Award-Winning Composer Michael Giacchino Scoring Disney 'ZOOTOPIA'

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November 16, 2015

Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino marks his first-ever feature collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios for next spring’s big-screen adventure “Zootopia.” Featuring an 80-piece orchestra and conductor Tim Simonec, Giacchino’s score is being recorded this week.

“In a world as vast as Zootopia, we needed someone who could deliver a score that can feel exotic and powerful, but also provide that same emotional intimacy,” said director Byron Howard. “We tell stories with images, Michael tells stories with music. ‘Zootopia’ is a massive film with deep emotional themes running throughout the story, and Michael was the perfect choice to bring the music of this extraordinary animal world to life.”

Added director Rich Moore, “Zootopia is a thriving metropolis inhabited by animals from around globe, and Michael’s music has captured a wonderful international spirit that marries perfectly with the visuals. I’m very excited for audiences to experience this incredible new world we’ve created together.”

According to the composer, the score is very diverse instrumentally. “There are flavors of world music sprinkled in everywhere. But at its core, the score always follows the emotional story of Hopps and Nick.”

Giacchino’s credits feature some of the most popular and acclaimed film projects in recent history, including Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out,” “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” as well as “Jurassic World,” “MissionImpossible: Ghost Protocol” and “The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” His score for Disney•Pixar’s 2009 feature “Up” earned him an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, the BAFTA, the Broadcast Film Critics’ Choice Award and two GRAMMY® Awards.

“The process of working with Michael is unique in that it doesn’t feel like a process,” said Moore. “It feels more like visiting with a childhood friend. We started by talking about the film—the themes, the tone, the characters, the emotional moments. We talked about what inspired us, and our hopes for the movie. And from those conversations, Michael began building the score. When we listened to his work together, an amazing thing happened. Michael somehow took those conversations and turned them into music. It’s creative collaboration, pure and simple.”

Said Giacchino, “We’ve had a lot of fun working together and the directors have been wonderfully supportive of me throughout the entire process, giving me an incredible amount of freedom to really explore the tone and emotional side of the story.

“I am really proud to be a part of this film,” continued Giacchino. “It’s one of those films with a huge heart and wonderfully realized characters set within a story that’s not only incredibly fun and entertaining but takes an honest look at our own world and the important issues we deal with living in such a diverse society. That’s what really attracted me to the film—the chance to write music that reflects these kind of challenges.”

Added Howard, “Michael approaches composing from an intuitive, emotional place that’s so completely personal to him, but at the same time, his themes and musical storytelling are completely universal. You fall in love with the music the instant you hear it.”

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces 3 All-New Annual Passes

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 16, 2015

In celebration of Universal Studios Hollywood’s five year epic transformation that has substantially altered its familiar footprint to essentially define it as an entirely new destination, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. is rolling out three all-new Annual Pass ticket options, inviting guests to visit the theme park as if for the very first time.

Effective immediately, new Annual Passes will provide guests with an array of privileges reserved for passholder membership, including access to Universal Studios Hollywood over a 12 month period to enjoy the park’s compelling thrill rides and attractions, including “Fast & Furious: Supercharged” as the grand finale to the world famous Studio Tour, “Transformers: The Ride 3D“ and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” as well as the much-anticipated “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” when it opens in Spring 2016.

Each new Annual Pass member will embark on an exciting journey with Universal Studios Hollywood receiving regular newsletter updates, exclusive preview event invitations, discounts on food and merchandise, eligibility for sweepstakes opportunities that include the chance to win tickets to coveted Hollywood red carpet movie premieres, and more.

The Gold Pass, available for $299, includes 312 select days of fun. The California Resident Plus Pass, available for $199, invites members to enjoy 244 select days of fun, and the California Resident Pass, available for $139, includes 182 select days of fun. To learn more about the Annual Passes options, please visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets.

Celebrate Dino Week with DISNEY•PIXAR "The Good Dinosaur"

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 13, 2015

Starting Nov 14, visit Disney.com/DinoWeek all week to celebrate everything you love about dinosaurs & see brand new clips, featurettes, and activities from The Good Dinosaur.

To kick the week off, three brand new film clips from Disney/Pixar’s THE GOOD DINOSAUR are now available. Watch them below!

