Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Fact Sheet

By

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May 2, 2014

Last year, Disney unveiled its most ambitious and successful video game initiative to date – Disney Infinity. Now, the 2.0 edition of Disney Infinity – Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will take players deep into the Marvel Universe with classic characters and original storylines – all while offering players more opportunity for unprecedented freedom and endless possibilities to create new adventures.

In Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, players will use real-world interactive Marvel figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of some of Marvel’s most popular franchises, including The Avengers. In the Play Sets – penned by award-winning Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis – players will be able to take on the role of more than 20 Marvel characters including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hulk and Hawkeye to battle enemies, complete challenging missions, solve puzzles and ultimately save the world from destruction.

Featuring an enhanced Toy Box mode, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will introduce new structured, franchise-themed adventures that players can customize and play using any in-game character from across the Disney Infinity universe. Fans will also have hundreds of Marvel-themed items, locations, props and characters at their disposal to create their own stories or even re-create their favorite comic book moments.

GAMEPLAY FEATURES

MARVEL FRANCHISES – Marvel franchises introduce deeper, immersive storylines and Marvel Super Heroes deliver new combat gameplay, more destruction in game worlds, authentic Marvel gadgets and vehicles in Play Sets and Toy Box.

EPIC STORYLINES – Original, character driven stories written by award-winning Marvel comic writer, Brian Michael Bendis. Authentic, intertwined stories where some Marvel Super Heroes can cross between Play Sets, all set in iconic Marvel locations.

ENHANCED TOY BOX – An all-new Toy Box mode that makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and mini-games with family and friends. Use the new Auto Creator tool to quickly build your worlds faster and easier than ever before.

TOY BOX GAME DISCS – New pyramid shaped discs deliver structured, franchise-themed games to the Toy Box. Build and customize your games by using Toy Box Toys of your choice and play through each game using any Disney Infinity character to complete missions.

FORWARD COMPATIBILITY – All of your Disney Infinity figures, toys and power discs are compatible with the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Toy Box – stats and upgrades intact. Disney Infinity characters can increase their level cap from level 15 to 20 and skills can be allocated across a variety of attributes using the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes skill tree.

POWER DISCS – New set of circular and hexagonal Power Discs will be available for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes. Circular discs will add costumes, Area of Effect attacks and team-ups. Hexagonal power discs will add new weapons, vehicles and sky and terrain customizations. Select Power Disc descriptions are below:

– Marvel Skies and Textures
o World War Hulk – Customize your landscape to make it look as if Hulk went on a smashing rampage
o World War Hulk Sky – Turn your blue skies green with this Hulk themed power disc
o Stark Tech – Deck out your Toy Box compliments of Tony Stark. Unlock the Stark Industries Tech theme with upgraded Hologram Readout Tech ability
o View from the Suit – Ever wonder what it’s like to see the world from inside Iron Man’s helmet? Check out the Hologram Readout Tech upgrade and unlock Stark Industries “View from the Suit”
– Marvel Vehicles/Mounts
o Hydra Motorcycle – Take Hydra’s Motorcycle for a spin. Sidecar included
o Lola – Need a ride? Unlock this Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. hover car
o S.H.I.E.L.D. Containment Truck – Contain enemies and protect civilians with this S.H.I.E.L.D. truck
o Falcon’s Wings – You’ll be soaring when you put on Falcon’s Wings
o The Avenjet – Hop on board the Avenjet for a speed boost in your Toy Box
– Marvel Team-Ups and Costumes
o S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier Strike – Send down a missile strike from above. Your enemies will need to take cover
o Marvel Team Up: Winter Solder – Team up with the Winter Soldier and catch your enemies in the crossfire
o Marvel Team Up: Iron Patriot – Hit them hard, hit them fast, hit them everywhere! Iron Patriot reporting for duty
o Stark Arc Reactor – Try the Mark 42 on for size! Unlock Iron Man’s black and white special edition Guardians of the Galaxy armor with added boom!
o Sentinel of Liberty – Expand your Super Hero wardrobe with Captain America’s World War II costume and original shield!
o Gamma Rays – Time to get old school and unlock the Original Grey Hulk costume with added smash!

