Today Disney and Hipster Whale announced that Disney Crossy Road is coming soon to mobile devices. The new game, which is based on the original Crossy Road game from Hipster Whale that has been downloaded more than 120 million times to date, will take players on an 8-bit endless adventure with more than 100 of their favorite Disney and Pixar characters.
Watch the Teaser Trailer below:
Disney Crossy Road lets players hop through nine different Disney and Pixar-themed worlds, each with their own unique 8-bit music.
Recently, Socalthrills had the opportunity to experience a Sneek Peak of Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest addition, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a guided tour seen through the eyes of Alan Gilmore, Supervising Art Director for WWoHP and Art Director for the film series. This inside look shared a lot of insight into the new area as well as what guests will experience when the new area opens on April 7.
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has been masterfully recreated at Universal Studios Hollywood and will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle which will serve as its iconic focal point.
There is a high level of quality that can be felt throughout the WWoHP. This creates a seamless blend of original movie props and other props made specifically for the area. Alan also mentioned, the use of original set props was to give guests the unique opportunity to touch and experience the same things the actors did while on set.
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen. We will have more info and a full review coming in April!
Alan Gilmore, Supervising Art Director for WWoHP and Art Director for the film series.
This summer, fans can venture into the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead at Universal Studios Hollywood in an all-new, year-round attraction.
Follow in the survivors’ footsteps for a fully immersive journey, using both animatronics and live performers — the next best thing to actually being on The Walking Dead.
The attraction’s landscapes, special effects, props, staging, costumes and makeup were all created in collaboration with the show’s award-winning production team, including executive producer and director Greg Nicotero.
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in twocamps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Frank Grillo and Martin Freeman, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl.
Anthony & Joe Russo are directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Get ready to pick a side and join the nonstop action playing out on two fronts when Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2016.
There was a beautiful calm on Lake Mohave as we eased the pontoon into Owl Point Cove to board our houseboat for the weekend. We had just cruised about 20 miles down the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam, and I was ready to climb aboard the vessel and settle into an exciting, new adventure.
Stretching 70 feet long, the two-story houseboat boasted four bedroom cabins, two bathrooms with showers, a full kitchen and dining room, and a sports deck with barbecue, Jacuzzi and waterslide. It also came with a jet ski tied alongside. We rented the boat from Forever Houseboats (www.foreverhouseboats.com), which has a fleet of them in marinas throughout California and Nevada, as well as a couple in Utah and Missouri. Our boat is stationed in Cottonwood Cove Marina, a few miles from Laughlin, Nevada.
The Forever Houseboat trip begins at the base of the Mighty Hoover Dam
Once aboard the ship, I unpacked in my cozy cabin then hit the waterslide to cool off in pristine Lake Mohave. It was a spectacular 90-degree day and the water was refreshing and super clear. I could see down at least 10 feet. When I emerged from the water and saw my own houseboat sitting there in the cove, I knew it vacation time.
After cooling off, I joined my shipmates in the dining room for sandwiches and cold beer. I then took a hike in the rocky hills behind the boat. While trekking above the lake, I got some great aerial views of Lake Mohave and the surrounding area.
Lake Mohave, created in 1951, lies near present-day Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona. It is a reservoir formed by Davis Dam on the Colorado River, which defines the border between Nevada and Arizona. The lake, which sits 647 feet above sea level, starts at the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River and runs to the Davis Dam. The lake and adjacent lands that form its shoreline are part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
There are many hidden and deserted coves to explore along Lake Mohave
The lake, which encompasses 28,260 acres of water, is still kind of a hidden treasure among boaters. With its myriad secluded coves, sandy beaches and deep clear water, it is perfect for all kinds of aquatic activities.
Back on the houseboat, I cooled off again with a trip down the waterslide, then took a shower and had a nap inside my cabin. Small, yet efficient, the cabin featured a full bed, lots of drawers and closet space, a flat screen TV, and a window to let in the fresh desert air.
