Instapic: Rats!
from Instagram: The animal statues dusted across Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom always reminds me of a Miyazaki movie from Studio Ghibli. This rat is near Pizzafari.
January 2015
Disney’s Pete’s Dragon remake will now replace Michael C. Hall with Karl Urban
Some news for all of you looking forward to the Pete’s Dragon remake. Michael C. Hall from Dexter was originally set to star in the modern adaptation. Now, it looks like Karl Urban is taking his place. No worries though. It seems this change is… Read More »Disney’s Pete’s Dragon remake will now replace Michael C. Hall with Karl Urban
The last time Disney produced a Super Bowl halftime show
The year was 2000 and St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans were competing in the first Super Bowl of the new millennium inside the Georgia Dome. After Gloria Estafan and Stevie Wonder performed in 1999, Disney decided they could do better. Disney was known for… Read More »The last time Disney produced a Super Bowl halftime show
In 2014 Walt Disney World donated more to Central Florida Community than ever before
With nearly 75,000 Cast Members who call Central Florida home, the Walt Disney World Resort has a significant stake in the success of Central Florida as a community. As such they’re committed to making a difference in the community. In 2014, that commitment added up to a record $37.9 million in Disney’s cash and in-kind donations aimed at strengthening local children and families.
“Here at Walt Disney World Resort, our Cast Members are honored to give back to the community in a variety of ways – from supporting our schools to grants for local nonprofits to the countless hours our VoluntEARS devote to the causes close to their hearts,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of corporate citizenship for Walt Disney World Resort.
The list of support Disney provides is long. Below are just a few examples:
Read More »In 2014 Walt Disney World donated more to Central Florida Community than ever before
A Look at Three New Disney Blu-ray Releases From Studio Ghibli
My wife was out of town last week, which meant many things, but mainly that the DVR was off limits because it stores countless episodes of “our shows” and, as you know, “our shows” cannot be watched by “just me.” However, please note that it does fall within accepted social graces to watch any given show in its entirety despite my wife falling asleep on the couch well before the third act. I have this in writing.
But I digress. It was Sunday, she was gone, it was raining, and the boys and I were literally stuck to the sofa for hours—not “literally” by its original definition, but “literally” like people use it now, previously known as “figuratively.” English is a living language! Also, our couch is pretty gross.
We had three new Disney Blu-ray releases from Studio Ghibli, and pizza on the way. We were set. We watched all of the movies: Pom Poko, Tales From Earthsea, and Porco Rosso, in that order, and this is what we thought:
Pom Poko (PG), directed by Isao Takahata, is the classic battle between man and nature, where nature equals shape-shifting raccoons. Fun fact, they are only called raccoons in the U.S. version. A bit of real-time research (see, Google) revealed that they are actually called raccoon dogs. Why was I researching Pom Poko in the middle of the movie? For the same reason you will, because a good portion of the film had us asking “Is that?” and “What am I looking at?” and “Daddy, are those . . .” and yes, yes they are. Read More »A Look at Three New Disney Blu-ray Releases From Studio Ghibli
Polynesian Village Resort Lobby Emerges After Long Refurbishment
The Polynesian Village Resort Lobby has just come out of a long refurbishment in the middle of a resort wide set of improvements and DVC addition. We take a look around in this new video (note, stick around to the end for a little bonus):
I get what Disney’s hotel designers were trying to do with the remodeled lobby of the Polynesian. It’s lighter, more open, and, best of all, has this amazing vista of Cinderella Castle from the moment you park in valet all the way out the rear doors of the lobby heading toward the pool. It’s a wonderful effect and was totally worth getting rid of the giant waterfall for.
But that doesn’t mean they needed to go as generic as they did with the new water feature. It’s pretty basic. In fact, the whole thing feels slightly generic. The stores give some excitement around the edges, but the central part of the lobby feels very similar to every other large hotel on the planet.Read More »Polynesian Village Resort Lobby Emerges After Long Refurbishment
Agent Carter Episode 4 Recap: The Blitzkrieg Button
We’ve made to the half way point of the series. Interestingly, the main objective of the series, the search for Howard Stark’s stolen technology, is over. Which begs the question, what do the last four episodes have in store?
This week’s episode was once again, light on action, but still delivered two major reveals. The episode begins with the return of Howard Stark, who is still on the run. His normal hiding spots are now under surveillance so Peggy ends up letting him hide out in her apartment, you know, the one that doesn’t allow men inside in the building. This week we definitely got to see the more negative side of Stark’s personality, from the way he seduced all of the ladies on Peggy’s hall, to how he chose to lie to her about her mission.
Stark tells Peggy that one of his inventions, the Blitzkrieg Button, has been turned on and, if activated, will cause the entire city of New York to black out. Of course, he’s the only one who can disarm it so he needs her to bring it to him.
In the midst of this, we are introduced to Mr. Mink, who attempts to capture Peggy and Jarvis. The writers clearly wanted us to think that he was going to be the big villain of the piece, which makes what happens later more shocking.Read More »Agent Carter Episode 4 Recap: The Blitzkrieg Button
Tomorrowland Movie to get Super Bowl ad
As we learned last night, Disneyland is throwing a big party for it’s 60th anniversary starting May 22nd. You know what else starts May 22nd? That’s the premier of the much anticipated movie “Tomorrowland.”
To help build up excitement, Disney Pictures plan to run a Super Bowl commercial exposing the film to the big game’s 10’s of millions of audience members.
It’s not much, but the released a teaser to the Big Game trailer this morning.
There’s a much better look at the futuristic city, but that’s about the only thing we haven’t seen in the previously released trailer. Presumably there will be a lot more to see on Super Bowl Sunday.
Full plot synopsis below: