Twelve Days of Christmas: Disney Yule Log!

Christmas Day may have passed, but the season is just beginning! (Those twelve days of Christmas refer to the following twelve days of Christmas!)

To continue the Christmas mood music, here is a lovely Disney yule log video. Put it on repeat, connect it to your TV, sit back and enjoy.

Make sure to watch for the special guest appearance at the end – it’s magical!

Image via giphy.com

Happy holidays!

Merry Christmas: 'Jingle Bells' Mashup

Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy this holiday mashup video of Disney characters singing the classic "Jingle Bells."


undefined on Disney Video

My Disney family and myself wish you a happy holiday!

And Walt does too!
Image from waltyensid.tumblr,com

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First Look: ‘Frozen’ Arendelle in Disneyland's Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disney Parks Blog just released photos of the new Arendelle from Frozen additions to the Storybook Land Canal Boats ride at Disneyland.

All images from Disney Parks Blog.

While I’m not a fan of Frozen taking over everything (but still love the movie), the craftsmanship put into this miniature set is astounding, just like with the rest of the ride.

Storybook Land Canal Boats reopens this weekend, and I’m sure there will be a video to highlight the new Frozen additions. Tune in later for an update to this post.

What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments section!

See you all real soon.

***UPDATE***

As promised/foretold, below is a video (provided by Inside the Magic) of the ride's Arendelle additions.

‘Star Wars VII’ Character Names Revealed!

Disney has released the names of the new characters introduced in the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer.

And they did this in a really cool way: through digital trading cards with a retro spin.

All trading card images from Star Wars website.

Star Wars geeks: is she related to Leia and Han?

I’m in love with BB-8, but he/she/it (?) could never replace R2-D2 for me. That droid has won my heart.

Image from kickingcones.tumblr.com

The character I’m most excited for is Kylo Ren. If you haven’t already figured it out, I absolutely love the bad guys, sometimes even more than I love the good guys! And Kylo Ren looks like a pretty great bad guy. Plus, what’s up with his lightsaber?

There have been plenty of memes mocking the design.
Image from a Google search.

Download your digital Star Wars trading cards here! Star Wars: The Force Awakens comes to theaters next December!

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Watch Mickey Defeat Maleficent in 8-bit Fantasmic!

If Fantasmic! was an 8-bit video game, the boss level would probably look something like this…

Images via mickeyandcompany.tumblr.com

Just saying, this would be a really fun game to play! And just curious, but is there a significance/hidden meaning in Mickey's high score? I'm still a little brain dead from finals -- comment below if you figure out anything!

If you’re unfamiliar with Fantasmic!, click here to watch the Walt Disney World version (same as in the 8-bit video) for reference, starting exactly at the Maleficent battle scene.

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Four New MagicBand Designs Released This Month!

You can already customize your MagicBand with various accessories to show off your Disney Side, but what about buying a MagicBand that isn’t just a plain ole solid color? How about buying one with your favorite character as the design?

This month, Disney is releasing four new designs for retail MagicBands, including one today!

Image from Disney Parks Blog.

The Stitch design is available starting now, while Sorcerer Mickey and Minnie Mouse dots were released December 12 and 14, respectively. The Princesses design will be released on the 22nd.

These MagicBands make great presents with the new Link-it Later option.

So, who wants to buy me Sorcerer Mickey?

See you all real soon!

Happy 20th Birthday, Bestie!

Today is the birthday of someone very dear to my heart. It’s my Bestie’s 20th birthday!

She and I have known each other since we were toddlers and lived across the street from each other. Man, the stories we have together! She doesn’t live across the street anymore, but she’s still walking distance. And even though college has put us on other sides of the country, it’s nice to know she’s just a phone call away.

One of my favorite recent photos of Bestie and I.
We need to get a photo together with my short hair!

In honor of the special occasion, I have collected my favorite Disney friendship songs, as well as a very touching Walt Disney quote at the end.















Here’s to many more, Bestie!

Image from a Google search.

Love you a bunches of bananas, Summer. See you soon.

Anna Kendrick Sings 'On the Steps of the Palace'

I’m sure many of you love Anna Kendrick from the movie Pitch Perfect. Which means, I’m also sure you’ll love her as Cinderella in Into the Woods.

Disney has released both a clip of Kendrick singing Cinderella’s song “On the Steps of the Palace,” as well as the entire audio of the song.

Image from mickeyandcompany.tumblr.com 

Put it on repeat and enjoy.





Those last notes always give me chills.

