Last summer, Disney Publishing introduced “Disney Parks Presents,” a series of picture books with CDs and original artwork based on beloved rides and attractions at Disney Parks. The first book in this series brought to life the delightfully fun spirits of the Haunted Mansion attraction. Today, I’m happy to give you a look at the second book in this series based on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year at Disneyland park. Eric Geron, Associate Editor with Disney Publishing who dreamed up this new series, explained how using vibrant colors was key to unlocking this new adventure.
“It’s definitely a more colorful book when compared to somber notes of ‘The Haunted Mansion’ book,” explained Eric. “We wanted to capture the excitement guests feel when embarking on a journey through the colorful, treasure-filled caverns, or the bustling seaside villas found in the attraction. There were so many memorable scenes recreated for the book. Similar to our first book, we added a few Hidden Mickeys for guests to find.”
In this book, artist Mike Wall’s original illustrations accompany the lyrics of the beloved song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me).” Together, they navigate readers through the firelit waters of the pirates-infested Caribbean. The CD included with the book contains a specially designed music track by composer George Bruns and lyricist Xavier Atencio.
Look for “Disney Parks Presents: Pirates of the Caribbean” in select merchandise locations this month at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, or at other favorite retailers nationwide.
Whether it’s a delectable brunch or a sweet cupcake on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, there are plenty of ways to say “I love you” to mom on her special day on May 14.
Let’s start with brunch:
Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. some favorites from the dinner menu are added to the buffet, and breakfast include one mimosa per adult.
Disney Vacation Club Members can book a Mother’s Day Brunch at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Fantasia Ballroom. Inspired by the Disney animated film “Tarzan” (and the film’s song, “You’ll Be in My Heart”), the brunch is 11 a.m-1 p.m. and can be reserved by calling 800-800-9800. Includes special entertainment. Members can also visit www.dvcmembershipextras.com for more details.
For something sweet, Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom Park is offering a Magic Kingdom Mother’s Day chocolate raspberry cupcake. And Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has a triple chocolate cupcake just for mom with an edible Mother’s Day plaque for decoration.
Call 407-WDW-DINE to book Mother’s Day brunch, or book online at DisneyWorld.com/dining.
This was info was posted on the Disney Parks blog.
May is blooming new shows and movies! Here are just a few coming to Netflix this month: Anne with an E, House of Cards Season 5, Sense8 Season 2, Master of None Season 2, Sherlock Series 4, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 3, New original film War Machine, Marvel’s Doctor Strange, Riverdale, and new stand up comedy including specials from Norm MacDonald and Tracy Morgan.
We’re excited to share that our plans for a major expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland have officially been approved by the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Starting next year through 2023, we’ll be adding world-class attractions, entertainment and themed areas to bring to life some of the very best characters and stories of the Disney brand.
Included in our expansion plans are a “Frozen“-themed area transporting guests to the kingdom of Arendelle, a new Marvel-themed area with thrilling attractions and entertainment celebrating your favorite Super Heroes, and a new entertainment venue called Moana’s Village Festival with a lively stage show.
On top of all that, we’ll be transforming Sleeping Beauty Castle to showcase new daytime and nighttime spectaculars and entertainment experiences. There’s so much to do and see, and we can’t wait to bring you along on this journey with us.
This info was reposted from the Disney Parks Blog.
There’s a new way to take in the Tomorrowland skyline at Disneyland park, from a unique point of view! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Space Mountain at Disneyland Resort, a new lounge experience will debut in Tomorrowland on May 26.
The new Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience features retro décor and desserts—both sweet and savory, as well as both hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages. The lounge area will be open to guests from 8-10 p.m. If a fireworks spectacular is scheduled, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse right from your seat.
Your interstellar snack box will include:
Mickey Cloud Cake: Cream-filled sponge cake
Chocolate Eclipse: Cream-filled chocolate cake drenched in chocolate
Coconut Comet: Coconut-strawberry iced sponge cake filled with cream
Planetary Pie: Mini cherry-filled pie
Moon Rocks: Boursin herbed cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and jack cheese, chives, pimentos, bacon
Cost is $45 for ages 3 and older, tax included. Reservations are now open, and can be booked by visiting Disneyland.com/dining or by calling 714-781-DINE.
