Home Blog Page 62

DCA Food & Wine Festival 2023 Must-Try Menu Items

Wine Festival

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, is happening now through April 25, 2023. Dining locations and a dozen Festival Marketplaces peppered throughout Disney California Adventure Park serve irresistible bites and beverages inspired by California’s diverse culinary scene.

Shareable among friends and family, a Sip and Savor Pass offers eight entitlement tabs redeemable for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at Festival Marketplaces and participating locations. A Sip and Savor Pass can also be used across multiple visits to this year’s festival.

Fully plant-based food menu

New this year, Paradise Garden Grill will be offering a plant-based food menu during the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Some of the new, delicious offerings include:

  • Torta de chilaquiles: fresh-made telera bread with green chilaquiles, chorizo beans, chipotle crema, pickled onions, cilantro, and avocado spread.
  • Buffalo mac and cheese topped with roasted buffalo cauliflower and accompanied by a ranch, carrot, and celery salad.
  • IMPOSSIBLE gyro fries: waffle fries topped with gyro spiced IMPOSSIBLE ground beef, cauliflower cheese sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, tzatziki, and pita bread.

Wine Festival

Exciting new offerings

This year’s festival offers more than 60 new dishes for guests to discover, including:

  • Kenny’s family cheesecake topped with mixed berry compote (Berry Patch).

Wine Festival

  • BBQ beef brisket slider featuring Fiscalini Farmstead smoked cheddar with dill pickles on salt and pepper brioche (Cluck-A-Doodle Moo).
  • IMPOSSIBLE nacho mac and cheese: cheddar mac with seasoned IMPOSSIBLE ground beef, tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, and guacamole (Avocado Time).

Wine Festival

  • Elote paleta: sweet corn paleta with parm crema, chile-lime seasoning, corn crunch, and cilantro (Golden Dreams).
  • Grilled peach toast with ricotta-mascarpone spread and arugula salad on toasted sourdough bread (Pacific Wharf Café).

A sweet selection of delicious drinks

From specialty cocktails to nonalcoholic favorites, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival has a wide selection of refreshing beverages. Notable highlights for 2023 include:

  • Flowers and bees: gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, honey, hibiscus and lavender syrups garnished with a purple pansy (Nuts About Cheese).
  • Raspberry limoncello-ade: limoncello, grapefruit liqueur, house-made mint syrup, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice, garnished with a white orchid (Garlic Kissed).
  • Echo Park cooler: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon & raspberry rose tea, raspberry purée, lychee and rose syrups and lime juice garnished with a lime wheel (Nonalcoholic) (LA Style).
  • Blueberry pancake cold brew: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Mexico origin coffee, maple, brown butter, and demerara syrup, and oat milk with a blueberry sweet cream made with cream, oat milk, vanilla syrup, blueberry syrup, and purée (Nonalcoholic) (Berry Patch).

Wine Festival

Returning guest favorites

Culinary adventurers may once again relish in fan-favorite small plates. Among the offerings making a comeback are:

  • IPA sausage dog on a pretzel roll with onion-pepper jardinière, cheddar cheese sauce, and malt vinegar-onion crunch (California Craft Brews).
  • Grilled top sirloin with roasted garlic-Gruyère smashed potatoes and black garlic chimichurri (Garlic Kissed).
  • Chile relleno empanada with arbol pepper salsa and oaxaca and cotija cheeses (Peppers Cali-Ente).
  • Ribeye for Two, paired with a specially selected glass of wine: a 28-ounce, bone-in ribeye with glazed baby carrots, poblano-potato bake, roasted mushrooms, cipollini onions, and bourbon-bacon compound butter, followed by cookies and cream donuts for dessert (Lamplight Lounge).
  • Mickey Mouse-shaped macaron: chocolate Mickey macaron filled with caramel ganache and SNICKERS bar pieces (Nuts About Cheese).

Avatar: The Way of Water Coming to Digital March 28

Avatar: The Way of Water

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water will be available from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Movies Anywhere on March 28. The magnificent return to the world of Pandora has already proved to be both a commercial and critical smash hit, becoming the third highest-grossing film of all-time earning over $2.2 billion worldwide and receiving four Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture.

Critics have proclaimed “James Cameron returns triumphantly to Pandora with an unparalleled epic”, calling Avatar: The Way of Water “breathtaking and magical”, “emotionally charged” and “as astonishing and enveloping as anything we’ve ever seen”.

