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Friday, November 27, 2015

Kylo Ren Focused 'Force Awakens' TV Spot Debuts, "Zootopia" Cast Takes a Selfie, and More

Kylo Ren Focused 'Force Awakens' TV Spot:


Last year on Black Friday, we got our first tease of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Yesterday, as we are only a 3 weeks away on Thanksgiving, a Kylo Ren focused TV spot debuted. We now have more dialogue to dissect as we hear both Kylo Ren's and Supreme Leader Snoke's as they voice over the minute long TV spot.

We also see what looks like an under duress Finn and Rey telling him to fight on. We also see Han and Chewie as they emerge from the wreckage from the temple previously seen in other television spots. Han than appears to be taking on the same Stormtrooper that Finn was battling in his TV spot.

While there was very little new footage, it certainly keeps the anticipation for "The Force Awakens" very high when it opens on December 18. Check out the new Television Spot below:



"Zootopia" Cast Takes a Selfie:

Earlier this week we got our first look inside the world of Disney's next animated feature in "Zootopia." In anticipation for the holidays this season Disney released two different promos one featuring stars Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), while the other features the whole cast taking a selfie. These are promos for what Disney is calling the Countdown to Zoo Year's which begins December 3.

Judy and Nick Promo:



The Whole Cast Promo:


Disney's "Zootopia" hits theaters on March 4, 2016.

Santa Claus Meet & Greet Now Open at Magic Kingdom:


The meet & greet with Santa Claus at Magic Kingdom is now officially open today. You can find Santa Claus in Town Square Courtyard where Princess Aurora usually greets guest. For the time being through the holiday Aurora will greet guests in Fantasyland. The Santa Claus meet & greet will be open daily and run through Christmas Eve, December 24th. 

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving


Happy Thanksgiving everyone from It All Started With a Mouse. I just want to thank everyone who reads the blog, I love being able to deliver the news around Disney to you my readers. Today, enjoy your time with your families and maybe even friends on this holiday full of thanks. If you are in any of the Disney Parks what a wonderful time of year to be in the parks. 

Once again THANK YOU and have blessed Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

"Captain America: Civil War" Trailer Premieres on Jimmy Kimmel; Disney Infinity 3.0 'Force Awakens' Play Set Trailer Released

"Captain America: Civil War" Trailer Premieres on Jimmy Kimmel:


Last night, on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. premiered the first trailer and poster for "Captain America: Civil War." We even have the first synopsis of the film:

Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability. Get ready to pick a side and join the nonstop action playing out on two fronts when Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War opens in U.S. theaters on May.

Here is the trailer for the film that hits theaters May 6, 2016:


Disney Infinity 3.0 'Force Awakens' Play Set Trailer Released:



Today, Disney Interactive released the trailer for the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Play Set for Disney Infinity 3.0. The Play Set is set to be released on the movie release day, December 18, 2015. Playable characters for the play set include Finn, Rey, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren have been announced so far, there are more to be announced. Here is the trailer:

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 has New Hours and New Tastes, News Around Hollywood Studios, and More

Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 has New Hours & New Tastes:



The Disneyland Hotel's Steakhouse 55 will be changing with the seasons with some new dishes. It will also be changing its open time for dinner hours with it opening now at 5 p.m. daily. 

New Starters will include:
  • Sea & Land Tartare - features spiced ahi tuna, charred filet mignon, truffle aioli, and a rye crouton (pictured above)
  • Fried Mushroom Ravioli - filled with grilled portobello mushroom and topped with tomato concasse and a slow-poached egg
  • Short Rib Shepherd's Pie - with sweet potatoes, roasted root vegetable, and a mushroom ragout

New Entree:
  • A hearty maple-glazed Kurobuta pork chop (pictured above)
Dessert:
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake
Breakfast hours will stay the same and will now feature Mickey-shaped waffles topped with warm Bananas Foster or warm berries and a side of bacon or sausage. Reservations can be made by calling 714-781-DINE or by visiting Disneyland.com.

News Around Disney's Hollywood Studios:


The Star Wars Launch Bay sign has officially been put up in preparation for the official opening on December 1. A soft opening is tentative for November 27. 

We also learned today that Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple will also be debuting on December 1 when Star Wars Launch Bay opens. 

