The Walt Disney Company

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Living The Dream Podcast – Lives on!

Published August 5, 2019 by Disneyways.com

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Catch all of our interviews on YouTube HERE!

At Living the Dream Podcast, we know it’s not just about achieving your goals in the future – it’s also about enjoying your journey along the way! Our goal is be your number one source for all things related to living your DISNEY dreams and so much more… through creative experiences and inspiration. This just in! We are adding a new feature called “Disneyways Magical Spotlights ~ Disney Luminaries” with our ultimate goal being to bring you closer to each Disney celebrity – in the form of several magical layers and multi-media experiences. Through Living The Dream Podcast we will also bring you interviews with athletes, entrepreneurs, authors and other people of interest in the Disney community and beyond. We introduce you to awesome places to visit, keep you up to date on activities, and cover restaurant and food reviews. We offer tips, products, ideas and FUN to enhance your day! No matter where you are in life, there is definitely something for you here.

How it all began…

Back in July of 2015 Living The Dream Podcast was born! Originally it was launched the help of my good friend Joe Pardo. I will always be so grateful to Joe for his many hours of work and helping me get the show started. I could have never done it without him! We picked up the show again in 2016 with Jerry Cornell of ThemeParkology.com as co-host!  The episodes with Jerry will be shared soon! You will always hear me, but, don’t be surprised if we pick up more guest co-hosts along the way. I love the variety that they offer.

I am so very proud to have the amazing Mike Brassell – voice of the Living With The Land and People Mover attractions at Walt Disney World – introduce every episode of Living the Dream Podcast.

mike

Podcasting has been on my list of things to do since I began blogging here at Disneyways, because it fits in to our mission and goal to bring you Disney magic where ever you are!  I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am for this wonderful opportunity. I truly love being a part of the many different facets in front of the mic, and behind the scenes. The show has been very successful and has a large audience, but if you aren’t yet listening in – we need YOU!

Here are some ways to tune in:

Find us on YouTube HERE

Please head over and “like” our facebook page HERE and add us to your interests list! We will be posting there daily to help keep you up to date on the latest!

You can also follow us on Twitter  and Instagram!

Thank you so much for the support you have already shown me in this endeavor. Disneyways readers and subscribers are AWESOME and I appreciate you all more than you will ever know.

Have a magical day!!

PS Do  you want to be a part of Living The Dream Podcast? We are looking for individuals and businesses who offer only the BEST products and services! Please let us know if you (or someone you know!) is interested in sponsoring a future event, giveaways, or even future episodes!

Bill “Sully” Sullivan: Disneyways Magical Spotlights: Disney Luminaries

Published July 17, 2019 by Disneyways.com

Disneyways Magical Spotlights: Disney Luminaries ~  Bill “Sully” Sullivan

He spent almost 40 years with the company, starting as a ticket-taker on the Jungle Cruise in 1955 and ending his career as Vice President of the Magic Kingdom in 1994. You can get his book and learn all about him in detail, by clicking below on our affiliate link.

From Jungle Cruise Skipper to Disney Legend 40 Years of Magical Memories at Disney

My first selfie with Disney Legend Bill “Sully” Sullivan taken in 2014

After studying architecture in the 1950s, Sully actually got his first job in the aircraft industry. But then, after tuning in to ABC’s live broadcast of Disneyland’s opening and dedication, he made a decision that would change his life forever.
On Sunday, July 17, 1955, William “Sully” Sullivan was tuned in to ABC-TV. “I watched the opening ceremonies for Disneyland. The following Saturday I went down and applied for a job. “Monday I quit Northrop Aircraft, and Tuesday I reported to work as a ticket-taker at the Jungle Cruise.” Sully was just 19 years old at the time.

As he worked at the Jungle Cruise for nearly three years, Bill earned the title of “jungle bunny”—an unofficial name given to the attraction’s hosts in the ’50s. This experience gave him the opportunity to move around the park, rising through the ranks of park operations and supervising various attractions.

