Home Blog Page 214

Mickey Mouse to Celebrate his Birthday by taking a Trip Around the World!

To celebrate his upcoming birthday, Mickey Mouse is embarking on a trip around the world, where he will make surprise appearances in iconic, real-world locations to delight his fans and friends. These magical moments chronicling Mickey’s global adventures will be captured and shared on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Facebook page, culminating with the debut of a video highlighting Mickey’s travels featuring an upbeat new song, “What We Got.” The video will debut on the big day: November 18. Mickey fans are encouraged to join the celebration on social media using #HappyBirthdayMickey.

In advance of Mickey’s birthday, Disney has launched the Mickey Mouse Instagram account (@MickeyMouse). Following on the popularity of the Mickey Mouse Facebook page, which has more than 13 million followers, Mickey’s Instagram page will showcase videos and images including Mickey’s global travels, as well as his appearances in Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

On Mickey’s birthday, select locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as Disney Stores in the United States, will be distributing commemorative “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons. Disneyland Park in Anaheim will host a special pre-parade birthday celebration for Mickey, and at Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, characters and performers will dance in a special birthday-themed edition of the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party.

Also on November 18, Disney Channel will air the Emmy®-winning new Mickey Mouse shorts throughout the day and premiere two new cartoon series featuring Mickey Mouse. On Mickey Meows Club, the feline hosts of a web-based talk show provide their own “cat”-mentary on Mickey’s incredible performances in their favorite shorts. Mickey’s How Not To will provide viewers with a humorous series of informative tips on how not to do things, using Mickey’s funniest fails and moments from the latest cartoons. Plus, that day Disney Junior will debut the teaser for the upcoming series Mickey and the Roadster Racers.

In addition, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Oh My Disney, Babble, and other Disney sites will be posting Mickey-related videos, galleries, stories, crafts, recipes, and shareables leading up to and on his birthday.

Mickey’s birthday is celebrated in honor of the release of his first theatrical film, Steamboat Willie, on November 18, 1928 at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Since then, he has starred in more than 100 cartoons and can currently be seen on Disney Channel in the Mickey Mouse cartoon series.

Plants vs. Zombies Heroes Available Now on Mobile

Electronic Arts Inc. and PopCap Games has announced that Plants vs. Zombies™ Heroes, the next great PvZ adventure that takes you beyond the backyard, is now available worldwide.

Plants vs. Zombies Heroes is an all-new collectible card game from the makers of the beloved Plants vs. Zombies franchise that, for the first time on mobile, lets players choose their favorite super-powered plant or zombie hero and assemble a team to battle against friends and foes. Players can collect hundreds of new and familiar PvZ characters, build a winning team, and take to the arena in ranked or friendly multiplayer matches. A comic-style single player adventure also takes players on a journey through 80 adventures and 400 levels as they hone their skills, discover new characters, and confront mighty opponents along the way.

Plants vs. Zombies Heroes started a few years ago as a paper card game prototype and a fun way for our team to enjoy playing with their favorite PvZ characters in their spare time,” said Brian Lindley, Senior Producer, Plants vs. Zombies Heroes. “Since then it has evolved into a hilarious, crazy, over-the-top collectible card game that’s fun for everyone but packed with depth, secrets and strategy. We can’t wait for our fans to start playing.”

PvZ Heroes introduces tons of new characters in addition to familiar faces, including Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 favorites Super Brainz, Citron, Imp and Z-Mech, Rose and more. 20 heroes each offer their own super powers, signature styles and unique abilities that let players define a winning strategy and play their own way. Over 200 collectible character cards allow players to construct winning decks, test new strategies, and upgrade their decks as they collect and craft new characters.

In addition to being able to play as plants or zombies for the first time on mobile, PvZ Heroes also lets players battle against other players in friendly or ranked competitive multiplayer matches. Outside of the arena, players can journey through the universe of PvZ Heroes in an epic single player adventure, complete quests and defeat challenging bosses to earn rewards and grow their collection. Cross-device play lets fans take their team with them everywhere and play on any device.

Download Plants vs. Zombies Heroes for free* now on the App Store or Google Play.