Fans can add the film to their digital movie collection from March 28 in spectacular 4K Ultra HD™ quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Plus, they can enjoy over three hours of never-before-seen bonus content featuring the filmmakers, cast and crew.

Avatar: The Way of Water reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally packed action adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

All of this against the breathtaking backdrop of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures that populate the majestic oceans. Nominated for numerous Academy Awards® including Best Picture, the James Cameron-directed film became the third highest-grossing box office film of all time and set a new benchmark for visual effects. Produced by Cameron and his longtime partner Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis and Kate Winslet. Joining the illustrious adult cast are talented newcomers Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass and Jack Champion.

Bonus Features*
Inside Pandora’s Box (A series of featurettes on the challenges facing cast and crew as filmmakers devise new technologies to push the limits of cinema)

Building the World of Pandora – James Cameron and a team of talented artists combines years of research with their design skills to build the world of Pandora with new characters, creatures, indigenous clans, underwater environments and the take-no-prisoners hard-tech world of the RDA.

  • Capturing Pandora – James Cameron’s approach to performance capture has the cast performing in a volume rigged with infrared cameras to capture their movement, and head rig cameras to capture emotion on their faces with only the boundaries of imagination to limit them.
  • The Undersea World of Pandora – Co-production designer Dylan Cole and his team conceive of the marine creatures required for Avatar: The Way of Water while James Cameron and his stunt team devise extraordinary means to bring those creatures to life in a performance capture tank.
  • The Challenges of Pandora’s Waters – James Cameron tackles the “non-trivial challenge” of performance capture above and below the water’s surface, utilizing a wave machine and current generator to reproduce ocean conditions, and underwater vehicles to replicate creature movement.
  • Pandora’s Returning Characters – James Cameron reunites with his returning cast – Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang. Together they discuss the amazing evolution of their characters in Avatar: The Way of Water.
    • Pandora’s Next Generation – Meet the talented young newcomers who have been cast as the next generation of Na’vi and follow them through the adventure of making Avatar: The Way of Water.
  • Spider’s Web – James Cameron introduced the human character of Spider into the fabric of Pandora – thus creating a host of technological challenges on set…and an incredible journey for the young actor, Jack Champion.
  • Becoming Na’vi – The Avatar cast is immersed in the culture of the indigenous Na’vi, living off the land in the Hawaiian rainforest and training in a multitude of disciplines in preparation for their roles.
  • The Reef People of Pandora – In true James Cameron style, the Metkayina reef clan has been developed with great attention to detail, bearing unique evolutionary traits and culture – with new dwellings, new clothes and different ways of life – all a result of living off the ocean.
Wine Festival
Director James Cameron behind the scenes of 20th Century Studios’ AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER. Photo courtesy of Mark Fellman. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
  • Bringing Pandora to Life – Once James Cameron completes his virtual production process, every sequence is turned over to Wētā FX to bring Pandora to life – with unprecedented advancements in facial performance, environments and making CG water look real.
  • The RDA Returns to Pandora – Co-production designer Ben Procter and his team present an armada of new vehicles and human technologies that the RDA brings to Pandora – in concept design and with practical builds.
  • The New Characters of Pandora – Meet the important new characters of the Avatar saga played by Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell and Jemaine Clement.
  • The Sounds of Pandora – Hear how James Cameron worked with composer Simon Franglen to create the distinctive music of The Way of Water while building on James Horner’s brilliant score for Avatar and learn how Chris Boyes created the immersive sounds of Pandora.
  • New Zealand – Pandora’s Home – The production of the Avatar sequels is so thoroughly ensconced in New Zealand that James Cameron considers The Way of Water a “New Zealand film.” Hear reflections from the cast and crew, including the remarkable New Zealand crew, on making the film.
Wine Festival
Director James Cameron and actor Sam Worthington behind the scenes of 20th Century Studios’ AVATAR 2. Photo by Mark Fellman. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

More from Pandora’s Box (Additional featurettes that highlight special teams within the production)

  • Casting – Discover the screen tests that won the talented young cast their roles in Avatar: The Way of Water.
  • Stunts – The Avatar stunt team isn’t just creating breathtaking action, they’re driving the story. From racing underwater on ilus, flying the skies on ikrans, to maneuvering RDA speed boats, the stunt team leaves you breathless and wanting more.
  • The Lab – Explore the Lightstorm Lab, the backbone of virtual production for the Avatar films. Comprised of specialized teams, the Lab builds & supports every aspect of the production – environments, motion edit, Kabuki, sequence, post-viz and software development.
  • The Troupe – Avatar’s Troupe is the Swiss Army Knife of acting, while playing dozens of roles on set, in the performance capture volume and on live-action sets, they bring life to Na’vi clans and RDA Recoms. They also play Na’vi-scale puppets on live-action sets.