In fact, Bill helped pull off some of the most historic events in Disney history. Bill soon earned a place on the opening team for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games in Squaw Valley, for which Walt Disney served as chairman of pageantry.

What did Bill think of the man, Walt Disney?

“Walt was a really warm individual,” Sully remembered fondly. “He had a great sense of humor, and he loved people. He was an executive, but not what you perceive as an ‘executive.’ He was a real team guy.”

A few years later, he became assistant manager for the groundbreaking Disney attractions at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair and eventually helped with several famous Disney film premieres. Examples include the premiers for Mary Poppins at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (1964) and The Happiest Millionaire at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre (1967).

Sully also helped develop the world’s largest private construction project – two times! But first, he moved to Orlando in 1969. From here, the construction plans began for the park’s opening day in 1971. Sully spent several years assisting with the preparation and opening of Walt Disney World, which was the world’s largest private construction effort until the development of EPCOT Center a decade later. For Epcot, Sully coordinated operational design input and installation of owner-furnished equipment as as director of PICO (Project Installation and Coordination Office) and, after Epcot opened in 1982, he served as director of park operations. The two largest construction projects in the world, and Sully was there…preparing, coordinating, and assisting with it all!

But Sully wasn’t finished yet. In 1987, still working hard and growing his career,  next up he would be named vice president of the Magic Kingdom, and was responsible for operation of the Park. It was a long list of operations including attractions, merchandising, transportation, entertainment, ticket sales, guest relations, costuming, foods, custodial, maintenance, planned work, and even horticulture.

Sully’s contributions have earned him two tributes on Main Street, U.S.A.! He’s got a window on both coasts. One for Disney World and one for Disneyland! In Orlando at Magic Kingdom Park, look for the one that lists him as a charter member of the “Windermere Fraternal Hall.” Bill actually served as Vice President of the Magic Kingdom from 1987 until 1993, during which he oversaw the openings of experiences from Delta Dreamflight and Magic Journeys to Mickey’s Birthdayland and Splash Mountain. In Disneyland, you will find a window on Main Street listing him as Chief Guide of “Sully’s Safaris & Guide Service” (a reference to his first role at Disneyland.)

Sully retired in 1993 after 38 years with Disney, and without a single regret. “If I had to do it all over,” he said, “I’d do it all again tomorrow.” He would be named a Disney Legend in 2005.

New Series! Disneyways Magical Spotlights: Disney Luminaries

Published July 17, 2019 by Disneyways.com

New Series! Disneyways Magical Spotlights: Disney Luminaries

These blog posts will be just one aspect of “Disneyways Magical Spotlights: Disney Luminaries” with our ultimate goal being to bring you closer to each Disney celebrity – in the form of several magical layers and multi-media experiences. In the sea of Disney fan media out there – my vision is to bring you an experience you won’t get any place else.

You might be asking yourself – how is this even possible?

Well, many of our spotlighted luminaries are in the business of making dreams come true. Many have been doing it for decades. And then … there’s me. Disneyways treasures you won’t find any place else. I will be adding my own special Krista Joy “magic” to each magical spotlight feature.

 

I will have the goal in mind of helping you to feel like you know each luminary personally – through the multiple magical layers we will bring you. It is critical for Disney fans to be aware of these amazing people and learn more about them, because they contribute so much to the Disney magic that we enjoy today. The stories of who they are and why – are just fascinating – and that’s an added bonus!

Other magical spotlight layers on these famous Disney Legends, authors, voices and more (many I call friends of mine) will include:

Video Interviews

DVD Documentaries through our partners at ThemeParkology.com

Personal Audio Interviews (on air with Krista) for our global online radio show “Living The Dream Podcast” with syndication on other broadcasts coming soon….

and even LIVE EVENTS.

