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Loungefly Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary

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Loungefly has announced an all-new collection in celebration of Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary of Hello Kitty. Available on Loungefly.com, Sanrio.com, and select retailers this March, the new line brings fans timeless and fashionable accessories inspired by the adorable red bow-wearing character.

The whimsical Hello Kitty-inspired assortment captures her playful and charming personality, as she embarks on delightful adventures in her classic blue overalls and signature red bow. With Loungefly expertly representing Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary through its high-quality products, this must-have collection offers fans nostalgic and stylish designs to commemorate the beloved cultural icon.

Adding to the celebration fun, Funko has also revealed an all-new line of Hello Kitty Pops! to commemorate this major milestone for the brand.

Below is the complete list of Loungefly and Funko’s Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary collection:

Loungefly Collection

4 Piece Pin Set (MSRP:$20.00)

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Cardholder (MSRP: $20.00)

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Chenille Kitty Zip Around Wallet (MSRP: $40.00)

Coin Bag 3″ Collector Box Pin (MSRP: $20.00)

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Coin Bag Mini Backpack (MSRP: $80.00)

Cosplay Convertible Belt Bag (MSRP: $60.00)

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Figural Silicone Keychain (MSRP: $12.00)

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Lanyard With Cardholder (MSRP: $12.00)

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Metallic Tote With Coin Bag (MSRP: $70.00)

 

Nylon Pouch Wristlet (MSRP: $20.00)

Nylon Square Mini Backpack (MSRP: $40.00)

Sequin Phone Mini Backpack (MSRP: $90.00)

Sequin Phone Zip Around Wallet (MSRP: $40.00)

Stationary Classic Lunchbox Journal (MSRP: $20.00)

Stationary Coin Bag Mini Backpack Pencil Case (MSRP: $25.00)

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Stationary Pearlescent Kitty Journal (MSRP:$20.00)

Unisex Hoodie (MSRP: $70.00)

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Unisex Jacket (MSRP: $80.00)

Unisex Tee (MSRP: $35.00)

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Funko Collection

Pop! Hello Kitty In Cake (50th Anniversary) (MSRP: $12)

 

Pop! Hello Kitty With Balloon (50th Anniversary) (MSRP: $12)

 

Pop! Jumbo Hello Kitty (50th Anniversary) (MSRP: $40)

 

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. Crafted with care and precision, Loungefly leaves no detail overlooked, so fans can find value in every stitch. From detailed zipper charms to custom themed linings, Loungefly’s accessories showcase an authentic passion for the fandom that collectors proudly wear.

Visit Loungefly.com to be notified when the Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary collection officially launches.

Disney Eats Pizza Collection now Available on Disney Store Online

Disney Eats Pizza

A delicious slice of style has just been served with the Disney Eats Pizza Collection, available now on DisneyStore.com!

Mickey Mouse icon “pepperonis” decorate the lower half of these melted cheese-colored Spirit Jerseys, which are perfectly accessorized with the matching Mickey Mouse Pizza Loungefly Mini Backpack and glittering Minnie Mouse Pizza Ear Headband. The ear headband’s bow even looks like it’s ”dripping” with melty pizza cheese!

Mickey Mouse Pizza Loungefly Mini Backpack – Disney Eats $88.00

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You’ll never be without your favorite Disney Eats treat when carrying this Loungefly Mini Backpack-themed to pizza. Mickey Mouse icon ”pepperoni” decorates the illustrated slices that seem to be ”dripping” with melted cheese. The front zip pocket is a slice of heaven in itself. Hurry and order so we can deliver while it’s hot!

Mickey Mouse Pizza Spirit Jersey for Adults – Disney Eats $79.99

You’ll be baked into your favorite Disney Eats treat when wearing this tasty Spirit Jersey themed to pizza. A Mickey Mouse icon ”pepperoni” pattern decorates the lower half, while the puffy Disneyland and Walt Disney World logos and melty-cheesey colors make you hunger for a slice. Hurry and order so we can deliver while it’s hot!

Minnie Mouse Pizza Ear Headband for Adults – Disney Eats $39.99

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Minnie has indulged in her favorite treat with this glittering pizza themed ear headband. The ears are covered in sequined mouse icon pepperoni toppings, while the outer bow is simply ”dripping” with melty pizza cheese. A simulated leather crust serves it all up with style.

