Wednesday, February 29, 2012
It's Leap Day!
It's Leap Day!
Do you know what that means, Disney Freaks?
It's One More Disney Day!
For the first time ever together, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park are open for 24 hours...just today!
In fact, I'm going to be up 24 hours today in honor of it.
My mom: "Oh, no you aren't."
Just kidding.
All Day and All Night!
It's started!
Here's a video from Walt Disney World's Facebook page posted early this morning to kick off the festivities.
Check back today often for more updates about One More Disney Day!
Do you know what that means, Disney Freaks?
It's One More Disney Day!
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| From thesuburbanmom.com |
For the first time ever together, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park are open for 24 hours...just today!
In fact, I'm going to be up 24 hours today in honor of it.
My mom: "Oh, no you aren't."
Just kidding.
All Day and All Night!
It's started!
Here's a video from Walt Disney World's Facebook page posted early this morning to kick off the festivities.
Check back today often for more updates about One More Disney Day!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Time to be Brave
Guess who did an article on the upcoming movie Brave?
Time magazine!
(Liked my pun-on-words post title?)
While I read the article in their actual magazine at my piano teacher's house, only a snippet is available on their website (but if you are a subscriber, you can see the whole article online).
In short, the article discussed how this will be Pixar's first film starring a female protagonists. Yes, all the previous movies starred male characters (Jessie is a "star," but the main focus is on Woody).
The second most important thing the article focused on was the history of the movie: how it was developed, how Chapman was replaced by Andrews, and where things stand now.
The article also humorously discussed some of the "no-cussing" policies enacted by producer Katherine Sarafian, which was not taken very well by director Mark Andrews (according to the article, he owed nearly $1,000 for cussing while talking with the team).
And also featured on Time's website is a slideshow of pictures behind-the-scenes of Brave. I've included the link for the slideshow for you as well.
Picture 6 looked awfully familiar...
And then something of interest, photo 7 shows an image of the storyboard for "The Prize," which was featured in the movie's second trailer. Picture 8 from the slideshow gives an idea of the final image from the storyboard (fully "computerized"), though I've included a more accurate one from the trailer.
Hope you enjoy!
Time magazine!
(Liked my pun-on-words post title?)
While I read the article in their actual magazine at my piano teacher's house, only a snippet is available on their website (but if you are a subscriber, you can see the whole article online).
In short, the article discussed how this will be Pixar's first film starring a female protagonists. Yes, all the previous movies starred male characters (Jessie is a "star," but the main focus is on Woody).
The second most important thing the article focused on was the history of the movie: how it was developed, how Chapman was replaced by Andrews, and where things stand now.
The article also humorously discussed some of the "no-cussing" policies enacted by producer Katherine Sarafian, which was not taken very well by director Mark Andrews (according to the article, he owed nearly $1,000 for cussing while talking with the team).
And also featured on Time's website is a slideshow of pictures behind-the-scenes of Brave. I've included the link for the slideshow for you as well.
Picture 6 looked awfully familiar...
And then something of interest, photo 7 shows an image of the storyboard for "The Prize," which was featured in the movie's second trailer. Picture 8 from the slideshow gives an idea of the final image from the storyboard (fully "computerized"), though I've included a more accurate one from the trailer.
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| Storyboard art for "The Prize" scene. Photo from Time Magazine. Photo copyrighted by Disney/Pixar. |
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| The final animated shot from the same scene. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
Hope you enjoy!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dare to Dream in the Pioneer Press
This Sunday (which would be yesterday), the Pioneer Press printed this short notice about the Disney on Ice show "Dare to Dream" opening on Wednesday at the Target Center.
FAMILY / DISNEY ON ICE: DARE TO DREAM
Wednesday-March 4: A show about a frog opens on Leap Day. Along with plenty of jumping, audiences will see stunning spins and synchronized dancing when Disney on Ice presents "Dare to Dream." Princess Tiana will boogie on skates with Prince Naveen (aka the frog) as they act out scenes from "The Princess and the Frog." You'll also see Rapunzel and Cinderella with their princes. Target Center; 600 First Ave. N., Mpls.; $65-$10; 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
- Maja Beckstrom
I smiled at the reference to Leap Day and Naveen and Tiana as frogs.
Don't miss out on this great show! Check my other two posts about "Dare to Dream" for showtime info and ticket info.
FAMILY / DISNEY ON ICE: DARE TO DREAM
Wednesday-March 4: A show about a frog opens on Leap Day. Along with plenty of jumping, audiences will see stunning spins and synchronized dancing when Disney on Ice presents "Dare to Dream." Princess Tiana will boogie on skates with Prince Naveen (aka the frog) as they act out scenes from "The Princess and the Frog." You'll also see Rapunzel and Cinderella with their princes. Target Center; 600 First Ave. N., Mpls.; $65-$10; 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
- Maja Beckstrom
I smiled at the reference to Leap Day and Naveen and Tiana as frogs.
Don't miss out on this great show! Check my other two posts about "Dare to Dream" for showtime info and ticket info.
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| Poster for show. From the Disney Wiki. |
Alert! Dare to Dream!
"Dare to Dream" opens on Wednesday, two days from today!
Here are the showtimes. Remember it's only a five day show here in Minnesota!
Opening Day: February 29: 7 p.m.
March 1: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
March 2: 7 p.m.
