled onion and bacon.
Falafel Burger, from Sci-Fi Dine-In (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Recently, Sci-Fi Dine-In added a number of new signature burgers to its menu. But for our vegetarians out there, the Vegetarian Falafel Burger is a must try. The meat-free burger includes a crispy chickpea falafel patty, topped with arugula, tomato, Tzatziki sauce and red pepper aïoli on a brioche bun.
Grilled Wagyu Beef Burger, from The Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) Another notable location coming out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Brown Derby offers a great menu and a great burger. Only available during lunch, the wagyu beef patty is topped with Gruyere cheese, pastrami, heirloom tomato, avocado, fried egg and cognac-mustard aïoli on toasted brioche, served with hand-cut steak fries. Southwest Burger, from the ABC Commissary (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) If you are looking for a quick option, then check out this burger coming from the ABC Commissary. The Southwest Burger features a premium patty topped with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheddar jalapeno poppers, served with steak fries.
Island-style Beef Burger, from Kona Café (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) Incorporating some island flavor in this list, this pressed beef burger is topped with char siu pork belly, soft-poached egg, mustard greens, spicy mayonnaise and pickled onions served on a pineapple brioche bun. Geyser Point Bison Burger, from Geyser Point Bar & Grill (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort) Another brand new addition to this list, you must check out the Bison Cheeseburger at the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This burger comes topped with Tillamook cheddar, sweet onion straws, lettuce, tomato and Marion berry barbecue sauce.
Wagyu Beef Burger ‘Oscar,’ from Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot) Coming from one of the most popular eateries on World Showcase, this burger is topped with Maine lobster, Blue Crab and Bernaise and is served with truffle fries, choice of appetizer and dessert. This burger is only available on their lunch menu. Smokehouse Burger, from the ESPN Club (Disney’s BoardWalk) Burgers and sports are a natural pair, right? This burger features a grilled Angus beef patty is topped with smoked Tillamook cheddar, chipotle aïoli, onion straws and smoked bacon, served on an onion bun. Patty Melt, from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Disney’s Beach Club Resort) A 7-ounce pressed Angus beef patty, served on Rye bread with Swiss cheese and grilled onions, complimented with a creamy garlic-peppercorn ranch. Don’t forget to leave room for a sundae afterwards!
Lobster ‘Thermidor’ Burger, from the Grand Floridian Café (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) This 7-ounce artisanal burger patty is topped with lobster-parmesan thermidor sauce on a seared brioche bun and is served with the Café’s signature seasoned French fries.
What burger is on your ‘must try’ list? Have you had any of these burgers already? Let us know what you think!
At this year's Annecy’s International Animation Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios offered a series of surprises that thrilled festival goers.
Jared Bush, Walt Disney...