After this hearty helping of pizza, it’s only appropriate that the next course will feature a little something sweet. Stay tuned for the Disney Eats Macaron Collection coming to DisneyStore.com in March!

 

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NatGeo A Real Bug’s Life Picked up for 2nd Season

A Real

National Geographic announced that their groundbreaking, genre-defying natural history series A REAL BUG’S LIFE has been picked up for a second season. Narrated by award-winning actress Awkwafina and produced by Plimsoll Productions, the series will take viewers on five new and exciting trips around the world to get up close and personal with insects and their moving stories. The new season will come to Disney+ this fall.

Inspired by the World of Disney and Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, the new season of the genre-busting series will feature an all-new cast of insects including femme fatale firefly, bachelor luna moth, a real-life assassin bug, the botany bay weevil and other incredible tiny heroes living on our planet. The five-episode season of A REAL BUG’S LIFE will continue to tell the tales of love, perseverance, and triumphs in their very own microworlds.

Using the latest camera technology, scientific revelation, and an incredible score, audiences will crawl, fly, and jump alongside bugs, experiencing new locations. With new microscopic terrains to explore, A REAL BUG’S LIFE will build off the first season, uncovering epic tales, mind-boggling facts, and never-before-seen insect behavior.

This new season will include the episode THE MAKING OF… A FLY ON THE WALL, pulling back the curtain on the team of innovative scientists, filmmakers, and bug experts as they share the process of bringing the tiniest creatures on earth to the big screen. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the crew used cutting-edge technology and cameras to capture the bugs in their natural mini-habitats.

Step into the spellbinding world of bugs with the following episodes:

  • LOVE IN THE FOREST (Smoky Mountains, Tennessee) It’s the end of the longest day of summer. A young fawn frolics to exhaustion. While it falls asleep, the forest comes to life – and tonight, love is in the air. At the forest edge, a lonely female firefly is looking for a male, but the Big Dipper fireflies nearby are dancing to a different tune.
  • LIFE’S A BEACH (Borneo, Malaysia) – The beach may look like paradise to us … but it’s a brutal place for bugs to make a home. From the sand out to the reef, the waves and the tides hammer their home 24/7. Time and tide wait for no bug.
  • TINY HEROES DOWN UNDER (Australia) – Down Under – a land filled with familiar fluffy faces like kangaroos and koalas, but the bugs here are a lot of people’s worst nightmares. A eucalyptus forest in eastern Australia is full of ’em: funnel web fangs, ant stings … even exploding bombardier beetles! But there’s much more to Australian bugs than horror stories. Some are cute as it goes.
  • ONCE A POND A TIME (England) – Water is a cradle of life for all sorts of amazing tiny creatures, but when one is “bug-sized,” its strange shape-shifting properties can have huge consequences. Through the year, the pond undergoes a series of near-magical transformations from ice crystal to water vapor. The tiny creatures that make their home here have found amazing ways to cope with life in this turbulent world.
  • THE MAKING OF … A FLY ON THE WALL – Surrounded by hordes of army ants, chasing the fastest-running insect on Earth, crawling through muddy mangroves … this was everyday life for the team of world-renowned scientists, experts and filmmakers who created A REAL BUG’S LIFE. Armed with innovative filming equipment, they stopped at nothing to reveal the untold stories of the planet’s most underappreciated animals – bugs!

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A REAL BUG’S LIFE is produced by Plimsoll Productions for National Geographic. Martha Holmes, Grant Mansfield and Tom Hugh-Jones are executive producers for Plimsoll. For National Geographic, Justine Schmidt and Pamela Caragol serve as executive producers.

Disney+ Original series “Renegade Nell” Premieres March 29

Disney+ has announced, the Original series “Renegade Nell” will premiere all episodes on March 29, 2024, exclusively on Disney+. The eight-part Original series is written and created by BAFTA-award-winning writer Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley) with lead director Ben Taylor (Sex Education).

Nell Jackson, a quick-witted and courageous young woman, finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th-century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined.

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“Renegade Nell” stars Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) in the leading role of “Nell Jackson” with Frank Dillane as “Charles Devereux”, Alice Kremelberg as “Sofia Wilmot”, Ényì Okoronkwo as “Rasselas”, Jake Dunn as “Thomas Blancheford”, Bo Bragason as “Roxy Trotter”, Florence Keen as “George Trotter”, with Nick Mohammed as “Billy Blind”, Joely Richardson as “Lady Eularia Moggerhangar” and Adrian Lester as “Robert Hennessey, Earl of Poynton”. Pip Torrens as “Lord Blancheford” and Craig Parkinson as “Sam Trotter” also star.