Into the Woods opens this Christmas Day. You can pre-order the soundtrack deluxe bundle at Disney Music Emporium.

See you all real…as soon as I finish finals.

Get Free Mickey Mouse Ears or Autograph Book!

Still searching for Christmas present ideas?

Well, how about a free pair of Mickey Mouse ears or autograph book for your child? Or for each of your children?

When you book your next Disney trip with Destinations in Florida travel agent Jennifer Hardy, each child gets a free gift—either Mickey Mouse ears or an autograph book—and each adult gets a free gift card!

Click HERE to book!

Following are the latest Disney deals from Destinations in Florida:

Disney Discounts 

Walt Disney World® Resort

• Stay Play & Dine:  Save up to 30% off your hotel accommodations for a 2015 Disney World vacation.  Select dates from January 5-March 28, 2015.

• Save Up to 30% Off Hotels:  Book your family vacation from January 5-March 28 and save up to 30% off Disney Resort Hotels.
• Free Dining Bounce Back Specials:  During your Disney vacation, you can book your next Disney vacation at huge savings!  The current bounce back special includes the Disney Dining Plan for free.  Book your Disney package before you check out and then contact your favorite Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore agent for details on transferring your reservation.  
• Active/Retired Military Rates:  For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
• Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Rates:  Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels up to 35% off.
• RunDisney Group Rates:  Are you a runner?  Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse?  Join our VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Disney Marathon and Disney Princess Run.  These exclusive rates are only with our agency.

Disneyland® Resort

• Save up to 25% Off Spring 2015 Vacations:  Save up to 25% on Disneyland® Resort Hotel stays January 4-February 12, 2015 and save up to 20% on stays February 13-March 26, 2015.
• Active/Retired Military Rates:  For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
• 3rd, 4th or 5th Night Free at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels:  Visit Anaheim during select nights through December 2014.  Stay at a select Disney Good Neighbor Hotels and enjoy a 3rd night, 4th night or 5th night free.  Contact your favorite Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore agent for details.

Disney Cruise Line®

• Disney Cruises at Big Savings:  Take a 3-Night or 4-Night Cruise out of Port Canaveral (just 45 minutes from Orlando) and save big!  Prices start from just $188 per person per night plus tax/port fees.  For a family of 2, that is just $1,128 plus $69 per person for taxes/port fees.  These discount cruises include December 7 and select early 2015 sailings.
• Canadian Residents Save up to 20% Off:  From November 2014-January 2015, Canadian Residents can save up to 20% off Disney Cruise prices on select cruises.
• Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military:  Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.

See you all real soon!

Watch the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Teaser Trailer! (Plus, LEGO Version!)

There’s been a lot of hype about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, especially since the first teaser trailer was released this morning!

Thirty select movie theaters aired the teaser today, and it was also released on iTunes and YouTube.



I had my sister, The Disney Smart One, watch it with me, so that she could hypothesize about the new film in the franchise. She had lots to say but to sum up: as of now, TDSO is optimistic.

Excited for the return of the Falcon!
Image from ihatepeacocks.tumblr.com

So am I.

Favorite part of the trailer. Pretty epic.
Image from youareanunusualwizard.tumblr.com

What are your thoughts on the trailer? Sound off in the comments below!

See you all real soon!

***UPDATE***

If the above teaser wasn't epic enough for you, Snooperking on YouTube has created a shot-by-shot recreation teaser with LEGO pieces!



Plus, it was uploaded within a day of the official teaser. That takes some dedication!

Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse!

Our favorite mouse is 86 years old today!

Happy birthday, Mickey (and Minnie)!
Image from gekimana.tumblr.com

Walt Disney World, on its Facebook page, shared this adorable video of Mickey Mouse going to celebrate with his friends in front of Cinderella Castle. Super cute!

Post by Walt Disney World.

The Disney Parks Blog also has a fantastic blog post today listing several Mickey Mouse facts you probably didn’t know!

Wish upon a star for your birthday, Mickey!
Image from mickeyandminnie.tumblr.com

I’ll say it again: happy birthday to Mickey Mouse and his main squeeze, Minnie!

‘Into the Woods’ Trailer Features Singing and Johnny Depp’s Face

When Disney released the teaser trailer for Into the Woods, fans were disappointed the teaser didn’t highlight the musical aspect of the movie, specifically: the characters singing.

Now, Disney has released the first official trailer for the movie. This trailer is just as spell-binding as the teaser – but even more so because this time, the key characters are singing.