March 3: 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Last Day: March 4: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets can still be found here! And remember, they start at just $10....going up to $65 for front row.
Here are the showtimes. Remember it's only a five day show here in Minnesota!
Opening Day: February 29: 7 p.m.
March 1: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
March 2: 7 p.m.
March 3: 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Last Day: March 4: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets can still be found here! And remember, they start at just $10....going up to $65 for front row.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
New Brave Trailer
Just yesterday, Disney posted the new trailer for their upcoming Pixar project Brave (to be released this summer) on their Facebook page.
(Sorry this isn't the one actually from the Disney Facebook page - it wouldn't come up when I tried to put it into this post!)
For those of you unsure of what Brave is, here's a synopsis from the description of the video from Disney Facebook's page: "Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it's too late."
Now I have to say, this recent trailer makes me all the more excited to see it.
One, I love Merida's independent attitude, how even though her mother orders her to drop her bow, she lets loose her third arrow, splitting the one already on the target through the middle! (Reminds me of a certain scene in Robin Hood....)
Two, well I was already excited to see it with the first trailer. This is just extra icing on the cake.
I'm a big lover of fantasy and fairy tales (hence the big love of Disney Classics), and this fits into those two categories. In fact, Brenda Chapman, the writer and co director of Brave, was inspired by Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers when she wrote the screenplay (The Pixar Wiki).
And finally, who doesn't love Scottish accents?
(Sorry this isn't the one actually from the Disney Facebook page - it wouldn't come up when I tried to put it into this post!)
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| Poster for Brave. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
Now I have to say, this recent trailer makes me all the more excited to see it.
One, I love Merida's independent attitude, how even though her mother orders her to drop her bow, she lets loose her third arrow, splitting the one already on the target through the middle! (Reminds me of a certain scene in Robin Hood....)
Two, well I was already excited to see it with the first trailer. This is just extra icing on the cake.
I'm a big lover of fantasy and fairy tales (hence the big love of Disney Classics), and this fits into those two categories. In fact, Brenda Chapman, the writer and co director of Brave, was inspired by Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers when she wrote the screenplay (The Pixar Wiki).
And finally, who doesn't love Scottish accents?
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| What are you going to do about it? Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
Thursday, February 23, 2012
My Thinking Has Changed
So I found this video on Disney Movies' Facebook page and just had to check it out.
What did I get out of it?
One, remember how I was laughing at the way John Carter said "Yes" in reply to Dejah's question ("You are John Carter of Earth?")? Well, apparently it got cut off or something for that commercial because in this one he says a much easier to take "Yes, ma'am." I liked it a lot better.
Two, I liked the whole thing a lot better.
Enough to really look forward to it now.
Does this mean I'm a romantic?
I don't know. I guess so.
But what I really liked out of the whole video were the battles...and John leaping really high through the air.
What did I get out of it?
One, remember how I was laughing at the way John Carter said "Yes" in reply to Dejah's question ("You are John Carter of Earth?")? Well, apparently it got cut off or something for that commercial because in this one he says a much easier to take "Yes, ma'am." I liked it a lot better.
Two, I liked the whole thing a lot better.
Enough to really look forward to it now.
Does this mean I'm a romantic?
I don't know. I guess so.
But what I really liked out of the whole video were the battles...and John leaping really high through the air.
Goodbye to the Scary, Hello to the Characters (Part 1)
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| Snow White takes the apple in the WDW's version. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
In honor of the ride, I'm going to do a two part blog post on the ride's history and the new construction that will take the ride with it.
So "Part One: The History of the Scary."
Of course, Snow White started as the "fairest of them all" princess of the starring role in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney's first animated feature film, released in 1937. It was the movie that started them all; the little princess who opened the gates to Walt's imagination for the public.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was always relatively scary: the hag's transformation is still one of the creepiest scenes ever animated, and the evil Queen is considered on of the greatest villains of all time, having won 10th place in the AFI's list of greatest villains (she is considered the same with the hag). The Disney Wiki's article on the movie says this: "Certain scenes in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, particularly those featuring the Witch, are regarded as some of Disney's most frightening moments; British censors considered the film frightening enough for young viewers to have to be accompanied by an adult."
However, the ride would be even scarier.
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| Poster for Disneyland's version. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
All versions of the ride are a dark rides, meaning that is takes place in an enclosed space with special lighting, darkness being used to hide mechanicisms and to create effect (Wikipedia).
The ride didn't appear at Walt Disney World's own Fantasyland part of the Magic Kingdom until 1971. This ride was much more intense and "arguably scarier" than the Disneyland version, and keep in mind that the changes to the Disneyland version didn't come until 12 years after Walt Disney World's version opened (The Disney Wiki). Like in the Disneyland version, the guests took up the role of the main character, in this case, pretty little Snow White.
Once more, the Queen/Hag became the center stage character: Snow White didn't appear at all, and the Dwarfs appeared briefly once. In contrast, the Queen appeared as the Hag seven times.
However, the two rides were very different other than their names and namesake. The order of each ride's scenes were different than the other, and the endings were totally unalike: at Disneyland, the riders saw a book with the (typical) words "And they lived happily ever after" while at the end of the Disney World version, the riders entered a room of "flashing lights" after the Hag tried to push a giant jewel onto them (The Disney Wiki).