Sometimes it will be events that I am hosting, sometimes it will be news on events you and I may both attend as guests. I want you to meet the luminaries in person so you can start your own “Wall of Fame.” There’s even talk of cruises, musical concerts and more. I hope you can join me for it all, but even when things don’t fit in your schedule to be there in person, I will offer you live coverage whenever possible, so it feels like you are right there. Let the “Disneyways Magical Spotlights: Disney Luminaries” series begin…and in the words of Walt Disney may “all who come to this happy place… welcome.”

Simba Just Can’t Wait for our Lion King Review!

Published July 7, 2019 by Disneyways.com

We all know Simba just can’t wait to be king! But apparently he is looking forward to our movie review, as well!

Today is July 7th 2019, and my oldest son is turning 25 today! The Lion King movie always makes me think of my son Bradley because the original animated film came out just about 2 weeks before he was born.

Today felt like the perfect day to announce that I am delighted and honored to have been invited for the media preview for Disney’s The Lion King! Yep, Disney is bringing the “live action” Lion King to you in theaters July 18th – but you’ll be able to read our full review here at Disneyways.com on July 11th! Even if it’s not your birthday, it’s a little like getting an early birthday present from Disneyways to you. Remember to check it out!!!  And as Mufasa says,

“REMEMBER…who you are!” 

Check out all our recent movie reviews HERE

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios: A Teens’ Perspective Written by Jennifer Bright Reich

Published March 8, 2019 by Disneyways.com

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios: A Teens’ Perspective
By Jennifer Bright Reich

My fiancé and I have four sons, Kevin (15), Kyle (14), Tyler (13), and Austin (almost 12). We all went to Orlando a few weeks ago in January. We were fortunate to get to spend time in both Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot and Universal Studios.

I’m a life-long Disney fan, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Universal Studios. I was curious what our teens thought about the parks. Some of their perspectives surprised me! Here’s what they loved—and what they didn’t love.

Universal Studios Rides

I preferred the Express Pass system at Universal to Disney’s FastPass. It helped us to get on a lot more rides. At Disney, you only get FastPass for a few rides.— Kevin
I enjoyed some of the rides, especially Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. It felt like you were really there, on that ride simulator especially because you had your own seat, so you really felt the movements.—Kyle
I liked the line for the Fast and Furious ride because it had a bunch of car parts, gun stuff to look at, and famous cards along the way. There was lot of eye candy to look at while you were waiting.— Kevin.
I didn’t like the Fast and Furious ride. It didn’t even feel like you were moving. —Kyle
I loved the Rip Ride Rockit Coaster! However, in general at Universal, I felt there were too many simulation rides and not enough physical rides. —Austin
My favorite Universal ride was Revenge of the Mummy because it actually “moved through space” and wasn’t just a simulator ride. —Tyler
One on our way out of the park, we were asked to take a survey, I thought it was great that they were asking for feedback. I felt that they really cared about our experience and how they could improve. I felt my opinion was taken into consideration, which was nice.—Kevin
I though the nighttime show was ok but not as good Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!—Tyler
I was disappointed that City Walk was so much smaller than Disney Springs. —Austin
But at least you can just walk to City Walk. You don’t have to take a bus like you do to get to Disney Springs. —Kevin

Universal Studios Food
I really enjoyed the churros. But they were a little dry.—Kevin
I disliked the food. We ate at Monster Café. —Tyler
The food tasted like it had sat out for a long time. —Kyle

Walt Disney World Rides
You can’t beat Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I even loved the stand-by line because there were so many things to look at. I especially liked the parts of the ride when you could smell things like the dirt.— Kyle
Because we stayed off property, we didn’t have the early access to FastPass, so we weren’t able to get FastPasses for Flight of Passage. We went there first thing, though, and only waited in line for around 45 min—Kevin
The wait was long for Flight of Passage.— Kyle.
Don’t take the Friendship Boats across World Showcase! It’s much faster to walk. —Kyle