Moving on from Star Wars at Hollywood Studios, also starting December 1 for the holidays a nightly holiday dance party will take place called Holiday Happens Here Dance Party. It will take place on a stage set up in front of the Great Movie Ride. Guests may even get a chance to dance around with their favorite Disney characters. The Holiday Happens Dance Party will occur nightly from 5 p.m. until park closing. 

WATCH: Why Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel: The Musical:

Check out this video released by Disney Parks for Walt Disney World in musical style on why you should stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.

Monday, November 23, 2015

First Clip and New TV Spot for 'Force Awakens' Debut, The Ganachery to Open at Disney Springs 12/15, and More

First Clip and New TV Spot for 'The Force Awakens' Debut During AMA's:

During last night's American Music Awards show we got our first clip from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" before an epic performance of the Star Wars theme by the vocal talents of Pentatonix and an orchestra. The brief clip show Rey and Finn escaping from Jakku amidst multiple explosions. Here is the clip:



Also another TV spot was released featuring X-Wing pilot leader Poe Dameron and his Blue & Red Squad pilots Jessika Pava (Blue Three) and Nein Numb. The clip shows them preparing for an attack on TIE-fighters. Here is the seventh TV spot:


The Ganachery to Open at Disney Spring December 15:



Back in October, it was revealed that a new experience featuring hand-crafted chocolate would be opening in Disney Springs. Today, on the Disney Parks Blog it was revealed  that it would be opening December 15 along with some details on the experience. Disney Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer calls it, "the most beautiful product in the world."


You will be stepping inside the jewel-box shop that will be reminiscent of an apothecary of another era, as a chocolatier is similar to a scientist, Chef Riemer said. Guests will look up at the elegant chandelier made of copper saucepans, a classic tool of a chocolatier. Chef Stefan used the last couple of years on an international quest to find the world's best chocolate. He said, "It has nothing to do with 'candy'." This has nothing to do with sugar and sweets with the star of the show being a custom-made ganache, a luxurious, proprietary mixture of melted chocolate and cream. 


The Ganachery will use a bold, 65% dark chocolate with a touch of vanilla, since dark chocolate is the trend in the United States. The blend is a "a beautiful balance of fruitiness and acidity," says Chef Stefan. The shop won't just offer dark chocolate but also milk chocolate so that there will be something for everyone. 


"Textures, tastes, colors – this is about relaxing and enjoying a bite-size indulgence,” says Chef Stefan. He mentions flavors such a dark chocolate with a touch of shaved Egyptian salt, or a simple milk chocolate with a dash of dark chocolate and a pinch of Sri Lankan cinnamon. The signature flavor is dark chocolate with a note of Florida orange. All of the flavors fall into four categories: Spices, such a chipotle; Classic, such as orange, vanilla and caramel; Trendy, such as matcha yuzu chocolate; and Fruit, such as passion fruit and calamansi. There’s nothing ordinary about these tastes.

To add an element of delicious whimsy, nine varieties of custom-made chocolate bars (not made in house) celebrate Disney’s iconic destinations and the “Fab Five” (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck).
  • The Aulani bar is white chocolate with pineapple and coconut.
  • The Disneyland Paris bar is dark chocolate with liquid caramel and fleur de sel.
  • The Disneyland Resort bar is milk chocolate with raisins and almonds (an ode to California’s top crops).
  • The Minnie bar is milk chocolate with dried strawberries.
It's not only about chocolate as Chef Stefan created something special for the winter holidays in a mini-stollen fruit bread covered in marzipan, then enrobed in a dark chocolate blend. This unique treat is something you won't find anywhere else. Will you be checking out The Ganachery when it opens in the next coming weeks?

Disney World Monorail Black Gets 'Force Awakens' Wrap:

Photo Credit: Brian Carey, Walt Disney World News Today Reporter
Today, Monorail Black debuted the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" wrap in preparation for the film's release next month. The wrap features scenes from the planet Jakku and the famous Millennium Falcon chasing after some TIE-fighters. Be on the lookout during the next few months for Monorail Black and it's new wrap.

