Loungefly Launches New High-End Accessory Line; Features Loki and Star Wars

March 11, 2024

Loungefly’s First COLLECTIV Drop Includes Full-Size Travel Backpacks, Crossbody Bags, Laptop Bags, Wallets and Apparel

Loungefly unveils a stylish new line of high-end accessories called COLLECTIV. Inspired by the way fashion brings fans together, COLLECTIV offers new subtle, sleek, and travel-friendly designs that are an extension of the franchises and characters fans adore. The first drop will be available on Loungefly.com and select retailers in March, with designs influenced by the art and aesthetics of Marvel’s Loki and the Star Wars™ galaxy.

Loungefly intricately designs its backpacks, wallets, crossbody bags, apparel, and small accessories to tell wearable stories inspired by the most beloved franchises in the world. Fans can fashionably slip away into their favorite timeline with Loungefly’s new Loki-inspired collection of accessories and apparel, including a full-size backpack (MSRP: $125), convertible tote bag (MSRP: $85), convertible cross-body bag (MSRP: $65), wallet (MSRP: $50), hooded jacket (MSRP: $110) and tee (MSRP: $40). Crafted with care and precision, Loungefly leaves no detail overlooked, so fans can find value in every stitch. Decorated with a pattern of Loki’s iconic helmet, gold accents add an elegant touch to each of the God of Mischief-inspired accessories.

Star Wars fans looking to join the Rebel Alliance have a sleek new collection to look forward to featuring a full-size backpack (MSRP: $125), laptop bag (MSRP: $75), convertible bag (MSRP: $80), wallet (MSRP: $50), and varsity jacket (MSRP: $110. Each includes a pattern of Rebel Alliance symbols, accentuated by motifs inspired by X-wings and orange lining.

Here’s a first look at the collection!

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Visit Loungefly.com to be notified when the Loki and Star Wars collections launch, and stay up-to-date with the latest COLLECTIV drops and Loungefly releases.

The Loungefly COLLECTIV Star Wars and Marvel’s Loki collections will be available at Loungefly.com and select retailers.

Funko collaborates with the Ed Asner Foundation

Socalthrills Staff

March 8, 2024

In support of The Ed Asner Family Center, Funko has released a new Pops! With Purpose Pop! highlighting the Center’s namesake Ed Asner’s role as the curmudgeonly Carl Fredricksen in Disney and Pixar’s beloved animated film, Up – available at Funko.com.

For each of these Pop! items sold through December 31, 2024, Funko will donate $10 to The Ed Asner Family Center to benefit neurodivergent individuals and their families by offering inclusive day camps, expressive arts, mental health services, and vocational enrichment programs.

The Ed Asner Family Center strives to empower self-confidence and balance for the entire cognitive disability community via its arts and career advancement programs. The Center has partnered with Funko on a groundbreaking job training program where center participants gain real-world experience in the workplace.

Pops! With Purpose is a part of the Funko Cares Program, a charity initiative that gives back to the community through both monetary and product donations. Funko Cares has previously partnered with Make-A-Wish, ASPCA, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Operation Homefront, and more.

For more information on The Ed Asner Family Center and its programs, visit https://teafc.org.

The Disney Store launches new Preschool Shop

Robbie Bulus

March 8, 2024

Find the best Disney Junior merch at DisneyStore.com! The new Preschool Shop has a fantastic selection of toys, apparel, and more, all inspired by your child’s favorite shows.

Minnie Mouse fans will love taking care of plush pup Cream Puff with the Minnie Mouse On-the-Go-Pet Vet Backpack or scooping up some fun with the Minnie Mouse Sweets & Treats Ice Cream Cart Play Set.

Young explorers will have a roarin’ good time when they play with the Mickey Mouse Roarin’ Safari Dino Playset.

Also on the Disney Store Preschool Shop, you’ll find toys from the Disney Junior show Alice’s Wonderland Bakery and Doc McStuffins including the Alice Doll and Magical Oven Play Set, as well as the adorable toy hospital doctor’s bag playset complete with a Lambie plush.

And for the first time, DisneyStore.com will carry toys inspired by the hit show Bluey, including this fire truck set that features Bluey and Firefighter Bing figures.

Check out the Disney Store Preschool Shop now for even more fun finds your little ones are sure to enjoy.

El Capitan Theatre Presents “Searchlight Saturdays”

Robbie Bulus

March 7, 2024

Four beloved classics return to the big screen as the El Capitan Theatre proudly presents “Searchlight Saturdays” featuring Searchlight Pictures’ “Napoleon Dynamite” on March 23, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” on March 30, “Sideways” on April 6, and “Little Miss Sunshine” on April 13. Tickets for these special theatrical one-night engagements are on sale now.

Each screening begins at 7:30 pm, and tickets for each film are $25 and include popcorn, beverages, and credentials.

Guests can purchase all 4 films at a special rate of $85, by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396). Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantheatre.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page.