Check out the new Power Discs:

The Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) video game Starter Pack includes:
– 1 Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Video Game
– 3 Marvel Super Heroes Figures: Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow
– 1 Disney Infinity Base (2.0 Edition)
– 2 Toy Box Game Discs
– 1 Marvel’s The Avengers Play Set piece
– 1 Web Code Card

Disney Infinity 2.0 with Marvel Super Heroes Out this Fall! Meet the Characters.

By

Robbie Bulus

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May 2, 2014

Disney Infinity just got super powered! In Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) conquer a game universe where you have the freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and action adventures featuring the all-new Marvel Super Heroes. The Video Game Starter Pack now features a newly enhanced Toy Box, Marvel’s The Avengers Play Set, and Toy Box Game Discs! If you missed the Announcement event, watch the video above (be patient this is an hour video).

Disney Interactive brought in Brian Michael Bendis, longtime Marvel Comics artist and writer, to write the story for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes and to ensure that the game has the look, feel and “taste” of Marvel’s heroes and villains.

Play sets in the 2.0 Edition of the game will be much larger than those in the original version of the game. Marvel’s version of Manhattan, for example, is four times larger than the size of the Incredibles play set from the original Disney Infinity. “We needed to make the world a lot larger,” Blackburn said, “because our characters can fly.”

Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition and Marvel Super Heroes will launch with a new starter pack, which includes an Avengers-themed play set, two power discs and three characters: Thor, Black Widow and Iron Man.

The platforms for Disney Infinity 2.0, is coming to iOS, PC, PlayStation 3, Wii U and Xbox 360. The game will also be available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on “day one,” Disney confirmed.

Check-out the new Disney Infinity Marvel Characters. Disney also mentioned that more characters is coming and to stay tuned.

Disney and Marvel team up for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0)

By

Robbie Bulus

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May 2, 2014

Disney Interactive and Marvel Entertainment confirmed that the world’s most iconic Super Heroes are assembling for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes – the 2.0 edition coming Fall 2014!

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes features more than 20 new interactive figures from across the Marvel universe, original storylines penned by award-wining Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis, and an all-new Toy Box mode that makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and mini-games with family and friends. In addition, all characters and power discs from last year’s release of Disney Infinity will be compatible with the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Toy Box.

“We’ve worked closely with the Disney Interactive team to deliver an incredible line-up of Marvel characters and great storytelling for the next chapter of Disney Infinity,” said Peter Phillips, EVP and General Manager, Interactive & Digital Distribution at Marvel Entertainment. “The 2.0 edition will allow Marvel fans around the world to interact with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in entirely new ways, including compelling gameplay and a new line of collectible interactive figures.”

The Avengers’ Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Hawkeye will debut when the game launches this fall, along with additional Play Sets and characters from other popular Marvel and Disney franchises, which will be announced in the coming months. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will be available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, PC and iOS tablets and smart phones.

“Marvel Super Heroes fit perfectly into Disney Infinity, and with them we are pushing the platform’s limits of creativity and imagination,” said John Blackburn, VP and General Manager of Avalanche Software. “We’ve enhanced and redesigned the gameplay to match the Marvel characters, while also making it easier than ever for players to express and share their own creativity.”

“Disney Infinity was, from the start, built to be an interactive experience where players could bring together their favorite Disney characters and stories to create new Disney memories. With the introduction of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, we’re ushering in a new chapter of adventures, featuring a cast of the world’s most popular Super Heroes,” said Jimmy Pitaro, President of Disney Interactive. “Bringing popular and iconic Marvel characters to the Disney Infinity platform truly takes this game to the next level.”

Here are screen shots from the new 2.0 Marvel Super Heroes Edition:

Stormtrooper Helmets Reimagined by Celebrities & Artists will be on Display

By

Robbie Bulus

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May 1, 2014

Lucasfilm, Disney Consumer Products and Neff announced today the upcoming Star Wars Legion exhibition. Artists from across The Walt Disney Company including Lucasfilm, Industrial Light and Magic, Marvel and Pixar—as well as select street artists chosen by Neff and celebrity Star Wars fans –all come together to create individualized interpretations of the iconic stormtrooper helmet in celebration of the global fan holiday, Star Wars Day or “May the 4th be with you.”