And it’s simply beautiful.



I’m so excited to finally see Johnny Depp’s costume and make-up, and Streep’s final notes are…chilling. Still also in love with Streep’s make-up.

Image from themagicofvenice.tumblr.com

But to be honest, I’m in love with this whole movie, from the music to the gorgeous set.

There is a lot of star power behind this film. Couple that with Sondheim’s music, and you’ve got one heck of a movie. Disney isn’t risking anything by having Into the Woods open Christmas Day.

Just like with Les Miserables in 2012, the movie theaters will be packed.

Are you excited for Into the Woods? Which character is your favorite?

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Fall Out Boy Releases New Single 'Immortals' for 'Big Hero 6'

Big Hero 6 opens on Friday, and Disney has been doing plenty of promotion for the movie. For the past few months, they have been doing a countdown to the premiere.

Post by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Disney also posted the music video for Fall Out Boy’s song “Immortals,” which will be featured in Big Hero 6.

Image from modern-vinyl.com

Michelle (my roommate) and I watched the music video together and caught our reactions on film. Unfortunately, we thought the actual music video so…dull that we kind of began discussing other things.

But I think you’ll find our video humorous, nonetheless.



I am seeing Big Hero 6 on Sunday. I will definitely be writing a review for a blog post, with the possibility of filming a vlog review as well. Either way, tune in again very, very soon to hear/read my thoughts on Disney’s next feature film!

Are you going? Let me know in the comments below!

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1000 Facebook Likes/Twitter Followers!

So something pretty darn fantastic happened to me yesterday evening.

I reached 1,000 likes on Facebook!

And probably a month or two ago, I reached 1,000 followers on Twitter!

In honor of both incredible milestones, I made a “live” video from last night while I waited for my Facebook likes to reach 1,000. It wasn’t posted live, but my reactions were all live reactions. Plus, I posted it basically right away, so it felt live, if you get my drift.

In short, watch it below:



Thank you to all of my 1,000 Facebook likes and 1,000 Twitter followers (both of which continue to climb daily), and I can’t wait for the next 1,000 to join us!

Special thanks to Dani MacInnes for being my 1000th like and Princess Laura (@DisneyRosary) for being my 1000th follower!

Reaction: jumping for joy!
Image via Oh My Disney.

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BREAKING: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Fire!

Just today, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train caught on fire at Walt Disney World. Guests saw trees in the attraction on flame.



According to the local Fox channel in Florida, the fire was first reported at 10:20 p.m., and that witnesses reported it being out by 10:45.

Getting bigger. Fire department here. Structure partially collapsing 🔥

A video posted by Lane the Wee One (@ferdalump) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:35pm PDT

No exact causes have been given, but rumors say that fireworks are to blame.

There was a small fire tonight at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train mountain, most likely caused by fireworks. It's out now. No reports of injuries.
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) November 2, 2014

Cms are telling the guests that the dwarves are having a bonfire
— do as dreamers do (@DoAsDreamersDo) November 2, 2014

Reedy Creek Fire Department responded to the fire, with fire trucks arriving at Magic Kingdom,

FIREFIGHTERS EXITING MINE TRAIN pic.twitter.com/4MbFcu04g3
— do as dreamers do (@DoAsDreamersDo) November 2, 2014

No injuries have been reported. All guests on board the Mine Train were evacuated when the fire started, and now the ride is closed.

See you all real soon.

***UPDATE***

There has been no structure collapse, and guests are now being allowed back into the queue.

@DisCastShow they're letting guests back into the queue. No collapse, only cosmetic damages
— Spot Mickey (@SpotMickey) November 2, 2014

And of course, there's a simple lesson to be learned from all of this:

@ThemePark This is why the old Snow White ride was drenched in water during fireworks...they knew the Evil queen would try anything! :)
— Elizabeth Rasmussen (@TheRaz2007) November 2, 2014

***UPDATE***

Inside the Magic reports that firework fallout caused the fire.

Post by Inside the Magic.

Disney Villains are 'Counting Scars' for Halloween!

This being Halloween season, I figured it more than appropriate to share this recent Oh My Disney video, in which the Disney Villains sing a parody cover of OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars.”

In this version, some of your favorite villains lament how they just aren't as evil as Scar…therefore, they’ll be losing sleep as they continue to be “Counting Scars.”



I have no idea who performs in this, but their singing is fantastic!

And their costumes and make-up are absolutely spot on. Hades’ look is definitely my favorite, followed by a tie between Scar’s and Ursula’s looks.