“Get Through Your Fear”

“Jobs”

“Butch’s Scar”

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS – New TV Spot

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 13, 2015

Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens releases in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.

'42nd Street' Delivers What You're Wanting

By

Joel Covey

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November 11, 2015

The energy and dazzle of 42ND STREET has made its way to Segerstrom Center for the Arts with all of its tap dancing glory. The lively show is truly classic Broadway at its finest. Fans of musical theater and dance can’t skip this one. It’s a show full of jolliness and jazz hands that’s reminiscent of the Broadway shows of old. You’ll be treated to a fast pace bright and cheery non-stop-fun musical experience that’s your quintessential Broadway show, and it’s all right here in Costa Mesa.

42nd Street began on Broadway in 1980 with its on-stage adaptation of the 1933 movie musical of the same name featuring now near classic jazz standards from Harry Warren. It has since become the 14th longest running production on Broadway featuring a Tony award winning revival show in 2001. Today’s touring production still contains the spirit, endless music and flashy dancing you’ll be attending for, but lacks some of the grandioseness set and production value from the revival. However, if I never knew there was any type of scaled back set-design, I’m sure I would have never noticed an issue.

The more-or-less simplistic story tells the tale of a starry-eyed innocent young dancer named Peggy Sawyer (Caitlin Ehlinger) who leaves her Allentown home and comes to 1933 New York to audition for a new Broadway musical produced by the legendary Broadway giant Julian Marsh (Matthew J. Taylor). The bulk of the story follows Peggy on her journey to becoming a cast member of the new production, Pretty Lady, but faces her own struggles in believing herself. When opportunity of becoming the shows leading star comes knocking at her door, she must overcome her personal battles to help save the show from ending its run short.

While the shows plot may seem simple and more a tale as old as time, 42nd Street is not as much about the plot but rather the dancing and phenomenal performances. Many of the songs do feature tap dancing or a large choreographed large number. Many songs may be somewhat familiar even if you aren’t already knowledgable of the show, which can help man casual theater goers entertained.

Songs such as the ridiculous yet well-loved “We’re in the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway” eclipse any faulty foot work and lack of top-notch singing by featuring countless dancers and intricately designed choreography that can get the audiences hootin’ and hollerin’ finishing with an abrupt thunderous applause. Much of the show features such moments with many highs are only a couple of lows that are only for the nitpickers.

There’s the appropriate level of humor strung around mostly from the Pretty Lady’s production runner Maggie Jones (Britte Steele), which is her own character gravitating from all sorts of slapstick humor and overacting that plays to the audiences perfectly, but never annoying. The interactions from all the actors contain a portion of overacting that plays well for this show and feels more like an early 1900s musical production. Fitting.

Matthew J. Taylor who plays Julian Marsh is the breakout character in my opinion. His Howard Hughes ‘30s accent is done superbly yet still has a touch of over-the-topness to make it truly standout. It’s comical, but is exactly as one would imagine in this romanticized version of 1930’s Broadway. His forced upon star of the show Dorothy Brock (Kaitlin Lawrence) has the greatest vocal chops in the show even though she was supposed to play a character that practically paid her way into the starring role of Marsh’s show. I suppose I would rather have to listen to ill-fitted incredible voice than a forced dumb downed vocal performance.

However, there is the star of the show, Peggy, who is played thru the innocence of Caitlin Ehlinger. Her role couldn’t have been casted any better for this cute naive young inspiring actress character, except for one vital part, her singing just never got there for me. She is supposed to be the savior of the show and the cast fully believes in her, but she never felt stronger enough for the leading lady she is supposed to represent. Ehlinger is extremely talented and an absolute delight, but only for the first half of the play. I hate critiquing in this area as I am not one to judge, but it’s worth noting her presence didn’t feel right as the leading lady in the show within the show.

Regardless, this is an ensemble cast with probably the most people I have seen on stage at one time. It’s a true site to behold during the larger numbers of the musical.