When I awoke I soaked in the Jacuzzi and then untied the Sea-Doo jet ski and cruised around the lake, bouncing on waves, investigating coves and waving to other boaters. For dinner we barbecued chicken on the boat’s back patio and dined outside as the sun fall behind the mountains.
There is nothing like a soak in the Jacuzzi while aboard a houseboat
As I drifted to sleep on my first night, I thought about what a wonderful getaway a houseboat can be for family and friends. It is both an intimate vacation and a wide-open, natural adventure. The experience can be summed up pretty good with the words on the Forever Houseboats website: “Houseboat vacations are all about charting your own course. Your schedule is quickly reduced to the calm quiet of sunrise, and the colorful sunset over the lake. Days again become your own. Night skies return to the way we all remember them away from the cities – glittering with stars and inky black.”
A ride on the jet ski also makes a fun afternoon
Forever Houseboats offers a variety of boats, from economical and easy-to-navigate craft that are perfect for a family of four, to luxury models that sleep an entire crew of 10 to 12. Spring is a perfect time for a houseboat adventure. For more information on renting a houseboat and current specials, visit www.foreverhouseboats.com, or call (800) 255-5561.
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, the first California location for North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts. Located in the city of Garden Grove, Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is the brand’s largest resort and brings an entirely new destination option to traveling families.
“We are excited to officially open our doors and provide the Great Wolf Lodge experience to families in Southern California,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, Chief Executive Officer, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. “Southern California is one of the top destinations for family fun in the country and we are thrilled to bring our unique experience to the area.”
Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is a complete destination for families looking for the perfect getaway. The centerpiece of the resort is the extensive 84-degree indoor water park. Complete with water slides and attractions perfect for young children that enjoy splashing in interactive pools and high-thrill rides. With attractions including the six-story Howlin’ Tornado and the dual body surfing experience, Wolf Rider Wipeout, the water park offers something for everyone. Together, families can experience the massive wave pool and bob along with the gentle current of the lazy river. With over 105,000 square feet of indoor water park fun – the Great Wolf Lodge experience is truly one that is all wet. Admission to the indoor water park is free and exclusive to resort guests, providing great value to families seeking the perfect place to visit together.
The adventure doesn’t stop once resort guests dry off. Great Wolf Lodge Southern California has many unique activities and attractions throughout the entire resort. The one-of-a-kind live action interactive game, MagiQuest, gives players magic wands as they embark on an adventure-filled scavenger hunt. Girls looking for fun with an ice cream theme can visit Scooops Kid Spa for manicures, pedicures and chocolate facials while sitting atop a banana split throne. And no day is complete without bringing the family together for Story Time, each evening in the Grand Lobby.
“At Great Wolf Lodge, we want each family to have a truly memorable experience,” added Rodriguez. “We offer value, convenience, and endless amounts of fun, all under one roof. With spring break right around the corner and summer vacations soon thereafter, we look forward to welcoming many families to Great Wolf Lodge Southern California.”
The all-suite resort features spacious accommodations for families of all sizes. Designed with the resort’s youngest guests in mind, themed Wolf Den and KidCabin suites offer bunk beds in a private sleeping area that will leave kids howling for bedtime while giving parents sleeping space just for them. Larger suites offer second bedrooms and bathrooms for multigenerational families all traveling together. With 603 suites, Great Wolf Lodge offers the largest hotel rooms in Garden Grove.
Dining is an important part of any family getaway and Great Wolf Lodge features seven unique dining experiences including a delicious breakfast and dinner buffet in the Loose Moose Buffet, a specialty menu in the Lodge Wood Fired Grill restaurant and grab-and-go favorites from the area’s first and only Dunkin’ Donuts.
In addition to catering to leisure travelers, Great Wolf Lodge Southern California has more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Complete with a dedicated group entrance, built-in audio/video technology, customizable catering options and a world-class team of industry professionals, the resort’s conference center offers a brand-new location for meeting planners to bring their clients and groups.
To celebrate the opening of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, guests can save 20% off two or more nights when they book by April 9. Additional information and reservation bookings can be found and made online at www.greatwolf.com/southern-california or by calling 888.960.9653. Great Wolf Lodge is located at 12681 Harbor Blvd. in Garden Grove, CA.
The annual Orange County Restaurant Week has officially kicked with approximately 140 of OC’s finest eateries participating. I was fortunate enough to attend their launch party appropriately titled “First Bites” located at the Irvine Marriott. Around 40 restaurants were on hand sampling out some of their best cuisine and alcoholic beverages. From the likes of Holsteins Shakes & Buns in Costa Mesa to Urbana of the Anaheim Packing House all the way to the intricately prepared gourmet donuts of Poqet were on hand. You can’t really go wrong. There are incredibly unique eats for you to devour the entire week with special discounts and creative menus this week only until March 12th.
With so many food options it probably wont be best to go through each one individually, however feel free to check out the photos so you can get a better idea of how amazing was the food provided. Every restaurant nearly delivered too much food with large samplings that would fill you up just after a few stops. I made the mistake of eating the whole plate at each location in the beginning therefore I wasn’t able to make it to several I wanted to try, but that was my own fault.
The event was superb with a plethora of food and alcohol, however the venue was sadly small and made things a challenge to maneuver to each table inside. Add a wine glass, a plate of food, and no where to eat at times and you will understand how difficult it was at times to eat. I believe they go to a different city each year, so if next year is at a decent venue then you wont want to miss this event! It can be price-y but it’s worth every penny.
Poet Donuts of Irvine showcased their delectable options
Some highlights included: some some slow braised short ribs with a red wine sauce from Waterman’s Harbor from Dana Point; a decadent mini apple pie donut from Poqet Donuts from Irvine; the best fried wonton of your life from Nirvana Grille; and butterscotch rum pudding from Eureka! made with homemade whipped cream, caramel sauce and flaky sea salt.
An abundance of Mexican food was available from all of your classic tacos and tostadas to some of the most gourmet creations that I can’t even reiterate because they were so complex and sadly I could write them all down. However, some breakouts included Chelas Mexican Grill of Laguna Nigel and Kutsi Cocina in Santa Ana. Chelas won me over with their light and refreshing Agave Lime Tostada; crispy tostada with shredded romaine lettuce, Jicama, black beans avocado, tossed in agave live dressing and finished with quest and fresh strawberries. Kutsi powered over t he competition with an artistic display and complex selections of sopa and delicious beef prepared with several ingredients that I failed to remember.
One of the many Ahi dishes
This doesn’t even cover the tip of the iceberg of the giant selection nor does it include some of the more intricate recipes of creative good eats that are just impressive to hear.
To get more details and search the many participating restaurants head over to http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com. Remember, it’s this week only all throughout Orange County. It’s time to experience the innovate cuisine Southern California is putting out. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.
Chief Bogo heads up the Zootopia Police Department. A tough cape buffalo with 2,000 pounds of attitude, Bogo is reluctant to add Judy Hopps, Zootopia’s first bunny cop, to his squad of hardened rhinos, elephants and hippos. “He considers Judy to be a token bunny that he’s forced to work with, so he decides to give her parking duty,” says director Byron Howard.
Idris Elba provides the voice of Chief Bogo. “It was an opportunity to do a comedy,” says Elba. “The script is really funny, the story is inventive and Chief Bogo is a tough guy who runs his police department with an iron fist.”
“We wanted him to use his Londoner accent,” adds Spencer, “and we discovered that while he’s known for playing tough guys, Idris is really funny. He has a way of saying the words in a way that we can’t imagine anybody else in the role.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ comedy-adventure “Zootopia” is now playing in theaters.