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| Figures receiving touch-ups for the WDW version. Photo from the Disney Wiki |
In 1994, Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney World was redesigned to be more like the one at Disneyland. The scenes were changed and reordered, with a few new ones, and one of the Hag models was removed or something because the Hag's appearance went down to only six times. Snow White also made an appearance now: in the courtyard cleaning and also in the Cottage.
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| "Fool them all!" Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
And sadly, no, we did not see the Queen peering down at us from her window while we were boarding. Next time I go...will there be a next time to ride?
The ride's last day of operation, according to a Disney Parks Blog post today, will be May 31 of this year.
Here's a video of the ride at Disney World taken as if you are seated in one of the ride seats. Enjoy!
For a more in-depth look at the history of this ride, check out Kenneth's Sandburg's site: the whole entire section on Snow White's Scary Adventures is eleven parts long!
Part 2 of this two-part post will discuss the renovations coming to Fantasyland (WDW) this year (though I've already done one post on the upcoming changes next month), including what Snow White's Scary Adventures will become: a meet-and-greet pavilion. Check back again soon for Part 2!
Comments: Please share anything you'd like, but I'd really enjoy it if people shared their memories of the ride.
And Snow White Sanctum, any comments? I'm quite sure you are more of an expert on this!
**UPDATE**
I realize I said to keep an eye out of Part 2. However, there is so much information out there about this new construction that it's a bit overwhelming for me to organize it all into a post. Sorry about that.
Fantasyland Construction Heads-up!
Just a quick heads-up about the Disney construction at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World!
According to a new blog post from today on the Disney Parks Blog, the first part of the construction will be done by late March.
The construction done by March will be focused on Storybook Circus, a new area based on the movie Dumbo. The first elements opening in March will include a new Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, the much awaited new ride with the Great Goofini (guess who that is), as well as several other attractions acknowledging and inspired by the movie.
In fact, Casey Jr. will be there!
How about you?
Note: the ride Snow White's Scary Adventures will have May 31 as it's last day of operation. So catch a ride before it's gone from the Magic Kingdom!
According to a new blog post from today on the Disney Parks Blog, the first part of the construction will be done by late March.
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| The Storybook Circus area planned to be completed by late March. Photo from the Disney Parks Blog: "Part of New Fantasyland's Storybook Circus Will Open by Late March at Magic Kingdom Park" blog post. |
The construction done by March will be focused on Storybook Circus, a new area based on the movie Dumbo. The first elements opening in March will include a new Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, the much awaited new ride with the Great Goofini (guess who that is), as well as several other attractions acknowledging and inspired by the movie.
In fact, Casey Jr. will be there!
How about you?
Note: the ride Snow White's Scary Adventures will have May 31 as it's last day of operation. So catch a ride before it's gone from the Magic Kingdom!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Disney Characters in a "Non-Disney" Show
So I'm sure you've heard of the new ABC series "Once Upon a Time"? It's an interesting idea, really: fairy-tale characters being taken to the real world and not remembering who their fantasy counterparts are. And while I haven't watched the show yet (parents, ugh), I do honestly like it.
Except for the Disney characters tossed in.
I have to say that this show isn't really using Disney characters. I mean, they are: obviously Belle is from the Disney version Beauty and the Beast. But the show is taking these characters (and by the way, they're allowed to use the Disney characters; Disney owns ABC) and changing their stories. So other than the fact that their names match up, they aren't really Disney characters at all.
And just so this is clear, I'm not counting basic fairytale characters as Disney characters, such as Cinderella. That's the name of the girl from the fairytale; Disney did not make it up. No, I'm referring to Belle, Gaston, Maleficent...names and sometimes characters that Disney created for their films who are now put in these episodes.
And correct me if I'm ever wrong in this post: I haven't watched the show remember? I'm going off by what I've read.
So let's compare the characters to their Disney counterparts.
Take Maleficent for example.
In "Year of the Disney Dragon," I shared with you that Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain. And I'm very picky about how my favorite characters are portrayed (which is a hint that I'm not too thrilled about the upcoming Maleficent movie...post on that later).
Just take a look at this.
Do they even bare a slight resemblance? Oh, of course, the horns.
Really.
Not even some green skin. Even Elphaba got it in all her shows: it'd be horrifying if she didn't appear without it! Everyone knows the Wicked Witch of the West has green skin; what about Maleficent?
And now she has blond curly hair?
Skin Deep: Beauty and the Beast Characters
First, let's take a look at Belle.
Yes, these two do look awfully alike, don't they? Much better than Maleficent. I'm actually quite happy with how they portrayed one of the most popular Disney characters of all time. Also very jealous of that dress.
Aside from their physical appearance, there are a few interesting differences between the original Disney version and the one who stars in the episode "Skin Deep."
Firstly, Belle is engaged to Gaston when the episode starts out! That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard! Wasn't the original movie based off of how she rejected Gaston because all he cared about was physical beauty (going back to the whole idea of "Skin Deep")? And yet here she's engaged.
It sounds awfully similar to some fan stories where Belle and Gaston end up getting together instead of Belle and the Prince. However, here in "Once Upon a Time," things get...better.
Another thing I thought was also interesting was that Belle's father Maurice is the king or something of a kingdom. Wasn't he the crazy inventor? (And I realize in the original fairytale, Belle's father is a merchant, but don't forget I'm focusing on the Disney version.)
Also note that this makes Belle a princess from the gecko, instead of through marrying her prince.
