Disney Movies of 2013

Well, as the year comes to an end, it is time to reflect back to Disney and what they have done this year. When we look upon the year, let us take a look at what Disney movies have come out this year in the theaters, which have also come out on DVD this year!

The first of these movies this year was Oz the Great and Powerful! A movie based on the Oz books and follows the Wizard who comes to Oz in the first place. There is also the explanation of the Wicked Witch of the East and West and where they came from, as well as Glinda's origin as well. This movie is great, and from the rumors that have been said, this movie is to get a sequel in the near future.

Next movie was Iron Man 3. The highly anticipated movie after the third highest grossing movie of all time, The Avengers. It follows Tony Stark and the events after what happened in New York.

Another movie which took place this year was the highly anticipated Monsters University. This was the prequel to Monsters Inc. This movie followed Mike as he got into Monsters University and what their life was like at college and how they ended up at Monsters Inc.

Following that movie, there was Planes, which cam
e from "above the world of Cars" which was a movie about a plane who wants to race and they would race along the skies.

We then had the Lone Ranger which was a remake on a movie done by the same title. This was done by the same director and producer as the first three Pirates of the Caribbean companies. Starring Johnny Depp, it is a movie that is set in the Wild West.

Following that, was Thor: the Dark World, which is the highly anticipated Thor sequel which everyone was excited to see. Still starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleson, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and the same cast as the last movie.

Frozen was the next of these movies, and is the golden gem of Disney since the Disney Renaissance. Takes place in the legendary land of Arendale. It focuses on two sisters, one of which has the power to freeze things and places the land of Arendale in eternal snow.

Lastly, to top the year off, Disney released Saving Mr. Banks, which is the story of P.L. Travers, the woman who wrote Mary Poppins and the route taken to make the movie with Walt Disney.

With all these great movies released by Disney this year, what great movies can we look forward to next year? 2014 here we come!

The Animated App!

I have no purchased this app, and I feel like I may get it one day, but at the moment, I am seeing this app and it is perhaps one of the greatest apps that Disney could ever provide.

It is an application that allows you to see the sketches of all the 50 animated Disney movies. They show what the sketches, how they animated them, and what they continue to do. The other important thing about the application is that is also has updated to include all the sketches up to Frozen!

As I stated, I have not personally gotten the application yet, But I shall give a proper review when needed.

Those Thinking of Disneyland on New Year's Eve

Well, I was looking at the hours for Disneyland Resort for those who want to go tomorrow!

Disneyland is open from 8am - 2am
Disney's California Adventure is open from 8am - 1am

Hope you enjoy all of Disney tomorrow!

Every Role A Starring Role - Silhouettes

I used to do this as a kid. My mom would ask for my brother and I to get this done. We would hate having it done, but it makes a beautiful picture to make in the house, and it also is a great memory and memorabilia to have in the house when you are there for vacation. This video provided by Disney Parks, explains how it is done, and how you might have enjoyed this wonderful piece of artwork that is done everyday at the Disney Parks!

The Haunted Mansion - Paris

I went to Disneyland on Christmas Eve, and decided that since I wasn't going to go as often as I used to, I needed to have a way to remember and learn more about my favorite place on earth until I was able to return. I decided to not only get a Walt Disney biography (which I will be able to review and discuss upon at a later time), I also decided to get the Haunted Mansion history. I loved learning more of this attraction. I knew most of the information when it came to the Haunted Mansion in California, I knew small snippets of the Disneyland Paris attraction, but I learned much more.

So, let's talk about the Haunted Mansion that was placed in Paris.

First, the attraction was renamed to Phantom Manor. The attraction, unlike the Florida, California, and Hong Kong locations, they had moved the attraction to Westernland,which we could equate to Frontierland to us.

The best part of this attraction is that the ride completely encompasses the story that the land possesses. They say that the land was owned by a man named Ravenswood who owned a mining company since the center of the land was Big Thunder Mountain. This mining company completely took over the town, with shops that were dedicated to the town which helped enhance the economy there.

Now, to come to the Manor itself. According to the story, Phantom Manor was made by Ravenswood for his family in the town that Westernland was known as Costa Mesa. Ravenswood had a daughter who wanted to marry a man who wanted to take her out of Costa Mesa. Now. Mr. Ravenswood did not like this idea at all.