“Creativity has been a hallmark of the Star Wars franchise for over 35 years,” said Troy Alders, Lucasfilm Creative Director for Disney Consumer Products. “May the 4th is a perfect time to celebrate this fantastic group of artist’s unique creations and share them with Star Wars fans.”

“As a lifelong Star Wars fan, it’s been a dream of mine to collaborate with Lucasfilm,” says NEFF Founder and CEO, Shaun Neff. “Teaming up with some of the most prominent street artists from around the world, we are thrilled to work alongside The Walt Disney Company–to re-imagine such an iconic piece of cinematic history as the stormtrooper.”

Exhibition details to view the decorated, customized helmets, for free:

WHERE:
Robert Vargas Gallery
620 Main Street
Los Angeles 90013

WHEN:
Friday, May 2nd 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, May 3rd 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, May 4: Noon – 4:00pm

For more about Star Wars Legion, visit StarWars.com

Angelina Jolie Casts a Spell as Maleficent on Disney Twenty-Three Cover this Summer

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 30, 2014

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the upcoming release of the eagerly anticipated Maleficent in the summer publication Disney twenty-three. Angelina Jolie and the creative team pull back the curtain on the surprising tale behind one of Disney’s most iconic villains. “I was afraid of her, and I loved her,” Jolie confesses in the cover story. Accompanying the piece is an in-depth look by animation historian Charles Solomon at the development of Walt Disney’s 1959 creative masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty, with rarely seen concept art and drawings.

Disney twenty-three’s Summer issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23, also includes a behind-the-engine look at Walt Disney World’s newest theme park attraction, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, featuring striking images and interviews with the team responsible for creating the experience, which is based on the world’s first animated feature. Disney twenty-three also explores the Marvel universe, talking to star Chris Pratt about his wild and wacky Super Hero adventure Guardians of the Galaxy.

Also included in the Summer issue of Disney twenty-three:

Star Wars 101: A fascinating look at the creation of the landmark films—and what’s to come
Disney Villains: The comprehensive list—from the mild to the wild—of Disney’s best baddies
A tour of Walt Disney’s Hollywood, with rarely seen photos and stories about his favorite spots
A behind-the-scenes look at Dusty Crophopper’s latest thrilling adventure in the new Planes: Fire & Rescue
Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, PHOTOfiles, D Society, and more

All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com for additional members-only content, including a talk with producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast) about how Disney turned the animated Sleeping Beauty into the vibrant, live-action Maleficent.

Other features coming to D23.com include:

A deeper journey into a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars mega fan Steve Sansweet
The story behind Marvel’s selection of one of its lesser-known comic stories—Guardians of the Galaxy—to become its next mega-feature
A virtual map of Walt Disney’s Los Angeles with rarely seen photos

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership. The publication will begin arriving mid-May.

Disney and Orlando Travel Deals-Week of April 28, 2014

By

Heather Abbott - Travel Correspondent

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April 30, 2014

Here are this week’s travel deals from our friends at Destinations in Florida Travel. Be sure to contact them for your next vacation!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Dedication is on May 2 at the Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World Resort

New! RunDisney Group Rates: Are you a runner? Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse? Join our VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Tower of Terror, Disney Marathon, and Disney Princess Run. We have fantastic group rates for our runners, including FREE tickets to the Disney Water Parks (with at least a 2-Day Pass). Contact your favorite agent at Destinations in Florida for more details.
Summer Deal for Florida Residents: Book your summer vacation and get a free Memory Maker photo package to remember your fun! Book at least a 2-Night/2-Day Package at special prices, just for you! Plus, get the Memory Maker for FREE! This discount promotion is available from June 3-Aug. 2, 2014.
Affordable Package with Room & Dining: One of the most expensive parts of a Disney vacation are the tickets! Save money and enjoy all of the other fun at the Disney with a Ticketless Package. Book this new package with your hotel and one of the Disney Dining Plans, without the addition of tickets.
Save up to 35% off Disney Resorts: Planning a summer vacation to Disney World? Now is the time to book your trip with savings up to 35% off the Disney Resort hotels. These discounts run June 15-August 28. Hurry, these discounts will sell out quickly!
Free Day to Play at the Disney Theme Parks: Buy 6 or more tickets for your family or friends with the 4-Day, 5-Day, 6-Day, 7-Day, 8-Day, or 9-Day tickets and you will get an extra day free. Imagine another day to ride Splash Mountain or another day to get pictures with Mickey Mouse! If you are visiting together, order your tickets together to save money! Must book by June 14.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27^th, 2014. Thank you for serving our country.

