Just for Fun

All posts in the Just for Fun category

Coco Movie Premier Review

Published November 22, 2017 by ltdjosh

I received a free movie preview in exchange for writing a review on this blog.

Last week, we were treated to our sneak preview premier of the newest Disney-Pixar movie, Coco. This is my humble review of the movie. I promise this will be a spoiler free review.

The first thing I can say is that you simply HAVE to go see this movie if you enjoy any kind of good movies. From the moment I saw the first artwork, I was drawn in to this colorful and magical world. Once the previews and teaser trailers started coming out, I got even more excited about the movie. However, I was not even prepared for how amazing and well thought out this movie is. So what exactly is the premise of Coco, you might ask?

Well, this movie focuses on the family celebration of Dia De Los Muertos, or the Day Of The Dead. This celebration is a time where families lay out altars, or “ofrendas” filled with pictures of relatives that have passed on along with the family members’ favorite foods. This celebration is one time of the year, it is said, that the passed on may cross the universe and return (in spirit) to the living world and be with their families. The movie focuses on the Rivera family, specifically young Miguel, as he fights his family for his right to be a musician instead of a shoe maker like the rest of the family. His family is against his decision because of an event that happens years ago, but Miguel is determined to be a musician, even if he has to do it behind his family’s backs.

Through a series of comical events, Miguel comes face to face with his family on the “other side” and has to find his way back to the living world before the end of Dia De Los Muertos. However, along the journey of getting back, Miguel discovers that things are not always as they seem, including his family’s history. Finally faced with the truth, he must make a decision that could potentially change his life. Where will this decision take him? Well, for that answer, you must watch the movie, but I guarantee that it will leave you breathless with laughter and leave you with  a deeper appreciation for, and better understanding of, the amazing culture of Mexico and Dia De Los Muertos.

There’s also another thing in this movie that followers of Pixar Animation have come to expect and enjoy: the music and the characters. Music plays a very pivotal role in this movie, as has become a bit of custom for anything coming out of the studio, and I have to say that the music in this movie is every bit as good as the music from Frozen (sorry Kristen and Idina). I use this reference because the people behind some of the most memorable music in this movie are the same team from Frozen: husband wife team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The music is just as catchy to me, and I look forward to hearing more from this talented duo. And the characters in this movie are so relatable. Whether you identify with Miguel’s Abuelita, a stern (at first) guardian of the family traditions who in the end just wants what’s best for her family, his Mama Imelda, who was so shaken by the departure of her husband that she bans music in the family forever (again, to protect her family), or Miguel himself, your sure to find a character to suit your fancy in this film, and leave wanting to know more about this amazing family.

To find tickets, just go to http://movies.disney.com/coco. I promise you won’t be disappointed by this amazing movie, and honestly believe that you’ll want to take your family back again and again.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary movie tickets in exchange for writing this review. This did not influence my opinion and all thoughts are my own.

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS!! Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream

Published July 31, 2017 by Disneyways.com

Enter to win a family 4 pack of tickets to Disney on Ice in Orlando – click HERE!!

Ticket giveaway contest ends August 25, 2017.

 

A note from Krista: “I am a Feld Entertainment Blogger Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and other exclusive opportunities.”

You can also buy tickets and Save 20% off select seats with code SAVE20.

Not valid on premium VIP seating. Hurry for the best available seats! Code expires September 7, 2017.

Tickets are for Disney on Ice show at Amway Arena/Orlando only. Winner will be notified by email they provide in the rafflecopter on August 25th and must email me back by August 26th 2017 at Disneyways@Disneyways.com to specify if you are able to attend either the opening night, Friday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. performance. Sorry, no changes can be made once I notify Feld Entertainment of your choice. Winner can pick up (4) tickets at the Amway Center Box Office starting Thursday, September 3rd 2015 during regular Box Office hours (Monday through Friday | 9am to 6pm and three (3) hours prior to any event). We recommend picking up your tickets no later than 30 minutes prior to show time. Paid parking is available in the nearby GEICO garage. Tickets provided by Disney on Ice/Feld Entertainment  – Disneyways is not responsible for delivery.