Imagine having some fun, reciting some classic Star Wars lines…and the legendary Mark Hamill is your surprise co-star. Well, that happened to a few lucky fans, as seen in the video below — and it’s all in support of Star Wars: Force For Change’s latest fundraising campaign.
You can now enter for the chance to win the grand prize in Star Wars: Force for Change and Omaze’s epic Star Wars “Past, Present, and Future” campaign benefitting UNICEF and Starlight Children’s Foundation. Plus, if you enter this week, you’ll be in the running to win a special bonus prize: lunch in Los Angeles with Hamill, along with two tickets to a pre-screening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Fans who enter today at Omaze.com/StarWars will have the chance to win the grand prize, encompassing all three prizes in the campaign: Stay at Skywalker Inn, tour of the archives and the Ranch, and a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope; join the cast and attend the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere and exclusive after party; and visit the set, meet the directors, and have the chance to appear in the untitled Han Solo movie.
Since 2014, Star Wars: Force for Change and UNICEF have joined together to help improve the lives of children around the world. With the support of Star Wars fans, the collaboration has raised more than $9 million to help the world’s most vulnerable children. To date, Star Wars: Force For Change has helped UNICEF save the lives of over 30,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition through the distribution of over 4 million packets of Ready to Use Therapeutic Food Packets (RUTF) around the world.
Starlight Children’s Foundation is joining Star Wars: Force for Change as the initiative’s newest charity beneficiary in 2017. Through a $1 million grant, Star Wars: Force for Change supports the foundation’s core programs which are designed to bring comfort and joy to hospitalized kids through Starlight’s network of more than 700 children’s hospitals, clinics, camps and other partners across the US. Star Wars: Force for Change and fan donations through this campaign will also provide new Starlight programs, like fun, comfortable Star Wars-themed Starlight Brave Gowns, to tens of thousands of hospitalized children across the country.
The Star Wars “Past, Present, and Future” campaign runs until May 11; a different prize has been awarded each week, all themed to honor all eras of the saga:
· Past – Stay at Skywalker Inn, tour of the archives and the Ranch, and a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope
· Present – Join the cast and attend the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere and exclusive after party
· Future – Visit the set, meet the directors, and have the chance to appear in the untitled Han Solo movie
· Grand Prize – One winner will receive the Past, Present, AND Future prizes!
· Bonus – Lunch with Mark Hamill and a pre-screening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Fans are encouraged to follow the campaign at Omaze.com/StarWars for exclusive updates.
So enter now. We’ve got a pretty good feeling about this.
StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void where prohibited. Promotion begins 12:01 AM Pacific Time (PT) on April 11, 2017 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on May 11, 2017. Must be at least eighteen (18) years old and a resident of an eligible domicile to enter and win prizes. Residents of of Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Malta, North Korea, Singapore, Sudan, Syria, or Thailand are not eligible to enter. Sweepstakes consists of four (4) prize drawings; odds of winning a prize depend on number of entries received for each drawing. For free entry: (i) send postcard to Sponsor at P.O. Box 866, 9942 Culver Blvd, Culver City, California 90232 and write the following statement: “I have read and agree to the Star Wars: Force For Change Official Rules” and send by applicable mail date; or (ii) visit www.omaze.com/starwars. Prizes that include being filmed in a movie scene do not guarantee that such footage will be included in the final movie. Travel and accommodations are at Sponsor’s discretion and subject to availability and change. Winner and guest may be required to pass a background screening or security check to receive a prize and/or reward. Visa conditions may apply. All taxes are winner’s responsibility.