Disney's "Zootopia" First Trailer Released:

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the first trailer for its next animated feature in Disney's Zootopia. Here is the description that was released along with the trailer:



ZOOTOPIA – FLASH, THE FASTEST SLOTH AT THE DMV — When rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) has only 48 hours to crack her first case, she turns to scam-artist fox Nick Wilde for help, but he doesn’t always have her best interests at heart. Their investigation takes them to the local DMV (Department of Mammal Vehicles), which is staffed entirely by sloths. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and produced by Clark Spencer, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” opens in U.S. theaters on March 4, 2016.



Sunday, November 22, 2015

"Today's Special Moments, Are Tomorrow's Memories." Trip Report Part 2

Magic Kingdom:

We woke up early, so we could meet my sister, brother-in-law, and their kids at Magic Kingdom to celebrate my nephew's 13th birthday. After we all got done eating breakfast and getting ready we were off to the park arriving shortly after 9:30. I really couldn't complain about the weather just look how beautiful the sky looked entering into the park.


We headed straight to First Aid to drop off my insulin and my sister stopped at the bakery for some coffee for her and my mom. While waiting for my sister to get the coffee I captured some of the best photos I've ever taken. Check some of them out:





Once my sister came back with the coffee, it was time to head over to Adventureland to meet up with my nephew on his birthday along with the rest of my family. Walking through the park you just get this magical feeling inside of you that makes you so happy. I guess that's why they call it the most happiest place on Earth. So we headed over to the Jungle Cruise to meet up with everyone. 



After my sister's family got off the Magic Carpets, we headed over to Jungle Cruise to ride one of my favorite rides in the Magic Kingdom. It's also a classic ride that I believe is a must-do anytime you go to Disney World. 




After an amazing ride on the Jungle Cruise, we headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean, a ride I hadn't been on since two trips before that. It was down when I went in May. You still get wet if you're in the first row and the water is still collecting in the bottom of the boat. So even though they fixed the animatronics in the ride the boat issue still there. We then tried to get on the Haunted Mansion before lunch but the line was too long. We headed over to Tony's for our lunch with the birthday boy. 

I hadn't been to Tony's in years as I was disappointed the last time we went there. This time though it was quite good. I had the pepperoni pizza, my father had the sausage pizza, and my sister and mother both had the margarita pizza. My sister and brother-in-law had the chicken parmesan with a white sauce. The kids had spaghetti and chicken tenders and noodles. Everything was quite delicious. We even got a cake for Zachary, my nephew. The service was just wonderful.


After the wonderful lunch we rushed over to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for our FastPass. I know after riding this for the first time in May I said it was one of the best rides in Magic Kingdom, I stand by that statement. This was truly special as my youngest nephew Ben is now able to ride it. He loved it as he was sitting in the first row with my sister and had his hands up in the air the whole time. 

Once we got off the Mine Train it was time to go our separate ways for a little bit as we had different FastPasses. My Mom, Dad, sister and I headed over to Tomorrowland for our FastPass on Buzz. My Mom and I always have a little competition on this ride as its my most favorite ride at Magic Kingdom. I won this round as I do most other times. We then went to visit Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, another one of my favorite shows in the park. This show makes me laugh every time. Like Roz says in her raspy voice, "I'm watching, always watching Wazowski." 



It was then time to meet back up with my sister, her husband and the kids to go on some of nephew's favorite attractions. First up was my nephew's favorite show in Carousel of Progress. Now this isn't my favorite attraction but it is one of those classics I believe can't be passed up. My nephew if he could would ride this for hours upon hours. Next, was a FastPass for Splash Mountain. My sister, Zack, my niece Abby, and I went on. With how hot it was it was the perfect time for riding Splash Mountain. Plus with the heat, we dried off rather quickly.

We headed back to Tomorrowland to meet up with the rest of my family. It was then that I finally got my picture taken with Buzz Lightyear. Buzz is really my favorite Disney character of all time. This was my first time ever I got my picture taken with him as every time we go the line is usually crazy long. 



It was getting late as we had to be out of the park by 7 because we didn't have tickets to the final Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. My sister did however have tickets so we decided to get a family picture to remember the amazing time we had.


We then went our separate ways, my family is seriously the best. We may be imperfect at times but I wouldn't replace them in the whole world. My sister's family went to enjoy the party and we started to head out of the park. Before we left however we stopped in the emporium to buy some things. We then decided to head over to the Polynesian for dinner at Captain Cook's since we didn't have any reservations. 