I found it cute however that she stills calls Maurice "Papa," just like in the original movie.
Now the thing that bugs me the most: Rumpelstiltskin is the Beast! What happened to Prince Adam?
Again, let me remind myself about them not being really the Disney characters or stories...
Moving onto Gaston...
What really bugs me about Gaston is that he's lost all of his character. He's no longer the self-absorbed guy who cares about skin deep beauty. Nor is he muscular: where did his "biceps to spare" go?
Being the villain of the Disney version, Gaston was killed by falling to his death. Not exactly the Beast's fault, as Gaston seemed to have lost either his footing or grip. But in "Once Upon a Time," the "Beast" aka Rumpelstiltskin turns him into a rose to give to Belle, who sorta just shrugs off the fact that their marriage was arranged.
Only pictures this time for Maurice. Just want you to get a good look at the physical differences.
So the verdict: Belle is the only one who really looks like her "Disney" counterpart?
Looks like it.
One Final Question
The last thing that I've been wondering ever since I first heard Maleficent was to appear on the show is why use these Disney characters?
Why not be original, like the show already is with the story ideas, and use your own characters? Do you need Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty or couldn't you have just made a new name for an age-old character: the evil fairy?
I think this site is worth reading. But it still doesn't completely answer my question.
So to close this post: Why Disney over more original?
Except for the Disney characters tossed in.
I have to say that this show isn't really using Disney characters. I mean, they are: obviously Belle is from the Disney version Beauty and the Beast. But the show is taking these characters (and by the way, they're allowed to use the Disney characters; Disney owns ABC) and changing their stories. So other than the fact that their names match up, they aren't really Disney characters at all.
And just so this is clear, I'm not counting basic fairytale characters as Disney characters, such as Cinderella. That's the name of the girl from the fairytale; Disney did not make it up. No, I'm referring to Belle, Gaston, Maleficent...names and sometimes characters that Disney created for their films who are now put in these episodes.
And correct me if I'm ever wrong in this post: I haven't watched the show remember? I'm going off by what I've read.
So let's compare the characters to their Disney counterparts.
Take Maleficent for example.
In "Year of the Disney Dragon," I shared with you that Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain. And I'm very picky about how my favorite characters are portrayed (which is a hint that I'm not too thrilled about the upcoming Maleficent movie...post on that later).
Just take a look at this.
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| Maleficent from the original movie. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
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| Maleficent in "Once Upon a Time." She is portrayed by Kristin Bauer van Straten. Photo from Wikipedia. |
Do they even bare a slight resemblance? Oh, of course, the horns.
Really.
Not even some green skin. Even Elphaba got it in all her shows: it'd be horrifying if she didn't appear without it! Everyone knows the Wicked Witch of the West has green skin; what about Maleficent?
And now she has blond curly hair?
Skin Deep: Beauty and the Beast Characters
First, let's take a look at Belle.
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| Belle from the original movie. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
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| Belle (foreground) in "Once Upon a Time." She is portrayed by Emilie de Ravin. Photo from the Once Upon a Time Wiki. That's Rumpelstiltskin in the back, who ends up being the Beast. |
Yes, these two do look awfully alike, don't they? Much better than Maleficent. I'm actually quite happy with how they portrayed one of the most popular Disney characters of all time. Also very jealous of that dress.
Aside from their physical appearance, there are a few interesting differences between the original Disney version and the one who stars in the episode "Skin Deep."
Firstly, Belle is engaged to Gaston when the episode starts out! That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard! Wasn't the original movie based off of how she rejected Gaston because all he cared about was physical beauty (going back to the whole idea of "Skin Deep")? And yet here she's engaged.
It sounds awfully similar to some fan stories where Belle and Gaston end up getting together instead of Belle and the Prince. However, here in "Once Upon a Time," things get...better.
Another thing I thought was also interesting was that Belle's father Maurice is the king or something of a kingdom. Wasn't he the crazy inventor? (And I realize in the original fairytale, Belle's father is a merchant, but don't forget I'm focusing on the Disney version.)
Also note that this makes Belle a princess from the gecko, instead of through marrying her prince.
I found it cute however that she stills calls Maurice "Papa," just like in the original movie.
Now the thing that bugs me the most: Rumpelstiltskin is the Beast! What happened to Prince Adam?
Again, let me remind myself about them not being really the Disney characters or stories...
Moving onto Gaston...
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| Gaston, with his "biceps to spare," from the original movie. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
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| Gaston in "Once Upon a Time," portrayed by Sage Brocklebank. Photo from the Once Upon a Time Wiki. |
Being the villain of the Disney version, Gaston was killed by falling to his death. Not exactly the Beast's fault, as Gaston seemed to have lost either his footing or grip. But in "Once Upon a Time," the "Beast" aka Rumpelstiltskin turns him into a rose to give to Belle, who sorta just shrugs off the fact that their marriage was arranged.
Only pictures this time for Maurice. Just want you to get a good look at the physical differences.
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| A clipart version of Maurice from the original movie. He's shorter than Belle. Clipart from the Disney Wiki. |
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| Maurice in "Once Upon a Time." He is portrayed by Eric Keenleyside. He's taller than Belle. Photo from the Once Upon a Time Wiki. |
So the verdict: Belle is the only one who really looks like her "Disney" counterpart?
Looks like it.
One Final Question
The last thing that I've been wondering ever since I first heard Maleficent was to appear on the show is why use these Disney characters?