Showtimes…. (be sure to verify at https://www.disneyonice.com/ticket-info/Dare-to-Dream/110989)

About this show:

Disney’s Smash Hits Moana and Beauty and the Beast Redefine Heroism as Part of Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream
Moana, Maui and Friends from Disney’s Moana Take the Ice for the First Time; Tickets On Sale Now for Orlando Performances, September 8-10, 2017

Disney’s Moana voyages onto the ice for the first time as Disney OnIce presents Dare To Dream, produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., brings courage and adventure to hometowns across North America. Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas and snow covered mountains in this action-packed extravaganza featuring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella with other beloved Disney characters to help tell these extraordinary tales. Tickets are on sale today for Orlando.
Dare To Dream takes families on a high-sea adventure as Moana sets sail on a life-changing quest to save her island with help from the demigod Maui. With the ice floor transformed into the vast oceanic scape, Disney On Ice allows Moana’s strength and determination to take center stage. This engaging atmosphere lets audiences deepen their existing connection to their favorite wayfinder and discover one’s true identity is never out of reach.
“As parents, we strive to find role models who embolden our children to choose kindness and exhibit the values we aim to impart, and this production of Disney On Ice truly embodies this goal,” said Executive Vice President of Feld Entertainment and Producer of Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream, Nicole Feld. “With Dare To Dream, I want to inspire the youngest members of our families with the heroic stories of their favorite Disney characters and allow them to discover the hero within themselves.”

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #DareToDream @NicoleFeld

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

 

Speakers, Book Signings, Trivia and 25 Disney Vendors ~ Disney Event December 3, 2017

Published July 10, 2017 by Disneyways.com

Confirmed speakers so far include Ron Schneider, Tom Nabbe, William “Sully” Sullivan! Come to the Florida Disney Collector Show on December 3rd 2017 from 9am to 4pm! Just $6.00 for adults – payable at the door. Twenty five vendors, pin trading, and so much more! Check out the graphic above or visit the facebook event page for more info!

 

Dance The World

Published July 2, 2017 by Disneyways.com

Dance The World is a unique opportunity for dancers to perform in front of thousands of people from around the world at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. This event is a performance festival, not a competition, and allows families to make this ‘the’ family vacation, with the added benefit of watching their son or daughter perform in America’s Number One Destination. This international event has included fun offerings such as:

Professionally choreographed parades at Magic Kingdom® Park and Epcot®
Stage Shows at Epcot® in World ShowPlace
Farewell Gala Dinner Celebration at Epcot® in World ShowPlace… plus much more!

An ALL NEW  Performance Festival is coming to Orlando, Florida. This one-of-a-kind dance festival takes place at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Competition takes place in Epcot® in one 75 – 90 minute time block, enjoy the parks the rest of the day! Parade/ Rehearsal and Master Classes only take a couple hours each day, allowing plenty of time to explore all 43 square miles of the Walt Disney World® Resort! The Event concludes with a spectacular Gala Dinner/Dance & Awards Celebration in Epcot® at World ShowPlace! Here’s a link to details and more for 2018 offerings.
LIKE them on facebook HERE.

 

If you are part of a dance team or school – Click this link to be taken to a form you can fill out for more information on this event! 

Happily Ever After Fireworks from Top of the World Lounge on the roof of Bay Lake Tower

Published June 26, 2017 by Disneyways.com

Happily Ever After Fireworks from Top of the World Lounge on the roof of Bay Lake Tower! If you are a member of the Disney Vacation Club (or just the guest of a member) YOU can go enjoy this view like we did. Head upstairs to the Top of The World Lounge about 2 hours before the fireworks so you can get a great seat in the lounge and enjoy items from the menu. When you get up to go watch the show – have your server place the card on your table that states that you will be returning. We filmed this on Sunday June 25th 2017. Thanks for watching and sharing!