To celebrate the launch of Plants vs. Zombies Heroes, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 and Plants vs. Zombies 2 are kicking off the Lawn of Doom events, introducing Halloween-inspired content and customization. Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 commences a daily, time-limited Halloween treasure chest hunt from now until October 31, as well as a unique boss hunt and 14 new spooky fun customization items. For full details on the Lawn of Doom in PvZ Garden Warfare 2, visit the blog. Plants vs. Zombies 2 introduces 12 new Halloween costumes and the return of fan-favorite Halloween plants Jack O’ Lantern and Ghost Pepper, plus the awesome new Witch Hazel.

*Network fees may apply. In-app purchases available.

Waterfront Luxury at Hotel Maya in Long Beach 

Hotel Maya is so close, yet feels so far away. Located on the marina in Long Beach, the property reminds me of a hip, Miami Beach location. I say this not just because the hotel was used as a backdrop for the television show CSI Miami, but because it captures such a cool and relaxing vibe.

I escaped to Hotel Maya last week and coupled my overnight stay with an exciting and delicious dinner aboard the historic Queen Mary. The result was an memorable and easy getaway.

Situated near the giant bow of the Queen Mary, and squeezed between a beautiful bay full of colorful boats and hundreds swaying palm trees, Maya is an enchanting fusion of Latin American and Southern Californian design, with a modern flare inspired by the colors of land and sea.

The DoubleTree hotel by Hilton sits on 11 waterfront acres across the bay from Downtown Long Beach and its iconic skyline. The place resembles a Latin American resort, with sloping, pyramid-like lines, bold colors, lush gardens and inviting public spaces. It has everything one might expect from a boutique hotel, including what I call the “three C’s:” charm, chic and chef. The latter refers to Fuego, the hotel’s award-winning, eclectic Latin waterfront restaurant, which specializes in the coastal cuisines of Mexico, Latin America and South America.

My room at Maya came with two queen beds and a large patio overlooking the gorgeous bay, 35 steps away. I know it is 35 steps because I opened the glass patio door and counted the steps myself, walking across the grass and over the hotel’s white sand beach to get to the water’s edge.

The room also boasts the cloudlike comfort of the DoubleTree Sweet Dreams beds, richly appointed bathrooms, with plush bathrobes, a 37″ TV an efficient workstation with ergonomic chair, and wireless high-speed Internet.

Beyond the room I found many things to enhance my stay. I swam in the pool and relaxed beneath a canopy, while watching yachts bob just out of reach. I worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, examined the hidden Hookah Lounge, and took the hotel’s shuttle to the Queen Mary.

At the Queen Mary I joined some friends for dinner at Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Lounge, the legendary vessel’s signature five-star restaurant. Named after one of the ship’s most important passengers, Sir Winston Churchill, the restaurant boasts incredible seaside views and a mystic and historic elegance that must be experienced to truly understand.

My meal at Sir Winston’s began with fine red wine and a lobster bisque with truffle scented tamale roe butter. For the main course I devoured an incredible surf and turf plate with succulent lobster and perfectly cooked steak, accompanied by fresh veggies.

While dining, I listened to waves splash against the ship’s hull and I thought of the all the history that went on inside this magical ocean liner, which this year is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its maiden voyage.

After dinner my friend and I took the shuttle back to Hotel Maya and concluded the night with a drink at Fuego Restaurant. While sipping modern and potent Mojitos, we watched the city lights bounce off the bay and reflect off the bow of the majestic Queen Mary.

Hotel Maya is located at 700 Queensway Dr., Long Beach, 90802 for more information or reservation, call (562) 435-7676 or visit: www.hotelmayalongbeach.com. For more info on dining aboard the Queen Mary at Sir Winston’s, visit:www.queenmary.com. For more information on visiting Long Beach, go to: www.visitlongbeach.com

ICE AGE: Collision Course at Discovery Cube OC

IACC 1050x590
IACC 1050x590

Discovery Cube in Orange County was the site to celebrate the release of Ice Age: Collision Course on Blu-Ray, DVD and Ultra HD Disc. The morning began with breakfast and photo opportunities with Scrat at the Bean Sprouts Restaurant inside the Cube.

20161008_121614

Director, Galen Chu and Story Artist Jony Chandra were on hand to share various aspects of the film. Chu talked the latest installment in the Ice Age Films leading them into space.  Through a series of film clips and stills, along with deleted scenes, Chu walked us through scenes showing how well the Ice Age characters and the theme fit. Trying to incorporate the usual antics of Scrat and the gang, into the space theme led to the use of purple as the main theme color adding depth and a sense of outer space-ness to the film.