The focal point also holds true for the set production as your attention will be focused on the countless beautiful tap-dancing legs onstage. Some may know I adore lavish sets and big set pieces, yet I was still perfectly content with this shows overall set design. Featured are mostly well-done large “painted” back drops and a rare moveable set until the latter half where larger “wow-factored” set pieces are presented. It helps build the show consistently and never gets in the way of enjoyable dancing and singing. Something can be said for its design as it establishes a tone of being a classic musical feel to combat with the over-the-top sets and productions we can see in shows of today.

42nd Street is one of the liveliest and brightest shows you’ll ever see on stage. Benefiting from a mostly positive light hearted show, it’s just a good ole’ time. Never dull or a bore. 42nd Street will have you cheering and smiling throughout and wont leave you in any awkward dark moments or deep conversations after the final curtain draw. This is Broadway entertainment and after all, exactly what the show bills itself as.

42nd Street is playing at Segerstrom Center of the Arts in Costa Mesa until November 22nd.

For more information visit SCFTA.org.

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Launches for Apple TV

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 11, 2015

Disney Interactive launched Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition for Apple TV, giving families a new way to play the game this holiday. The Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack, which includes the SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Controller and a black Bluetooth Disney Infinity Base, is available now at Apple retail stores nationwide.

The game offers the full Disney Infinity 3.0 experience, including all 3.0 Play Sets, figures and Toy Box Expansion Games. In addition, all figures and Power Discs from the 1.0 and 2.0 editions of Disney Infinity are also compatible with the Apple TV version of the game.

“Apple TV represents an incredible opportunity for us to bring Disney Infinity to a new audience of players who may not have a game console in their household,” said John Blackburn, SVP and GM, Disney Infinity. “We’re offering the complete Disney Infinity 3.0 experience on this device, optimized for Apple TV, and we’re already planning new Disney Infinity experiences for the App Store.”

As one of the must-have titles of 2015, Disney Infinity 3.0 offers a comprehensive Star Wars gaming experience and lets parents and kids enjoy classic and new Star Wars stories and characters together.

“We jumped at the opportunity to work with the Disney Infinity team, as we immediately recognized that it was going to be one of the first blockbuster titles on Apple TV,” said Craig Olson, President of SteelSeries Mobile, the world’s leading gaming accessory company. “We’ve engineered the Nimbus Wireless Controller especially for Apple TV gameplay experiences, and it was only fitting to include it in the Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack for players to enjoy the game the way it was intended to be played.”

The Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack for Apple TV will be available at a suggested retail price of $99.99 and include:

· (1) Star Wars™: Twilight of the Republic Play Set piece
· (1) Anakin Skywalker and (1) Ahsoka Tano figures
· (1) A Bluetooth enabled Disney Infinity base
· (1) Web code card for mobile and PC devices
· (1) SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Controller

Players can also experience the Battle of Yavin from Star Wars™: Episode IV: A New Hope™ when they download the Disney Infinity 3.0 app from the App Store. Additional Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Play Sets, figures and Power Discs are sold separately.

'FINDING DORY' New Teaser Trailer and Poster

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 10, 2015

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.

Disney Retells Aladdin using Emoji

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 9, 2015

Hurry and text your friends…another Disney emoji video just went live! In the all-new Aladdin as Told by Emoji video, fans can watch as emoji-fied versions of Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, and the rest of our Aladdin friends as they retell their tale using the mechanics of a smartphone, including text threads, calendar alerts, lock screens and more.

The video is the third installment of Disney As Told By Emoji, a new collection of videos that retell popular Disney stories by recasting our favorite characters as emoji living within a mobile phone. The series kicked off in February with Frozen As Told By Emoji and was followed by Tangled As Told By Emoji. Disney As Told By Emoji is just one of the ways Disney Interactive is bringing beloved Disney stories to new platforms for existing fans and new audiences to enjoy.

Fans can join in the fun and send their own Aladdin emoji by downloading Disney Gif, a mobile app that lets users easily send gifs and emojis of their favorite stories and characters via text, email, and other messaging and social platforms. Aladdin gifs and emoji will be coming to the app very soon! Disney Gif also features content from Disney’s “Frozen,” “Star Wars”, Marvel, ABC’s “Scandal,” Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out,” classic Disney films, and much more. Disney Gif is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Winter comes to OC with an All-New Holiday Event!