Disneyland Resort

Save Up to 20% Off Your Hotel: Visit Sunday through Thursday nights from April 20-June 8, 2014 and save up to 20% off your hotel. Hurry, this discount ends by May 8, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line

Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.
Last Minute Restricted Deals: If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.
Canadian Resident Deal: If you are a Canadian Resident, you can enjoy 20% off select rates on the May 24, 2014 Alaska sailing departing from Vancouver, Canada. Take advantage of this special deal, just for you!

Aulani Hawaii

Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit: Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation. Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Florida Resident Deal: Are you ready to experience the spectacular new Cabana Bay Beach Resort? It is now open! Florida Residents can be the 1st to experience this new hotel at special prices, just for you. Rates start from just $94 per night plus tax. This deal is good through June 5.
4th Night and 3rd Day Free: Book a Universal Partner hotel for 3 nights with a 2 Day Base ticket and receive your 4th night and 3rd day at the parks for FREE!
Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation: Take a day away from Walt Disney World to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket. This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.
“Take 2” Transfer: If you do not want to rent a car during your Orlando vacation, take advantage of the new “Take 2” Transfer ticket for only $39 per person. This transfer includes transportation from a Disney Resort hotel to Universal Orlando Resort for a Universal Studios vacation. After your Universal vacation, the transportation takes you back to the Orlando International Airport.

When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!

'Copperhead' Blu-ray Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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April 29, 2014

As a fan of Ron Maxwell’s previous Civil War films, the 1993 film, Gettysburg, and the 2003 film, Gods and Generals, I couldn’t help but contain my excitement to hear he was returning for a third film set in that time in American history. Admittedly, I was sad to find out it wasn’t the final chapter in his Civil War trilogy, but still, Maxwell had done two great films set in this time period, so I kept my hopes up. Unfortunately, Copperhead, his new film based on the novel of the same name by Harold Frederic, and starring Billy Campbell and Angus Macdayen, isn’t the film I was hoping it would be. Instead of being a film that deals with the war itself, we’re put through a film that is frustratingly set on the outside, looking in, with a Romeo and Juliet style love story stuck in the middle. What follows is a well acted, but tedious, and frankly unexciting, look into a side of history that isn’t exactly film worthy.

The film is set in 1862, in a rural community upstate New York. Abner Beech (Campbell), a farmer is a Northern pacifist Democrat who refuses to take a side on the ongoing Civil War, which the community starts to turn on him for, calling he and anyone who feels that way, “Copperheads”. His son, Jeff, enlists in the Union Army. But Jeff has has also fallen in loved with Esther, the daughter of militant abolitionist Jee Hagadorn (Macdayen), much to his ire. The relationship begins to cause tension between the two families, as well as ongoing Civil War and the tension it causes between the town folk.

The strongest aspect of Copperhead is in its two leads, Billy Campbell and Angus Macdayen, who are both excellent as Abner Beech and Jee Hagadorn, respectively. Campbell is a great character actor, and one that Maxwell has worked with before, so he gets great performance out of him. But it’s really Macdayen who is the film’s standout. He gives a very intense, wonderful performance as Jee, and any time he was on the screen, I couldn’t look away. The various supporting actors are fine to good as well, but none of them outshine Campbell and Macdayen. It’s just too bad the film itself isn’t better, because for as good as the performances are, the movie is simply bland. It feels like a made for TV film, and while it’s an interesting history lesson anecdote, that’s all it ever is. It never gets better than that, sadly. Some scenes drag on forever, and it all feels like a documentary instead of a film.

Thankfully, on the technical side, the blu-ray is great. The picture is absolutely gorgeous, with great detail and clarity. Maxwell can at least shoot well, which makes his films always wonderful to look at. The DTS-HD 5.1 audio is good as well, but with a film that has very little action or anything going on, and a lot of talking, it really doesn’t make your sound system pop. But it really sounds nice, which is really what matters. But unfortunately, on the other side, there are no special features, which makes the blu-ray feel incomplete. A making of docomuntary or commentary would have gone a long way, but they are nowhere to be found here.