Now the Polynesian is probably my family's resort to stay at so it wouldn't be a trip without at least visiting there. We headed over to take the monorail over. Once we arrived we headed downstairs to Captain Cook's. For dinner I had the Grilled Chicken Sandwich minus the pineapple salsa, it was delicious. I somehow failed to take any pictures at the Poly, major fail by me since its my favorite resort and the most beautiful. 

It was then time to head back to Port Orleans to rest up before we left the next day. It was a successful trip. I was sad that I was going home the next day and was thinking of when my next trip back to the World would be. The next day as I wrote in my resort review we just walked and toured around Port Orleans Riverside. By midday it was time to be picked up and head back to the airport to begin our trip back home to Pennsylvania. 


I finish this trip report with the title and what it means, "Today's special moments, are tomorrow's memories." This was said by the Genie in Aladdin and it holds so much meaning in this trip. The special moments with celebrating my nephew Zack's birthday in Disney World were truly special. The memories that were made I will cherish forever. 






Friday, November 20, 2015

New Details on Rivers of Light Unveiled, Tiffins Restaurant to Open at Animal Kingdom, and More

New Details on Rivers of Light Unveiled:

Today, the Disney Parks Blog unveiled some new details on Rivers of Light that will debut in spring 2016 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The show will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest and you will be able to see the Tree of Life all lit up in the background. A pair of mystical hosts will come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts will set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon the animal spirits. With the storytellers as your hosts, the wonders of "Rivers of Light" will build to a stunning crescendo.


The Tree of Life will come to 'light' with an amazing awakening as the animal spirits come alive on the tree by magical fireflies. To create this amazing nighttime show, Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina, and the filmmakers at Disneynature. 


Disney released a video of Imagineer Joe Rohde explaining the 'wow' effect Rivers of Light will have on guests and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Check it out:


Tiffins Signature Restaurant to Open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2016:


That's not all that will be debuting at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2016 as today the Disney Parks Blog revealed that Tiffins Signature Restaurant will open at the park. The table-service restaurant will celebrate the art of traveling, featuring a diverse menu drawing from places that inspired the creation of Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

The restaurant will open for both lunch and dinner. It will include waterfront views from comfortable seating areas both inside and outside. The story behind the name Tiffins is that it is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling. 

Stay tuned for more details on Tiffins Signature Restaurant as they are released.

New 'Paint the Night' Dining Packages Coming in January:


New 'Paint the Night' dining packages will be coming to Disneyland beginning January 11, 2016. At the Blue Bayou, the package will include a three course meal with viewing of the parade with the package on Main Street, USA. 

Aladdin's Oasis will offer the choice of three different entrees with the choice of eating in the restaurant's seating area or taking it on the go. The parade viewing for the package will be located near "it's a small world."

Reservations for both these dining packages will be made available soon. 


Thursday, November 19, 2015

Details on Flower & Garden Festival Announced, Two Disneyland Restaurants Making Changes, and More

Details on Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival Announced:

This year marks the 23rd annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival begins March 2, 2016 and will run through May 30, 2016. This marks the longest Flower and Garden Festival ever extending from 75 days last year to a full 90 days this year.


Guests can expect Huey, Dewey, and Louie will make their topiary debut along with Donald and Daisy. Ranger Mickey Mouse will celebrate the National Parks Service centennial will join for the first time in Future World. 

This year the Outdoor Kitchen marketplaces will return for the second year serving sweet and savory dishes and refreshing beverages. The new 'Fab Five' play garden featuring Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald will sure be a hit for children featuring musical instruments that will be built into the children's climbing systems.

More details on this year's 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be released in the coming months.

Two Disneyland Restaurants Making Changes in February:


This February, two restaurants in Disneyland will be making changes to their dining experiences. Beginning February 10, River Belle Terrace will become a table-service restaurant and stop serving breakfast. It will serve lunch and dinner with a new menu featuring barbecue staples like ribs, chicken, and sustainable seafood along with some enticing starters and sides. New dessert items will also make their debut. Reservations for the new River Belle Terrace will be made available soon.