Why not be original, like the show already is with the story ideas, and use your own characters? Do you need Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty or couldn't you have just made a new name for an age-old character: the evil fairy?
I think this site is worth reading. But it still doesn't completely answer my question.
So to close this post: Why Disney over more original?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Dare to Dream
In just a little over a week, the Disney on Ice show "Dare to Dream" is coming to the Twin Cities!
Here's a short synopsis from the Disney Wiki: "Experience Disney's hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!"
While there is a video on the webpage for the show, I've included two from YouTube. The first is pretty much the official video for the show (although different than the one on the webpage for the show). The second is a behind the scenes look at how the show went from "Idea to Ice."
Starting February 29, this magical show will be playing at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The show will be playing at the Target Center from February 29-March 4.
As in ad in the Sunday paper recently proclaimed, tickets start at $10! For front row, tickets are priced at $65.
Tickets can be found here.
I'll be keeping you informed as we move closer to the dates and if I hear anything else!
Comments: Planning to go? Tell us! Went? Please share, whether you liked it or not!
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| The poster for the show. From the Disney Wiki. |
While there is a video on the webpage for the show, I've included two from YouTube. The first is pretty much the official video for the show (although different than the one on the webpage for the show). The second is a behind the scenes look at how the show went from "Idea to Ice."
Starting February 29, this magical show will be playing at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The show will be playing at the Target Center from February 29-March 4.
As in ad in the Sunday paper recently proclaimed, tickets start at $10! For front row, tickets are priced at $65.
Tickets can be found here.
I'll be keeping you informed as we move closer to the dates and if I hear anything else!
Comments: Planning to go? Tell us! Went? Please share, whether you liked it or not!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Food Fit for Princesses!
Awhile back, my bestie had a Disney Princess party. It was ridiculously fun!
Everyone had to dress up as a Princess. Of course, I went as Aurora, my favorite Princess. By the way, do you know how hard it is to find a dress that works to match a Disney Princess? Mine was sleeveless, but hey, it was bright pink! (I even wore my Disney pin.)
We did lots of fun Disney-themed games. First we colored (and I'm currently working on a post about this) and even did a Disney trivia (which I won!).
Throughout the party, we listened to different Disney songs, mostly Princesss ones, but I think we had a few others. And the last thing we did was watch some Disney movies, late into the night, and I was the one who stayed up the latest just to catch the ending of the third and final movie we watched!
And of course, no Disney Princess party is complete without food and tea fit for Princesses! Just check out all the yummy food my bestie and her mom got together for us, as well as all the lovely tea sets we had available (there were like six different kinds of tea and plenty of teacups to choose from).
Yes, this party was definately something to remember, and the food made it all the more memorable! Thanks bestie!
Everyone had to dress up as a Princess. Of course, I went as Aurora, my favorite Princess. By the way, do you know how hard it is to find a dress that works to match a Disney Princess? Mine was sleeveless, but hey, it was bright pink! (I even wore my Disney pin.)
We did lots of fun Disney-themed games. First we colored (and I'm currently working on a post about this) and even did a Disney trivia (which I won!).
Throughout the party, we listened to different Disney songs, mostly Princesss ones, but I think we had a few others. And the last thing we did was watch some Disney movies, late into the night, and I was the one who stayed up the latest just to catch the ending of the third and final movie we watched!
And of course, no Disney Princess party is complete without food and tea fit for Princesses! Just check out all the yummy food my bestie and her mom got together for us, as well as all the lovely tea sets we had available (there were like six different kinds of tea and plenty of teacups to choose from).
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| The table where we had tea. Isn't it gorgeous? All photos were taken by my bestie's mom and used with permission. |
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| One of the yummy quaint deserts we had. Lemon, yum! |
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| Flowers always brighten up everything as decorations! |
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| Of course, tea parties aren't all about cakes and sweet stuff. Good Princesses eat healthy food such as fruit as well! |
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| More flowers. Each Princess had a pot of flowers by her plate. |
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| This was how each Princess' spot was set up. |
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| I set these up. And those blueberry scones were delicious! |
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| Another cake for dessert. They were so tiny! |
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| Of course, more healthy food: veggies. And there are those scones again. YUM! |
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| I'm not sure what these are, but they sure tasted good. |
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| Candies and candle. |
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| A pitcher full of pretty little flowers. This was the centerpiece on the table. |
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| Another view of the decorative table. |
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| And now we get into all the pretty teacups we chose from. One of my bestie's friends even chose Chip, the teacup from Beauty and the Beast. |
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| More teacups. Which one to choose? |
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| One of the lovely tea sets. Sugar, anyone? |
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| Would you like an herbal tea, a sweet tea, or another? |
Yes, this party was definately something to remember, and the food made it all the more memorable! Thanks bestie!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Making This a Lion King Weekend
Be prepared...The Lion King is getting a big spotlight this weekend.
First, the movie is actually airing today on Disney Channel. I do not know the time, especially since my family doesn't get cable.
And tomorrow is the last day to see the Broadway show at the Orpheum theatre here in Minnesota.
I realize this is really short--just wanted to give ya'll a heads up!
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| Who doesn't love this group of characters? Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
First, the movie is actually airing today on Disney Channel. I do not know the time, especially since my family doesn't get cable.
And tomorrow is the last day to see the Broadway show at the Orpheum theatre here in Minnesota.