Marketing Materials & Music Video (Marketing materials used to build audience awareness of the film)

  • Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength) Music Video – Multi-Grammy-winning, music superstar, The Weeknd, performs his emotionally packed end title song in the official music video for the smash hit “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength).”
  • Theatrical Trailers 1 & 2 – Avatar: The Way of Water used two theatrical trailers to engage the audience. The first was a teaser trailer released 7 months before the film. The second was a standard trailer that premiered 5 weeks before the film’s release.

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer

Wine Festival

MPower Four-Episode Series Now Streaming on Disney+

MPower

The new series “MPower” is now streaming on Disney+. Episodes spotlight several of the MCU’s most inspirational women heroes. “Every hero has an epic origin story and so does this series,” said Executive Producer Justin W. Hochberg. “When I conceived ‘MPower,’ I did it out of love for my teen daughter so she would have more icons to look up to, voices to learn from, and role models to help her impact the world. Today, that vision is now a reality thanks to Brie Larsen, Elizabeth Olsen, the women of Wakanda, and Zoë Saldaña, whose leadership was ‘Mpowering.’”

Saldaña is featured in episode four and serves as an Executive Producer of the series alongside Cisely and Mariel Saldana for Cinestar Pictures. “‘MPower’ is a tribute to women’s representation and empowerment,” she said. “We’re enthused to have the involvement of a diverse group of women whose voices and stories will serve as a source of inspiration. Our hope is that this series will ignite meaningful conversations and drive real change towards a more equal and inclusive world.”

“MPower” consists of four stand-alone episodes—all streaming now. From Carol Danvers and Wanda Maximoff to the women of Wakanda and “The Guardians of the Galaxy,” the series unpacks the journeys of these characters from their birth in Marvel Comics to the MCU and beyond. Archival footage, imaginative animation, and candid interviews work in tandem to profile how these characters and the women behind their success have impacted fans worldwide.

“We’re excited to help illuminate the myriad, powerful stories of women in the MCU,” said Executive Producer Mark Herzog. “We sincerely hope that the series will empower girls and women all over the world to be their authentic selves in their lives and in their careers.”

Episode Lineup:

  • MPOWER—THE WOMEN OF BLACK PANTHER invites viewers back to Wakanda, where women are the backbone of the world’s most powerful nation. Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), Ayo (Florence Kasumba), and Shuri (Letitia Wright) are as unbreakable as vibranium. This episode of “MPower” dives into their roots in the original comics, how the performances were influenced by the actors’ own lived experiences, and how the spirit of Africa and black excellence shaped every aspect of the films. What an episode.
  • MPOWER—CAPTAIN MARVEL journeys with one of the MCU’s most powerful Super Heroes, Captain Marvel (Brie Larson)—seen through the eyes of those who helped bring her to life. Through animation and never-before-seen footage, viewers will gain a new sense of the transformation from Carol Danvers to Captain Marvel, the women who look up to her—Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani)—and how the teams behind and in front of the camera helped bring it all together.
  • MPOWER—SCARLET WITCH celebrates Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), and Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings)—plus the creative forces behind the Scarlet Witch’s iconic journey. The hero with undeniable power and a tragic backstory has withstood insurmountable odds reaching back to her childhood in Sokovia, through her years flourishing as an Avenger, and of course, her ascension to self-realization as the Scarlet Witch.
  • MPOWER—GAMORA explores the evolution of the captivating character, Gamora (Zoë Saldaña), from her days as an assassin to life among the Guardians of the Galaxy. As the backbone of the team of misfits, Gamora is forced to reevaluate what family means to her and address her dysfunctional relationship with her sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan). Vets of the “Guardians” movies weigh in on the plight of Gamora and how she is brought to life in an emotional and dynamic way.

Wine Festival

Niantic Peridot is launching globally May 9th!

Peridot

Discover the fantastical world of Peridot, an upcoming real-world adventure pet game where you care for one-of-a-kind adorable creatures, raise them to adulthood as you explore the world together, and re-diversify their species.