Breakfast will now be served at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland beginning February 2.  A few favorites from the River Belle Terrace menu will transfer over like the famous Mickey pancakes as well as some new Mexican-inspired breakfast items will make their debut. Breakfast will be available until 11:30 a.m. and switch over to its normal lunch and dinner menu at Noon. 

5th 'Force Awakens' TV Spot Focuses on Finn:


The fifth "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" TV spot has been released and it focuses on Finn. Finn is shown battling Storm Troopers and having a conversation with Han. Han says, "Are you sure your up for this?" and Finn replies, "Hell no!" This is another 30 second spot. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" releases in exactly 4 weeks on December 18. Here is the new TV spot:

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Monorail Collides with Tow Tug, No Injuries; Happy Birthday Micke

Disney World Monorail Collides with Tow Tug:

Photo Credit: @MartinsVids on Twitter
This afternoon during a planned testing of the TCS (Train Control System) on the Express Monorail at Disney World, Monorail Coral and a tow tug collided. There were no injuries during the accident as it was during a test. 

The incident occurred between the Contemporary and the Ticket & Transportation Center. The train collided with enough force to cause considerable damage to the nose and front window of the train (as seen in the above picture). Disney confirmed the monorail was being tugged and became separated. An investigation seems to be on the horizon to see what errors caused the separation. 

Due to the accident, traffic had been shut down on World Drive and pedestrians are being kept out of the area. With the Train Control System that is being tested it could bring driver-less monorails to Walt Disney World in the future.

Happy Birthday 87th Birthday Mickey Mouse:


We couldn't end today's news without giving a shout out to everyone's favorite mouse. It was on this day 87 years ago that Walt Disney created the magic of Disney by creating Mickey Mouse. It All Started With a Mouse and it's all history from there.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!!!!!

Note: Remember tonight on the Disney Parks Blog to tune in to a live stream from Disney's Hollywood Studios of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at 10:30 p.m. EST.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Epcot Changing FastPass+ Tiers in January, Disney World Changes Plans for Star Wars Experiences, and More

Epcot Changing FastPass+ Tiers in January:


With Soarin' closing for refurbishment and the very soon closing of Captain EO, Walt Disney World has announced changes to its FastPass+ tiers beginning in January. Epcot uses 2 tiers for its Fastpass+ attractions, with its changes in January Mission Space Green and Orange will be added to Tier 1 of the offerings. Here is the new complete list:

Tier 1:

  • Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
  • Mission: SPACE Green
  • Mission: SPACE Orange
  • Test Track
  • Living with the Land
Tier 2:
  • Journey Into Imagination with Figment
  • Spaceship Earth
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Turtle Talk with Crush
  • Epcot Character Spot
Disney World Changes Plans for Star Wars Experiences:


New experiences for Star Wars at Hollywood Studios beginning December 1 but Seasons of the Force was suppose to begin in January. Disney World is changing things up and saying that it just won't be a seasonal offering and will be offered daily. Beginning January 5, here is what is planned to begin.

Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular:

Starting Jan. 5, 2016, guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their visit to the park involving a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.

Also a dessert party will be offered during the fireworks show offering themed foods, specialty drinks, and a souvenir Chewbacca stein.

Galactic Food:

Guests can experience Star Wars through their palates. Various novelty items and specialty foods inspired by a galaxy far, far away, such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream cupcake and a Han Solo Souvenir Kid’s Meal served in a Han Solo-themed bucket, will be available at various locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Stormtrooper Patrol:

Like recently in Disneyland, Stormtroopers of the First Order will patrol around various areas of Hollywood Studios and interact with guests as they try to find members of the resistance. 

New Holiday Pin Series Gift Cards Coming to Disney Parks:

Last year, Holiday Pin Series Gift Cards were released in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. This year a new set has been released with four different designs with our favorite characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto.


The gift cards can be purchased for $75 each come with a special trading pin. This year's design of the pins are shaped like gift boxes that represent iconic elements of each of the characters. Disney Gift Cards can be used at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Club Penguin, Disney PhotoPass, Disney Store locations in the US, and on DisneyStore.com.

