Disney

All posts tagged Disney

New Beauty And The Beast Live Action Poster

Published July 25, 2016 by ltdjosh

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Oscar® winner Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast” is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

June 28, 2016 Live video from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

Published July 1, 2016 by Disneyways.com

REPLAY! Join me for a tour of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Lobby …Disney news and more!!

Facebook Live chat on location at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, including Disney News and more from Krista Joy Enterprises and Peter Alden Entertainment.

Recorded June 28, 2016

Pete’s Birthday Celebration!!: https://www.facebook.com/events/1205735412804041/

July 10th Mount Dora: https://www.facebook.com/events/515316415320012/

Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass”

Published May 31, 2016 by ltdjosh

In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland to save her friend the Mad Hatter. Directed by James Bobin, who brings a unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in “Alice in Wonderland,” the film is written by Linda Woolverton based on characters created by Lewis Carroll and produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd and Tim Burton with John G. Scotti serving as executive producer. “Alice Through the Looking Glass” reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Matt Lucas and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.

Alice Kingsleigh (Wasikowska) has spent the past three years sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland. Reuniting with her friends the White Rabbit, Absolem, the White Queen and the Cheshire Cat, Alice must save the Hatter and Underland itself, before time runs out. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opened in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016.

Giveaway! Mary Blair Dish Ware

Published April 5, 2016 by Disneyways.com

dishware
It’s a Small World: The Joy of Mary Blair

Due to her use of vibrant color combinations and bold, simple shapes, Disney Legend Mary Blair is best known for her work as the designer of Disneyland attraction It’s A Small World and for her creative impact on the classic Disney features Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Cinderella. The World of Mary Blair dish ware collection from Gaia Group takes its inspiration from the whimsical, innovative, electric drawings in Blair’s archive. It is meant to appeal to children and to the child in everyone.

Share your feedback on Gaia Group’s ‘World of Mary Blair’ tableware designs and you could win an exclusive set from their licensed Mary Blair collection later this year! I’ve already entered and I’m forwarding the survey to every Mary Blair™ fan I know.

World of Mary Blair™ Give Away

Check out our interview with Maggie Richardson (niece of Mary Blair) on Living the Dream Podcast HERE.

Special thanks to Ana Clark for notifying us about this giveaway! Please visit and “Like” Recent Portraits by Ana Clark

SING ALONG!!! WDW Discounts, Animal Kingdom after dark and more!!!

Published March 16, 2016 by Disneyways.com

March 15, 2016 at 7pm Eastern we did a live facebook broadcast that included Animal Kingdom after dark, a new WDW discount club, details and menu regarding table service at the Diamond Horseshoe! I had someone ask me about my history of working with disney dining – from home – so we covered that too. Click HERE to see the video with all the links and comments attached. Thanks to everyone who tuned in live. See you next Tuesday at 7pm Eastern on Facebook!

Catch Jerry on the Sweep Spot Podcast HERE

Get your Kingdom Classics CD and so much more cool Disney stuff at this website – with a discount!!

Details on the CD Launch Party and dinner with Peter Alden can be found HERE.

Here’s what I’m doing on St. Patrick’s Day if you want to come.

Menu for the new Table Service lunch and dinner at the Diamond Horseshoe is HERE.

Click here to learn my secrets on how to get last minute dining reservations at Be Our Guest!

Skipper Canteen review, new technology at Small World and more ‪Disney‬ news!

Published March 10, 2016 by Disneyways.com

March 9, 2016 at 7pm Eastern we did a live facebook broadcast that included thoughts and feelings on my first visit to the new Skipper Canteen restaurant in Adventureland! We also discussed the new technology at the It’s a Small World Attraction and so much more! Click HERE to see the video with all the links and comments attached. Thanks to everyone who tuned in live. See you next Tuesday at 7pm on Facebook!

Disney World Girls Getaway Weekend

Published February 17, 2016 by Disneyways.com

Ladies this one is for you! Just for a minute, imagine running away to Disney World with your best girlfriends – some you may not have even met yet! Doesn’t that sound like a dream? Well now, thanks to Amanda and her team at Living With The Magic, YOU can make this dream a reality in 2016! Curious to know more? Check out the beautiful article they have posted for you with all of the details by clicking on any of these graphics below! I just might see you at one or more of the events during Girls Getaway Weekend! Woo hoo!! Can’t wait!!

***Disclosure: Living With the Magic has given a small financial donation to help support Disneyways in exchange for sponsored social media posts. This blog post was not sponsored. This donation did not influence me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Top 5 New Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Guest Author Kate Voss

Published January 13, 2016 by Disneyways.com

Photo credit StarWars.com

Top 5 New Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Guest Author Kate Voss

Predictably, Star Wars fans were both excited and nervous when the new trilogy was first announced. While the beloved series was returning, it was doing so under a new director and new writers. Turns out, there was no need to worry. In addition to almost universally positive reviews, the first movie has so far broken all earning records in the United States and is on track to become one of the highest grossing movies in history worldwide. One of the most appealing aspects was the reintroduction of some classic characters, still played by their original actors. However, it’s not just nostalgia driving the movie. A new batch of characters have joined the crew and they are winning hearts as quickly as they are battles. Below are five of the best new characters from The Force Awakens.