“Renegade Nell” is produced by Lookout Point. Executive Producers are Sally Wainwright, Ben Taylor, Faith Penhale, Will Johnston, and Louise Mutter for Lookout Point, and Johanna Devereaux for Disney+. Amanda Brotchie (Gentleman Jack) and MJ Delaney (Ted Lasso) also direct episodes. Jon Jennings is the Series Producer and Stella Merz is Producer.

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New Disney Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Lego Set

Disney Snow White

LEGO has unveiled the enchanting LEGO|Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Cottage set, a tribute to the very first Disney Princess character. This quaint forest cottage meticulously recreates the memorable details from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, now in brick form.

Based on the original 1937 Disney Animation film, this 2228-piece set contains 10 minifigures, including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, the Prince, the Queen with the Red Apple, as well as accompanying animal friends. A wishing well featuring a dove is also included, along with the glass box, depicting Snow White’s awakening.

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Nestled deep in the enchanted forest, the iconic cottage is packed with nostalgia, from the bedroom with seven beds to the room with the pipe organ, baking table, sink, and cupboards.

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The LEGO|Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Cottage set is available for LEGO Insiders from 1st March 2024 at www.LEGO.com/Snow-White and LEGO Stores for all from 4th March 2024 priced at €219.99 / £189.99 / $219.99.

Loungefly Reveals New McDonald’s Collection

Loungefly

Loungefly has recently announced its all-new McDonald’s collection inspired by the world’s largest food chain’s nostalgic characters and highly sought-after menu items.

The collab serves up Loungefly’s signature mini backpacks (MSRP: $80), crossbody bags (MSRP: $60-$75), a zip-around wallet (MSRP: $40), stationary and more, providing must-have accessories for Mc-ultimate fans!

The collection is coming soon. Visit Loungefly to get notified when the items go on sale.

MCDONALD’S TRIPLE POCKET FRY GUYS MINI BACKPACK

Dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Triple Pocket Fry Kids Mini Backpack! On the front, a Fry Girl sits on a brick wall. Up above, two of the Fry Guys appear in individual zippered pockets as they wear fun disguises. Turn the bag around to see the McDonald’s logo appear on the side pockets while the Fry Kids accompany a slogan on the back. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this mini backpack will keep you looking stylish on your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s Triple Pocket Fry Kids Mini Backpack is made of vegan Saffiano leather (polyurethane). The bag has adjustable shoulder straps and shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, embossed, and embroidered details. Take note of the coordinating inside lining.

MSRP: $80

MCDONALD’S FRY GUYS ZIP-AROUND WALLET

Dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Fry Kids Zip Around Wallet! On the front, the Fry Kids sit on a brick wall while an embroidered McDonald’s logo appears above them. Turn the wallet around to catch the Fry Kids in an encore appearance. Inside, the wallet has four slots for holding cards with a McDonald’s logo die-cut window for holding the ID. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this accessory will keep your belongings safe on your next adventure.

 

Loungefly McDonald’s Fry Kids Zip Around Wallet is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Wallet zips closed with shiny gold hardware. Additional details include applique, debossed, embroidered, and printed details. Take note of the coordinating inside lining.

MSRP: $40

MCDONALD’S VINTAGE HAPPY MEAL CROSSBODY

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Vintage Happy Meal Crossbody Bag! Recreating the iconic Happy Meal box silhouette, this bag sports a shiny gold handle in the shape of an M. On the bag’s front and back, Ronald McDonald stands beneath the Happy Meal logo with Grimace, Hambuglar, Birdie the Early Bird, and a Fry Kid. Turn the bag around to see the friends playing at the beach and in a field of rainbows. Nearby, some beloved menu offerings join the fun in the form of a vegan leather bag charm. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this accessory will keep you looking stylish on your next adventure.

The Loungefly Vintage Happy Meal Crossbody Bag is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Bag has adjustable (detachable) shoulder strap, detachable bag charm, and shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, molded metal, and printed details. Take note of the coordinating inside lining.