Rewards are separate from sweepstakes prizes. Some rewards are limited in quantity. Not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook®. Residents of certain territories may be required to successfully complete a trivia question to qualify. For full sweepstakes entry requirements, methods & entry periods, prize details, list of rewards and all limitations & restrictions, see Official rules at www.omaze.com/starwars. Sole Sponsor: Omaze, Inc., P.O. Box 866, 9942 Culver Blvd, Culver City, California 90232.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will host a special screening of the Oscar®-nominated animated feature “Bambi” in honor of the film’s 75th anniversary on Monday, May 15 at 7:30p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Hosted by film critic Leonard Maltin, the evening will feature a panel discussion with voice actors Donnie Dunagan (voice of young Bambi), Peter Behn (voice of young Thumper), animator Andreas Deja and production designer Paul Felix.
“Bambi” earned three Oscar nominations for Music – Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Music – Song, and Sound Recording.
Bambi, the fawn who loses his mother to a hunter’s bullet but ultimately matures into a leader, and his forest friends, Thumper and Flower, are among the most memorable characters in animation history. The Disney Studio spent five years in production on Bambi and used the multiplane camera to give the film its depth of images. The film earned three Academy Award nominations: Music – Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Frank Churchill, Edward Plumb), Music – Song, “Love Is A Song,” (Music by Churchill; Lyrics by Larry Morey) and Sound Recording (Walt Disney Studio Sound Department, Sam Slyfield, sound director).
Presented by Walt Disney. Supervising Director David D. Hand. Story Direction Perce Pearce. Story Adaptation Larry Morey. Based on the novel “Bambi: A Life in the Woods” by Felix Salten.
Voice Cast: Donnie Dunagan, Peter Behn, Hardie Albright, Ann Gillis, Thelma Hubbard, Sterling Holloway, Will Wright, Marion Darlington.
Gone are the days of plain old Sunday brunch with the return of newly reimagined Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Anaheim. This delicious buffet-style brunch is $45 per person and includes an amazing performance of uplifting and soulful Gospel music. The buffet features breakfast staples like bacon and eggs, as well as HOB favorites like Jambalaya. Carving and omelette stations provide fresh and customized fare, and the buffet is also vegetarian and kid-friendly.
Once the performance begins, you will be up out of your seat, dancing, and singing along! If you need a little more encouragement, bottomless mimosas are just $15 per person for the duration of the performance. The singers were amazing and we were dazzled by their solos, and how much audience interaction there was. Audience members were also brought on stage to celebrate a special occasion like a Birthday or Wedding Anniversary, and even got to sing with the band. Our only wish is that it were a longer experience.
Check-out a preview of the performance we attended (The group is Firm Soundation and they were amazing):
[videopress 2AEEOoNa w=640]
At just under 2 hours from entry to leaving, it felt a bit rushed if you are not wanting to be eating during the show. Overall, this experience is highly recommend to anyone who enjoys gospel, brunch, or just having an awesome time with great music and food. As well as spending time with family and loved ones.
The electrifying, uplifting and unprecedented gospel show is unlike any other brunch experience available. Gospel Brunch is perfect for families, visitors and special celebrations.
When: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Check House of Blues calendar for dates.
Holidays welcome two shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Show runs 1.5-2 hours
Location: The new House of Blues Anaheim (at GardenWalk)
400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, CA
Free parking available at GardenWalk for first hour
*Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives invitations and compensation from the companies whose products, services and events we review. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. Robbie Bulus, Editor-in-Chief also contributed to this post.
In celebration of the upcoming film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” some lucky Disneyland park guests got more than they bargained for when Johnny Depp, as Captain Jack Sparrow surprised fans aboard the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is in theaters May 26 in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D.
The Nintendo 3DS family of systems will soon be adding a new member. On July 28, New Nintendo 2DS XL makes its debut in the United States at a suggested retail price of $149.99. The New Nintendo 2DS XL system gives consumers a third choice of hand-held systems, one that offers pricing and features that fit between the Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. New Nintendo 2DS XL will launch on the same day as two big new games for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems: Hey! PIKMIN and Miitopia.
“This new addition to Nintendo’s portable hardware line demonstrates our commitment to the hand-held market,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s President and COO. “New Nintendo 2DS XL sports a beautiful clamshell design and offers a great balance between price and performance.”