Copperhead is a film I really wanted to love, but unfortunately, I found it more frustrating than well done. Outside of its two lead performances, the film doesn’t do much more than be a history lesson on a small anecdote from the past. Campbell and Macdayen are excellent in the film, but not enough happens to make the film come alive. On the technical side, the blu-ray looks great, but it’s too bad there are no special features to be found on the disc. Overall, the film is worth a watch for Civil War buffs, but really no one else. You can own it now on blu-ray, and order from the WB Shop here: http://bit.ly/OLKVA6

Star Wars Episode VII Cast Revealed

By

Patrick Campbell

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April 29, 2014

The speculation is finally over! The official Star Wars Website has finally unveiled the cast for ‘Star Wars Episode VII’, a released the first photo of the cast during their first read through:

The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga,Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Director J.J. Abrams says, “We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.”

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

Video Game World Famous Pranksters Redefine Couch Surfing in Ouch! Couch

By

Robbie Bulus

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April 28, 2014

Twistory Entertainment Studios has teamed up with Social Media stars The Janoskians for an exciting new video game. The enormously popular comedy/prankster troupe from Australia has over 200 million views on YouTube and over 16 million followers across their social media.

Their personal appearances draw so many fans they’ve been known to shut down huge venues including the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, Times Square in NYC and Hyde Park in London, all of which had to be evacuated because of the overwhelming mob of Janoskians fans.

What sets The Janoskians apart from any other online star is that they are successfully growing into other areas offline. They sold out a worldwide Live Nation tour last year, have a major record deal with Universal Republic, a clothing brand called “Dirty Pig” and now, a video game.

The new Janoskians game Ouch! Couch brings world famous entertainers Jai, James, Beau, Daniel and Luke to the touch screen with a gaming experience not seen since the days of the arcades. Redefining what it means to couch surf, the boys cruise the streets in their custom designed sofas and davenports, picking up countless numbers of their avid fans. It’s not all cupcakes and screaming girls though, as the boys must launch their couch into the air to avoid an assortment of different obstacles including: Fire Breathing Crocodiles, Flying Pigs, Dancing Robots and Penguin Waiters! If you crash it’s game over, but a new game session is only a couple clicks away.

Ouch! Couch features three unique couches to select, endless game play with an ever increasing level challenges, worldwide leader boards and the ability to share your high score over social media.

Beau says, “Since all of us are avid gamers we figured we should try to make one. We wanted to make something fun but simple. We’ve found that the simple idea is usually the one that works best. Twistory was able to understand who we are, and the game shows that. It’s a great partnership.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Janoskians for this exhilarating new game,” said Twistory’s founder Christopher “mink” Morrison. “The Janoskians and their zany antics are all about youth, energy, laughter and most of all, fun. We couldn’t be happier to have them as part of our Twistory family.”

Ouch! Couch is available at the iTunes App Store as well as on Google Play and Amazon.

Sabrina Carpenter In An Exclusive Performance at Walt Disney Studios

By

Loretta Garcia - Contributing Writer

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April 28, 2014

Sabrina Carpenter gave an exclusive performance at the Walt Disney Studios this week and I was privileged to be there. Entertaining a large group of select media and WD Studio members with songs from her debut EP “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, Sabrina along with her sister, Sarah Carpenter and the band, performed several songs including Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, White Flag and my favorite, The Middle of Starting Over.

Sabrina took a few moments to chat with me after her performance and shared that she is very excited about the upcoming opportunities. “Everyday there’s something new”. Her songs on the EP, are a reflection of who she is at this stage and she is happy that people will see what she is capable of accomplishing. She mentioned including the factor of love into her songs is something she really wanted to incorporate into her music. “Although some will say I am too young”, at the age of 14, to feel or be able to know love, but she disagrees.

I asked what her goals were for the future, now that her music and acting career has taken off. Sabrina shared, that for the moment she will “enjoy the opportunities to work with my friends” and continue to work on finding her sound, which she recognizes will change as she herself changes over time. Her maturity and confidence was apparent during several one on one interviews, before mine, but as with any young person, she was truthful in sharing how nervous and excited she was performing in front of our group.