I realize this is really short--just wanted to give ya'll a heads up!
Friday, February 10, 2012
My First Disney Pin
In 2008, my bestie and I (along with her family) went to Walt Disney World, my first and only time (so far). I'm not going to describe the entire trip. Instead, I'm going to focus on one of the last things I did while in the most magical place on Earth.
After we ate dinner at a Character Dinner, while the others went to brave Space Mountain, my bestie's mother and I went to do some Character Meet-and-Greets.
It was the Princesses.
Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella.
All in one room.
Give me a moment to settle down.
Even though I was the oldest in the room (not counting all the mothers escorting their little princesses), I was a nervous wreck. I mean, here I was, about to meet some of my childhood heroes.
I was literally freaking out.
Okay, not literally. I controlled it pretty well. And as I said in another post, I didn't fully understand my Disney obsession and love for it, so I didn't freak out as much as I would today.
After meeting all the Princesses and getting their autographs, my bestie's mom and I headed over to a Disney store. The rest of my bestie's family were still riding the roller coaster.
And there, my bestie's mom introduced me to Disney Pin Trading. I thought it was a really cool idea. If you don't know what it is...I'll post later on that.
My bestie's mom is an avid collector, apparently. I'm not sure if she trades them. But she told me about how she has hats which she keeps just to put the pins on.
I absolutely loved the idea.
So I browsed the huge assortment of pins. I'm not kidding. There were tons.
I finally settled on one which showed all the Princesses I'd met that day.
(I'm trying to find information about the pin, but I can't find a site or other source. So like my post about the "Bambi" and "Faline" figurines, let me know if you recognize this pin and can tell me anything about it. I bought it in 2008.)
After we ate dinner at a Character Dinner, while the others went to brave Space Mountain, my bestie's mother and I went to do some Character Meet-and-Greets.
It was the Princesses.
Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella.
All in one room.
Give me a moment to settle down.
Even though I was the oldest in the room (not counting all the mothers escorting their little princesses), I was a nervous wreck. I mean, here I was, about to meet some of my childhood heroes.
I was literally freaking out.
Okay, not literally. I controlled it pretty well. And as I said in another post, I didn't fully understand my Disney obsession and love for it, so I didn't freak out as much as I would today.
After meeting all the Princesses and getting their autographs, my bestie's mom and I headed over to a Disney store. The rest of my bestie's family were still riding the roller coaster.
And there, my bestie's mom introduced me to Disney Pin Trading. I thought it was a really cool idea. If you don't know what it is...I'll post later on that.
My bestie's mom is an avid collector, apparently. I'm not sure if she trades them. But she told me about how she has hats which she keeps just to put the pins on.
I absolutely loved the idea.
So I browsed the huge assortment of pins. I'm not kidding. There were tons.
I finally settled on one which showed all the Princesses I'd met that day.
 |
| My first Disney Pin! Sorry for the terrible and blurry quality--I had to use my cellphone since my camera refused to work! Photo taken and copyrighted by THE Disney Freak. |
Thursday, February 9, 2012
John Carter Super Bowl Ad
For those of you who aren't big football fanatics, the Super Bowl was last Sunday, Feb. 5. Who won isn't important right now, I'm not going to discuss that in this post. Instead, I'm going to focus on one of the commercials.
Apparently, Super Bowl commercials are considered one of the most important aspects of the "game."
One of them was for the upcoming Disney movie John Carter.
What did you think?
For me, I'm not exactly looking forward to it. It looks a bit over dramatic. For example: "You're John Carter of Earth?" "Yes." Right then was when I was turned off. Especially with that music too.
But Andrew Stanton, director of WALL-E, is directing this film, so there may be a chance it'll be worth seeing.
Avatar or John Carter?
While I was watching the Super Bowl with my bestie and her family and after the ad played, one of her brothers mentioned John Carter looks a lot like James Cameron's Avatar.
I looked into this, and Wikipedia explained it:
Disney's John Carter is strictly based on the book A Princess of Mars (the protagonist of the book is John Carter, the movie's name is just different. In fact, the movie is based on the whole series, of which A Princess of Mars is only the first book. On the other hand, Avatar's creator James Cameron was inspired by the book.
So that's why the two movies look so similar.
And while I was looking at the Wikipedia article for the movie, I found this: "Had A Princess of Mars [in the form of a 1930s MGM film] been released, it may have beaten Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to become the first American feature-length animated film (Wikipedia)."
Interesting.
To get back to the movie, John Carter will hit theaters on March 9 this year, if you didn't catch that from the ad.
If you're interested, I also included the extended version of the ad below. The movie looks a little better in this version...so maybe I will go see it. How about you?
Apparently, Super Bowl commercials are considered one of the most important aspects of the "game."
One of them was for the upcoming Disney movie John Carter.
What did you think?
For me, I'm not exactly looking forward to it. It looks a bit over dramatic. For example: "You're John Carter of Earth?" "Yes." Right then was when I was turned off. Especially with that music too.
But Andrew Stanton, director of WALL-E, is directing this film, so there may be a chance it'll be worth seeing.
Avatar or John Carter?
While I was watching the Super Bowl with my bestie and her family and after the ad played, one of her brothers mentioned John Carter looks a lot like James Cameron's Avatar.