Funko Project Fred 01 – Bob’s Big Boy, Available For Pre Order Now

Socalthrills Staff

March 7, 2024

Funko has announced the launch of its new premium collectible line, Project Fred. Derived from all things pop culture and nostalgia, the new collection stands as Funko’s first concentrated foray into the world of premium collectibles, expanding the Company’s product portfolio to touch and impact every level of collector – from casual to Funatic and beyond. Based on the iconic food mascot, Project Fred 01 – Bob’s Big Boy is a nod to Funko’s first product, the Wacky Wobbler.

Aiming to transform pivotal pop culture moments into tangible sources of fun and fandom for fans everywhere, Project Fred 01 – Bob’s Big Boy spotlights Freddy, Funko’s mascot, embodying some of the most nostalgic brands in pop culture, beginning with the food icon. The collectible is a substantial and sophisticated addition to a pop culture connoisseur’s display, standing at an impressive 11” tall. Adding to the collectability, only 750 of this hard vinyl item will be produced for this drop, and 75 of the figures will be a variant of Freddy in an alternate Bob’s Big Boy outfit. Priced at $295, each figure is encased in premium matte packaging, complete with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Aiding in Funko’s “fans-first” philosophy, Project Fred 01 – Bob’s Big Boy will be powered by EQL, the e-commerce end-to-end launch platform. Utilizing EQL’s proprietary drop structure, the platform helps brands get the world’s most in-demand products into the hands of passionate fans and makes launches more reliable, fair, and memorable.

“As we look beyond our 25th anniversary, we’re taking it back to where it all began with our first Wacky Wobbler by bringing Bob’s Big Boy and Funko together again for Project Fred,” said Mike Becker, Senior Vice President, of Creative & Entertainment.

Commemorating the launch, Funko, in conjunction with Bob’s Big Boy, held an event at the historical Bob’s Big Boy location in Burbank on February 27 with the restaurant takeover through February 28. Delivering fun right to local Funatics, the first 150 guests who attended on both days received a limited-edition pin.

DCL Castaway Cay Debuts New Character Looks

Robbie Bulus

March 6, 2024

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, has it all – white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and some favorite Disney friends! Starting now, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their favorite pals will debut all-new beach wear that celebrates the fun, colorful, and natural environment of this tropical oasis.

To book a Disney Cruise Line Vacation or more for more info, fill out this FREE QUOTE FORM and a Travel agent will get in touch with you soon.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to enjoy a day with their friends while donning new swimwear that celebrates the iconic colors of Disney Cruise Line. Guests might notice the waves on Mickey’s hat, while the small print details on his shirt pay tribute to the first time he appeared on the water as Steamboat Willie. Minnie, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine in her rainbow dress, adorned with sunglasses (complete with her signature bow) and a ship’s wheel on her ribbon belt.

Daisy Duck and Donald Duck are the quintessential beachgoers – while Daisy is hoping to enjoy a relaxing day sunbathing on the beach, Donald Duck is ready to snorkel and find all of his underwater friends (he even has some creatures hopping a ride on his floaties!). Daisy is fashionable, as always, in her lounge wrap dress, sunhat, and fanciful accessories complete with nautical nods.

Goofy is ready to play anything from beach volleyball, racket ball, fishing or just riding around the island with this colorful T-shirt, shorts, vest, and sun hat. Pluto is having fun celebrating all the other animals on the island, as well as those guests can find on the ship! Guests may recognize his fish collar design outside their stateroom.

While Goofy might be ready for a sun-soaked activity, Chip and Dale are ready for an adventure of their own! This iconic duo used materials they found around Castaway Cay to make their very own homemade pirate costumes, fashioning floaties into sashes and beach towels into pirate hats. They are still wearing swim trunks and floatie vests, however, because you never know where the adventure will take you!

Loungefly

Those planning a visit to Castaway Cay on an upcoming Disney cruise should be on the lookout for these brand-new looks!

To book a Disney Cruise Line Vacation or more for more info, fill out this FREE QUOTE FORM and a Travel agent will get in touch with you soon.

Ahsoka, Andor and The Mandalorian Coming to Star Tours Adventures

Robbie Bulus

March 6, 2024

Starting April 5, 2024, at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be taking guests on some all-new adventures. These new additions will feature characters and locations from some of guests’ favorite Disney+ new series – “Ahsoka”, “Andor”, and “The Mandalorian”.

With these additions, guests will now have an opportunity to experience one of more than 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series.

Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of guests next Starspeeder flight. These iconic characters will continue to add to the galaxy of stories aboard Disney’s first Star Wars attraction.

Also starting April 5, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland park for a limited time through June 2, 2024, with Hyperspace Mountain, themed food and beverage, merchandise and more. Debuting during the celebration, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park on select nights, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.

Season Two of ‘Monsters at Work’ Debuts Fri. April 5 on Disney Channel

Robbie Bulus

March 6, 2024

The Emmy-winning animated comedy series “Monsters at Work,” inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Award-winning “Monsters, Inc.,” returns for season two with a special two-episode premiere on Friday, April 5 (8:00 p.m. EDT), on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Subsequent airings will move to Saturdays, with two new episodes launching each week beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT on both channels, leading to the series’ streaming debut on Disney+ on Sunday, May 5.