Story Artist Jony Chandra gave the audience a step by step lesson on drawing Scrat which was the highlight for many. Visit the Ice Age website to learn how to draw the Ice Age Characters and enjoy games, videos and more!

UCLA Professor, Abby Kavner shared her love and collection of rocks and while teaching us about the real world impact that Scrat’s antics in space could cause.

20161008_120724

Rounding out the event was a tour of the Cube with a demonstration in several of the exhibits that tied into the film. The Mission Control exhibit is hands-on control room like the one located at the Jet Propulsion Lab where we were able to land a rover on Mars. The Science of Hockey exhibit taught us all about the mathematical side of the game and allowed the little visitors to practice being a goalie. The third exhibit talked about our global warming and the effects on our planet. Along with the many other learning tools and displays, The Discovery Cube is a great place to visit for a fun day of learning.

The event was a huge success for my family in combining the learning aspects with the fun of the new film.  Ice Age: Collision Course is NOW available on DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD Disc.

Ice Age: Collision Course brings back Scrat who is once again pursuing the elusive acorn.  This time around, Scrat’s adventures set off cosmic events, sending Buck, Manny, Ellie, Sid, Diego and the rest of the herd on an action packed adventure to survive the “Scrat-tastrophe!” Grab your copy today.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Announces All-New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular

0914ZU 2035DR packages 1
0914ZU 2035DR packages 1

An all-new nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 14, sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.

The façade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with the merriment, music and sparkle of the Walt Disney World Resort 2016 holiday season. On, above and around the theater are state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and even snow. Adding to the immersive experience is a new musical score featuring familiar holiday tunes with an original twist. It’s a holiday show that couldn’t be more merry and bright.

The 2016 holidays season brings a all-new nighttime spectacular to Disney's Hollywood Studios with "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!." The facade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with state-of-the-art projections, and guests will experience special effects, fireworks and even snow on, above and around the theater. "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" will run Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, 2016.  (David Roark, photographer)
The 2016 holidays season brings a all-new nighttime spectacular to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!.” The facade of the Chinese Theater comes alive with state-of-the-art projections, and guests will experience special effects, fireworks and even snow on, above and around the theater. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, 2016. (David Roark, photographer)

It’s also a cranberry-red situation for elves Wayne and Lanny from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” as the duo leads a top-notch team on a search-and-rescue mission for Santa.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Snowy fun and holiday cheer set to the twinkling tunes of the season bring together holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” – even a journey into Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”

A special message from Santa Claus will cap off this unforgettable spectacular for the whole family.

“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, adding a sparkling finale to any holiday visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Dessert Parties Make the Holidays Even Sweeter
More holiday cheer is in store for guests who book a new dessert party that will be offered nightly during the show’s run. The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party features holiday inspired snacks, decadent desserts and specialty beverages in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater.

Beginning one hour before each performance of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, the party is $69 for adults, and $39 for children, including all taxes and gratuities.

More Holiday Cheer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During the holiday season, “Tinsel Town” takes on a completely different kind of meaning at this theme park that celebrates the magic of movies and television. A giant Christmas tree towers over the main entrance, holiday displays capture the imagination, and colorful garlands and lights sparkle.

In the spirit of bygone days and Old St. Nick visits to great department stores across the country, guests can share their wish list with him at the Once Upon a Time shop, a vintage setting along Sunset Boulevard.

To learn more about holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com/holidays, and contact me for a FREE Vacation Quote. Email me at: [email protected].

Now Available: Halloween-Themed Emojis and Items and Emoji Stickers for iMessage

Disney has launched a new update for Disney Emoji Blitz, adding Halloween-themed emojis and items to the game, and the ability to share emojis as stickers in iMessage after unlocking the emojis through gameplay. Since launching this summer, the hit mobile game Disney Emoji Blitz has become a fan favorite with its fast-paced match-3 gameplay featuring more than 600 Disney and Pixar emojis and items.