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 9, 2015

An all-new holiday attraction is coming to Orange County, Winter Fest at the OC Fair & Event Center opening December 18 and continuing through January 3, an event created by Absolute Event Solutions (AES). The festival embodies the spirit of the winter season, bringing fun and merriment to sunny Southern California. Experience ice-skating with a theater-sized screen playing holiday films in the background, ice tubing down a 130-foot, six-lane ice slide, nightly snowfall and tree lighting, festive entertainment, reindeer feedings, and more than 30 carnival rides and games. Winter Fest is filled with seasonal foods, craft cocktails, magical lights, and holiday décor including the world’s largest ornament.

“We love creating events that instantly engage and delight guests of all ages,” Mark Entner, Absolute Event Solutions CEO, says. “This is an affordable holiday experience that ensures a fantastic adventure rain or shine, for seventeen days and nights during the traditional holiday school break. The fairgrounds are the perfect venue for Winter Fest, offering both indoor and outdoor space. The majority of the main attractions and entertainment are within buildings, essentially making Winter Fest ‘El Nino-proof.’ We’re thrilled to bring a wintry sense of wonder to Orange County, and we’re inviting the community to join us for what is sure to become an annual tradition.”

Passing through Winter Fest’s icy gates reveals a whimsical wonderland where guests can stroll through the center of the world’s largest illuminated ornament. Attendees can sample holiday treats while sipping hot cocoa or specialty craft cocktails, and enjoy activities for guests of all ages. Entertainment includes roaming holiday characters, performances by singers and artists, magicians, and a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony with snow flurries. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for Winter Fest’s opening moment each day, and stay throughout the night to enjoy all of the festival’s attractions.

Winter Fest offers the spirit of the holiday season at an affordable price, with admission starting at only $10 online. All tickets are a fantastic value, allowing unlimited access to tube down the 130-foot, six-lane ice slide (available for guests 42” and taller). Tickets also include one complimentary carnival ride and game in the midway, and access to themed bounce houses for young attendees. Admission also grants time with the most famous couple in the North Pole, allowing guests to meet Santa Claus, enjoy heartwarming tales from Mrs. Claus during story time, and partake in the elves’ arts, crafts, and games in the North Pole building.

Winter lovers seeking a premium experience are welcome to choose from an array of upgrades. Children of all ages can opt for festive face painting, balloon art, and official photos with Santa. Guests can also enjoy more than 30 carnival rides and games, reindeer graham cracker feedings, rides on the North Pole LTD trackless train, and ice-skating.

The Hangar building inside the fairgrounds will be transformed into an elegant festival space with a massive ice skating rink, where brilliant hanging snowflakes light up the ice below. Onlookers can watch skaters circle the rink while beloved holiday films play on the theater-sized projection screen in the background. Skating is available on a first come, first serve basis; $15 per person including skates. Skate assists are available for $5. Private, rink-side VIP cabanas are also available for $99 per session, creating a Winter Fest destination for holiday office parties, birthday parties, family retreats, or couples looking for a new way to celebrate date night. Each cabana holds up to 10 guests but can be expanded to accommodate parties up to 100. All cabanas offer a special menu with holiday inspired foods and craft cocktails, and a cabana server to attend to guests’ needs.

Frolicking throughout Winter Fest can stir up an appetite, which can be satiated with tasty treats and delicious libations. Guests can visit Mrs. Claus’ Bakery for sweets while watching live fudge cutting and cinnamon roll making. Merry wanderers with a heftier hunger can enjoy seasonally and internationally inspired foods, including soups in bread bowls, potpies, tamales, Chinese food, crepes, and turkey and stuffing. Traditional SoCal fun foods will also be available, including pizza, tacos, grilled cheese, and BBQ kabobs. Kettle corn and popcorn will be offered for guests on the go, and thirsty festival-goers can indulge in a tempting hot chocolate and martini bar. The OC fairgrounds’ traditional Baja Blues Restaurant will be re-imagined as a snow-covered ski lodge, where guests can enjoy food, libations, and local bands.

Winter Fest casts its icy spell over the OC Fair & Event Center for seventeen days and nights December 18 – January 3. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Special hours of operation include December 24 (Christmas Eve) 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and December 25 (Christmas Day) 2 – 11 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present at Winter Fest every day and night through Christmas Eve, December 24.