There was an earthquake which came from the mountain, and it shook the whole town. After the earthquake, the father and the groom to be were never seen again. This shook the daughter and because of this, she wore her wedding dress and moaned around the house until her death and continues to do so after death as well. The Phantom, while we do not know if it is the groom or Mr. Ravenswood, continues to haunt the house, making sure the daughter never leaves.

This house, is much different than the other Mansions around the world. Not only because of it's setting, but also the way the place looks to the inside of the Manor as well. The house, unlike all the others was unkept, not keeping to the idea Walt Disney had was that the outside Disney maintained, the rest the ghosts took care of. The inside is much darker in theme as well. The graveyard itself does not even have what those at the California and Florida parks know. It is much different.

I personally have not been to this attraction, but I am much more fascinated by this than any other Mansion in the world. I hope to see it one day, and while I continue to watch YouTube videos, and read about it and listen to the soundtrack, I hope to see it live and in person one day!

Merry Christmas

Hello all!

I am not able to get to my computer as best as I can, seeing as our internet it out until the day after Christmas. So! With that being said, this post will be picture less and sad looking but the thought still counts!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! While Walt had on the first Christmas celebrated at the parks with a circus with the Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers, we celebrate with Walt in the old commercials and specials he did. We also have Mickey's Christmas Carol, Mickey's Once and Twice Upon a Christmas to have as well. Celebrate with all family and friends.

Thank you all for sticking around and reading the blog if you read regularly, if not then hopefully we get more joining us!

I will be making more announcements about the blog in the upcoming days.

HAVE A VERY MERRY DISNEY CHRISTMAS!

Saving Mr. Banks

This perhaps has been one of those movies I have been longing to see for a long time. Being a person from the arts world myself, seeing how a vision can be taken and then put together and placed in an art form. This was no different upon going into this movie. I am not one who usually cries or has even the tug of emotion when I watch a piece. I know something can be sad, and I know something can be happy, etc. But when it comes to my actual watching of something I do not display the emotion itself. This movie, upon watching it, on numerous occasions had gotten me to tear up. Yes, even a man can cry once in a while.

I, being the aspiring Disney historian I am, have known about the story of P.L. Travers and Walt Disney, knowing that their relationship was anything but easy. Any Disney geek knows that in the making of this movie, and it had taken Walt Disney over twenty years to get Mrs. Travers to finally agree to relinquish the rights to the book to the Walt Disney Company. It was something of a conundrum when listening to these tapes and to why it had taken them so long to get the rights and why she was so stubborn to let it go. It seems now a days, unless you are J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, or even Cassandra Clare, the reason an author would let go of their work was to just further their monetary gain. P.L.Travers was not like the modern era, and while she, according to the movie that was presented, she needed the money herself, she did not sell out. She was very dedicated to what she had made, and she planned on making sure that no one made her work turn out to be anything she didn't want.

This movie, while the emphasis in the trailers seemed to be very much placed in the relationship of Walt Disney and P.L. Travers, the movie is actually about how Mrs. Travers came with the story of Mary Poppins and why the story was so important to her. Watching this movie, you understand where she is from and why she is so very much important to Mrs. Travers herself. I enjoyed this movie for that particular reason. It is not because you understand where the books come from, but how when people say "write what you know" that is what P.L. Travers had done with her book.She had done it in a way that was relatable, but also a way that would be fun for a child.

Another thing I loved about this movie is that you learned more about Walt Disney himself. You learn that Walt Disney had his own personal troubles, and it is particular because of this he has Disneyland as it is. I loved as well that it seemed the late Diane Disney Miller was the reason Mary Poppins exists in the movie form that it has for the past fifty years.

I would suggest this movie to anyone, and I would not be surprised that it won an Academy Award the upcoming Oscars.

The 76th Anniversary

Today, according to the D23 website is the 76th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves premiere. This day today, Walt Disney and the cast, as well as the animators went to the Carthay Circle Theater where they watched the first ever animated feature film. This movie has always been known as the 'Fairest of them all". I haven't gotten any of the new editions of the movie since the first time it was released on DVD. Happy Birthday to the movie Snow White!

Chrona and the Inklings

So, I went on the D23 Facebook page and saw that there is a new game for the iPad and Android. It is a game which takes place in all the different Disney realms such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Tangled. It is a game where the leader, Chrona, defeats a villain which she accidentally created with her imagination. I think that this could be a really fun game, and I am going to try and play it on my iPad when I get the money to do so. Have any of you played it? Let me know what you think of the game and check out the post that D23 made about the game here!