Walt Disney World Food
I liked the food at better at Disney World than Universal Studios . Some of portion sizes were dangerous though, especially the Beastly Burger at Rainforest Café! I really liked the food at Epcot—Kevin
Epcot has the best food. I love the Japan Pavilion, especially the soup, and Coral Reef.— Tyler

Walt Disney World Shopping
Epcot is the most unique for shopping. You actually feel like you’re shopping, as opposed to just going to a gift store. —Tyler
I liked the Mitsukoshi Department Store. It was really neat.— Kyle
I really liked that the stores in Epcot World Showcase has to have people working there from those countries. It really felt like I was visiting those places for a little bit. —Kevin
I thought there were to many Disney-owned stores at Disney Springs. It felt like all of the stores were the same. I would like to see more nonDisney stores. —Kevin.
We bought grow your own bonsai trees and they didn’t grow!-Kyle

 

About the Author: Jennifer Bright Reich is cofounder and CEO of Momosa Publishing, a family- and veteran-owned hybrid publisher in Bethlehem, PA. MomosaPublishing.com. She publishes health, parenting, inspiration, and children’s books, including books for kids by kids, like The Adventures of the Rabbits in the Most Magical Place on Earth, The Adventures of the Squirrels in the Most Magical Place on Earth, and The Adventures of the Lions in the Most Magical Place on Earth—stories about the real animals that live in Walt Disney World, which are all written by her son Austin Reich and illustrated by her son Tyler Reich.

Get to Know Author and Grand Marshal Coordinator: Dean Gaschler

Published July 28, 2017 by Disneyways.com

It’s been said that if you love Disney World – you will love this book!! These words were spoken by none other than Lee Cockerell former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort – so you know they must be true!!

Originally from Kansas, Dean Gaschler migrated to Florida via Colorado to work for The Walt Disney Company (Walt Disney World / Magic Kingdom Park) in 1991. It all began in The Harmony Barber Shop just off of Main Street USA. Seven years into it all, he was asked to become the Grand Marshal Coordinator for the daily Parade in The Magic Kingdom. The remaining 14 years of his Disney career were spent creating and sharing magic with thousands of Parade Grand Marshal Guests that he selected. Order his books for an inside look, stories and more from Disney’s Grand Marshal Coordinator.

Book One “I Led The Parade!” is available on DeanGaschler.com (get the book personalized for yourself or a loved one – autographed by Dean for FREE by ordering this way!) and Book Two “Main Street Memories” is available on Amazon and at Theme Park Press

Follow Dean on twitter TWITTER

Like him on FACEBOOK


Check out our live interview with Dean to learn more about his NEW book – Main Street Memories!

World Secrets ~ A Taste of Filet Mignon at Disney World for just $11!

Published June 29, 2017 by Disneyways.com

Who knew you could get Filet Mignon at these prices – on DISNEY property?! Worth every penny! If you are aware of this being offered any place else other than Top of The World Lounge, be sure to leave me a comment! Check out the video for a full tour of the lounge, and more.

Splurge and get the cheese board too. It’s lovely!

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”

Published June 13, 2017 by Disneyways.com

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS UNWRAPS
“OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE”
New Disney Holiday Featurette to Debut in Front of
Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” on Nov. 22, 2017

Olaf (voice of Josh Gad) teams up with Sven on a merry mission in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 21-minute featurette “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.” It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened and Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends. Directed by Emmy®-winning filmmakers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (“Prep & Landing”), produced by Oscar® winner Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6”), and featuring a screenplay by Jac Schaeffer and four original songs by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” opens in front of Disney•Pixar’s original feature “Coco” in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.

Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) and Pixar Animation Studios are teaming up this holiday season when WDAS’ new featurette “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” opens in front of Disney•Pixar’s original feature film “Coco” on Nov. 22, 2017. The new trailer for the featurette will run in front of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3,” beginning this Friday, June 16, when Lightning McQueen’s new big-screen adventure opens in theaters nationwide.

