‘Into the Woods’ Teaser is Here and it’s Gorgeous

The first teaser trailer for the upcoming Into the Woods debuted today.  And it’s gorgeous.



The casting is fantastic.  Lilla Crawford (who recently starred in the Broadway revival of Annie) will be amazing, Johnny Depp is my favorite, and I’m speechless about Meryl.  Her make-up, her portrayal of the witch, her acting skills…so excited!

I also can't wait to see more of this!
Image via Stitch Kingdom.  Check them out for more
great hi-res stills from Into the Woods!

Already I can say I am in love with the music.  I’m ready to buy the soundtrack now.

Yet, there has been criticism for the teaser not including any of the vocal music.  You see, Into the Woods is based on a Broadway musical, so it does seem odd Disney didn’t highlight that here.  However, all I can say is that remember, this is only a teaser.  We may get to hear the singing in the actual first trailer.

Here’s the synopsis of the musical film, from Inside the Magic:

“Into the Woods” is a modern twist on several of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy)—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife (James Corden & Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch (Meryl Streep) who has put a curse on them.

Confession: I’m not very familiar with this musical, but researching it these past few months sure has made me wish I was more familiar with it!

Love. Her. Make-up.
Image from kpfun.tumblr.com

Still, I love the trailer, and I absolutely cannot wait for it to come out this Christmas!

Image from The Film Stage via the-disney-freak.tumblr

How about you?  What are your thoughts?  If we have any Into the Woods experts, please chime in!

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Possible Updates to Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it!

Today, Doctor Disney announced that this fall, some pretty big updates are coming to the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Street Party at Magic Kingdom.

Image from ThemeParkInsite.com

In fact, he says to practically expect a new parade.

Among the changes/updates would be replacing Mad Hatter, Lumiere and Sebastian (who currently stand on the top of the gift-styled floats) with members of Mickey's gang.  The music and floats could also be completely new and different.

Image from Rebecca Van Loon's Flickr page.

Here’s exactly what he said.  Note that Disney has not officially confirmed anything at this point.

As of now, the name of the parade is set to remain, but there are going to be some serious changes as a complete overhaul is coming to the new Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! which is set to debut around October of this year.

The Mad Hatter, Lumiere, and Sebastian currently top the floats, but they’re going to be removed from the parade and replaced with others.

Now, the tops of floats will have Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy on top of them. Stitch is also expected to be added into the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Parade.

There will be brand new floats, new music, and a few other changes as well. Essentially, expect an almost brand new parade.

It’s not known if the “street party” aspect of the parade will continue with the floats stopping at the Cinderella Castle hub for characters to dance with guests.

Disney has not officially given word of these changes or confirmed anything at this time. With that being said, changes are always possible from what is being reported and it’s possible that nothing could change or happen at all.

I saw this parade when I went to WDW in June.  Bestie thought the idea of a dance party in the street, with characters mingling among park guests, was pretty unique.  And I agree.  It would be sad to see this one go.

Below is a video of the parade:



What are your thoughts?  Please leave a comment below!

See you all real soon.

Kristen Bell Brings Political Twist to Mary Poppins

NOTE: This post has been rated PG-13 for language usage in the included video clip.

Kristen Bell (Anna from Frozen) has added another Disney credit to her list of achievements, but this time, it’s a parody.

And it’s actually pretty darn funny.

In this Funny or Die video, Kristen portrays Mary Poppins who is leaving the nursery, like she does at the end of the Disney film.  However, this time, she’s quitting for good – because of minimum wage.

My favorite line is definitely the last one...which I won't repeat here, for obvious reasons.

So the question is: Mary Poppins is a Democrat?

Image from savingpltravers.tumblr.com

Also, was it just me, or did Kristen really, really kind of look like Julie?

Image from a Google search.

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PS: TDM wanted me to point out that Mary Poppins would be cashing in pounds, not American dollars.  I, on the other hand, am mentally fangirling over the hidden Breyer cameo that no one else in the world will probably care about.

Coming 2017: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’!

OMD has just announced the release date for the next installment in a very popular franchise…Pirates of the Caribbean 5!