MSRP: $75

MCDONALD’S SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM CONE CARD HOLDER

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Soft Serve Ice Cream Cone Card Holder! Inspired by the sweet treat we know and love, this oversized card holder gives shape to one of McDonald’s beloved menu items. Look closely and you’ll see debossed details that highlight the card holder’s creamy soft-serve swirls and crispy wafer cone! On the back, four slots for holding cards accompany a zippered pocket on the side. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this accessory will keep your belongings safe on your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s Soft Serve Ice Cream Cone Holder is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Card holder zips closed with shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, debossed, and printed details.

MSRP: $25

MCDONALD’S BIRDIE THE EARLY BIRD CROSSBUDDIES BAG

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Birdie the Early Bird CROSSBUDDIES™ Bag! This crossbody bag takes the shape of the McDonald’s breakfast fan we know and love. Birdie’s signature features come to life with embroidered facial details and glittered hair bows, and she holds a Fry Kid on a coin bag beneath her wings. Unbuckle her wings to swap between the Fry Kids on the coin bag’s reversible design! On the back, Birdie’s name makes an appearance. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this bag will keep you looking stylish on your next adventure.

The Loungefly Birdie the Early Bird CROSSBUDDIES Bag is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Bag has adjustable (detachable) shoulder strap and shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, embroidered, glitter, and printed details. Take note of the coordinating inside lining.

MSRP: $60

MCDONALD’S MCFLURRY CROSSBODY BAG

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s McFlurry Crossbody Bag! Inspired by the sweet treat we know and love, this figural bag gives shape to one of McDonald’s most popular menu items. Look through the clear, domed lid and you’ll see embroidered chocolate flakes mixed with the creamy soft-serve details on the bag’s top, along with a spoon-shaped bag charm to accompany the bag’s shoulder strap. A McFlurry logo appears with the iconic cup design on the body below. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this accessory will keep you looking stylish on your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s McFlurry Crossbody Bag is made of vegan leather (polyurethane) with clear PVC details. Bag has adjustable (detachable) shoulder strap and shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, embroidered, and printed details. Take note of the coordinating inside lining.

MSRP: $65

MCDONALD’S HAPPY MEAL 3″ COLLECTOR BOX PIN

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Happy Meal 3” Collector Box Pin! Inspired by the snack we know and love, this hinged pin takes the shape of a Chicken McNuggets box. On the front, you’ll find the classic McDonald’s logo. Flip open the lid to reveal six smiling chicken nuggets inside! Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this enamel pin adds a playful touch to any outfit or bag.

Enamel pin has hinged part details with shiny gold hardware. The back features the signature Funko/Loungefly crown debossing noting the limited edition 1,950-piece count.

MSRP: $20

MCDONALD’S CHARACTER MYSTERY BOX PINS

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Character Mystery Box Pins! Inspired by the friends we know and love, these pins take the shape of some residents of McDonaldland. In this set, you may find Hamburglar, Ronald McDonald, Birdie the Early Bird, Mayor McCheese, and Officer Big Mac.

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There’s a 1 in 12 chance of finding the glitter chase pin of Grimace! Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, these enamel pins add a playful touch to any outfit or bag.

MSRP: $10

Please note: We cannot accept requests for specific items. Item selection is random, as each piece is in blind packaging. You may receive duplicate figures. Chase variants are shipped at random. Receiving a chase with purchase is not guaranteed.

MCDONALD’S FRY GANG 4 PC PIN SET

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Fry Gang 4-PC Pin Set! Inspired by the restaurant’s adorable french fry-loving friends, these enamel pins take the shape of some of McDonald’s Fry Kids.

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In this exclusive set, you’ll find Fry Kids in dark blue, light blue, pink, and orange. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, these accessories add a playful touch to any outfit or bag.

MSRP: $20

MCDONALD’S CHICKEN NUGGIES LANYARD WITH CARD HOLDER

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Chicken Nuggies Lanyard with Card Holder! On the front of the card holder, six chicken nuggets smile from inside a takeout box. The back features a clear slot for holding ID. Up above, the lanyard shows an all-over print of the McNuggets with the McDonald’s logo. A rubber charm of a chicken McNugget completes the look. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this accessory makes a playful addition to any adventure.

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Card holder is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Lanyard features printed details and shiny gold hardware.

MSRP: $12

MCDONALD’S HAPPY MEAL LUNCHBOX NOTEBOOK

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Happy Meal Lunchbox Notebook! Recreating the iconic Happy Meal box silhouette, this notebook sports an M-shaped handle on the side of each cover. On the front, Ronald McDonald stands beneath the Happy Meal logo with Grimace, Hamburglar, Birdie the Early Bird, and a Fry Kid. Turn the journal around to see the friends play at the beach.