Foster your magical Peridots, creatures who feel so real, you’ll simply love every moment you spend raising them. Pet, play, feed, and teach them tricks to keep them healthy and help them grow.

Take your Peridots on walks wherever you go and discover new places in your local neighborhood. As you explore together, you’ll uncover helpful items to keep your creatures happy and snap photos and videos to track all of your memories together.

Wine Festival

Band together and collaborate with other players around the world to expand the Peridot species. Breed your one-of-a-kind creatures and discover the infinite possibilities of Peridot archetypes. Some can even resemble your favorite animals like cheetahs, dragons, unicorns, and more!

Coming May 9th, Pre-Register Today

Peridot Keepers wanted! Pre-register today for an exclusive glam-up item at launch.

Wine FestivalWine Festival

 

 

As a thank, you, those who pre-register and play within the first two weeks of launch will be able to collect a launch-exclusive party hat cosmetic for your Dots.

Wine Festival

Vacation Tips: Staying Safe While Traveling

Traveling

Traveling is an exciting experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind while exploring new destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, taking precautions can help ensure your safety while you’re on the go. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when traveling.

  1. Research your destination

Before you set off on your journey, it’s essential to research your destination. This includes learning about the local customs, laws, and potential safety concerns. The internet is a valuable resource, and you can find information on travel advisories, crime rates, and other safety-related information. Consider consulting with travel agents, hotel staff, or other reliable sources to get a better understanding of the safety situation in your destination.

Wine Festival

  1. Keep your valuables safe

When traveling, it’s important to keep your valuables safe. This includes your passport, credit cards, cash, and electronics such as your phone, camera, and laptop. Invest in a travel money belt or pouch to keep your valuables close to you and out of sight. When staying in hotels or hostels, use a lock to secure your luggage, and consider using the hotel’s safe to store your valuables.

  1. Be aware of your surroundings

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while traveling is to be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and be mindful of who is around you. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you. Use well-lit and busy streets and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. Be cautious when accepting offers from strangers and avoid sharing personal information.

Wine Festival

  1. Stay connected

Staying connected with family and friends while traveling is essential for your safety. Let someone know where you are staying and the places you plan to visit. Keep them updated on your itinerary and check in with them regularly. Consider using messaging apps or social media to stay connected, and keep your phone charged and with you at all times.

  1. Know basic self-defense

While you hope to never have to use it, knowing basic self-defense can give you confidence and peace of mind while traveling. Consider taking a self-defense class before your trip, and carry a whistle or personal alarm with you. Learn how to use public transportation and exits in case of an emergency.

  1. Be cautious with alcohol

Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to danger. Be cautious when drinking alcohol and avoid excessive consumption. Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. If you do choose to drink, do so responsibly and with trusted friends.

Wine Festival

  1. Stay healthy

Staying healthy while traveling is essential for your safety. Carry a first aid kit with you, and research the potential health risks in your destination. Take precautions like washing your hands frequently, drinking bottled water, and using insect repellent. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in case of illness or injury.

  1. Follow local laws and customs

When traveling, it’s important to respect local laws and customs. This includes dressing modestly, avoiding public displays of affection, and following cultural norms. Research the customs and laws of your destination and be mindful of how your behavior may be perceived.

  1. Trust your instincts

Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore your gut feelings, and listen to your intuition. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, leave the situation and seek help if necessary.

Wine Festival

Staying safe while traveling requires preparation, awareness, and common sense. By researching your destination, keeping your valuables safe, being aware of your surroundings, staying connected, knowing basic self-defense, being cautious with alcohol, staying healthy, following local laws and customs, and trusting your instincts, you can have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

FIRST TASTE: Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival 2023

Boysenberry

The time has come for fellow foodies to converge upon Knott’s Boysenberry Festival 2023. The annual celebration of the sweet and tart fruit as the main ingredient for these specialty dishes, desserts, drinks, and entertainment takes a bite of the Southern California theme park between March 10 through April 16, 2023. A great way to indulge in the new boysenberry delicacies during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $55. The tasting card offers six tastings from a selection of boysenberry-inspired dishes and drinks. A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.

This year’s event will introduce entirely new food offerings featuring more than three dozen food and drink items. A few savory dishes to note include cauliflower bites with a boysenberry curry drizzle, and a sushi burrito with spicy crab surimi, avocado, lettuce, crispy onions, sesame, and unagi sauce, all wrapped in nori with a boysenberry sweet chili dipping sauce.

