Category Archives: Disney Movies

runDisney Playlist Part II

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Ready for some more Disney music inspiration for your runDisney or Disney themed playlist?  Well look no further!  Here is part II with a new list of upbeat and fun songs to help pass the time while you are training or just doing some exercising.

 

  1. One Little Spark- Journey into Imagination with Figment
  2. I Just Can’t Wait to be King-The Lion King
  3. Kiss the Girl- The Little Mermaid
  4. You’re Welcome- Moana
  5. I’ll Make a Man Out of You- Mulan
  6. Prince Ali- Aladdin
  7. Sugar Rush- Wreck-It Ralph
  8. Topsy Turvy- The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
  9. It’s A Small World- It’s a Small World attraction
  10. Be Our Guest- Beauty and the Beast
  11. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride- Lilo and Stitch
  12. Monsters Inc- Monsters Inc
  13. The Best Time of your Life- Carousel of Progress
  14. Dig a Little Deeper- Princess and the Frog
  15. Three Caballeros- Gran Fiesta Tour
  16. Trashin’ the Camp- Tarzan
  17. Fixer Upper- Frozen
  18. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo- Cinderella
  19. The Bear Band Serenade- Country Bears Jamboree
  20. I’ve Got a Dream- Tangled
  21. One Step Ahead- Aladdin
  22. Zero to Hero- Hercules
  23. You Can Fly- Peter Pan
  24. Almost There- Princess and the Frog
  25. We Know the Way- Moana

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed adding some new music to your playlist!  Happy Trails runners!

Did you miss Part I?  No problem, check it out here.

 

Review from a non-Star Wars person: Star Wars Episode 7:* The Force Awakens

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Thanks Star Wars for the photo! You can find it at http://www.starwars.com/databank/leia-organa

This is what I was going for when I was 4 and Halloween came around! Thanks Star Wars for the photo! You can find it at http://www.starwars.com/databank/leia-organa

 

So, yes, growing up my dad did dress me up as Princess Leia for Halloween one year when I was too young to be able to express my voice (or they said Princess and I said yes?) Though I had blond hair, I still was able to do side buns and wear the long white dress and get treats and my brother was dressed as Luke Skywalker. How did our parents even tell us apart that year; as I am sure, every other kid in the neighborhood looked the same? I remember the hair though and it being done and being a huge pain as all tender-headed girls can agree – it just is never as fun as it looks to have an elaborate hairdo.

When I dressed as Princess Leia I am sure I was happy with it; but, I had no idea what I represented. I never saw the movies because, honestly, I was 3 in 1977 when the first Star Wars came out (which is now Episode IV: A New Hope) and that was just not on my agenda.

With that said and for full disclosure of the claim of being a non-Star Wars fan, I do not remember seeing any Star Wars movies ever. My husband (a HUGE Star Wars fan) swears I saw one of the more recently released episodes with him. What I think really happened is he was with a bunch of friends and so enthralled with the movies he did not notice that I was not there and instead at home enjoying my quiet time. Moving on to how much of a good wife I am (one of my favorite topics) because I did plan a trip to Disney, for a Star Wars weekend, a few years back. I had very low expectations for this trip and my enjoyment of the Star Wars “stuff” going on at Hollywood Studios. I ended up really loving the “stuff” and if you want to see a few highlights you can read my review or just google Hyperspace Hoopla (seeing Darth Vader do the Whip and Nae Nae is life changing). If you want to learn more about that trip you can read my review by clicking HERE.

One of my favorite pictures of my husband!

One of my favorite pictures of my husband!

Is there a point to this article? Yes, and that is a non-Star Wars fan (me) watching Episode 7 last week and sharing her experiences with you.

Scenario: Under a bit of force, my friend (another Star Wars nut) twisted my arm to watch it. He had bought the download and while I was visiting him and his family we sat down to watch it.

 

Here are the 5 major points I have noted:

1. I did like it. I liked it a lot in fact. I know when I really like a movie by asking to pause the movie when I need to refill my drink or check email (instead of just doing those things and not worrying about missing a minute or two). My enjoyment was not expected, as I thought within a few minutes I would find it redundant with fighting, and just not my cup of tea. How wrong I was…

2. I thought the acting was great, for the most part, and immediately fell in love with BB-8. I definitely want a full-size one in my future and it did make me love and appreciate our BB-8 app enabled droid (or pet) we have in our home. If you have not heard of these check them out because they are awesome and the newest update has where if you watch the movie with your BB-8 he interacts with you about the movie. Prior to watching the movie I called it the most expensive cat toy on the market because that is what I used it for to play with the cats.