The new system will be available in a stylish black/turquoise color, and will use the same size large screen found on New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. As the name of the new system implies, visuals will be displayed in 2D only. The system is lighter but still packs the same power as New Nintendo 3DS XL, and has built-in NFC support for amiibo cards and figures. It can play the massive library of quality Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS games in 2D. Nintendo systems are also the only dedicated video game systems where people can find their favorite characters and game franchises, such as Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Kirby, Pokémon, Fire Emblem, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda.
There are over a thousand games in the Nintendo 3DS game library and more are always on the way, including two that launch on the same day as New Nintendo 2DS XL. These new games will offer fun new experiences for New Nintendo 2DS XL owners, and for owners of any Nintendo 3DS family systems.
Hey! PIKMIN: In this brand-new style of Pikmin game, players guide Captain Olimar through 2D side-scrolling levels and collect Sparklium to refuel his crashed ship, the S.S. Dolphin 2, so he can escape the planet. The touch-screen controls let players choose the right Pikmin to toss at enemies and objects, which is critical to defeating foes and solving the many puzzles Olimar encounters during his adventure.
Miitopia: Band together with your Mii and Mii friends to explore your own personalized world of Miitopia. Cast Mii characters into various roles and watch hilarious scenes unfold as they work together to defeat the Dark Lord who has stolen the faces of townspeople of Miitopia. Players can bring in their created Mii characters from the Miitomo or Tomodachi Life games, or create their own Mii team in the game. This game has a lighthearted tone with traditional and strategic RPG-like elements, including customization, relationship building and team management.
0657 An American in Paris Touring Company Photo by Matthew Murphy
The 2015 Tony Award®-winning musical AN AMERICAN IN PARIS lands at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa and is surely not to be missed! Based on the Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron’s 1951 classic film by the same name, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS lives up to the romanticism of its film counterpart and the popularity of now pop-culture phenomenon La La Land. This new onstage musical cherishes the artistic, abstract vision from musical films golden-age beefing it up with a score that is nothing short of enlivening, and majestic award-winning choreography that will have everyone fluttering to their cars with joy. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will wow you in every aspect imaginable and remind you of the glory that is onstage live musicals. Simple put – it’s wonderful, it’s marvelous, it’s perfect!
The show opens in Paris at the end of Wold War II and introduced by a semi-corky American veteran, Adam Hochberg (ETAI BENSION), that has stayed in the City of Lights pursuing a career in composing his own shows. After some cleverly orchestrated montages and illustrated set transformations, the audience is met with another American soldier, Jerry Mulligan (McGEE MADDOX and alternate RYAN STEELE), that decides to stick around after the war. Jerry later runs into Adam at a cafe who introduces him into his life as a composer. It’s here when the two are met with the girl of the story; a stunning, beautifully talented French ballerina with that goes by the name Lise Dassin (SARA ESTY).
The two men quickly fall head over heals for Lise with Jerry practically chasing after her with a Gene Kelly-like confidence and overdone wooing. Both fail to really leave their mark. As the story progresses the audience is introduced to gentlemen number three, Henri Baurel (NICK SPANGLER), the son of wealthy French industrialists who secretly desires to be an entertainer against his parents wishes. Henri is quickly discovered to be Lise’s boyfriend, but perhaps not the one for her. The three continue their campaign to court the young lady unbeknownst to each others desires for the same woman. With many obstacles in the way including another woman interested in Jerry, the three musketeers battle it out in their own way discovering their own passions and what’s really important life.