Disney’s Latest Film Moana Will Make Your Heart Soar ~ By Guest Author Samantha Lucas

Published November 18, 2016 by samanthalucas23

Disney’s Latest Film Moana Will Make Your Heart Soar ~ By Guest Author Samantha Lucas

Despite declaring herself very firmly “Not a princess” during the film, Moana has easily become one of my favorite Disney Princesses.

The Synopsis, as found on Wikipedia, is as follows – On a mystic island in Polynesia, the 16-year-old strong-willed daughter of the chief of the tribe, Moana from Motunui Island, is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite the Heart of Tehiti. She sets sail in search of Maui, a legendary demigod and hopes to save her people.

I was invited to the press screening for Moana and let me say there isn’t anything I don’t love about this movie.This is a film about worth and fulfilling destiny, about believing in yourself and not giving up, despite the odds or the appearance of what you’re facing. It succeeded in all the places Frozen failed for me and I’m completely in love with it.

Moana is beautiful in spirit and brave of heart. She answers a calling on her soul and undertakes the daunting task of saving her people despite the fact it meant going against her parents, and especially her father’s wishes. I loved the way the movie handled the relationship between father and daughter, doing an excellent job of humanizing her parents and helping us understand why he was so determined to keep her from the ocean, while showing us a lineage of leaders and a history of a people who changed over time into something that was never meant for them to become.

Yes, of coursepua-n-hei-hei, it is charming and funny in all the ways we’ve come to expect from Disney. The animal sidekicks are an adorable puppy-like pig named Pua and a dimwitted chicken named Hei-Hei, who I found absolutely loveable despite the poor chicken being as close to an inanimate object as you could think.

As we’re coming to see more and more, of late, there is no “bad guy” per se to fight against, no defining villain. It is a film about overcoming the obstacles we carry within.

One other nice thing, the 3D was used perfectly to add depth and dimension to scenes, rather than to shock us by throwing things at our faces.

This is, of course, yet another film in the new land we’ve come to where there is no prince or love interest, but in this film it very much works. Moana is not a heroine out to prove she doesn’t need a man, she’s simply a girl chosen for a destiny greater than she knew she was capable.

moana-and-maui-e1473954569707The relationship between Moana and Maui is fantastic because they come to respect and need one another as they share this journey, each having their own lessons to learn and obstacles to overcome along the way.

The demi-god Maui is a culture hero in both Polynesian and Hawaiian mythology. Although his origin story is tweaked and made a bit more kid-friendly for this Disney tale, he is an important figure in many of the island cultures.

Moana is entirely entertaining from beginning to end. What pushes this film over-the-top straight to my heart is the theme of someone having a calling on their heart or soul all of their life and the need to answer that call and that is the story of my own life so to see it played out in a Disney Princess was more than I had ever hoped to see.

I recommend this one wholeheartedly! Don’t miss Moana’s journey. Go with an open mind and heart and let yourself be inspired.

If you enjoyed my review and want more of my own Disney writing, which currently has a heavy focus on Disney World, please visit me at www.disneylovin.com

And one more thing, as is the case with all the best films, you do want to sit through the credits for your little treat at the end. 😉

(Side note from Krista: Thanks Samantha for attending the media preview with me! I am so glad you enjoyed the movie as much as I did!! )

 

The Best Walt Disney World Quick Service Restaurants…FROM THE EXPERTS!

Published October 22, 2016 by ltdjosh

Good morning everyone. In honor of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, we thought that we’d share an amazing article written by our very dear friend Karyn Locke from www.sandandorsnow.com. The title of the article is “The Best Walt Disney World Quick Service Restaurants From The Experts!” and showcases some of the most amazing quick service restaurants found on Walt Disney World property, from the mega-sized Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (submitted by Terri Miller from WDWHints) to the simple yet delicious Earl Of Sandwich at Disney Springs (submitted by Tania Lamb at Lola Lambchops), you can find something for every appetite. And the best part? These are all submitted by experts in the area of WDW Quick Service dining locations…BLOGGERS! To check out this great article (and to get inspired to try new things while dining on the quick at Walt Disney World) head over to the article here. Thanks again for such a great article Karyn! We’ll see you all in the parks.