My BB-8 that is now more than a cat toy.

My BB-8 that is now more than a cat toy.

http://store.sphero.com/products/bb-8-by-sphero

3. I am intrigued by Rey, the theories on who her parents are, and enjoyed the character. I even read a few articles about who her parents might be and was found discussing it with some Star Wars peeps. This means I am invested and now am looking forward to the next Star Wars movie (Episode 8) which has a release date of December 15, 2017. Not to plan ahead, but this is two days before my birthday – did I love it enough to make this part of my birthday week? Hmm maybe! But shhhh! I do not want to tell my husband, yet, as I am not sure. I would then be locked in and he would talk of nothing else but that. It would make him so proud though. So, rest easy (because I can tell you are rooting for me to tell him soon) and know that closer to the time (I mean we have more than a year) I will tell him so he can tell all his buddies how awesome his wife is and make me the cool, nerdy Star Wars wife. Currently, I am just the cool, nerdy Disney wife so it might be nice for a change (upgrade?).

4.  The jokes were funny. Even though I had not seen any other Star Wars (or do not remember them) I still was able to know enough about it to laugh and enjoy the Princess Leia and Hans Solo relationship. I also cheered when Chewie and R2D2 and the gold one came on screen. I loved the personality they gave Chewie (maybe he always was like that?) Also, after this movie came out I read and saw some commentary on Carrie Fisher that was not positive (I am not even giving it credence by giving details). My response to that is “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” She looks awesome and is almost 60. People need to back that train up because she is still a hot Princess and NOW is a General and kicking some Dark Side parts. Please don’t make me go all Kylo Ren on you.

5. I am NOT a fan of killing off Hans Solo and I know things need to move to the future people; but, just as I was getting to know him as a character better he is gone. I guess I can watch Episodes 1-6 and get to know him better. Sigh. He is a cute one though still right?

So, yes there is a ton more to say but these points are enough to make a non fan question (I hope?) and take two hours to watch and see. I know that, after watching Episode 7, I am definitely invested in watching 1-6. Now just to figure out what order to watch them in (the order of release with 4-6 being first and then 1-3 or in straight order 1-6?) All Star Wars fans seem to say the release order? What do you think?

 

 

New Disney Movies for 2016 and Beyond!

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Disney has always a great movie line-up on the horizon and 2016 and 2017 are already shaping up to be perhaps the best two year’s ever. Some people are going to disagree because Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released in 2015 but let’s put that aside, for now, and look to the future (as only Star Wars would want you too!) In addition, there is more Star Wars to come so that helps all your Star Wars fans to look forward in anticipation.

  • The Finest Hours (Walt Disney Pictures) – Jan. 29, 2016
  • Zootopia (Walt Disney Animation Studios) – March 4, 2016
  • The Jungle Book (Walt Disney Pictures) – April 15, 2016
  • Captain America: Civil War (Marvel) – May 6, 2016
  • Alice: Through the Looking Glass (Walt Disney Pictures) – May 27, 2016
  • Finding Dory (Pixar) – June 17, 2016
  • The BFG (Walt Disney Pictures) – July 1, 2016
  • Pete’s Dragon (Walt Disney Pictures) – Aug. 12, 2016
  • Doctor Strange (Marvel) – Nov. 4, 2016
  • Moana (Walt Disney Animation Studios) – Nov. 23, 2016
  • Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One (Lucasfilm) – Dec. 16, 2016
  • Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Pictures) – March 17, 2017
  • Ghost in the Shell (DreamWorks) – April 14, 2017
  • Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (Marvel) – May 5, 2017
  • Star Wars: Episode VIII (Lucasfilm) – May 26, 2017
  • Toy Story 4 (Pixar) – June 16, 2017
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (Walt Disney Pictures) – July 17, 2017

Here is my top 5 list of Disney films I personally am looking forward to in 2016 and 2017:

1. Finding Dory I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this movie and I am so

©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

happy they have finally made it happen. I am ready to laugh and be happy with Nemo and Dory again. Want to check out the trailer? Click Here.