Honestly, the shot of Hades and his hairspray is my absolute favorite...
Image via Oh My Disney on Tumblr.

I’m absolutely okay with Scar replacing Maleficent as the top villain, as he’s my second favorite (after her). Also, I love how the actor channeled his inner “Madness of King Scar”…brilliant.

Hope this helped you get into the Disney Halloween spirit!

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(PS: Hi y’all! Don’t expect any more posts for awhile, as I’m super busy lately—it’s quite possibly I’ll be graduating in May! I hope to post something for Halloween, as it’s one of my favorite holidays and since I adore the Disney Villains.)

***UPDATE***

Since in this post, I spoke so much of the make-up...here's a behind the scenes time-lapse video showing the make-up process for Cruella De Vil.


Disney Video

Overall, the costume, make-up and hair designs in "Counting Scars" are fantasmic!

‘Pirates’ 5 to Film in Australia Starting Next Year

We recently had a “Pirates Weekend” in my dorm, during which we watched all four of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (so yes – I finally watched the last three!).

Afterward, I got a little depressed when I remembered I would have to wait three more years for the next film, which comes out in 2017. Yes, I know I hate sequels, but I also love Captain Jack Sparrow.

Perhaps a little (too) obsessively.
Image from watsons.co.vu.

Today, I discovered just where Pirates 5 will begin principal photography….the exotic island of Australia! Specifically: Queensland.

According to a press release from Walt Disney Studios, "the Australian government secured the film's location with a $21.6 million contribution, but estimates that the film will bring in $100 million in local revenue to Queensland while creating thousands of jobs" (Entertainment Weekly).

Jerry Bruckheimer returns to produce the film, which will be directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg.

Filming is scheduled to start early next year which means: where can I get a ticket to Australia?

Image from future-run-away.tumblr.com

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Watch: How Marc Davis Created Maleficent

If you’re an avid follower of my Blog here, you should definitely know by now how much I freaking love Maleficent. She’s definitely my favorite Disney villain, simply because of the aura of mystery and elegance she has.

(You should also know how much I hate the 2014 film Maleficent, but that’s all in another post.)

Image from laughingplace.com

With the upcoming release of the Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition Blu-ray in just a few days, Disney is doing all they can to promote this fantastic film. Disney has especially been revealing glimpses of some of the bonus features available on the Blu-ray.

Among these bonus features is a short documentary on how Marc Davis created the iconic villain.

In this exclusive preview from Entertainment Weekly, Davis’ wife Alice and animator Andreas Deja discuss how Maleficent’s design helped steal the limelight of the movie.



Because Deja worked for Disney (he animated Gaston, Scar, and Jafar, among others), he had access to those original Marc Davis' rough animations. I would die to own one!

Why do you think Maleficent’s character is so alluring? Let me know in the comments below!

See you all real soon.

Pixar's ‘Inside out’ Teaser Trailer is Fantastic!

(I haven’t posted much about Pixar’s Inside Out, and I’m not really sure why…)

Today, I received an email from Disney, and the subject line read “Watch the new teaser trailer for Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out” – I had no idea there was going to be a trailer released!

Check it out below:



I absolutely love how they used footage from each of their movies, especially the shots for “sadness.” Who doesn’t shed a tear seeing Sulley hug Boo goodbye, or Woody saying, “So long, partner” as Andy heads off to college?

And speaking of Sadness, who else wants to give her a big hug at the end?

All in all, bravo, Pixar.

Here are the official poster and synopsis, provided by Disney Insider.

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Image from Disney Insider post.

Inside Out opens in theaters next June.

See you all real soon!

PS: as I was putting hyperlinks into this post, the teaser trailer showed up as an ad before a YouTube video!

'Let it Go' Cover: My Entry for 'Sing Your Heart Out'

I can’t recall when they first announced the “Sing Your Heart Out” contest, hosted by Disney and Kohls, but it was awhile ago.




After hearing about the contest, I shared this on the Blog’s Facebook page, and my fans there gave me lots of encouragement.

Post by The Disney Freak's Blog.

So even though I put off entering (mainly out of self-conscious hate of my own singing voice), I finally uploaded my entry video last night – took me two hours because Disney’s website would not work!

Disney will be posted a selection of video entries on October 16, but the judges have until October 6 to pick the finalists. For now, I’ve uploaded my entry to YouTube as well, for anyone to enjoy (but especially my loverly followers).