We got our FIRST TASTE on March 2, at a special media event held at Knott’s Berry Farm. And we were invited to try out the various foods coming this year. Check out all the amazing Boysenberry goodies coming to this year’s festival.

Tasty dessert items can be found throughout the festival, perfect for those with a sweet tooth, including sweet corn nuggets with boysenberry honey, boysenberry bread pudding, and a boysenberry waffle topped with whipped cream and boysenberry maple syrup.

Merchandise

Guests can also purchase over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations with limited-edition merchandise found throughout the park. This year’s merchandise includes a grand selection of packaged food items perfect for take-home souvenirs. The Berry Market, located in the California Marketplace, also features signature boysenberry items like the refreshing boysenberry sarsaparilla and Knott’s classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry-inspired artisan products also will be available at the Boysenberry Festival Craft Fair, with over 30 local craft vendors.

In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival serves up a wide selection of local crafters, live music, pie-eating contests, museums, an animal farm, and musical performances including a brand-new musical stage show for guests of all ages to enjoy. Guests are invited to celebrate the heritage of California’s original theme park with the new show Knott’s Preserved. Through song, dance, and storytelling, Knott’s Berry Farm comes alive as the audience takes a musical journey from the little ghost town of Calico to the Seaside Boardwalk of the Roaring ’20s to commemorate the heritage of the park. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers endless entertainment.

The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Additional costs apply for food-tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days between the course o the event between March 10 and April 16, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of the limited-time offerings.

Big Winter Fun in Big Bear, California

Big Bear
Big Bear is big winter fun

Big Bear Lake is a magical place. This is especially true after a good winter storm hits Southern California, leaving the mountains covered with beautiful white powder. I recently visited Big Bear and discovered a cool hotel, a great sandwich shop, lots of fun snow sledding, and more. 

Wine Festival
Big Bear is a wonderland after winter snow

My getaway began when the family and I took the 210 Freeway from Pasadena to San Bernardino, where we transferred to Highway 330. This twisting and turning road led us about 30 miles up the Sierra Nevada Mountains, past incredible vistas overlooking expansive valleys below and bustling cities in the distance. After about 45 minutes we reached Big Bear Village. where we checked into a large, rustic suite at Fireside Lodge (www.firesidelodge.net).

Overlooking the lake and its snow-covered beach, the suite had everything we needed for a three-day, two-night stay. It boasted a full kitchen with stove, fridge, sink, microwave and coffee maker. The room also came with a large living room with fireplace, a separate bedroom, two TVs and two full bathrooms. 

Wine Festival
Fireside Lodge is a great place to stay in Big Bear

The suite’s best feature was the long balcony overlooking Big Bear Lake and the undeveloped mountain forest across the water. From here we watched birds and people walk along the edge of the partially frozen lake.

Besides cozy accommodations, the Fireside Lodge is also centrally located in town. It is only about a mile drive to the Snow Summit ski Resort, and a short walk from “The Village,” Big Bear’s charming downtown community of shops, restaurants, art galleries and pubs. 

Wine Festival
Rooms at Fireside Lodge offer lake views

After acquainting ourselves with the suite we put on snow gear and went looking for a place to go sledding. We didn’t have to go far because we found a snow-covered parking lot across the street from the lodge that was built on a hill and made a perfect sledding slope. 

Wine Festival
Sledding is an inexpensive and fun way to experience the snow

After an hour of slipping, sliding and sledding our hands and feet were freezing and our bellies were growling, so we warmed up at the Old German Deli (www.oldgermandeli.com), an authentic deli, serving authentic and traditional German meats, sandwiches and sides and more. Sandwich favorites include Schinkenwurst, Bavarian Loaf, Pepper Loaf, knockwurst, bratwurst, tongue and blood and much more. The deli also sells a host of side dishes, as well as food goods imported from Germany such as pickles, sauerkraut, crackers and more. 

“People love coming to our deli because the food is fresh, authentic and delicious,” says Manager Victoria Mednia. “Many people who come here are also reminded of their travels abroad or their childhood in Germany.” 