2. Beauty and the Beast – This is a live action fantasy, musical film that stars Emma Watson (who does not love Hermione) as Belle and Ewan McGregor as Lumiere. This is done in a similar manner as Cinderella which was released in 2015.

3. Moana – Another princess movie! There can never be enough Disney princesses and Moana is joining the ranks. Want to see the voice of Moana being told she got the part? Cute youtube video Click here!

4. The Jungle Book – Another live action coming out in Spring of 2016 and has quite _1439777280the cast list including Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o, Bill Murray, Christopher Walken and Ben Kingsley to name a few. Neel Sethi who plays Mowgli and is a cutey! Want to see more info and a teaser then Click Here.

5. Alice: Through the Looking Glass – The sequel to Tim Burton’s Alice in
Wonderland is coming soon. My favorite Mad Hatter is back and Johnny Depp I know will do the part justice. This is another live action movie and if anything the cinematography will be amazing.

 

So this is my Top 5 list and I would love to hear your thoughts and what you are looking forward to seeing?

 

Upcoming Disney and Pixar Movies

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Last month D23 held a presentation on some upcoming Disney and Pixar movies. Want to know what’s up and coming in the Disney movie future? We’re here to tell you!

The Good Dinosaur: Up first, due to be released in November 2015, is The Good Dinosaur. This movie tells the story of Arlo, a young Apatasaurus trying to find his way home. Along the way he finds and makes friends with a human caveboy he names Spot. The animation in The Good Dinosaur looks absolutely amazing, check it out for yourself here!

Finding Dory: In June 2016 the long-awaited sequel to Finding Nemo will finally be released. Originally reported in 2012 the highly anticipated movie will take place 6 months after the events in Finding Nemo and will focus on Dory’s journey to find her family (with the help of Nemo and his dad Marlin, of course!) Set in Monterey, California we’ll also meet plenty of new sea based characters including a beluga whale named Bailey, an octopus called Hank and Destiny the whale shark. I can’t wait!

finding-dory-1

Photo courtesy of EllenTV

Moana: Meet Disney’s first Polynesian princess, Moana! This film (which is based on mythology) is set in Oceania and will follow Moana on an epic journey. Continuing on Disney’ non-traditional princess trend (Merida, Queen Elsa, Rapunzel) Moana is described as “spirited”. Moana travels with her two animal sidekicks, a pig and a rooster, and if we know anything about animal sidekicks, these two are going to be pretty funny! Moana is due in theaters in November 2016.

Zootopia: “The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery.” (via Walt Disney Animation) Zootopia is due in theaters March 2016. Trailer from Walt Disney Animation can be seen here!

D23 also saw the announcement of Toy Story 4, not due out until 2017, but it’s something to look forward to! Which of these movies are you most excited for?

Ideas for Making the Trek to Disney More Fun (aka less of a headache for you!)

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aircraft680-livery-magicofdisney734

Yes, everyone is over the top excited to go to Disney (be it Disneyland, Disney World, or even one of the overseas Disney Parks) but getting there and back can be daunting for little ones, big ones, and all in between. So, whether you are flying or driving here are some ideas to help pass the time.

Check out this cool book on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Check out this cool book on Amazon by clicking HERE.

The first idea takes a bit of pre-trip work and a few dollars but I would think it could be well worth it. Purchase Disney books, crafts (that can be done easy in a car or plane, movies, etc.) and wrap them up – one for every hour. So, if you have a three hour plane ride you would need 3 gifts, if you have a 14 hour drive it is time to hit the Dollar Store but you would bring along 14 gifts. Also, you can find some really fun “free” stuff out there – like check out Crayola’s website and print some of the Disney Coloring pages and put your own little book together. Check it out HERE. Let the kids know they are going to get a surprise every hour and you can always add a clause that they only get the gift if they are “good”. Then set a timer or alarm and every hour hand over the wrapped gift for them to open and spend the next hour or more playing with or watching, etc. Make sure if the gift needs batteries or crayons that those are ready to go!

Second, play games in the car or on the plane (quietly). I know times have changed but kids have not. I loved playing iSpy or a trivia type game with my parents on the way to some vacation. Half the fun was interacting with my family and laughing along the way.