Tina Fey changes gears, slightly, in a film probably no one is expecting. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT is a movie like no other. At its basis it joins subtle humor with near classic rom-com moments and throws them smack dab in the middle of a full-fledged war movie. This isn’t some typical ridiculous Tina Fey absurd comedy. The filmmakers have built a script surrounded by an actress that supports their style of humor but doesn’t over do it. Whilst crude and vulgar at times, this is no Judd Apatow-like raunchy flick. Rather Whiskey Tango Foxtrot brings a fresh style to the mixes with perhaps a sleeper hit for March. Don’t write this one off.
Marketing has missed the mark on this one as I believe most wont exactly know what they’re getting themselves into. While some may be fully aware of the story or the book by Kim Barker, “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan”, the trailers don’t give this movie any justice; featuring awkward humor and one-liners that play into what one may find in an episode of 30-Rock, you’ll find the movie actually offers so much more.
Written by the witty Robert Carlock, one may expect an abundance of silliness and corky jokes as one would find in Carlock’s other shows like 30-Rock and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Atlas the audience will find a whole other side in an almost different genre. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot gets REAL at times with gritty war scenes and damn gore-y shots I didn’t come to expect yet was pleasantly surprised. At times I found myself inthralled with a sense of realism and transparency on a war that many didn’t care to look closely into.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot follows a cable news writer and producer Kim Barker (Tina Fey) who lands a new assignment in Afghanistan in 2002 covering a war that became quickly forgotten when America headed for Iraq. Stuck in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory, Barker finds herself in the midst of a quite frightening war zone where a westernized female wouldn’t blend in well. Quickly after arrival Barker finds herself closely bunking with Tanya Vanderpoel, Margot Robbie (Focus, A Wolf on Wall Street), a fellow journalist who helps her settle in with her new surroundings. In attempt to discover the breaking stories, Barker finds herself in the middle of gun shootouts, warlords love interests, and weekly heavy partying. Barker must battle keeping the war in Afghanistan interesting to news outlets while also finding her ultimate end game.
Besides the incredibly well-shot war scenes, though perhaps a little controversial to those close to the military, the perfectly developed cast of characters is a driving force for the film. Tina Fey is ultimately herself yet toned down, but her character is developed with believability and remains relatable to many. A definite breakout performance for the former Saturday Night Live cast member whom I could see actually taken on more serious roles. Margot Robbie is still stunning to watch and the two play off the fact she is a solid 10 in the states but a 15 in Afghanistan. There is no denying that, even with the joke being carried on a little too long.
The rest of the ensemble includes a thick Scottish accented Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) who plays a womanizing tool but a bit of a goober. I don’t think Martin Freeman can really ever not be a goober, however his role here has him playing a bit of an ass even though he is able contain his charm. Alfred Molina plays Afghan mogul Ali Massoud Sadiq who grows a boy-like crush on Barker and performs some hilarious antics. This is where the movie becomes a little too ridiculous to fit in with the rest of the narrative, but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t still enjoyable. Don’t forget about Billy Bob Thorton, a high-ranking Marine that finds respect for the ‘ballsy’ but dedicated Kim Barker. He isn’t anything less than one would expect from a Thorton character.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is actually much more than it pretends to be. It’s a solid drama that is complemented by lots of laughter. The humor is geared toward an over 25-year-old crowd that still enjoys its crudeness and sexual escapades, but still wants some intelligence and well-developed story. The cinematography is sharp and welcomed to a movie billed as just another comedy flick. Many scenes feel organic though much of the film was just filmed in the desert landscape of that scary place called New Mexico. A kudos is in order to Xavier Grobet for making Albuquerque look like the crumbling towns of Afghanistan. Or is that not much of a stretch?
Left to right: Director Glenn Ficarra, Tina Fey, Producer Ian Bryce and Department of Defense Director of Entertainment Media Phil Strub on the set of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot from Paramount Pictures
It’s a journey story of a personal change, not a coming of age, but a finding of content of who you are. Warlock and Barker find an uplifting and motivating end allowing a moment of mental escapability. A goal of mine for any movie I see. It’s a long one, and at times feels long because there is so much depiction of just “living” opposed to just standard story progression. It’s not a fault but worthy of a note for a forewarning it’s just under 2-hours.