I looked into this, and Wikipedia explained it:
Disney's John Carter is strictly based on the book A Princess of Mars (the protagonist of the book is John Carter, the movie's name is just different. In fact, the movie is based on the whole series, of which A Princess of Mars is only the first book. On the other hand, Avatar's creator James Cameron was inspired by the book.
So that's why the two movies look so similar.
And while I was looking at the Wikipedia article for the movie, I found this: "Had A Princess of Mars [in the form of a 1930s MGM film] been released, it may have beaten Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to become the first American feature-length animated film (Wikipedia)."
Interesting.
To get back to the movie, John Carter will hit theaters on March 9 this year, if you didn't catch that from the ad.
If you're interested, I also included the extended version of the ad below. The movie looks a little better in this version...so maybe I will go see it. How about you?
Cinderella's Dress
What color is Cinderella's dress?
Take a look the picture below.
It's blue.
However, in the movie, it's not. It's white. And if you don't believe me, pull out that DVD or VHS you have of it and watch it. I'll bet anything that I'm right.
Go ahead; do it.
Or read ahead.
A few years ago, my best friend, a fellow Disney fan, didn't believe my sister and I when we told her that Cinderella's dress was white in the movie. We even went upstairs and got out our VHS (yes, we own a VCR!), but the pictures on the back all showed her in a blue dress.
It appeared my bestie won, but we knew what we were talking about.
So the next time my siblings watched the movie, I had my sister take photos of Cinderella with my phone. I sent them to my bestie via picture text, and she admitted we were right.
So see? It's white.
Even though my bestie agreed with us, she pointed out that it's blue outside of the original movie.
Why did they change the color for all the other Princess merchandise?
This site has some pretty interesting potential answers.... I have to agree with several of them that her dress does look bluish sometimes in the movie, but it's definitely not as blue as it is portrayed in merchandise.
Last thing: it's interesting to note that in the video game series Kingdom Hearts, Cinderella's dress is shown as the color it is in the movie, unlike other merchandise.
Take a look the picture below.
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| The previous Disney Princess line-up. Rapunzel was crowned a Disney Princess last year. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
It's blue.
However, in the movie, it's not. It's white. And if you don't believe me, pull out that DVD or VHS you have of it and watch it. I'll bet anything that I'm right.
Go ahead; do it.
Or read ahead.
A few years ago, my best friend, a fellow Disney fan, didn't believe my sister and I when we told her that Cinderella's dress was white in the movie. We even went upstairs and got out our VHS (yes, we own a VCR!), but the pictures on the back all showed her in a blue dress.
It appeared my bestie won, but we knew what we were talking about.
So the next time my siblings watched the movie, I had my sister take photos of Cinderella with my phone. I sent them to my bestie via picture text, and she admitted we were right.
 |
| Sorry for the bad quality--cellphones! Don't you just love the "PLAY" in the corner? Picture taken by The Disney Mermaid. Cinderella is owned and copyrighted by Disney. |
 |
| Cinderella admiring her new dress. Picture taken by The Disney Mermaid. Cinderella is owned and copyrighted by Disney. |
So see? It's white.
Even though my bestie agreed with us, she pointed out that it's blue outside of the original movie.
Why did they change the color for all the other Princess merchandise?
This site has some pretty interesting potential answers.... I have to agree with several of them that her dress does look bluish sometimes in the movie, but it's definitely not as blue as it is portrayed in merchandise.
Last thing: it's interesting to note that in the video game series Kingdom Hearts, Cinderella's dress is shown as the color it is in the movie, unlike other merchandise.
 |
| Cinderella as shown in Kingdom Hearts. Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
It's All About Character!
When you go to any Disney Parks, what's the main thing you should do?
Yes, enjoy the incredible world of imagination and dreams.
But aside from that.
Meet the characters!
To be honest, I've only been to a Disney Park once, and it was Walt Disney World. That was back in 2008, back when I didn't fully understand my obsession and freaking love for Disney. More on that whole back history later.
Anyway, it was the TIME of my LIFE! I enjoyed every minute of it!
And I did really enjoy meeting the characters, though I should be honest and say that I'm not big on atmosphere characters: I'm kinda afraid of the idea. I don't know how to explain it; it's been like that for years, ever since I can remember. But I hope to get over it someday.
It may be due to my very strong imagination.
Again, another rabbit trail. I'm sorry.
Anyway (again), while the majority of the time was spent doing rides (the family I went with had been several times before, and so since it was my first, they made sure that I did all the best rides). But we managed to squeeze in some character meetings, even a character dinner...which turned out to be little kid-themed with just Pooh and Friends.
But I really enjoyed it.
My favorite meeting so far was with the Princesses. I met three of them: Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora, and they were all simply gorgeous! Aurora is my favorite Princess, so meeting her was the coolest, but Cinderella was also pretty neat because my friend's mother commented that she's never seen Cinderella at meet-and-greets, only parades. So it felt extra special.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I bought a Disney Pin with all three gals on it!
I've compiled a list of the characters I've met. Hopefully it will grow through the years!
Cinderella
Belle
Aurora
Winnie the Pooh
Tigger
Piglet
Eeyore
Darby
The Fairy Godmother
Here are the character's I haven't met, but friends were able to get autographs for me!
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Goofy
Captain Hook
Mr. Smee
Geppetto
Pinocchio
Comments: Share your experiences meeting characters! Do you have a favorite experience, character?
And here's where I got the inspiration for this post.