Monday, November 16, 2015

New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at DHS Premieres Early, 4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens" Released, and More

New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at Hollywood Studios Premieres Early:



Guests today at Hollywood Studios got a surprise if they visited Star Tours. Today, the "Jakku" scene from 'The Force Awakens' was added early. The scene wasn't supposed to be added until December 1. Here is a brief synopsis of what you will see, Warning Spoilers Ahead:

So, the new sequence takes place after the opening sequence (featuring either Darth Vader or the scanner droid looking for the rebel spy), in the space usually occupied by Hoth, Kashyyk, or Tatooine. You fly into Jakku and immediately the Millennium Falcon is in front of you. Finn appears on the side screen to deliver the classic “Star Tours? What are you doing here?” line. A chase ensues with First Order TIE Fighters, ending with the Falcon pulling an insane maneuver to take out a TIE Fighter. You then crash into some wreckage and the ship stops for a moment. At this point, scavengers from Jakku begin to try and rip the ship apart for spare parts to sell. R2-D2 zaps them away and the Starspeeder 1000 takes off and leaves the planet. The new sequence is followed by a new holographic transmission sequence featuring BB-8. BB-8 and R2-D2 sort of conspire against C-3P0 to continue the mission and protect the Rebel spy. After that, the ride travels to one of the randomized finale planets.

Also cast members at Hollywood Studios today got a sneak preview of Star Wars Launch Bay before it opens in two weeks.

4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens Released with More Details Revealed:


Yesterday, the 4th TV Spot for "Star Wars: Force Awakens and we now have more details to decipher with only 32 days until the release day. Here is the TV spot:

In the photo above we see Rey is at some sort of temple that seems to be being attacked by First Order TIE-Fighters. Could the temple what remains of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. We also see Rey piloting the Millennium Falcon and Finn in the gunner turret as they fly across Jakku. Another scene we see BB-8 in the night as the dessert sky is illuminated by some sort of explosion. Watch the trailer for other new scenes as well as the scenes we have already seen in previously released trailers and tv spots.

Watch The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Live on the Disney Parks Blog:


The Disney Parks Blog will live streaming The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this Wednesday night 11/18 at 10:30 p.m. EST.  This year is the final year for the famous light show as Hollywood Studios is set to be under heavy construction the next few years.

This year's show runs through January 3, 2016 and features millions of "dancing" lights including displays of angels, toy soldiers, a spinning globe, Santa, reindeer, and so much more. The live stream will appear in a fresh blog on Wednesday night. The DPB reminded fans when joining the conversation to use #DisneyHolidays much like they have used for previous live streams.

Will you be tuning into the live stream on the Disney Parks Blog Wednesday night?

Disney Store Releases Limited Release 20th Anniversary Toy Story T-Shirts:

Today through Sunday, on the Disney Store you can order a limited release 20th Anniversary Toy Story t-shirts. This is in honor of the release of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story" 20 years ago on November 19, 1995. The shirts come in both adults and child sizes and can be mixed and matched for a special deal of 2 for $44. If bought separately the adult shirts cost $27.95 and the kids shirts are $22.95. Here is the t-shirt:



Sunday, November 15, 2015

"Today's Special Moments, Are Tomorrow's Memories." Trip Report Part 1

It's been two weeks now since I got back from Disney World, yes I know this should have been done sooner. Alas, though it is finally time to report on this wonderful short trip. We only spent two days in the parks, but it was an absolutely wonderful time celebrating my nephew's birthday in the most magical place on Earth. This trip was planned in two month's time and we surprised my nephew two weeks before hand. He was shocked and couldn't believe it and kept telling us that we were pulling an early April Fool's joke on him.

Enough of that however let's get onto the trip, as I stated in my resort review of Port Orleans Riverside, we didn't get to Disney until late afternoon on Friday, October 30. After a quick snack at our resort and checking out our room it was time to head to Disney Springs. I don't have much to report on from there as I failed to take any pictures. (Major FAIL) I can tell you though that the transformation from Downtown Disney into Disney Springs is absolutely beautiful. While I didn't get to check out the new restaurants or bars like Morimoto Asia, The BOATHOUSE, or even Jock Lindsey's I did get to try Earl of Sandwich for the first time ever.