On the inside, Ronald and his friends frame lined note pages while Happy Meal box artwork appears in the book’s centerfold. You’ll even find a space to write your name on the inside front cover, along with themed sticky notes in the shape of a vintage thermos! Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this notebook makes a playful addition to your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s Happy Meal Lunchbox Notebook is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Additional features include sticky note and printed details.

MSRP: $12

MCDONALD’S FRENCH FRIES NOTEBOOK

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s French Fries Notebook! Inspired by the side dish we know and love, this notebook recreates the iconic McDonald’s french fry packaging with shiny vegan patent leather and an embroidered McDonald’s logo. Faux suede fries appear above with debossed details to highlight their shape. A zippered pocket appears on the back, giving extra storage for pens. Inside, a lined notepad shows the McDonald’s logo while printed fries spill down the page. Don’t worry – once you’ve used all your notes, you can replace the notepad inside with a paper refill! Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this notebook makes a playful addition to your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s French Fries Notebook is made with vegan leather (polyurethane), faux suede details, and shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, debossed, embroidered, and printed details.

MSRP: $30

MCDONALD’S MCDONALD’S GANG TAB NOTEBOOK

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Gang Tab Notebook! Inspired by the restaurant’s iconic Happy Meal design, the front of this journal shows Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Hamburglar, Birdie the Early Bird, and a Fry Kid beneath the McDonald’s logo. Turn the notebook around to see the friends take a trip to the beach. Up above, the McDonald’s characters peek above the notebook, splitting the notebook into separate sections with coordinating artwork on each divider. You’ll even find a sticker sheet featuring some of the residents from McDonaldland! Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this notebook makes a playful addition to your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s Gang Tab Notebook is made with frosted clear plastic. Notebook features shiny gold hardware and lined notebook pages.

MSRP: $12

MCDONALD’S CHICKEN NUGGIES PENCIL CASE

Make a dash to place an order with the Loungefly McDonald’s Chicken Nuggies Pencil Case! Inspired by one of our favorite snacks, this pencil case recreates a chicken McNugget box on its front zipper pocket. Up above, a group of McNuggets form a tower. Turn the pencil case around to see them make an encore appearance. A durable lobster clip appears at the top of the case, making it easy to carry your important items with you. Whether you’re dining in or placing an order to-go, this pencil case makes a playful addition to your next adventure.

The Loungefly McDonald’s Chicken Nuggies Pencil Case is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Case zips closed with shiny gold hardware. Additional features include applique, debossed, and printed details. Take note of the coordinating inside lining.

MSRP: $25

A Memorable Holiday in Port Hueneme, CA

Port Hueneme
Port Hueneme is a hidden gem (photo by Greg Aragon)

Port Hueneme is a hidden gem on the California coast. Tucked between a naval base and a large port, the oceanfront town in Ventura County is easy to pass on the freeway, but as I recently learned, it is well worth an overnight visit. 

My getaway to Port Hueneme began when the family and I discovered the Holiday Inn Express Port Hueneme (www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels), the perfect hotel for exploring the city. Located a block from the beach, the hotel is modern, clean, and efficient. The staff is super friendly and the rooms are spacious and feature a refrigerator, microwaves, HD TVs, high-speed Internet access, and comfortable beds. 

The hotel also offers free gourmet breakfast to guests, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, a fitness center, and bike rentals. Besides being next to the beach, the property is across the street from lots of food options, a few blocks from the new U.S. Seabee Museum, and three miles from the Ventura County Maritime Museum in Oxnard. 

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The Holiday Inn Express Hotel makes a perfect homebase (photo by Greg Aragon)

Once acquainted with the room, we walked five minutes to Hueneme Beach Park, a 50-acre park on the water, with soft white sand, picnic tables, barbecue pits, volleyball courts, and a long, beautiful walking/biking path following the sand. The park also features a great seafood joint, Port Hueneme Lighthouse, and the city’s historic pier. 

Port Hueneme Pier was originally constructed in 1956, when it was 650 ft long. Today, after a few renovations, the wooden plank pier is 1,250 feet long and is a great spot for fishing, strolling, viewing large container ships coming in and out of the port, and watching the sunset behind the nearby Channel Islands. 

After visiting the pier we walked down the long, paved beach path towards the port and lighthouse. The path is partially protected by a large wall of rocks to keep high tides at bay. It is great for walking, jogging and running, and takes visitors past the pier, scores of wild cats, and ends next to the lighthouse and port. 