Tylor’s journey as a Jokester and his friendship with Val face the ultimate test. When new doors of opportunity unexpectedly open at rival energy company, FearCo, Tylor’s co-workers at Monsters Inc. begin to question his loyalty. As his Laugh Floor partnership with Val is pushed to the brink, Tylor must discover where he belongs.

Series stars include Billy Crystal and John Goodman as beloved franchise favorites Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, respectively. Additional stars include Ben Feldman as Tylor Tuskmon, Mindy Kaling as Val Little, Henry Winkler as Fritz, Lucas Neff as Duncan, and Alanna Ubach as Cutter.

Reprising their roles from the “Monsters, Inc.” franchise includes Aubrey Plaza as Claire Wheeler, Nathan Fillion as Johnny Worthington III, and Bobby Moynihan as Chet Alexander. Additional guest cast includes Jennifer Coolidge, Rhys Darby, Janelle James, Jenifer Lewis, Ali Wong, Bowen Yang, Paula Pell, Danny Pudi, Cody Rigsby, Jimmy Tatro, Danny Trejo, Joe Lo Truglio and Alan Tudyk.

The series includes a multiple-single soundtrack with two original songs from Walt Disney Records.

LEGO ǀ Disney Stitch Now Available

Robbie Bulus

March 5, 2024

Appeal to older kids and Lilo and Stitch fans aged 9+ with this LEGO ǀ Disney Stitch (43249) buildable play-and-display set, featuring a Stitch character. The incorrigible extraterrestrial from the hit Disney movie, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, has movable ears and a turning head, a buildable ice-cream cone that the character can hold, and a buildable flower that can be added or removed.

This kids’ building kit looks great on display in any room and makes a fun Disney gift idea for older children and movie lovers as they set up the buildable character. Kids and grown-up fans alike will appreciate the details in a building toy that lets them build and play with the iconic character together. Kids also enjoy an easy and intuitive building adventure with the LEGO Builder app, where they can zoom in and rotate models in 3D, save sets, and track their progress.

Buy Yours here!

Disney’s Lilo and Stitch building set for kids – Buildable LEGO® ǀ Disney Stitch for girls and boys aged 9+ that sparks the imagination as kids build the model, then play with and display it afterward
Disney Stitch character – This creative LEGO® building set features a displayable model from Lilo and Stitch, a buildable ice-cream cone, and a flower that can be used to decorate the character
Moving parts – The buildable Stitch model includes ears that can move up or down and a turning head with space for the decorative flower, plus a hand that can hold the brick-built ice-cream cone

Fun display – Create Stitch in his Hawaiian shirt, decorate him with an ice-cream cone and flower, move his head and ears into different positions to show new expressions, then set him up on display
Disney gift for kids – A building toy set featuring a Disney character with functions and accessories that makes a gift for movie-lovers, girls and boys aged 9+ to share at school or home
Expand life skills – With a LEGO® ǀ Disney buildable character, accessories, and functions to enhance the display, this kids’ construction toy helps foster life skills through fun

Dimensions – This 730-piece play-and-display building set features a buildable character standing over 8 in. (20 cm) tall

Series Review: FX’s “Shōgun” Now Streaming on Hulu

Robbie Bulus

March 4, 2024

FX on Hulu’s “Shogun” is a feast for the eyes but a mixed bag for the mind. This lavishly adapted James Clavell’s novel crackles with the clash of cultures, boasting meticulously recreated 1600s Japan and sweeping, cinematic visuals. Its ensemble cast does solid work, particularly Hiroyuki Sanada as the stoic and cunning Lord Toranaga – a thinly veiled take on real-life shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Where “Shogun” excels in spectacle, it stumbles narratively. Cosmo Jarvis’ Blackthorne, the shipwrecked Westerner caught between warring factions, is a conduit for the audience, but his emotional arc feels somewhat rushed. More damning is the pacing; the first half burns with intrigue, but the latter succumbs to melodrama, culminating in a final battle that feels spectacular but sacrifices thematic impact for brute force.

The portrayal of Japanese women is also a sore point. While Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) is given some power amidst rigid social confines, too many women fall into predictable damsel or seductress tropes, undermining the otherwise nuanced political landscape.

“Shogun” often evokes comparisons to “Game of Thrones”, and while the scheming and occasional brutality align, it lacks that show’s morally grey complexity. There’s a clear delineation of “good” and “bad” that simplifies what could’ve been a fascinating exploration of cultural relativism.

Overall, “Shogun” is worth watching for those craving historical epics. It’s a testament to the production team’s skill, but those hoping for a true thinking person’s drama may feel like a samurai without his sword – equipped with the form, but lacking the sharpness.

The 10-episode limited series is now streaming on Hulu.

Spring Toys and Products Gift Guide from Disney

Socalthrills Staff

March 4, 2024

As springtime approaches, Disney Consumer Products is excited to share some new and fan-favorite products that are perfect for gifting.

Whether you’re putting together an Easter basket for a little one, or ready for some fun in the sun—or rain!—Disney has everything you need to make it a great spring season.

Many of the products below are meant to inspire creative play in kids ages 2-8, helping families with young children spark joy in the everyday. Also included are some fun items from every franchise for ages 8 and up.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Easter Bunny Plush from Disney Store