“I’m thrilled that Disney Animation’s featurette ‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’ will be coming to theaters in November with Pixar’s ‘Coco,’” said John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. “It’s a perfect pairing – they’re both beautiful, heartfelt films about families and how people carry traditions forward. I can’t wait for audiences to get to see both of these terrific projects together on the big screen.”

Featuring four new original songs, the 21-minute featurette welcomes the original cast and characters back to the big screen, including Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), who is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) and Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff). Directed by Emmy®-winning filmmakers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (“Prep & Landing”), produced by Oscar® winner Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6”), with original songs by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (“Between the Lines”), “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” will be in theaters for a limited time beginning Nov. 22.

“Stevie and I were deeply honored to be entrusted by John [Lasseter] to create an all-new story with these characters we love,” said Deters. “We’re thrilled to have our film play on the big screen with ‘Coco’ during the holidays.”

“We loved getting in the recording booth with these incredible actors who know their characters inside and out,” added Wermers-Skelton. “We can’t wait for audiences to see the featurette, enjoy their performances, and hear the incredible new songs written by Elyssa and Kate.”

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” celebrates characters who won over audiences worldwide when “Frozen” first hit the big screen in 2013. Earning more than $1.27 billion globally, the film won two Academy Awards® (best animated film and best original song with “Let It Go”) and a Golden Globe® (best animated feature film). Slated for November 2019, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ untitled feature-length follow-up to the hit film reunites filmmakers Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck and Peter Del Vecho with the Grammy®- and Oscar®-winning songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

ABOUT DISNEY•PIXAR’S “COCO”
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself magically transported to the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic 2017

Published March 29, 2017 by Disneyways.com

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return for its eighth year Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, 2017 with exciting new dishes debuting alongside returning festival favorites. Fans can now visit http://www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com to view the 2017 food menu as well as book overnight packages and purchase tickets.

Highlights of the 2017 menu include featured items from the hotel’s signature restaurants: Kobe beef mini burgers with truffle aioli, Applewood smoked bacon and roma tomato chutney from The Fountain; seared Yellowfin Tuna salad from Todd English’s bluezoo; ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms, baby spinach and fennel sausage from Il Mulino Trattoria and oven-roasted beef ribeye with mashed potatoes and sauce bordelaise from Shula’s Steakhouse. Returning dishes include the popular dragon sushi roll from Kimonos and fish ‘n’ chips with sea salt and vinegar potato chips from Garden Grove.

Also returning this year will be Carnival Corner and Chinatown, offering specialty cuisine in immersive themed areas, as well as the Sunday Bubbles Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 29. Original dessert offerings will once again be served by World Champion Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard. For a full list of current menu offerings, please visit http://www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com/eat/menu/all.html.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 50 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on seminars with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts.

Overnight and multiple-night package options are available for the eighth-annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic and can be booked by phone at 1-888-828-8850:

· One-night packages start at $424, and include room accommodations and two tickets to the outdoor festival (seminar tickets and beer garden tickets may be added for an additional fee)
· Two-night packages start at $824, and include room accommodations and two tickets to the outdoor festival for both nights (seminar tickets and beer garden tickets may be added for an additional fee)

Individual ticket options are also available for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic and can be purchased at http://www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com (pricing is inclusive of tax and service fees):

· Advance-purchase, event-only tickets to enjoy unlimited tastings on the causeway are $115 per person
· Upgraded tickets, including unlimited tastings on the causeway and access to the beer garden, are $140 per person

With 17 restaurants and lounges, and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually earns national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel features more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.

For the latest information about the event, guests can visit http://www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com, like http://www.facebook.com/swananddolphin or call 1-800-227-1500.

 

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

Published January 13, 2016 by Disneyways.com

chewy&hans

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

poedameron

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..

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

bb8

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

kyloren

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

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.

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.

rey&finn

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.

 

 

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