Poe Dameron

Photo credit StarWars.com

Everyone loves a pilot. When that pilot is young, attractive, and fights for the Resistance, he is definitely guaranteed to win fans. Not only that, but Dameron shows himself to be single mindedly committed to both his cause and his comrades, making him an appealing new hero for the series. His mother’s own heroism in the previous war and his loss of her as a child just makes him easier to love.

Finn

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Finn (John Boyega)
Ph: Film Frame
© 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved..

FN-2187, or Finn, makes our acquaintance first as a stormtrooper. Despite this, he quickly wins hearts by helping to rescue Poe Dameron and turning traitor against the First Order. Though he has trained to be a stormtrooper from when he is a young child, his soft heart and reluctance to kill in cold blood eventually drive him away from the men and women who trained him. Though he isn’t particularly interested in joining the Resistance at first, it is again his commitment to helping his friends which cements his involvement. Well, that and some bad luck.

BB-8

Photo credit StarWars.com

Personality-filled droids are a Star Wars hallmark, and the updated series wouldn’t be complete without at least one new robot to fall in love with. Despite his cute and not particularly fierce appearance, BB-8 has been entrusted with vital Resistance information that the First Order is desperate to get their hands on. Aside from the strategic importance this lends him, the character is also essential in bringing Finn, Rey, and Dameron together, though the information he carries paints a bullseye on their backs.

Kylo Ren

Photo credit StarWars.com

Kylo Ren is one of the most interesting new characters in the Star Wars universe. Much like Darth Vader before him, his actions are extremely dark. In fact, they are objectively unforgivable, as he resorts to torture and murder to accomplish his goals. Despite this, there is a thread of good still alive in him that keeps viewers intrigued. Without giving too much away, it becomes obvious where both the light and the dark in his soul come from, though his motivations for turning away from one for the other are less clear. This character will surely reveal himself further in the next two films, and fans will just as surely be fascinated by each new revelation.

Rey

Photo credit StarWars.com

Rey is still largely a mystery herself. A fierce fighter and extremely capable, her history and parentage are not well known. What is known is that she is Force-sensitive, ensuring that her role in the next two films will likely be significant. Though she starts out as a mere scavenger at the beginning of the film, it is clear that she is much more. She is also a breath of fresh air in the traditionally male-heavy Star Wars universe, which desperately needed a little estrogen.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens..Rey (Daisy Ridley)..Ph: David James..© 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved.

Whether a fan of villains, heroes, futuristic technology or just a good redemption story, there is something for everyone in the newest Star Wars film. Though a quick refresher course with the old films and spin offs via Google Play and Direct TV is advisable, The Force Awakens manages to stand on its own despite the weight of the previous six films resting on its shoulders. Not only that, but with its casting choices the franchise has thrown open the doors to welcome new fans in. The far far away universe that so many people have come to love continues to grow, and it feels as though the newest saga is just beginning.

Photo credit StarWars.com

About the author: Kate Voss is a writer and blogger based in the Windy City. Fuelled by coffee and chocolate, she’s an MSU alum with a passion for traveling and love of all things Disney. Her favorite Girl Scout Cookies are the Trefoils.

Valentine’s Day Italian Style at Portobello Disney Springs this February

Published January 10, 2016 by ltdjosh

PORTOBELLO RESTAURANT DEBUTS 3-COURSE VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

Whisk a loved one away on a culinary trip to Italy

(LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL; January 6, 2015) – Italian countryside concept, Portobello Restaurant (1650 Buena Vista Dr.) in Disney Springs offers an extravagant prix-fixe dinner for sweethearts and that special someone this Valentine’s Day on Sunday, February 14.

Guests can start the romantic meal with a complimentary round of Jeio Prosecco as Chef Cristobal Lopez serves a 3-course prix-fixe menu where lovers can pick and choose from two different starters and entrees. Menu highlights include a Flat Iron Steak with spinach, garlic, and rosemary potatoes as well as a Chocolate Mousse with mascarpone whipped cream. The entire menu includes:

Starter

Choice of

Tomato bisque

Arugula salad, candied walnuts, raspberry vinaigrette

Entrée

Choice of

Flat iron steak spinach, garlic, rosemary potatoes

Swordfish peperonatta

Dessert

Chocolate mousse, mascarpone whipped cream

The prix-fixe menu at Portobello Restaurant is $95.00 per couple and reservations can be made by calling 407.934.8888. For additional information please visit www.portobellorestaurant.com.