Wish me luck! The ten finalists will be professionally recorded, and then you will receive the chance to vote for your favorite of the top ten. The voted winner is then part of the Kohls commercial to air in the last spot during the American Music Awards!

Pretty exciting!

Source link missing.

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Big Announcement!

You’re probably wondering about the current inactivity at this blog.

And this is why:



The first issue of the newspaper came out last Saturday, and it went really well! I think once I get into the groove of things, I can start posting here again, but it will be very minimal with short, easy-to-write-quickly updates.

Until I’m back on a steady basis again, please stick with me!

Thank you!

Molly the Disney Freak
The Disney Freak’s Blog

And I’ll see you all real soon.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit's USA Debut!

He made his Disney Parks debut back in April at Tokyo DisneySea, and I ended my post with the request for him to arrive at the States.

Now, the Disney Park’s Blog has announced that Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be making his USA debut at Disneyland California Adventure starting September 14!

He is so pumped!
Image from Disney Digital Files.

Oswald’s appearance has long been desired by Disney fans, especially in Disneyland, as he has his own "gas station" there already!

Image from WDWMagic forums.

The video below shows the energetic and excited Oswald meeting guests in Tokyo.



Who’s excited to start meeting him in September?

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***UPDATE***

Inside the Magic has reported that Oswald has already made his debut: however, it was at a special event only for Disneyland's annual passholders.

The event, called "Fall Back to Fun," required registration in advance to attend (and again, only for annual passholders). The event featured rare characters mingling with guests.

And Oswald appeared!

Image and video from Inside the Magic.

He'll be appearing for regular meet-and-greets starting September 14.

'Big Hero 6' Hiro and Baymax to Join Disney Infinity!

Big Hero 6 hasn’t even been released yet (out this November), but Disney has already announced protagonists Hiro and Baymax will join the Disney Infinity game!



This isn’t the first time Marvel characters have been announced for the Disney Infinity game.  When Disney Infinity 2.0 was first announced, it was actually bundled as Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes and was to come with an Avengers starter pack.

Image from a Google search.

Now, Hiro and Baymax are ready to join in the super hero fun!

...maybe.
Image from Realm Beyond Sight.

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Be Serenaded by this First Clip from Pixar's 'Lava'

We finally get our first look at the animation, voice talent and music from Pixar’s upcoming short Lava.

In the exclusive clip from Yahoo!, the volcano Uku sings of his dream: to one day find a true love of his own. Uku’s voice is simply beautiful to listen to – I’m already in love with the notes he sings (especially "I have a dream") with the ukulele accompaniment.

And Dewey, turns out it isn’t James Earl Jones playing Uku.  Instead, Uku will be played by Hawaiian entertainer Kuana Torres Kahele.



I’m also entranced by the animation of the volcanic flames (lava?) spurting from Uku, as well as the way the same flames (lava?) glow under the clouds during the time-lapse.  I'm fascinated by the column of smoke rising from Uku, and the way the colors look so vibrant in the clouds and sky during the time-lapse.

Beautiful.
Image from musicalhog.tumblr.com

Makes me wish I was an animator.

Lava is currently showing at film festivals around the globe, but will premiere theatrically in front of Inside Out in June 2015.

See you all real soon.

Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Changes Confirmed

Roughly a month ago, I shared Doctor Disney’s announcement of rumors that the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Street Parade would get “a complete overhaul.”

Today, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed these rumors, and added a few new details.

Among the changes confirmed (and one that Doctor Disney did not announce) is a slight change to the parade’s name.  The street party concept will stay the same, but it appears the characters themselves will do less dancing and interacting.

New logo?
Image from the Disney Parks Blog.

The "Play it!" part of the parade refers to a new way for park guests to interact with the parade: by voting for the final song to play.  Guests will vote from three current hits.

From the Disney Parks Blog post:

This fall, we’re kicking things up a notch with new music, new characters, and a new way for you to be part of the show!

Things heat up in the Central Plaza when hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy appear atop giant gift boxes, leading everyone in a medley of remixed classic party songs. Once you’ve moved it, shaken it, and danced it, it’s time to help decide what comes next, as you vote for one of three current hits during the “Play It!” part of the show.

Originally the Mad Hatter, Sebastian, Lumiere and the Genie appeared atop the floats, while the Mickey and Co. were able to step off the floats to dance with guests.  Now they won't, I guess.  Disney Parks Blog announced that Stitch, Phineas and Ferb would be added to the parade.

What do you think of the changes?

Again, below is a video of the current version.



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