Audiences on opening night were treated to RYAN STEELE in the role of Jerry Mulligan. Steele has been apart of Newsies, Matilda, West Side Story, and Billy Elliot on Broadway… and while his vocal performance is on par and energy at an eleven, it’s his dance-work that will astound you. His demeanor has a bit of flamboyance that may seem a bit off keen for the role, but it truly comes down to his footwork and energetic ballet medleys that sets this show above all the rest.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is a fitting introduction to the world of ballet as for myself being less than interested in most ballets found myself in shear awe of the pure magic from each dance number. There are plenty of highlights from each characters performance as well within most of the music numbers, but it’s a 13-minute ballet ballad between Jerry and Lise that will win over any theatergoer. There is no better moment had onstage than seeing these two in this near-interpretive dance that reminds us of those random film stage sequences of iconic MGM musicals. This captivating piece is performed with such grace and style alongside a masterfully orchestrated number that serenades the audience into amazement and warrants its very own standing ovation.
George and Ira Gershwin’s music and lyrics combined with brilliant orchestrations are instrumental to the success for this musical, pun intended. The show thrives from nostalgic pieces that are reminiscent of musicals of yesteryear revitalizing that little feeling inside which for moment… for just that brief moment, makes you forget of all your worries and troubles. This right here is the essence of the entire musical.
Much of Adam’s challenges in his song writing within the show come from his inability to understand the meaning behind much of the pomp and circumstance within the music of the era. The show tunes of those times and nightclub entertainment numbers are all there to brighten everyones day helping them forget about of the aforementioned problems. This realization helps Adam create his own musical masterpiece.
As wonderful as it is to hear some of the well-known songs from the movie counterpart such as “I Got Rhythm” and some instrumental preludes, the show has some of the most creative, intricate set designs I’ve ever seen. While most projection based backdrops are known to irritate me, Bob Crowley’s set design is nothing short from spectacular. Simplistic at times to whimsical, grand and unique in others, Crowley was able to create a living, breathing set design with an abstract flair that never feels to be lacking from detail. It’s quite fun to watch each scene transform yet allow the choreography and music help tell the story.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS falls nothing short of astonishing. While the footwork remains the star, every element of the show was melded well with each other lending to a near flawless, unique and ultimately refreshing musical. The music, dancing and vocal styling remain to feel so familiar yet so new, and while it pains me to make a comparison to this, it’s what has lead to much of the success of La La Land. It’s no wonder that one of the most popular movies of 2016 was sparked so from this musical, singing around a park bench and all. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS comes with a longer runtime but is something I never wanted to end. This mesmerizing production is simply wonderful. C’est merveilleux.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts until May 7th.
Nintendo is partnering with McDonald’s to bring some of its most famous characters from the Mushroom Kingdom to Happy Meals everywhere. Starting Now and running through May 22, anyone who purchases a Happy Meal at participating McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S. will receive one of eight fun toys based on Super Mario characters. These classic and instantly recognizable characters are also featured in the upcoming Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game for Nintendo’s newest system, Nintendo Switch.
“Nintendo is always looking for ways to expand its brand, and a partnership with the family-friendly McDonald’s restaurants felt like a great fit,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Like Mario, Happy Meals are something both kids and parents grew up with.”
Nintendo fans will want to collect each of the eight toys, which include Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Invincible Mario, a Red Koopa Shell and 1-Up Mushroom. Each one of the toys has a special function, like a translucent Mario that lights up in different colors.
In addition to the toys, families can take their fun to the next level by entering a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 100 Nintendo Switch Prize Packs inclusive of a Nintendo Switch system and the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. Eligible customers that scan and purchase a meal at McDonald’s using the McDonald’s mobile app between now and May 22 will be entered. Customers get one entry for redeeming any deal in the app and two entries when they purchase a Happy Meal. No purchase is necessary to enter. The sweepstakes is open only to residents of the United States who are 13 and older. Official rules for the sweepstakes, including details about how to enter without making a purchase, can be found at online and http://www.PlayatMcD.com and at participating McDonald’s restaurants.
When Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches on April 28, it will do so with more characters, karts and tracks than any other game in Mario Kart history. This racing game is the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and includes a revamped Battle Mode that players of all ages can enjoy together (additional games, systems and accessories may be required for multiplayer mode and are sold separately). For more information about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, visit http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/.
Nintendo is not a sponsor, co-sponsor or administrator of this sweepstakes.