Be ready with a sing along playlist. Now depending on the ages of your offspring you may want to ask them to help you so that you make sure you have songs that they will enjoy. I watch the Honda commercials and tear up thinking of singing Weezer with my big family on the way to a vacation (okay I realize I have no offspring but I can see my husband, friends, and kitties definitely belting out tunes with me!) I mean there is nothing like your 10 year old singing the lyrics “what’s with these homies dissing my girl” but you need to stay in the game parents! If you are not sure what commercial I am talking about – Click HERE.

$_58Last idea for now – the DVD player, the iPad downloaded movies from wherever, etc. Just make sure it works without needing to live stream and then plug them in to TV, movies, etc. and let them drift off into movie land for a few hours. It will all be worth it once you get there, my signal for knowing I am finally there is when I hear my favorite Disney quote “por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas”.

Tomorrowland- Movie Review

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I recently watched Tomorrowland and I will say out of the gate that I really enjoyed this movie! It wasn’t exactly what I expected but it a great way. The previews that you see on TV just don’t do it justice. This was a truly original movie with a great cast and was visually stunning.

Tomorrowland

I won’t be spoiling the moving for anyone because I think as a Disney fan you all should probably get out and see it. But I will say there are plenty of Disney references for you to find and enjoy. It starts out strong with a look back at the 1964 World’s Fair where we hear “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”, take a quick ride on “it’s a small world”, and see a dress that will remind you of Spaceship Earth, all this in the first few minutes!

The characters spend a lot of time trying to get to Tomorrowland and so much of the film is about the journey not the destination. But when they do get there it is just stunning to look at. If this were are real place we would all be clamoring to live there! These sections of the film also have nods to the Disney parks, like Space Mountain or the hover rails.

The thing I love most about this movie is it is pretty quick moving with lots of action and adventure. It may not be suitable for most young children since it does have some violence and death as well as end of the world themes.

I didn’t know Walt Disney personally but I feel as if he would have been so proud of this film. The story and lessons to be learned from it where all part of his personal philosophy of always moving forward, creating and inventing new and exciting things and ideas. Bottom line: I would very much see this again I give it two thumbs up!

Review of “Inside Out”

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insideoutTonight my husband and I took our youngest two children to see the new Disney Pixar film, “Inside Out”.  I have to say, I was definitely a fan!  Let me tell you why.

The idea that there are little voices in our heads controlling how we feel is not a new thing, but I feel like Pixar made it very cute, whimsical, and understandable for small children.

The voice cast is perfect! Joy, voiced by Amy Poehler, is very bubbly and sweet and likeable, Anger is voiced by Lewis Black and you can’t get any more perfect than that.  Mindy Kaling is Disgust, Bill Hader is Fear, and Phyllis Smith is Sadness.  All these folks make up Riley, the little girl whose emotions they control.  When Riley’s parents pack up her life and move her to another state, Riley’s emotions are all over the place and an accident in HQ puts Joy and Sadness in quite a predicament.  Don’t worry, no spoilers here.

For me, the overall feel of the movie is fun for kids, but Pixar really knows how to take their material and punch the adults right in the feels.  I found myself genuinely tearing up in some parts of the movie and outright crying at the end.  While this one has some funny parts for both kids and adults, it’s not exactly a side-splitter, but that’s ok.  It’s sweet and genuine, and that totally makes up for any slapstick that might be lacking.

I highly recommend you and your kids go and see “Inside Out”.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Review of Disney’s Cinderella Movie

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Cinderella_2015_official_posterRecently, I took my 8 year old daughter to see the new Cinderella movie.  This was her first live-action, non-animated film, and while she wasn’t 100% sold, I have to say that I loved it!

The locations and set designs were just gorgeous and the costuming was incredible!  Lily James was the perfect choice to play young Ella.  She has the perfect mix of sweetness and courage that makes the character come to life.  Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother is also spot-on.  If you’re also a fan of Downton Abbey, you’ll be happy to see Sophie McShera (aka Daisy) as one of the stepsisters.

Overall, I thought they did a great job of keeping true to the original story while putting a new and fun spin on it.  I can’t wait until the film is released on DVD so I can watch it again!  Remember, “Be courageous, be kind.”

Irish Disney Characters

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Just for a little fun on this St. Paddy’s Day, let’s talk about some Disney characters that hail from Ye Olde Eire.

Bootstrap Bill Turner

Bootstrap

Portrayed by Stellan Skarsgaard, this character debuted in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and is the father of our hero, Will Turner.  Because he was cursed and left suffering on the ocean floor, he’s now covered in some rather unattractive sea flora.  Not the best look.