Now to go and brave meeting Mickey Mouse...
Eventually, I will have an updated version of this post. Until then, ttfn!
Yes, enjoy the incredible world of imagination and dreams.
But aside from that.
Meet the characters!
To be honest, I've only been to a Disney Park once, and it was Walt Disney World. That was back in 2008, back when I didn't fully understand my obsession and freaking love for Disney. More on that whole back history later.
Anyway, it was the TIME of my LIFE! I enjoyed every minute of it!
And I did really enjoy meeting the characters, though I should be honest and say that I'm not big on atmosphere characters: I'm kinda afraid of the idea. I don't know how to explain it; it's been like that for years, ever since I can remember. But I hope to get over it someday.
It may be due to my very strong imagination.
Again, another rabbit trail. I'm sorry.
Anyway (again), while the majority of the time was spent doing rides (the family I went with had been several times before, and so since it was my first, they made sure that I did all the best rides). But we managed to squeeze in some character meetings, even a character dinner...which turned out to be little kid-themed with just Pooh and Friends.
But I really enjoyed it.
My favorite meeting so far was with the Princesses. I met three of them: Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora, and they were all simply gorgeous! Aurora is my favorite Princess, so meeting her was the coolest, but Cinderella was also pretty neat because my friend's mother commented that she's never seen Cinderella at meet-and-greets, only parades. So it felt extra special.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I bought a Disney Pin with all three gals on it!
I've compiled a list of the characters I've met. Hopefully it will grow through the years!
Cinderella
Belle
Aurora
Winnie the Pooh
Tigger
Piglet
Eeyore
Darby
The Fairy Godmother
Here are the character's I haven't met, but friends were able to get autographs for me!
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Goofy
Captain Hook
Mr. Smee
Geppetto
Pinocchio
Comments: Share your experiences meeting characters! Do you have a favorite experience, character?
And here's where I got the inspiration for this post.
Now to go and brave meeting Mickey Mouse...
***UPDATE***
Eventually, I will have an updated version of this post. Until then, ttfn!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Groundhog Day: Disney Style!
It's Groundhog Day!
This video cuts off the rest of the scene, but the groundhog does end up emerging, eyes shut with his paws covering them. As he mutters about not wanting to see his shadow, the sun suddenly is covered up by clouds overhead. When he takes his paws off his eyes, the shadow's gone! "Spring is on it's way!"
Well, how about in the real world? We want to know about how much more winter's left too!
Apparently the verdict for today is...well, depends on the groundhog! Chuck of Staten Island was like our animated friend above: he luckily didn't see his shadow. However, Punxsutawney Phil, another famed groundhog, did see his shadow, giving us the downcast prediction of six more weeks of winter. Whom do you agree with?
"How about me?"
Sorry, but you're a gopher. This is Groundhog Day.
"I'm not in the book, you know!"
Not going to work. Sorry, Gopher.
This video cuts off the rest of the scene, but the groundhog does end up emerging, eyes shut with his paws covering them. As he mutters about not wanting to see his shadow, the sun suddenly is covered up by clouds overhead. When he takes his paws off his eyes, the shadow's gone! "Spring is on it's way!"
Well, how about in the real world? We want to know about how much more winter's left too!
Apparently the verdict for today is...well, depends on the groundhog! Chuck of Staten Island was like our animated friend above: he luckily didn't see his shadow. However, Punxsutawney Phil, another famed groundhog, did see his shadow, giving us the downcast prediction of six more weeks of winter. Whom do you agree with?
"How about me?"
 |
| Gopher wants to try his hand...er, paw at Groundhog Day! Photo from the Disney Wiki. |
Sorry, but you're a gopher. This is Groundhog Day.
"I'm not in the book, you know!"
Not going to work. Sorry, Gopher.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Do You Recognize Us?
Hey everyone! Today's post is a little different: I'm wondering if anyone can identify these two little figurines I have, which I think are Disney.
I bought these two little fawns at an a "garage" sale to support a relative with cancer. At first, I just thought they were cute, then I realized they looked a lot like Bambi and Faline from the Disney movie.
What do you think?
I cannot find any info on them anywhere.
I have no idea if whoever owned them before I did repainted them as the paint almost looks different, like it doesn't belong. I own several Breyer models so I have an idea of what I'm talking about. Their eyes have no color, just the same brown as the rest of the figurines, so I also have no idea if there was originally another coat of paint, which might explain the unfinished feel the paint has. I can see that it's white underneath the brown because of the spots, their noses, the insides of their ears, and the undersides of their tails. One of Faline's legs has broken; you can see the crack line from when someone glued her back together.
Click on the photos to see them at full size.
I'm pretty certain they're figurines of Bambi and Faline, but that's all I know...er actually believe.
Basically, I know nothing.
Does anyone recognize them?
I bought these two little fawns at an a "garage" sale to support a relative with cancer. At first, I just thought they were cute, then I realized they looked a lot like Bambi and Faline from the Disney movie.
What do you think?
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I cannot find any info on them anywhere.
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|
Click on the photos to see them at full size.
I'm pretty certain they're figurines of Bambi and Faline, but that's all I know...er actually believe.
Basically, I know nothing.
Does anyone recognize them?
| ||
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| Top photo again of "Bambi." Photo copyrighted and taken by THE Disney Freak. Bottom photo from picgifs.com . Reference for body. |
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