I feel like a Disney amateur that I have never been to Earl of Sandwich before. Let's just put it this way my family and I hardly ever go to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs when we visit as we always are at the parks. With the short trip and arriving later than usual it was the perfect chance to visit the newly transformed Disney Springs. At Earl of Sandwich, I had the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich mine the avocado and chipotle sauce. If you know me I'm probably the pickiest eater you will ever meet but the sandwich got an A+ from me even without the avocado and the sauce.

We stayed at Disney Springs until about 9:00 and then headed back to the resort to get some rest after traveling most of the day. The next day we were heading to Epcot for my first ever experience of the International Food & Wine Festival. Yes, there were a lot of first's this trip.

Saturday:

After the previous day's trip to Disney Springs it was time to get to Epcot for one of the main reason's  in experiencing the International Food & Wind Festival. It was just a spectacular day, the weather was perfect. Check out this beautiful sky walking into Epcot.




After stopping for a quick bathroom break, my mother and I headed over to Test Track, one of my favorites in Epcot. While walking over to Test Track, the wait was only 30 minutes but right as we got over to step in line the wait shot up to 70 minutes. I noticed the single rider line was only 10 minutes so my mother and I jumped in that line. While in the single rider line you can't really customize your car but you can still choose one of the pre-made cars and attach it to your Magic Band. While my mom and I were separated once we got to ride, the ride was still amazing.

After that it was time for our fastpass at Spaceship Earth. It is pretty much a walk on to the ride when  you have a fastpass so we enjoy our ride into the future, that is not so futuristic anymore. It's always fun to ride through the past and beginning all the way to the present and into the future. We decided after the ride it was time to begin eating through the Food & Wine booths. 


One of the Cast Members made a recommendation that we begin by Mexico and work our way around the countries instead of by Canada because it's more crowded on that side. We started off at Farm Fresh booth where we ordered two orders of the Loaded Mac & Cheese with Bacon, Peppers, and Scallions. Let me tell you it started the bar high because it was amazing. We then headed to the Australia booth where my father, mother, and sister had the lamb. They enjoyed it but said the mac & cheese was better. 

After Australia we headed through Mexico and Norway where we didn't order anything. Then came China and the chicken pot stickers. Once again another delicious small bite to eat that was delicious. After walking through China we had reached the Outpost and the Africa booth. Here we decided to try to Buttered Chicken on Naan Bread. Unexpectedly, it was quite good and we moved on. We skipped the lines in Germany and Italy and headed to America. After taking a break from the sun and a bathroom break we decided to enter into the American Adventure and wait for the next show. Here are some pictures of inside one of the most classic attractions in Epcot.







It was time to head upstairs to listen to the Voices of Liberty before the show. Since my dad is in a wheelchair you really get to hear the music even better upstairs. It is truly inspirational and like I said back in May it really makes you feel honored to be an American.


Once they were done singing, we headed into the theater for the show. It was the middle of the afternoon once the show was done it was time to eat some mid afternoon snacks. We hit the Belgium and Brazilian booths next. In Belgium, it was the Belgium waffles with chocolate and fruit and in Brazil we sampled the baked cheese bread. I just had the cheesy bread from Brazil another one of my favorites from festival. My parents and sister both said the Belgium waffles were very good. It was France next for the Braised Short ribs in Cabarnet with mashed potatoes and the creme brûlée. While once again I didn't taste the items in France I was told again that they were excellent. 


By then it was almost time for our fastpass at Soarin' but before then we headed over to the Imagination pavilion to ride Figment. It's like how can you go to Epcot and not ride Figment. After Figment, we headed over to Soarin' to ride it one last time before it becomes Soarin' Over the World. Soarin's one of those rides that is literally breathtaking. I hope the new version is just as good as this attraction is.





After Soarin', we headed over to First Aid to pick up my insulin and then it was time for some dinner.  For dinner it was the Canada, Hawaii, and for dessert a Croissant Donut. In Hawaii, I had the Kalua Pork Slider and once again I wasn't disappointed. Then to Canada where I had the "Le Cellier" wild mushroom beef filet with a truffle butter sauce. Let me just tell you as I'm sure you all know that it was probably the best thing I had. I even went back to the booth for a second order. 


Of course after dinner it was getting late and we started heading out to the beginning of the park. We walked through MouseGears and it was time to say goodbye to a perfect day in Epcot and enjoy the Halloween festivities at our resort.