Wine Festival
The Old German Deli serves memorable, authentic sandwiches and more

For lunch we enjoyed a delicious Schinkenwurst sandwich with a side of split pea soup, and a German Salami sandwich with potato salad. All sandwiches come with a choice of side, and a boiled egg and pickle. Schinkenwurst is a German luncheon cold cut, similar to bologna, that usually consists of pork, veal, and ham. The one I had was memorable and I would literally drive back to Big Bear just for another one.

After lunch we strolled through charming Big Bear Village, a hub for shopping, sightseeing, dining and nightlife. It’s also the site of annual city-wide holiday events like Halloween and Christmas in The Village. “A beautiful sight in any season, The Village features colorful blooms in the spring, bright green trees in the summer, vibrant crimson, orange, and yellow foliage in the fall, and glittering snow in winter that creates a wonderland with twinkling lights,” says the website Bigbear.com. 

Wine Festival
Big Bear Village is a fun and festive downtown area

During our walk, The Village was covered in snow and people were walking around and going in and out of shops and restaurants. There were snowmen standing, fire pits crackling, and music playing. It was a very festive atmosphere. 

Our next stop was the lake, where we found a beautiful scene of snow-capped mountain peaks and tall pine trees reflecting off the semi-frozen water. We also found flocks of colorful ducks slipping and sliding across the surface.

Wine Festival
Big Bear Lake sits at nearly 6,800 feet

Sitting at an elevation of nearly 6800 ft, Big Bear’s legendary lake gets all of its water from snow and rain. It is about 7 miles long going east to west and about a half-mile wide. The shoreline spans over 22 miles and the deepest point is roughly 72 feet. Types of fish normally found in the lake include several species of bass and trout, as well as crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, and pumpkinseed.

From the lake we headed back to the hotel and cooked a steak dinner with potatoes and salad in our kitchen. We then threw some logs in the fireplace and baked chocolate cookies. While eating our dessert, we sat by the fire and watched the moonlight dance on the frozen lake. As the fire snapped and crackled, I thought about what a wonderful place Big Bear is. 

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 100 miles of LA, Big Bear’s altitude ranges from 6,750 to 9,000 feet. The city enjoy’s over 300 days of sunshine each year, with summer temps averaging 80 degrees during the day and 45 at night. Winter brings snowfall with temps in the low 40’s during the day and mid 20’s at night. Big Bear is home to bald eagles, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and a large number of birds and trees, and rare plants. The town even boasts a solar observatory and an alpine zoo for injured wildlife.

Wine Festival
Boulder Bay Park is one of Big Bear’s most majestic spots

The next morning we drove to Boulder Bay Park, one of Big Bear’s most beautiful parks. As the name implies, the park is highlighted by giant boulders stacked around a majestic bay. Here we did some more sledding and walked around in the thin, 40-degree air. 

For more information on visiting Big Bear Lake, visit: www.bigbear.com or call 800 4 – BIG-BEAR. For more info on Fireside Lodge, go to: www.firesidelodge.net 

Disney’s Haunted Mansion Teaser Trailer Released

Haunted Mansion

Look alive, foolish mortals! We’re dying for you to view our teaser trailer and poster for Disney’s comically creepy adventure “Haunted Mansion,” which will appear in theaters on July 28.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Justin Simien, the film features an all-star ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.

Director Simien says, “As a lifelong fan of the Haunted Mansion attraction, I’m beyond excited to share the teaser trailer for our new film adaptation featuring an incredible cast. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a scary, funny and cinematic otherworldly adventure for both new and die-hard fans to enjoy! I can’t wait for audiences to experience this big screen version of the iconic Disney attraction.”

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.

Wine Festival

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Adds Vegan Butterbeer

Vegan

Guests can now enjoy a vegan version of the fan-favorite Butterbeer beverage in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Available in cold and frozen, the new non-dairy offering features the same delicious taste as the existing, wildly-popular Butterbeer drink – complete with flavors reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread and topped with a vegan-friendly version of the iconic Butterbeer froth.

Universal Orlando guests can purchase vegan, non-dairy Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks restaurant in Hogsmeade and the Leaky Cauldron restaurant in Diagon Alley, and Universal Studios Hollywood guests can purchase the beverage at the Hog’s Head pub in addition to the Three Broomsticks restaurant.

Wine Festival

Guests can also savor other vegan menu options during their visit to the spectacularly themed lands, including Irish Stew and Shepherd’s Pasty Pie (located at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando), and Mushroom Pie Platter (located at Universal Orlando).