Admission starts at only $10 online (for a limited time). Ticket prices Monday through Friday are $10 online, $15 onsite for children age 4 – 11, and $20 online, $25 onsite for adults. Ticket Prices Saturday and Sunday are $15 online, $20 onsite for children age 4 – 11, and $25 online, $30 onsite for adults. Children 3 and under are free. Tickets on sale now.

Adult season passes for unlimited access for all of Winter Fest’s dates are available for $45 advance and online (limited supply); children’s season passes are available for $25 advance and online (limited supply).

For more information on Winter Fest and to apply for your group to perform or for employment opportunities visit www.WinterFestOC.com.

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 6, 2015

This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, all decked out with holiday cheer. Starting early November, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship during Very Merrytime Cruises, with traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.

During these voyages through the new year, special stem-to-stern holiday events include:

“Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
“Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” in the atrium lobby, where Disney cruisers welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters and classic holiday tunes. This evening of enchantment is made complete when a special pair of royal sisters joins the party and causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium.
Holiday story time beneath the giant tree, where children gather to hear classic tales of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza, including a cozy and intimate storytelling with Mrs. Claus as she shares some of her favorite Christmas stories.
Dickens-inspired carolers carrying the spirit of the holidays throughout the ship while singing holiday classics, sometimes with the help of favorite Disney friends. At the end of the cruise, children will have the opportunity to join the carolers onstage for a special farewell show.
Family holiday activities including building gingerbread houses and meeting Santa Claus.
Youth holiday crafts such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
“Deck the Deck Holiday Party,” a tropical celebration with Disney friends leading games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool.
A special holiday edition of the cheerful farewell celebration on the final night of each cruise, with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

On Thanksgiving Day, guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast, visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, NFL football games will be broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screens – Funnel Vision – located near the family pool.

Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree Santa Claus and his helpers will have a surprise for all the kids, and guests will delight in a special musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas Dinner will be served that night in the dining rooms.

Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held each day, Dec. 6 to Dec. 14.

When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music.

For an extra sprinkle of holiday joy, special amenities are available for stateroom delivery. Purchased in advance of sailing, these include holiday-themed gift packages and treat baskets and even mini Christmas trees decorated with ornaments, red berries, mini carnations and a bow topper. Plus, during the holiday cruises, the Disney Cruise Line holiday merchandise collection and ever-popular Disney Cruise Line ornaments will be available in the gift shops.

To ring in 2016, voyages include a special New Year’s Eve party, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown.

To celebrate the holidays, the Disney Magic sails four- and five-night Bahamian and Caribbean cruises departing Nov. 11 to Dec. 23; the Disney Wonder sails four-, six- and seven-night Bahamian and Caribbean cruises departing Nov. 6 to Dec. 24; the Disney Dream sails three- and four-night Bahamian cruises departing Nov. 9 to Dec. 24; and the Disney Fantasy sails seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises departing Nov. 14 to Dec. 19.

Disney’s Descendants Game Launches on Mobile Devices

By

Robbie Bulus

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November 5, 2015

Disney launches Descendants, the official mobile game inspired by the hit Disney Channel movie, Disney’s Descendants, available on iOS, Android and Windows devices. In Descendants, fans can create their own unique Descendants character and then join Mal, Evie, Jay, Carlos and more of their favorite characters for a wickedly fun adventure in the world of Descendants. As they play, fans will be able to experience all the iconic locations from the movie from Isle of the Lost and Auradon, such as the Gallery of Villains and Tourney Field.

Players will start the game by creating their own stylish avatar with more than 450 pieces of clothing and accessories inspired by the movie. As players unlock iconic locations in the game, they will discover fun quests like organizing school parties with Mal and tailoring costumes with Evie for a play. Players will collect special rewards along the way that will raise school spirit and help grow their ‘Legendary’ status.

Game activities include:

Style showcase: Players can create their own unique character and stand out from the crowd with millions of fashionable combinations, from stylish Auradon preppy to edgy Isle style.

Exciting missions: As they progress through the game, players can organize school parties with Mal, tailor costumes with Evie for a play, and unveil more exciting quests with the help of the coolest students at Auradon Prep.