Image from OMD post.

Johnny Depp is slated to return as Captain Jack Sparrow because really, who else could play our favorite pirate?

Image from moshing-leprechauns.tumblr.com 

No plot details have been revealed just now, but Inside the Magic has some tidbits for us:

“Pirates” series producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s partnership with Disney recently fizzled out, leaving the future of the franchise unknown.

But with billions of dollars under its belt, the “Pirates” films will surely continue to succeed as long as Captain Jack is on the big screen. The fifth movie’s subtitle is reportedly “Dead Men Tell No Tales” but Disney has not confirmed or announced that just yet.

I have to admit, I still haven’t seen any of these movies other than the first (due to my parent’s rules – don’t ask…).  What are your thoughts on the fifth installment in the Pirates franchise?

See you all real soon.

***UPDATE***

Just realized it will open the day after my 22nd birthday...and I am super excited!

Giveaway: Win a Stitch and Eeyore Tsum-Tsum Set!

Earlier this month (or maybe it was the end of June), Disney released Tsum-Tsum stackable plush toys in the US, after Tsum-Tsums found a huge fan-base in Japan.

Well, I’m giving away two (mini-sized) in my very first giveaway!

Video from YouTube. The Disney Freak’s Blog original video.

As the above video details, I am giving away Stitch and Eeyore mini Tsum-Tsum plush toys.  Trust me, they are adorable!  The winner also gets an assortment of Walt Disney World maps, from my recent trip.  Just for fun.

 

(Stock image via Disney Store)

Enter below, and good luck to all!  This giveaway ends on August 4, and one winner will be chosen at random.  Liking my Facebook page is required for entry, but there are a few other bonus entry opportunities.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Indiana Jones Stunt Show Closing? False!

UPDATE: As the original Facebook post has been retracted by the third party, here's a synopsis of what it said:

A rumor had been circulating that the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! show would be closing to make room for an apparent Star Wars-themed area in Hollywood Studios.  The rumor also said the American Idol Experience would close as well.

One of my Facebook fans, Tracey Noah, asked if I knew when the closing would happen, as she really enjoys the show.  I told her I didn’t know but would research it.

And good news, Tracey: the blog Disney and more has reported the rumors are false!  Doctor Disney has also said the rumors are false, with an update stating that Cast Members were told the show will not be closing in 2014, but he did point out that the show could close in the future.  (Of course, this is obvious: any show/attraction/ride is at the risk of closing...in the future.)

Only the American Idol Experience is confirmed to be be closing to make room for Star Wars additions.

So you still have plenty of time to enjoy one of your favorite shows, Tracey!

Image from Disney and more.

For those of you unable to see the show any time soon, here’s a video of the entire show:

Have you seen the Indiana Jones stunt show?  What are your thoughts on its rumored closing? Please comment!

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‘Frozen’ Summer Fun Packages Sold Out

Kids really want their Frozen.

WDW Magic just reported that the premium packages – which I mentioned earlier – for “Frozen Summer Fun” event have all sold out for all the remaining dates.

Image from Attractions Magazine.

The package details, from WDW Magic:

The $59 'Frozen Summer Fun' Premium Package provides a reserved viewing area for Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome procession, reserved seating for a showing of 'For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration' show, and a dessert party viewing of the 'Frozen' Fireworks Spectacular.

Regular Hollywood Studios guests can still attend all the “Frozen Summer Fun” highlights, just not through the premium package.

Want to attend the "Frozen Summer Fun"?  Destinations in Florida can help -- CLICK HERE to book a Disney trip!

See you all real soon.

‘Lava’ Character and Plot Details!

LA Times just released details about the plot and characters of Pixar’s upcoming short Lava.

This is Uku, and as LA Times described him, “he’s rusty and prone to eruptions, but with a warm core underneath -- the kind of man James Earl Jones might play.”

But guess what?  He’s a volcano.

Image from LA Times article.

Amazing character design, right?  I love how Uku’s inlet gives him the appearance of protective arms.