Wine Festival

For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

LEGO Group and Disney celebrate the wonder of storytelling

Lego

The LEGO Group has kicked off its celebration of Disney’s 100 anniversary by recreating some of the most beloved Disney movie moments in iconic LEGO brick form as part of its new #SharetheWonder video series.

The three-part series will feature scenes from timeless Disney movies and Pixar, and will encourage fans to share their own favorite LEGO built Disney moments on social media using #SharetheWonder. The #SharetheWonder series will debut throughout the next month on LEGO.com, LEGO social channels and Disney’s YouTube.

Disney100 is a celebration of timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters that have entertained and inspired people of all ages for a century. To commemorate 100 years of Disney, the LEGO Group is inviting families to share the wonder of storytelling, imagination, and creative play that LEGO® Disney has inspired over the 24 years since it launched.

The LEGO Group has also revealed its first collection of Disney100 products to help fans of all ages experience the magic of LEGO Disney storytelling:

Wine Festival

  • The fun, collectible LEGO BrickHeadz™ Disney 100th Celebration set (40622) includes buildable LEGO figures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Disney Mickey Mouse, Snow White, and Tinker Bell so fans aged 10+ can relive iconic Disney memories with some of their favourite characters. The LEGO set is available now exclusively from LEGO.com and LEGO Stores priced at €39.99 / $39.99

Wine Festival

  • The LEGO DUPLO Disney 3 in 1 Magical Castle (10998) invites young fans to experience the magic of the Disney castle with Disney Mickey Mouse, Disney Minnie Mouse, Figaro, Daisy Duck, and Donald Duck. The set transforms into three different builds, ensuring the fun never stops for toddlers aged 3+. The set will be on sale from 1st April exclusively from LEGO.com and LEGO Stores priced at €99.99 / $99.99

Wine Festival

  • The LEGO Disney Celebration Train (43212) calls all young Disney fans to jump aboard and join in the anniversary celebrations. The parade train features beloved Disney and Pixar characters from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Peter Pan, and Toy Story on bespoke parade floats. The set will be on sale from 1st April price at €39.99 / $39.99

Wine Festival

  • The LEGO Disney ‘Up’ House (43217), from the beloved Pixar film, is ready for an anniversary adventure and invites Disney and LEGO fans aged 9+ to join. The LEGO model of the iconic patchwork house features Carl Fredricksen, Wilderness Explorer Russel and Dug as they prepare for takeoff. The LEGO Disney ‘Up’ House set will be on sale from 1st April priced at €54.99 / $59.99

Wine Festival

  • The new LEGO Minifigures Disney 100 collection features 18 fan-favourite Disney Characters from across the last 100 years. Each blind bag contains one minifigure. The nostalgia-filled range goes on sale from 1st May priced at €3.99 / $4.99

The LEGO Disney Celebration Train, ‘Up’ House, LEGO Duplo Disney 3 in 1 Magical Castle, and Minifigure Collection will be available from LEGO.com, LEGO stores and selected other retailers globally.

First Look: Mickey’s Toontown Treats Coming to Disneyland Resort

The time is nearly here to welcome back Mickey’s Toontown to Disneyland Resort. On March 19, 2023, guests will be able to once again step foot inside this reimagined, vibrant, and exciting world of Mickey Mouse and his pals. And as part of this reimagining, we all know there’s going to be some tasty new treats coming soon!

DIsney has shared the first look at the delicious snacks and sips guests can enjoy come March 19 when Mickey’s Toontown reopens. There will be two new locations for guests to explore – Café Daisy and Good Boy! Grocers. With tasty treats and novelties unlike any we’ve seen before.

First up, a closer look at Café Daisy, a new eatery where Daisy Duck will be showing off her expert culinary skills with the help of the talented Disney culinary teams. Whether guests are utilizing mobile order or deciding once they arrive at the location, there’s plenty of options!

 

Wine Festival

For the grown-ups, there are quite a few dishes Daisy has put together. The Daisy’s Dressed-up Dog features an all-beef foot-long hot dog, chili-cheese sauce, mac & cheese, and parmesan potato crispies with house-made chips. For those looking for a simpler hot dog, The Daisy Dog is an all-beef foot-long hot dog with house-made chips and gives guests the option of adding on some chili-cheese sauce.

 

Wine Festival

If guests are a pizza lover, there are two options for them too! The Cheesy Pizza Flop-Over features mozzarella and provolone with tomato sauce while the Pepperoni Pizza Flop-Over has pepperoni, mozzarella, and provolone with tomato sauce. Allergy-friendly offerings are available too – guests can just ask at the location!