Newly Updated Pirate’s Adventure in Magic Kingdom

Published September 29, 2016 by ltdjosh

Three years ago, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom introduced an interactive quest for guests of all ages. The name of the quest was “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasure Of The Seven Seas”. Over the years, thousands of wee pirate lads and lassies (as well as a few buccaneers) have enjoyed scavenging around Adventureland to find clues and solve the mystery of the adventure. A few months ago, Disney announced an addition to the adventure. Let’s take a look at one of the adventures, as well as the new surprise ending awaiting guests.

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The building where you sign up for the Pirate’s Adventure is next to Pirate’s Of The Caribbean, towards Splash Mountain. It’s an unassuming building that most people just quickly walk by, perhaps thinking it’s a food vendor or something of that nature. However, once you walk inside, your fate be forever changed. There are 5 different adventures you can choose. Once you’ve chosen your adventure, simply scan your magicband (or your park ticket) and the on screen guide will tell you what mark on your map to go to first. For this demonstration, I chose the Guardian’s Curse adventure. Once I scanned in, I was off on an adventure I won’t soon forget.

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For each adventure, you receive a treasure map telling you roughly were to go to find your clue. Once you reach the area, you have to find the symbol listed on your map. When you touch your magicband (or ticket) to the symbol, something magical will happen in the immediate area that will tell you where to go next. You never know what you’ll find. First up, the compass symbol.

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This symbol seemed easy enough to find. Look for a treasure chest, a lantern, and a map on top of an old crate. Then find the symbol. Well, there are a lot of crates around. Thankfully, I found my symbol.

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The next symbol that I was to find was the bulls eye symbol. This one proved even trickier to find, but I kept a sharp eye out and sure enough, found what I was looking for on top of a barrel (perhaps filled with rum for Captain Jack Sparrow?).

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Next up, I had to search for a parrot symbol. Since I knew there were parrots all over Adventureland, it took me a few minutes to find the right parrot (and the matching symbol).

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However, I found the tricky bird.

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And his symbol.

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I was getting excited. This was fun, and it didn’t take that long to do. Plus it was a great way to spend a very quiet morning in Adventureland. Off to the next symbol: A captain’s hat.

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A few moments later, I had found the blasted hat.

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I had won the adventure, but this odd pirate came up out of his watery grave to tell me that I should continue my quest for more treasures.

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Since it had taken me less than 10 minutes to complete the entire adventure, I decided that I would try, as my Pokemon Go friends would say, to “catch them all”. At the end of the 3rd adventure, I was dealt a pleasant surprise: a complimentary fastpass for Pirate’s Of The Caribbean.

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This wasn’t time stamped, but date stamped, good through the end of the month any time the ride was operating. I then went on my way continuing adventures, and received another at the end of my 4th adventure, and another at the end of my 5th adventure. An hours worth of work searching all over Adventureland (and seeing things that I had never noticed before) and I had 3 free legacy fastpasses to use anytime over the course of the next 2 weeks.

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If you’re in the area and have some free time, I definitely encourage you to take the challenge and enjoy the Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures Of The Seven Seas. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Joshua Snyder is a Disney fanatic and Travel Agent, working with My Mickey Vacation travel.. He is an annual passholder for Walt Disney World, and enjoys going the parks as often as he can. In his spare time, he enjoys reading everything he can about the parks and helping introduce new families to the Happiest Place On Earth. He currently resides in the Orlando, FL area. He can be reached at joshua.snyder@mymickeyvacation.com.

Photo & Video Review!! Visit Morimoto Asia and Vivoli with Us!

Published September 1, 2016 by Heidi Strawser

Did you know you can take a summer stroll and get some quick bites at two new places in Disney Springs – on the go? Why cut into your shopping time when you can grab and go at Morimoto Asia and Vivoli?

Krista recently had the opportunity to visit both of these new places and learn more about them as part of a media tour called #SummerStroll. We’d like to take you on a Photo & Video tour – too bad we can’t provide taste testing as well.