About Portobello Restaurant

Located in the heart of Downtown Disney at 1650 Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida,Portobello Country Italian Trattoria presents guests with a classic osteria experience celebrating the simple flavors of Italy. Crusty breads, sun-ripened tomatoes, imported Prosciutto di Parma, freshly caught fish, fruity olive oil, and pungent cheese set the stage for the warm, family-friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Portobello is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for dinner daily from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. For more information visit www.portobellorestaurant.com or call 407.934.8888and follow Portobello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

10 Disney Films That Will Inspire You to Travel ~ By Guest Author Jason Biondo

Published January 7, 2016 by Disneyways.com

10 DISNEY FILMS THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO TRAVEL

Disney films are beloved and admired for their colorful story-lines, enchanting and beautiful princesses as well as handsome prince charmings. All movies that Disney creates are loved not only by children, but everyone who are young at heart because they simply showcase beautiful musical scores and shows stunning pictures. Over time, Disney continues to create memorable
memories and inspiration brought about by magic and dreams.

If you’re a big Disney fan and a travel junkie at the same time, then you must know where you can find and experience being on the setting of your favorite Disney movie. Here are some of the all-time favorite Disney movies that were inspired by real-life locations.

1. Lion King

lion king

This classic Disney movie has surely created wonderful memories because of the morallessons it brings, songs that marked in every child’s life and of course, the stunning settings of this film. The scenery of this film was inspired by a gorgeous desert in Africa – Serengeti, which is located across northern Tanzania and southwest of Kenya. This safari desert is life-changing like how it was pictured in the movie as it holds beautiful landscapes and wild animals that will surely spark your wanderlust. This movie will awaken your adventurous side as well as you desire to see more of this wonderful world. Hakuna Matata and enjoy life!

2. Aladdin

As a child, you were surely dreamt of riding the magic carpet and wonder how it feels like to see the world up in the sky. Aladdin is a movie based on Arab folklore that is full of enchantments – a magic lamp, a genie and three wishes. The movie has highlighted several stunning places like pyramids, palaces, deserts, alley ways and even China. But did you know that the Sultan’s Palace in the movie was inspired by the real life famous architecture in India – the Taj Mahal.

3. Mulan

Showcasing the countryside and unique cultures of China, Mulan is a story about a fearless girl who disguised as a man to go to a war. The Emperor’s Home in the movie was actually inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. If you remember the famous line told by Fa Zhou to Mulan about life and how it should be enjoyed, you will surely be moved to accomplish your dreams and go on different adventures and explore the world.

4. Frozen

Photo credit Disney

Remember the scene where Elsa went away from her kingdom to elude people’s judgment about her hidden capability? The ice palace she created as a place she could live for isolation was based on the concept of Hotel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada. The hotel is surrounded by snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures that open during winter. This fortress has 44 rooms, abundant ice sculptures, and imposing snow vaults. This film by Disney will surely motivate you to free yourself from fear and give you the
opportunity to do things you want without worrying about other’s verdict. Do you want to build a snowman?

5. Tangled

Rapunzel, leaving the tower to take control over her own life brings inspiration to go on the road and explore different adventures. If you have watched the movie and look forward to seeing settings like the places featured in this film, then the real life places that were actually used as inspiration for this movie will completely amaze you. The tower was inspired by the Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France – a fortified islandcommune with a population of 44 people. The art director of the movie chose this location in order to create gallant painting style. Additionally, the scene at the lake fullof floating lanterns was taken insights from the annual festivity in China, Taiwan and Thailand.

6. Up

Who would have forgotten about the exceptional and adventurous journey of Carl and Ellie? Ellie’s desire to fulfill his and his wife’s dream of going to Paradise Falls was fortified after his wife passed away. Voyaged through Carl’s house hovering in the air has amazed children and the paradise Falls has enthused people to see a similar setting. Well, you may want to visit the Angel Falls in Venezuela’s Canaima Natural Park where this famous setting has been based. It is known as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, it is also called as “waterfall of the deepest place”.

7. Lilo & Stitch

As Lilo and her family ventured towards the world, it has left a moral lesson about the importance of family and the bond created by traveling together. The settings of this film were enthused by the landscapes of Kauai town in Hawaii which was perfect for its homey-inspired tale.

8. Brave

Meridahorse

Merida, a fearless girl who’s desperate for freedom from her royal family set foot in the woods alone for the liberty she wanted. Brave features beautiful ruins, majestic landscapes and castles along Merida’s journey and some of it were actually real pictures that you can visit. This movie will surely inspire you to visit Eilean Donan Castle, which is known in the film as DunBroch Castle. Built during the mid-13th century, it is located in the Scottish highlands and is overlooking the sea. If you are fond of historic places and folklore, visiting Eilean Donan Castle is what you might need to satisfy your wanderlust.

9. Finding Nemo

The film was set in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Watching this movie may inspire you to book a scuba diving classes, go snorkeling to a marine conservation or even urge you to book a trip to Australia.

10. Enchanted

The movie is about some animated characters coming into the real world and becoming real people. Based in New York settings, this film features various scenes featuring the Central Park will surely make you want to visit the busiest city in the world. This romantic comedy movie will surely bring in the wanderlust in you as the urbaninspiration and soundtracks will motivate you to see the world.

Inspired to travel? Open your travel planner now, and create your own magical and enchanting Disney-like escapades!

About the Author: Jason Biondo is a travel junkie and an amateur bodybuilder who loves to share insightful tips to his fellow travelers and fitness enthusiasts. He is also a User Interface Developer Consultant and the founder of Trekeffect.
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