This incredibly sweet and very talented young lady is destined for greatness. Sabrina co-stars as the rebellious “Maya Hart” in the Disney Channel’s new series “Girl Meets World” Playing the best friend to lead character Rowan Blanchard who portraits Riley Matthews.

Disney Backstage & Avengers Half Marathon Adventures by Disney Experience

By

Heather Abbott - Travel Correspondent

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April 28, 2014

Adventures by Disney is offering a power-packed special departure of Disney Backstage that includes access to the inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend, a rare behind-the-magic private tour of The Walt Disney Studios, and a glimpse into the life of Old Hollywood on a unique Southern California vacation.

This 6-night itinerary, which departs Nov. 10-16, 2014, offers access to the sold-out, Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon and 5K, including two pre-race group training runs through iconic Southern California areas and access to the nighttime Pasta in the Park party. Enjoy exclusive tours of The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering and The Jim Henson Company. You’ll also enjoy a VIP 2-Day Experience to the Disneyland Resort including FastPasses to attractions throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure plus a special visit to Walt Disney’s private apartment and the Disneyland Dream Suite! Accommodations will be provided by the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This exclusive Adventures by Disney itinerary also includes 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners.

Plus, just like any other Adventures by Disney vacation all the details are taken care of so that you can focus on what really matters – a magical family vacation!

When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!

Theatre Review: Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles

By

Joel Covey

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April 26, 2014

The British are invading Segerstrom Center for the Arts, but only for one more day! “Come Together” to experience one of the greatest, most sensational, tributes to The Beatles ever!

Rain is playing at Segrestrom Hall, but don’t expect a musical stage show, instead be prepared to be transported to a time and place; a place where the music was pure and important. This a rock concert with all the songs you have fallen in love within the massive Beatles catalog.

The Beatles music is something special. Everyone knows them. Their hits are endless and it will be near impossible for you to not join in the chorus. The show follows the progression of the band as they age and change their style from suited up pretty boys to long hair hippies. We begin with them as if they were performing on the Ed Sullivan show. After several songs a screen comes down and clips from that time are played as the members of the band do a quick costume change. This is continued for each era of the band creating different acts if you will.

The band does a tremendous job getting the audience into it making it feel as if we are part of the crazed fanatics. The show, or concert in this case, creates an experience you may not have had before. Just a few songs in and we are treated with the first solo, “Yesterday”.

Paul McCartney, for this show the part is played PAUL CURATOLO, sits peacefully in the spotlight and haze as he begins to strum this infamous tune. This is when I really felt transported to 60’s and nearly forgot that I wasn’t actually watching Sir Paul McCartney. It was such a beautiful moment I teared up a little.

The show has many moments similar to this. There is no generation gap here, everyone loves The Beatles! Here is your chance to feel like you are seeing them live, in the appropriate era, creating a whole new appreciation you may have never had for them.

I’ve been used to listening to The Beatles just on the radio or on my computer perhaps in the background. I think many have been subjected to listening to their songs in this matter. Well, Rain takes these extremely familiar songs and turns the amp up to 11. Here you will experience these countless masterpieces as if it were your first time. Rain brings new life to The Beatles. A fun entertaining night out for all, or even that Daytripper out there.

For more information visit SCFTA.org

Socalthrills.com

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Fact Sheet

Disney Infinity 2.0 with Marvel Super Heroes Out this Fall! Meet the Characters.

Disney and Marvel team up for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0)

Stormtrooper Helmets Reimagined by Celebrities & Artists will be on Display

Angelina Jolie Casts a Spell as Maleficent on Disney Twenty-Three Cover this Summer

Disney and Orlando Travel Deals-Week of April 28, 2014

'Copperhead' Blu-ray Review

Star Wars Episode VII Cast Revealed

Video Game World Famous Pranksters Redefine Couch Surfing in Ouch! Couch

Sabrina Carpenter In An Exclusive Performance at Walt Disney Studios

Disney Backstage & Avengers Half Marathon Adventures by Disney Experience

Theatre Review: Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles

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