Be legendary: Players can collect special rewards along the way to raise school spirit and grow their ‘Legendary’ status.

Explore Auradon: Ride on Ben’s scooter to travel between locations and uncover iconic areas such as the Tourney Field, Gallery of Villains, Carnival Grounds and many more.

Disney’s Descendants is now available for free on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Windows Store, and Amazon Appstore.

Biggest Losers Win Big at JW Marriott in Palm Desert

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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November 5, 2015

A good getaway is more than a great location, with first-class amenities and gourmet food. It is also about people. And on my recent visit to JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, I met some very inspiring souls – while also basking in the sun and luxury of a four-star hotel.

My adventure began when I heard that the Marriott had partnered with The Biggest Loser Resort, to become the new West Coast location for the weight loss and wellness program, inspired by the hit television show, which returns in 2016 for a 17th season.

As the newest addition to The Biggest Loser Resort portfolio, JW Marriott Desert Spring Resort & Spa offers guests access to its state-of-the-art amenities, including four spacious pools, two championship golf courses, an award-winning tennis program, and one of the largest full-service spa and fitness facilities in Southern California.

“The JW Marriott brand’s commitment to health and well-being aligns perfectly with The Biggest Loser Resort program goals,” said Lesley Carey, president of The Biggest Loser Resort. “We are thrilled to partner with this luxury destination and work together to provide our guests with the necessary tools and inspiration to embark on this life changing experience.”

I stayed at the JW Marriott during the opening weekend of The Biggest Loser Resort and I not only got treated to the beauty of the resort, but I also met some of the past and present participants of The Biggest Loser program. One of the people I met was chef and nutritionist Cheryl Forberg, who for the past 15 seasons has created healthy and delicious menus for both the TV show and the resort.

During my visit, Cheryl gave advice on eating healthy and smart and showed us how easy it can be to make good choices when going to the market and when waking up in the middle of the night with those dreaded hunger pains.

I also sampled some of the food that The Biggest Loser enrollees eat while at the resort and it was fantastic. I had a pulled pork sandwich with jicama and apple slaw on gluten-free bread, with hints of Mandarin orange, jalapenos and lime juice; and a California turkey wrap with turkey breast, turkey bacon, arugula and avocado, on a whole grain tortilla.

When not eating healthy, members of The Biggest Loser program exercise in their own fitness area, or on one of the many resort lawns. And like other Marriott guests, they also soak up all the luxury the resort has to offer.

Located in Palm Desert, a few miles east of Palm Springs, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa resembles an island paradise. The place is highlighted by a massive, towering lobby with waterfalls and ponds and boats coming in and out of giant glass doors. The vessels take guests sightseeing around the resort’s lake or to dinner at one of the restaurants.

Other property highlights include six restaurants, two championship golf courses, four swimming pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis and volleyball courts, and a scenic jogging path. There are also lots ducks, black and white swans, flamingos, and even Kookaburras floating about the waterways.

Throughout a stay at The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert, guests will work with a team of counselors and coaches who help provide the knowledge, tools and confidence to achieve results and sustain a commitment to healthy eating, regular exercise and overall well-being. Matt Hagler, CEO of Biggest Loser Resort, says The Biggest Loser program is ideal for guests at any stage of life.

The program includes stress management through life coaching workshops, dietary direction and a strong focus on physical activity, beginning with training through activities such as cardio, water aerobics, and outdoor hikes, among others.

The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert is located at 74-855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information on participating in the program, visit: www.biggestloserresort.com or call 760.341.2211. For more information on just staying at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, visit: Visit www.desertspringsresort.com

Socalthrills.com

Award-Winning Composer Michael Giacchino Scoring Disney 'ZOOTOPIA'

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces 3 All-New Annual Passes

Celebrate Dino Week with DISNEY•PIXAR "The Good Dinosaur"

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS – New TV Spot

'42nd Street' Delivers What You're Wanting

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Launches for Apple TV

'FINDING DORY' New Teaser Trailer and Poster

Disney Retells Aladdin using Emoji

Winter comes to OC with an All-New Holiday Event!

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line

Disney’s Descendants Game Launches on Mobile Devices

Biggest Losers Win Big at JW Marriott in Palm Desert

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