The Dignitaries

Cheering-dignitaries

There are lots of foreign types in Arendelle for Queen Elsa’s coronation, including one from Ireland.  He’s the one at the end who says “Wonderful!” after Anna gives Hans his well-deserved sucker punch.

Dr. Robin Doyle

dr.doyle

Remember The Legend of Tarzan?  Dr. Doyle was a lovely Irish anthropologist that captured the eye of Professor Porter.  Sheena Easton lent her voice to this character.  Both the show and the singer are blasts from the past.

Policeman

Policeman

I know the Irish policeman is kind of a trope, but this guy from Lady and the Tramp inadvertently helps Tramp and Lady in their adventures by arguing with a professor for bringing a dog into the park.  He’s worth a mention in the canine love affair.

Maybe you have some favorite Irish Disney characters?  Share them in the comments and may you have the luck of the Irish today!

Jillian’s DCL Trip Report- Day 4

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After going strong for a few days we slept in this morning.  And dear reader, please forgive me I didn’t take many pictures today. Plus with it being a sea day we knew we had nowhere to be. Breakfast as at Beach Blanket Buffet with your typical buffet food: eggs, Mickey waffles, bacon, sausage, donuts, yogurt, cereal. I personally loved the corned beef hash and chocolate croissants with lots of fresh fruit and coffee.

As usual Petra was back to the kids club and I opted to do “Disney’s Innovations: Theme Parks”. This was put on by Briana who talked about things in Disney Parks that were completely innovative at the time. They were things like a single entry point, hub and spoke set up, single ticket and others. The room was filled by your classic Disney nerds, people like me who are always wanting to learn more about the interesting history of Disney. We were able to ask the Cast Member questions after and I talked to some other guests who were cast members at Walt Disney World.

Next I dragged my family to Wonder Quest. This is an interactive scavenger hunt where your group is given a number and the first person to bring the Cast Member the item he is asking for gets 3 points, the next 2 and everyone else before time is up gets 1. This was a lot of fun even if we didn’t win.

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By this time it was getting close to lunch and so we had Beach Blanket Buffet again then did some more swimming. Do you see a pattern? My daughter pretty much adored going to the kids clubs and swimming! So after our swim we got an appointment for her to have her hair braided and she was ready to go back to the kids club.

With her off doing her own thing it was time for me to check out the “Art of the Theme Show Tour”. We started in Palo and were lead by Mark around the ship taking in all the little details. If you want to know more about the ship you are on like the style, little details or lesser known thing I would suggest you take a similar tour. The ships are a lot like the parks where you have to look up and down and all around and you might be pleasantly surprised at the little things you see that others miss. Mark was very knowledgeable about Disney and I really enjoyed talking to him. While I did this my husband signed up for a beer tasting class. The cost was $15 and it included a very nice cup to take home with you. We both finished up and it was time to get Petra and get her to Deck 9 for her hair braiding appointment. If you have never had it done before, my 5 year old says it does hurt a bit, but she loves the outcome so she suffers through. I believe it was a few dollars per braid.IMG_0814

This was our formal night and were had dinner at Triton’s. So we all went back to get dressed up! We thought ahead and decided to use our dress clothes for our formal dinner and then hang them back up to wear again for our Palo night. This saved us having to pack two nice outfits when we were just wearing them for a total of 4 hours. For dinner I had the breaded and baked brie, farmhouse salad, duck comfit and a dessert trio. Petra had macaroni and cheese (she is a creature of habit!) and a Mickey bar. Chelsey had shrimp, duck comfit, and a chocolate mousse. And I will tell you it was delicious! It was probably one of my favorite meals for the trip.

Per usual Petra was ready to go back to the kids club and off she went. We decided to take a break in the Cadillac Lounge for Music and Martinis with Tom Moss. We did indeed have martinis and listened to some amazing piano music. He played a combination of Christmas and pop music and we enjoyed relaxing a bit. Soon it was time to get Petra though because tonight was the first night she was going to see a show!


We topped off our night with “The Golden Mickey’s”. This is an “awards” show that a backstage cast member takes on even though she doesn’t want to. It was a cute show about conquering your fears but done in the amazing Disney way. Plus you get to see your classic characters throughout the show.

Tomorrow was another exciting day, Castaway Cay and Palo were on deck! Would they live up to my expectations?