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Port Hueneme is a leading importer / exporter for autos and fresh produce (photo by Greg Aragon)

Port Hueneme (www.portofhueneme.org/), where the city gets its name, is the only deep water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The port is a leading importer / exporter for autos and fresh produce, such as pineapples, bananas, onions, strawberries, flowers and more. The port brings in an estimated $2.8 billion in economic activity while creating nearly 25,000 trade-related jobs.

Next to the port is Port Hueneme Lighthouse, which is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and was constructed in 1941. The Art Deco styled lighthouse is currently closed, but will soon be open for public tours. On the long rock jetty next to the lighthouse we encountered fishermen, more incredible views of the Channel Islands, and a group of cute, wild cats that live among the rocks and abandoned port buildings. 

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The Art Deco styled Port Hueneme Lighthouse was constructed in 1941

Near the lighthouse is the Alaska Air Flight 261 Memorial Sundial. The Memorial features a 36-foot diameter concrete plaza with a curving sand wall and seating area and a raised sundial in the center. It commemorates the 88 passengers and crew who lost their lives aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 261 near Anacapa Island on January 31, 2000. 

Back at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, we had the entire heated pool and Jacuzzi to ourselves. For dinner we walked across the street to Pizza Man Dan’s (www.pizzamandans.com) for tasty pizza and chicken wings. 

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Surrey bikes are a great way to explore town (Photo by Greg Aragon)

The next morning we enjoyed a great complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel. Sitting next to a big window looking over the pool, we devoured biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh pastry, coffee, a variety of cereals and fresh juices. 

After breakfast I met hotel manager Ruben Franco who suggested we rent a surrey bike to explore the beach area. He also gave us a loaf of bread to feed the local ducks. 

 The first highlight of our ride was rolling over the railroad tracks made famous in the movie Back to the Future III. The tracks, which aren’t used much anymore, were the sight of a charging locomotive crashing into Michael J Fox’s time-traveling Delorean car. From here we pedaled the four-seat Surrey bike along the beach and onto the old wooden pier, where we saw a few fishermen and got an incredible view of the Channel Islands about 20 miles offshore. 

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Feeding ducks is fun for the whole family (photo by Greg Aragon)

Our next stop was Bubbling Springs Park, a 21-acre community park, with lots of grass, walking paths and canals. The park surrounds a natural, unlined stormwater channel draining to the ocean. There are a variety of animals living around Bubbling Springs, including beautiful bird species, fish, frogs, turtles, crayfish, squirrels, raccoons, lizards and Canadian geese. There were also lots of hungry, quacking ducks that instantly surrounded us as soon as we showed them our bread. The animals came right up to us for a bite and the kids loved it. 

From the park, we pedaled back to the beach for lunch at Seaside Seafood (www.surfsideph.com/), a popular local spot, set right on the sand! Our meal was highlighted by the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time. They came with Alaskan Pollock, coleslaw and fries. We also enjoyed thick and tasty clam chowder,  seared ahi tuna, oysters on the half shell with pico de gallo and ponzu sauce. 

Back at the Holiday Inn we returned to the pool and Jacuzzi, where we watched the sunset behind the Channel Islands. 

Port Hueneme is also home to beach and banana festivals. The Hueneme Beach Festival, held each August, is a two-day event with live music, rides, games, attractions, food and exhibits. The Banana Festival is an annual event with tours of the port, food, and entertainment.  Attendees spend the day celebrating the over 3.3 billion bananas that come through the Port of Hueneme each year. 

The Holiday Inn Express Port Hueneme is located at 350 E Port Hueneme Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041. For more information on staying at the hotel, call 805-9865353 or visit: www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/port-hueneme/ntdca/hoteldetail

“The Princess and the Frog” at the El Capitan Theatre!

The Princess and the Frog

Journey into the Bayou as Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” returns to the big screen at the El Capitan Theatre. Tickets for this special theatrical engagement from March 1 – 9 are on sale now.

A fan event screening will take place at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 1. Each attendee will receive popcorn, a beverage, and an event credential with their ticket. Tickets are $22.

Daily showtimes for “The Princess and the Frog” Monday through Thursday are 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. Daily showtimes Friday through Sunday are 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. Dates and showtimes are subject to change.

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Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantickets.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page. All seats are reserved. Tickets for showtimes are $12 for guests of all ages.

About Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog”

A modern twist on a classic tale from Walt Disney Animation Studios features a beautiful girl named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who dreams of owning her own restaurant. When she meets a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, a fateful kiss leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana…with the villainous voodoo magician Dr. Facilier (Keith David) in hot pursuit.

Knott’s Foods Introduces a Flavorful Twist With New Fried Pickle Dip

Pickle Dip

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Knott’s Foods’ latest culinary innovation, Fried Pickle Dip. This exciting new product combines the classic flavor of fried dill pickles with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to delight food enthusiasts everywhere.

Chloe Knott, sales and marketing lead at Knott’s Foods, shared the inspiration behind the creation of Fried Pickle Dip. “We noticed a surge in interest for specialty pickles online, which got us thinking—why not transform this beloved snack into a delectable dip?” Knott said. “Our goal was to capture the crispy, tangy essence of a fried pickle dipped in ranch, and I think we’ve nailed it!”

Versatility is the name of the game with Fried Pickle Dip. Whether dipping crackers or chips or using it as a savory spread on sandwiches and burgers, this flavorful dip adds an irresistible kick to any dish. “People have been getting creative with it,” Knott added. “It’s not just a dip; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen!”

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True to Knott’s commitment to quality, Fried Pickle Dip is gluten-free and available in a convenient 8-ounce size. From dipping to topping, stuffing, or adding a zesty twist to classic recipes, the possibilities are endless with this innovative product.

Founded in 1947 by Cedric and Mildred Knott, Knott’s Foods Inc. has remained a family-owned and operated business for four generations. With a dedication to excellence and a passion for exceeding customer expectations, the Knott family continues to uphold their legacy of providing the finest products on the market.

For more information about Knott’s Foods and their range of products, visit knottsfoods.com

D23 is bringing even more Disney magic in 2024

D23

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, D23 is bringing even more Disney magic in 2024 with a new issue of Disney twenty-three, a slate of uniquely Disney events, a special Member Appreciation Month, and a spellbinding Gold Member Collector Set.

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE SPRING 2024 ISSUE:

Inside the Disney twenty-three Spring 2024 issue, readers can enjoy exclusive content including behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of both the new and immersive Zootopia land at Shanghai Disney Resort and World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; a first-ever comprehensive look back with the Walt Disney Archives at the beautiful storybooks created for the opening sequences of classic films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), The Sword in the Stone (1963), as well as more recent stories such as Enchanted (2007) and Wish (2023); and an homage to the 30th anniversary of Disney on Broadway with intimate, first-person stories from Broadway magic makers including Susan Egan (the original Broadway Belle), Ashley Brown (the original Broadway Mary Poppins), James Monroe Iglehart (the original Broadway Genie), and many more.

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Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is included as a benefit of their D23 Gold Membership. The latest issue will begin arriving by the end of February. Plus, as a special gift to D23 Gold Members and D23 Charter Members, the Disney twenty-three Spring 2024 issue will include a specially designed magnet celebrating the official fan club’s 15th anniversary.

D23 15th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

On March 10, 2024, D23 is commemorating 15 years of fandom, fun, and favorite memories with a special Gold Member-exclusive event at The Most Magical Place on Earth: Walt Disney World® Resort! The event will include exclusive access to Splitsville Luxury Lanes, where guests can enjoy entertainment and games, festive food, photo spots, and specialty merchandise. For availability and tickets, visit the event page on D23.com.

D23 DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Princess and the Frog (2009), D23 is inviting members to reexperience the story with a Big Easy theatrical screening of the beloved film and a D23 “Dreams Do Come True” Grand Finale event at The New Orleans Jazz Museum featuring an exclusive reception, themed photo opportunities, live jazz performances, and a commemorative gift. For availability and tickets, visit the event page on D23.com.