UPDATE: Just looked further into the game. It's free, and if you want the game to speed up, you will need to pay for it. The app is also called Hidden Worlds.

Beautiful Portrait of the Haunted Mansion

Well, I upload a lot of pictures on my Instagram with Disney pictures. While on Google yesterday, looking for a new iPhone wallpaper, I looked up the Haunted Mansion and found a really cool picture which I put up.

This picture is also my cover photo on Facebook now. I don't know what it is about this portrait, but it's amazing to me.

 Let me know in the comments what you think of it!

Christmas Day Parade at the Disneyland Resort

Well, it was not that long ago in early November, I was there for the taping of two of the people who will be performing for the Disneyland Christmas Day Parade. I have made this a tradition the past couple of years to watch it not only for the people who are in it, but also for the promotions that the Disney Parks will be making for the year. The first year I watched was when the Year of a Million Dreams had first began. It was the best thing ever. BUT this year is what we are talking about isn't it?

Anyways, this year, I know that there will be Demi Lovato singing "Let it Go" which was amazing as she had sang it live as opposed to some just playing a track back for those to sing.

Jordin Sparks will be singing with Jason Derulo. I wasn't present when they were performing, but I have a guess that they will be singing "Marry Me", the duet that is currently on Jason Derulo's newest album.

And finally, if I am remembering correctly, Mary J. Blige will also be singing as well.

So far it looks like a great line up, and who knows who will be performing for us from Disney World!

New Disney Movie - Tomorrowland

So, after some digging around the Disney website and deciding to spark not just on the old of Disney, but the new and upcoming, there is a new movie set to come out on May 22,2015 called Tomorrowland. According to the Disney website, the plot for the movie is:

"Bound by a shared destiny, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor jaded by disillusionment embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory as "Tomorrowland."

It seems like an interesting movie, driven by the land that each of the Magic Kingdom Parks possess with Tomorrowland, the age of science and space, just as Walt had imagined It. Not much else has been given about the movie other than a large exhibit that took you through some of the scientific things at the 2013 D23 Expo. 

What have you guys heard?

New Disney Film - Moana

Well, apparently in the wake of the success of 'Frozen', they all calling this being Disney's new Golden Age. With that, they have started development on their new film titled Moana. According to Disney reps, the movie is set 2000 years ago in the Hawaiian Isles with demigods and their mythology put inside. The synopsis for the movie was released as:

"The main character will be Moana Waialiki, a sea voyaging enthusiast, and the only daughter of a chief in a long line of navigators. When her family needs her help, she sets off on an epic journey. The film will also include demi-gods and spirits taken from real mythology"

They say that the movie will be released in the same CGI animation as the short "Paperman", with creative minds that works on Aladdin and Princess and the Frog. Music will be produced by Mark Mancina who worked on Tarzan, Brother Bear, and Lion King. 

Maleficent - The Live Action Movie

This movie doesn't come out until about six months from today actually, but it is still an interesting movie. There hasn't been that much shown about what this movie is about, at least not what I've seen, and it seems to be an interesting plot line at the moment. It looks to me, from this trailer specifically that Maleficent is the guardian of Aurora, but Aurora doesn't know why she never got to see her. Maleficent seems kind to Aurora, and not evil as they would think to others. She looks as the protector in this whole movie, but what is she protecting Aurora from? Why does she still have that notorious evil laugh? I honestly think that Angelina Jolie did a very good menacing laugh which Eleanor Audrey had perfected in her years as the voice actress.

See this trailer on the big screen during Frozen's trailers!

What have you guys heard about the movie? Comment below!

Descendants

There has been a great announcement that Disney has release. In 2015, Disney Channel will be releasing a movie called "Descendants". The story follows the son of Beast and Belle, who is to take the throne, but is sent to a prep school where he has to deal with other Disney couples offspring, as well as the offspring of the villains. Said villains that will be given their offspring in the movie will be the Evil Queen, Maleficent, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil. They say other famous characters that will be in the movie whose offspring will be in it are the Fairy Godmother, Rapunzel, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty.

I'm excited for this movie, as it is going to be something that has never been thought of before and will be completely brand new. They say that the director of this film will be High School Musical and Hocus Pocus director Kenny Ortega. I feel like 2015 is too long of a wait, but hey, what are you going to do? According to Disney officials they are currently casting each part.

Whose excited for this movie?!