Game Updates
Players with iOS 10 can now share Disney and Pixar emojis as stickers in iMessage, accessible through the game. Additionally, throughout October, Disney Emoji Blitz is getting into the Halloween spirit with wicked new content:

· New Characters: Collect and use Hatbox Ghost and Abominable Snowman, characters inspired by attractions at Disney parks

· New Halloween-Themed Items: Collect a new set of Halloween-themed emojis, such as a Mickey Mouse jack-o’lantern and candy corn, and earn more than 60 prizes while progressing through new Halloween item cards

Disney Emoji Blitz is available for free download with in-app purchases on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Disney Emoji Blitz has passed some exciting milestones since its launch this summer. Fans have played the game 500 million times and counting, spending over 1 billion minutes in the game. In addition, players continue to share the fun, sending 35 million emojis to their friends through the Disney Emoji Blitz keyboard. Check out an infographic of the game’s exciting milestones below:

2016emojiblitz

New Trailer – ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker. Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016.

Also check out the new Poster!
r1_payoff_1sht_v6_sm

Can You Name the 999 Happy Haunts in Disney’s Haunted Mansion?

header Disney mansion
header Disney mansion

The Haunted Mansion is an iconic attraction with locations in each of the six Disney destinations, and each boasts 999 happy haunts that are ready to welcome one more. While the ride itself is loved by all who take a seat in the doombuggies, the rumors surrounding the mansions have long been known to frighten park attendees and staffers, alike. See the infographic below.

Check-out the full article HERE.

disney-haunted-mansion-infographic

Walt Disney Records 60th Anniversary Mixtape Now on Pandora

1193 Disney twitter 1
1193 Disney twitter 1

The Walt Disney Records 60th Anniversary Mixtape is now live on Pandora. The mixtape is hosted by Disney Channel star Sabrina Carpenter, and highlights the important role music has played in Disney films through out the years, as told by Disney historian, Randy Thornton. You’ll hear tracks from beloved Disney films such as Frozen, The Lion King, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, and more.

To stream the mixtape now, click HERE.
Pandora is the world’s most powerful music discovery platform – a place where artists find their fans and listeners find music they love. We are driven by a single purpose: unleashing the infinite power of music by connecting artists and fans, whether through earbuds, car speakers, live on stage or anywhere fans want to experience it. Our team of highly trained musicologists analyze hundreds of attributes for each recording which powers our proprietary Music Genome Project®, delivering billions of hours of personalized music tailored to the tastes of each music listener, full of discovery, making artist/fan connections at unprecedented scale. Founded by musicians, Pandora empowers artists with valuable data and tools to help grow their careers and connect with their fans.

Saban's "Power Rangers" Teaser Trailer

Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

Coming to Theaters March 24, 2017

_KF27477.NEF

_DSC6077.NEF

shirt_00400_ja05_v3

California Here I Come…Again

Boating Fall River Sunset 1
Boating Fall River Sunset 1

California never ceases to amaze me. I’ve been writing about it for more than a decade and there always seems to be more cities, landscapes, hotels, attractions and culture to explore. This wonderful fact was quite apparent last week when I met with a group of representatives from about 50 cities across the Golden State.

From Sacramento to San Diego, the event showcased a myraid of things to do and see. I’d like to now mention a few of the places I have added to my upcoming calendar.

One of the first places I want to explore more is Santa Rosa, “where wine country meets beer city, where world-class wine meets the epicenter of  American craft beer, all with a bourgeoning spirits scene.”

Located about 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa, has an abundance of recreational  activities, epicurean delights and scenic vistas for visitors to enjoy. Situated in the heart of Northern California’s world-famous Wine Country and just 30 minutes from the stunning coast,  it is Sonoma County’s largest city, with a small-town feel. The city is home to superb wineries and craft  breweries, some of the country’s best bicycling routes, and the Charles M. Schulz Museum – along with many other attractions. For more information, go to: www.visitsantarosa.com

While I’m up in Northern California, I also want to visit Redding. Situated at the northern end of the Sacramento River Valley, the city is the hub city in Shasta Cascade and is located about two hours north of Sacramento. Redding offers a plethora of outdoor adventure and attractions all year long, along with great wine, food, sporting and cultural events, dining, lodging, and entertainment.

Situated near several scenic lakes, rivers, state and national parks, including Shasta Lake, Whiskeytown Recreation Area and Lassen Volcanic Park, Redding is a gateway for exploration in Shasta Cascade. Some of the most magnificent walking trails in the world are found here, including the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail. Year round visitors to Redding will also find themselves in a horseshoe of mountains, claiming short distances to wilderness and adventures from rock climbing, hiking and snowboarding, to birding, fishing and lavender gathering.