Morimoto Asia

Maria Wyatt Uhl, our host
The chef
Egg Rolls
Sliders
Pork Rib Tacos
Egg Rolls
Octopus Fritters
Slush

Vivoli

Looks delicious, right? Will you be trying either of these places on your next visit to Disney Springs?

Retro Station Italian Food – Traveling back to the 50’s – Guest Post by Jacquie Montes de Oca

Published August 25, 2016 by Heidi Strawser

As part of the Central Florida Lady Bloggers, I was invited to attend a meet up at this new Italian restaurant in the Kissimmee, FL area.

14100499_10154676511402985_270121835617320467_n(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

The moment I parked and saw the sign I knew I was going to be taken back in time to the 1950’s. As I walked in the restaurant I was greeted by two smiling faces, those of the owners, Renata Rabello and Giuliano Garbi, who owned a 50’s restaurant and club for over 10 years in Brazil, and now they’re bringing their knowledge and flavor to Central Florida!

14034853_10154676513077985_2888823693670858582_n(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

The restaurant is decorated with a 50’s flair, the details of the items are very tasteful and fun.

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14063915_10154676512007985_8825155029811249884_n(Photos Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

For this meet up we were given a special menu in order for us to try their most popular items from the menu. We had no idea what to expect and let me tell you… it was glorious!

14034920_10154676512137985_4485581663443816546_n(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

First they brought us what looked like crackers, but it was thin pieces of pizza crust with their homemade Marinara sauce. The crust was outstanding! So flaky and crunchy and yummy! The sauce you can tell is homemade, the combination of spices and just enough sweetness was amazing.

crackers(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

Then came the Cheese Garlic Bread. Wow! The bread was so soft with the right amount of garlic/cheese ratio which made it so delicious!

garlic bread(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

Next, I must admit, one of my favorites of the night. The Italian Bruschetta. Now, I make this at home… but Retro’s is so much better! The bread was crunchy on the outside and oh so soft in the inside and once again, the combination of the tomatoes, basil, spices… I could’ve eaten the whole tray!

14054045_10154676512207985_5615326200685462882_n(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

The Soup of the Day – this time was Mushroom. Needless to say, I had two bowls. It was so creamy yet light and the flavors… it reminded me of my childhood so it made me very happy! I would’ve liked if it had just a bit more pieces of mushroom, but that’s just my preference. When I go back I need to make sure is on Mushroom Soup Day!

soup(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

At this point I was already full from all the goodies… but there was more… oh so much more to come!

Spaghetti with Homemade Marinara Sauce. What can I say but heavenly. The pasta cooked just right with their signature sauce was delicious. The lasagna… so cheesy and meaty and oh so good!!!

spaghetti(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

And because we didn’t have enough to eat, they brought 2 pizzas! One was thin crust, the other New York Style. The thin crust is made without butter, which is great for our vegan friends. My favorite, the NY Style. The crust was so flaky and light and the flavor was just awesome! We had the plain pizza, so I can only imagine when toppings are added!

new york(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

For dessert we had Homemade Cheese Cake. There’s always room for dessert, right? Well, this cheesecake was out of this world! So light, not overly sweet, on a bed of chocolate sauce. I was in heaven!!!

cheesecake(Photo Property of Andrea Kuczynski)

All of the food was so delicious and in the words of the amazing & talented, Chef Judy, “made with love”!

14095799_10154676513932985_1163463773965122043_n(Photo Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca)

One of the events they like to have at Retro is a Rockabilly dance. So, after dinner, Renata and Giuliano gave us a sample of what Rockabilly dancing is like. It looked like so much fun, I had to join in! Now, I’ve never danced Rockabilly, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into. However, Giuliano was a great teacher and I had so much fun! Can’t wait for their next dance!!!

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14046157_10154676513017985_1540610983214270587_n(Photos Property of Jacquie Montes de Oca & Andrea Kuczynski)

Overall it was a fabulous evening of delicious food, fun dancing and amazing people!

About the author – Jacquie is a freelance contributor for Living the Dream Podcast; freelance contributor to Peter Alden Entertainment and freelance assistant, social media coordinator & roadie for Armando Diaz, Frank Sinatra Tribute Artist.

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