 

Wine Festival

If guests are looking for a plant-based offering, there’s the Spring Garden Wrap. This dish combines romaine and quinoa into a wrap with a creamy lemon dressing and toasted pumpkin seeds accompanied with house-made chips.

 

Wine Festival

The little ones can enjoy the Cheese Please! Pizza with cheese and tomato sauce or the Pepperoni Please! Pizzawith pepperoni, cheese, and tomato sauce. But that’s not all – there’s the bite-size Minnie’s Mini Corn Dogs and the tasty Mini Mac and Cheesy.

 

Wine Festival

No matter the age, guests can snag a side of Toontown ‘Tater Chips – house-made chips with chili-cheese sauce – to add on to their meal. And what meal is complete without our personal favorite – dessert! The Daisy’s Goody-Goody Donuts with cinnamon sugar are not to be missed and are the perfect sweet finish to a dining experience.

 

Wine Festival

In addition to these dishes, there are some specialty sips available too. The Picnic Time Watermelon Lemonade is a refreshing choice with Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade, watermelon premium syrup, and watermelon gummies. Coffee connoisseurs will be pleased with the Specialty Cold Brrr-ew made up of Caramel Mudslide Cold Brew from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. with sea salt and whipped topping. Now those are some yummy beverages!

Next, let’s venture over to the Toontown Farmers Market where guests will find Good Boy! Grocers. This friendly roadside stand has grab-and-go drinks and tasty treats for everyone to enjoy, and some new novelties to go along with them.

Some of the snack-sized items guests can pick up include pickles, Mini Babybel snack cheese,  Coca-Cola beverages, waters, Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, gluten allergy-friendly cookies, fruit bars, and whole fruit. guests can grab as many as they’d like to complete their own picnic outing in Mickey’s Toontown!

Wine Festival

 

If guests are interested in the Perfect Picnic Basket novelty item, here is some important info. After guests pick up their basket, they can choose three – yes, three – snack-sized items such as Cuties Mandarin Orange, yogurt smoothie, applesauce, granola bar, gluten allergy-friendly fig bar and more. They’ll also be able to choose between a small DASANI water or Minute Maid Juice Box. It’s the ideal way to have a perfect picnic! And if guests want to enhance their outing even more, they can also get the Perfect Picnic Blanket to go with their basket!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Peter Pan and Wendy Streaming April 28 on Disney+

Peter Pan and Wendy

“Peter Pan & Wendy,” a live-action reimagining of the J.M. Barrie novel and the 1953 animated classic, will begin streaming April 28, 2023, exclusively on Disney+. Check out the teaser trailer and key art for the original movie directed by David Lowery (“The Green Knight,” “Pete’s Dragon”), and get ready to experience the timeless adventure featuring the beloved characters like never before.

“Peter Pan & Wendy” introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.

The film stars Jude Law (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Alexander Molony (“The Reluctant Landlord”), Ever Anderson (“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”), Yara Shahidi (“Grown-ish”), Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering (“A Discovery of Witches”), Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker (“House of Cards”), Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), and Jim Gaffigan (“The Jim Gaffigan Show”).

“Peter Pan and Wendy” is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by David Lowery & Toby Halbrooks (“The Green Knight”) based on the novel by J. M. Barrie and the animated film “Peter Pan.” The producer is Jim Whitaker (“Pete’s Dragon”), with Adam Borba (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Thomas M. Hammel (“Thor: Ragnarok”), and Toby Halbrooks serving as executive producers.

Director/co-writer David Lowery says, “In making ‘Peter Pan & Wendy,’ we set out to craft a film that honors both the original J.M. Barrie text and Walt Disney’s animated adaptation; we wanted to invigorate our retelling with emotional sincerity, an open heart, and a grand yearning for adventure. Hundreds of incredible artists spent many years bringing this film to the screen; I’m excited for audiences to see their work, to go on this ride, and to rediscover an evergreen tale from a new perspective.

Peter Pan and Wendy

Adventures by Disney

-Advertisement-LEGO Brand Retail
-Advertisement-

Latest Posts

Disney

Disney and Pixar Wow Crowds at Annecy Animation Festival

At this year's Annecy’s International Animation Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios offered a series of surprises that thrilled festival goers. Jared Bush, Walt Disney...