D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT

Join D23 and the entire Disney family in Anaheim, California, for a one-of-a-kind fan experience that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more! Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning March 26. For more information, visit UltimateFanEvent.D23.com. Highlights of the event include:

  • Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium
  • Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland® Resort
  • Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Enjoy exclusive shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations at the Anaheim Convention Center, along with marquee shows every evening at the Honda Center

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS OFFICIAL TOUR – PRESENTED BY D23

D23 welcomes guests to The Walt Disney Studios Lot, giving members the opportunity to visit the world-famous studio in Burbank, California. These tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television series, and theme parks—along with the chance to look inside the Walt Disney Archives and draw inspiration from Walt Disney’s office suite. For availability and tickets, visit the events page on D23.com.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Throughout the year, D23 Members can look forward to exclusive events such as previews of upcoming traveling exhibitions around the world from the Walt Disney Archives. Members will get the opportunity to enjoy advance and opening night screenings of the latest Disney movies at locations across the country. Employee-exclusive merchandise stores, including The Walt Disney Company Store and Walt Disney Imagineering’s Mickey’s of Glendale, will open their doors to members for both online and in-person opportunities. Also, look out for the return of holiday magic at The Walt Disney Studios Lot. In November, fans will get the opportunity to enjoy a D23 experience like no other with a multi-day event coming to São Paulo, Brazil.

2024 GOLD MEMBER COLLECTOR SET – THE D23 MAGIC & MYSTERY BOX

Celebrating the stories that foster classic Disney magic and paying tribute to magician kits of yesteryear, the D23 Magic & Mystery Box Collector Set boasts an illustrious lineup with a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse collectible figurine, a mystery companion collectible figurine, a deck of playing cards, and a mystery pair of beautifully sculpted pins, as well as a Membership Card and Certificate—which will be available to all new and renewing D23 Gold Members in 2024!

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Delight in magical companions and enchanted objects from beloved Disney films including The Sword in the Stone (1963), The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Coco (2017), Encanto (2021), and more. The 2024 Gold Member Collector Set will begin shipping this spring.

D23 MEMBER APPRECIATION MONTH

Throughout March, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be celebrating its 15th anniversary as part of Member Appreciation Month. D23 will share exclusive offers, fun downloads to showcase the beloved fandoms of The Walt Disney Company, and a truly magical sweepstakes. D23 Gold Members will be able to flaunt their fandom with brand-new exclusive merchandise that features some fan-favorite characters. Member Appreciation Month announcements and details will be available on D23.com.

Ticketing information and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2024 special events are available on the fan club’s website at D23.com/Events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Winchester Mystery House announces two upcoming eerie events

Winchester Mystery House

Winchester Mystery House has announced two brand-new eerie events that will take place this spring, Paranormal Investigation with TAPS West Coast and Halfway to Halloween Flashlight Tours.

“Anticipating the Halfway to Halloween countdown, Winchester Mystery House is set to celebrate with the lights out,” said Walter Magnuson, Executive Director of Winchester Mystery House. “We are excited to extend an invitation to guests for our first-ever public Paranormal Investigation and the legendary Flashlight Tour.”

Experience a historic first as the Winchester Mystery House opens its doors to the public for an exclusive Paranormal Investigation within its darkened halls. With decades of speculation and stories of spirits lingering around every corner and corridor, we invite you to explore the world of the unexplained. Adopting a skeptical and evidence-based approach to investigating the paranormal join TAPS West Coast, seasoned investigators featured on TV Shows such as “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Brothers,” on a 2-hour hands-on search for evidence of the paranormal.

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During the investigation, each guest will visit paranormal hot spots in small groups, armed with personal take-home EMF readers. Your adventure doesn’t end when the lights come on, as each investigation will be video and audio-documented. Following your exploration, we will be providing guests with a complimentary digital copy of the footage from the investigation, courtesy of TAPS West Coast. The Paranormal Investigation with TAPS West Coast will take place on Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, with entry times at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. each evening. For tickets ($150), visit winchestermysteryhouse.com/paranormal-investigation.

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On Friday and Saturday evenings from April 26, 2024 through May 4, 2024, Winchester Mystery House will present Halfway to Halloween Flashlight Tours. The self-guided tours allow guests to roam through the halls of the purportedly haunted Victorian mansion with nothing but a flashlight while hearing tales of its former and (possibly current!) inhabitants. Guests will guide themselves through the mansion that is famous for its dizzying floorplan and lack of formal blueprints. Tour Hosts will be stationed throughout the house to ensure guests don’t get lost. Halfway to Halloween Flashlight Tours will take place April 26 & 27 and May 3 & 4 from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. For tickets ($29.99-$49.99), visit winchestermysteryhouse.com/flashlight-tour.

Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ‘97” Streams on Disney+ March 20

Marvel

Marvel Animation’s “X-Men’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.

The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler.

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Beau DeMayo serves as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura. Featuring music by The Newton Brothers, the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo.

The all-new series, which features 10 episodes, begins streaming March 20 on Disney+.

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