As for the plot of Lava, LA Times states:

The seven-minute musical love story between two mountains -- Uku and Lele -- will premiere at the Hiroshima International Animation Festival in Japan in August.

Pixar is always thinking outside the box with their love stories, and I’m positive this one will be just as touching as The Blue Umbrella.

Final note: is LA Times hinting James Earl Jones will play Uku?  Or is that merely for description alone?

Lava will play before Inside Out, opening June 19, 2015.

See y’all real soon.

DCONSTRUCTED: Main Street Electrical Parade

Earlier this year, Disney released DCOSTRUCTED, an entire album full of Disney songs remixed by some of the most popular D.J.'s these days.

Image from a Google search.

Accompanying music videos have also been released.  Here is the one for the remix of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

Video from YouTube.

In my opinion, the remix is only so-so, but the music video is really cool! I love the blurred look on the edges of some shots, and how some of the characters vanish into pixels.

Image from mentholcase.tumblr.com

What are your thoughts? Comment below!

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More Media Content of Kristoff’s Debut!

Of course, the Kristoff face character debut during the “Frozen Summer Fun” event at Hollywood Studios has been getting lots of attention on social media everywhere.  I’ve collected some various photos and videos of Kristoff from the event.

Do you have a picture of Kristoff from “Frozen Summer Fun”?  Share it on my Facebook page or tag me on either Twitter or Instagram, and I’ll add it to this post!  You will get all credit.

Kristoff Makes First Ever Park Appearance!

“Frozen Summer Fun: Live at Hollywood Studios” event has started today!

And that means…Kristoff’s first-ever Park appearance!

Kristoff makes his first appearance #FrozenSummer pic.twitter.com/DVrs1ORuGq
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) July 5, 2014

The rugged mountain man showed up for the Royal Welcome parade, which daily begins the “Frozen Summer Fun” festivities.

Below is a video of the parade:

Video from YouTube. Sure do wish I was there! (Again!)

Image from Walt Disney Confessions.

What are your thoughts on the Kristoff face character?  Tell me in the comments below!

See you all real soon – in summer!

‘Frozen’ MagicBands and Package Announced!

For the “Frozen Summer Fun” event coming to Hollywood Studios (which starts tomorrow!), Disney has added a Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package for $59 for adults and $34 for children.  It includes reserved viewing for three of the park’s most anticipated new Frozen experiences: Royal Welcome parade, Frozen Sing-Along show, and nighttime Frozen fireworks spectacular with a dessert party!

Plus, exclusive Frozen-themed MagicBands have debuted for the event.

Image from Inside the Magic.

Want to book this Premium Package?  Get a free quote from Destinations in Florida by CLICKING HERE.

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Disneyland’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Dark Ride Updated with Digital Projections

(Whew, long title.)

Yesterday, Disneyland reopened the Alice in Wonderland dark ride, which had been updated with digital projections.  The update also took care of some safety issues, after a cast member slipped in 2010.

Image from Wikipedia.

Inside the Magic took a POV video of the new ride:

Both videos from YouTube.

To understand the changes, here is Inside the Magic’s explanation followed by a video of the previous version of the dark ride.

Besides the safety enhancements, WDI took the rehab time to install several new Alice figures and many new digitally projected effects. New effects can be seen immediately as one rides down the rabbit hole into the attraction. A fully animated scene from the movie is projected onto a set piece showing Alice chasing after the White Rabbit. There are several more projected animated bits in the flower section and in the Queen of Hearts section.

None of the figures feature video-projected heads, like those seen in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, despite the rumors on other Disney fan sites.

The newly rebuilt down ramp still features the twists and turns regular Disneyland visitors remember, albeit on a wider track. The new rails on the exit (left) side of the vehicles reflect the vine architecture of the exterior. There is also a digitally projected animated tea party seen when entering the final scene at the bottom of the down ramp.

Check out Inside the Magic’s article for more, including a former Imagineer’s opinion of the changes.

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***UPDATE***

Here's a video my friend Sara shared on her blog, The Disney Den.  It provides a side-by-side comparison of the old and the new.  Enjoy!