A very rewarding film that gives you reason to care for the characters and brings some behind-the-scenes look at a war not many talked about. It’s a movie that delivers so much more at its core without a preachy narrative or deeply rooted political agenda. I found the film to be refreshing and different in a movie marketplace of so much predictability. Worthy of a trip to the theater.
Disney’s Oscar-winning film, which is based on the Marvel comics of the same name, is being adapted into an animated series on Disney XD. The show hails from Kim Possible creator Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley, and has started production for a 2017 premiere.
The series picks up immediately following the events in the movie, and continues the adventures of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro and his robot Baymax. Joining the pair on their journey is control freak Wasabi, scientist Honey Lemon, fanboy Fred and no-nonsense Go Go, who together form the Big Hero 6 superhero team. As the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, Hiro faces daunting academic challenges, not to mention the social trials of being the little man on campus. The stakes are also raised for the high-tech heroes when they must protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains.
“Our colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios have created a brilliant new world, inspired by Marvel, with vivid, unique characters,” Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop these characters into a world class animated series — full of fun, action and the kind of endearing storytelling that only Mark, Bob — and Baymax — can deliver.”
Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series will executive produced by McCorkle, Schooley and Nick Filippi, with Filippi also serving as a supervising director.
This was first published on The Hollywood Reporter MARCH 02, 2016 8:00am PT by Bryn Elise Sandberg
Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?
Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.
In an exciting development for foodies and lovers of the Disneyland Resort, the month-long Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will celebrate the lifestyle and springtime flavors of California with a blend of culinary experiences. The Festival begins Friday, April 1, and most events will take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 1 in Disney California Adventure Park.
Each weekend features numerous experiences including culinary demonstrations and lifestyle seminars, plus some ticketed events featuring celebrity chefs, as well as wine, beer and spirits seminars. At Festival Marketplaces, set up around the park, guests may sip and savor delicious flavors from throughout the state of California.
Some events at the festival are included with admission to Disney California Adventure. Signature events, requiring a reservation and a separate ticket, include Celebrity Kitchen with some of the biggest names in the culinary world, and beverage seminars featuring popular adult beverages in a relaxing setting at the Golden Vine Winery. Reservations for Celebrity Kitchen experiences and beverage seminars can be made at Disneyland.com/foodandwine.
Food is always part of the fun at Disney California Adventure. The park offers guests a range of dining options, from fast-casual fare to haute cuisine, with innovative dishes from award-winning chefs. Guests will find Mediterranean cuisine at Paradise Garden Grill, handmade treats at Candy Palace, fine dining and craft cocktails at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options at many locations.
Guests also enjoy the wonder and beauty of California in the park’s themed lands, including the welcoming Buena Vista Street, which transports guests to Southern California of the 1920s and 1930s, and the spectacular 12-acre Cars Land, inspired by the Radiator Springs setting of the Disney●Pixar movie “Cars.” The reimagined Grizzly Peak Airfield, inspired by the lush High Sierras of California, opened with its new look in 2015. Popular Disney California Adventure attractions include Radiator Springs Racers, the immersive Toy Story Mania, the California Screamin’ roller coaster and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror.
The annual Orange County Restaurant Week has officially kicked with approximately 140 of OC’s finest eateries participating. I was fortunate enough to attend their launch party appropriately titled “First Bites” located at the Irvine Marriott. Around 40 restaurants were on hand sampling out some of their best cuisine and alcoholic beverages. From the likes of Holsteins Shakes & Buns in Costa Mesa to Urbana of the Anaheim Packing House all the way to the intricately prepared gourmet donuts of Poqet were on hand. You can’t really go wrong. There are incredibly unique eats for you to devour the entire week with special discounts and creative menus this week only until March 12th.