A few “must-see” attractions in and around Redding include the iconic Sundial Bridge, a unique glass decked pedestrian bridge with the tallest working sundial in the world; Mt. Shasta, a 14,179-ft, snow-capped mountain that dominates the northern skies; Shasta Dam, the second largest dam in mass in the United States; and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, replete with rugged canyons, forests, year round streams, and legendary Whiskeytown Lake. For more information, visit: www.visitredding.com

Continuing my Northern California fall tour, I’m planning on a visit to Lodi, another wine rich town located 90 miles east of San Francisco and 35 miles south of Sacramento.

With 85 wineries and more than 300 wine labels, Lodi is a premier wine country destination. But besides vino, the town boasts Lodi Lake where visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards and cruise along the Mokelumne River. Other fun options include a stroll in historic Downtown Lodi to explore one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants and tasting rooms; a visit to Northern California’s largest Serpentarium, the Micke Grove Zoo, San Joaquin County Historical Museum, or the World of Wonders Science Museum. For more information, visit: www.VisitLodi.com

Heading back down to the Los Angeles area, I think I’ll take a luxurious getaway to Beverly Hills. Known for unparalleled glamour and sophistication and a global reputation as the home and playground of A-list movie stars and legendary personalities, the city has world-famous shopping, picturesque tree-lined streets, and landscapes filled with grand mansions.

The town also boasts five-star hotels and trend-setting restaurants with outdoor patios and private hideaways, as well as pampering spas. Though only a few miles from the San Gabriel Valley, Beverly Hills can offer a getaway that feels like a far away paradise. For more information, visit: www.lovebeverlyhills.com

CHILL Returns to The Queen Mary Nov. 23

The City of Long Beach will once again be overtaken by the holiday spirit when the fifth annual CHILL returns to the majestic Queen Mary ship November 23, 2016 through January 8, 2017. In addition to ice skating, ice tubing, sleigh rides, and visits with Santa, Southern California’s coolest holiday adventure will unveil a new interactive and immersive experience,Alice in Winterland.

Light up the night and follow the Queen down the rabbit hole this holiday season with Alice in Winterland. The newest attraction at CHILL brings an inspired re-imagination of the classic Lewis Carroll story to life through the magic of an interactive and digitally immersive 14,000-square foot walk-through experience. Guests can unlock the hidden secrets of the adventure with RIFD technology to make each individual visit truly unforgettable. Alice in Winterland features stunning, larger than life lanterns as you follow Alice and her adventure into the Hall of Doors, the White Rabbit’s Kitchen, Mad Hatter’s Work Shop, the proverbial Tea Party, the Hedge Maze and visits from the Caterpillar and the new Queen of Diamonds.

The fifth annual CHILL welcomes back Glacier Glide Ice Tubing with six lanes of glistening ice slides standing two stories tall and 100-feet long. Ice skate under the stars on the 6,000 square-foot ice skating rink with the backdrop of the picturesque Queen Mary ship.

Stroll through the North Pole Village and stop by the Queen Mary Village’s post office to send a letter to Santa. Take a spin on the Swinging Sleigh Ride, the Giant Rocking Horse or play Prancer’s Paintball for holiday thrills.

A trip to CHILL is not complete without a stop by the Gingerbread House to make a festive edible creation, and a visit to Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Claus Cottage. The holiday fun is endless.

CHILL pricing starts at $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids (ages 4-11). In celebration of CHILL’s return, Queen Mary is offering general admission tickets at 50% off Oct. 4-7, now available online. Tickets include entrance to Alice in Winterland, Ice Tubing, CHILL Village and access to the Queen Mary ship. Hotel and VIP packages are also available. CHILL will be open select dates Nov. 23 through Jan. 8. For more information, including hours or to purchase tickets online, visit http://queenmary.com/chill/

HalloweenTime Disneyland

-Advertisement-

Latest Posts

Disneyland

First Look: New Concept for Napa Rose at Disneyland

During Destination D23, Disneyland Resort culinary director John State unveiled a never-before-seen artist concept rendering of the enhanced patio space from Napa Rose at...
D23

D23 On the Road: Home Alone