Mickey and the Magical Map

I am usually not a fan of shows that happen at the Disneyland Resort as I am not the kind of guy who just goes around for those things when I think of Disney. BUT! I must protest when it comes to the Disneyland Resort's newest and most popular show, "Mickey and the Magical Map". 

Mickey and the Magical Map Stage

This show is follows the Sorcerer Yensen (famous for being first presented in Fantasia's 'Sorcerer's Apprentice') and his master map makers. Yensen sets Mickey on a quest to understand the mystery of the map and if he does, he can become a mapmaker as well. Well, Mickey is one who wants to skip ahead anyways, so he tries to cover a dot which has a life of it's own. You travel to the world of The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tangled, Lilo and Stitch, and Princess and the Frog. 

This show is filled with great dance routines, some spins on the songs we know and just great show stopping effects. I recommend this show to whenever you go to the park. It's amazing and you will all love it!

Big Thunder Mountain Referb

So, the last time I went on this attraction, I believe it was about March of last year as I had left to the east coast and had been able to ride the ride, if not it was earlier. This ride has been closed ever since to do a refurbishment on the attraction. I personally think this has been too long as the park has been without the ride for almost a year if not more. I find it actually a detraction and sort of makes the park look shabby with the boards that have been up since that time. It looks not very attractive when you sit along the restaurant that usually overlooks the ride, there is also the fact that when you walk from the back way to Fantasyland from Frontierland, it doesn't seem to meld well. I have heard rumors that the attraction will open in 2014, but I still find this a hoax.

The reason the attraction had gone into refurbishment was due to the fact that they had not refurbed the attraction since it's opening in 1979, and was given a full reboot with a new track, new trains, etc.

Update: Upon researching the topic, a source from the Disneyland Blog said that the attraction is to open in Winter 2014. So, it looks like a whole year left for us passholders and park goers to see the attraction.

Not sure when it is going to open. What are your thoughts on the closed Thunder Mountain?

Tangled In Frozen!

In the new Disney movie Frozen, if you look at the end of "First Time In Forever", you notice that one of the many people come to see Princess Elsa, for her coronation, there is none other Rapunzel and Flynn Rider coming to pay homage to the new princess! Can you spot them?

When It Rains at Disneyland

So, I've never been to Disneyland personally when it rains. This is a great video to look at and it helps you think you can still have the magical spirit when you go to Disneyland! According to Disney though, if you want to go to Disneyland, the opportune time is when it rains!

it's a small world Holiday Show

One thing I realized last year when I went to Disneyland, I was able to see the show that was placed on "it's a small world". The best part of this attraction is that it is indeed a hidden treasure if you don't want to see the fireworks. It is an amazing show that has some of the best scenes that you could want in a holiday bash, and to add to the best part of the show is the hard work that goes into the animation these people make in it. I have seen them implant the nutcracker pieces into it, old Disney Christmas cartoons, etc. I suggest watching it if you are in the parks! While you're there, might as well see the holiday it's a small world as well!

Muppets Christmas Carol

According to the D23 Facebook page, they say that this day in 1992, the Muppets Christmas Carol came out. How many of you guys watch this movie around this time of year? For my family it is particularly a good significance to my family. We watch it every year while we decorate the Christmas tree. Is there any Disney traditions you guys have? Let me know if you have any in the comments below!

Tom Hanks Talks Walt Disney!

So in honor of the movie coming out this week, "Saving Mr.Banks" star Tom Hanks decided to talk about how Walt Disney was indeed a very heavy smoker, which isn't uncommon, seeing as the era he lived in. Hanks says that even Dick Sherman states, "You knew Walt was on his way for a meeting when you heard the coughing".

Apparently they were not able to show Walt smoking in the movie as Hanks said that it would have turned out to be an 'R' rated movie. We wouldn't want that now would we?

So, with that, make sure you check out this awesome interview with Ellen DeGenerous and Tom Hanks.

"Saving Mr. Banks" comes out this Friday, December 13th.

Prep and Landing

So today, after two years of wanting it, I got the Disney holiday classic "Prep and Landing". I got both the first and second movies. I have enjoyed every moment of this series, and I made it as a new holiday tradition. I saw it last year on YouTube.

For those who have never seen it, "Prep and Landing" is a story about two elves who are in charge of making sure each house is ready for Santa's arrival. All of these movies focus on separate storylines, but the plot of how they live is all the same.

I personally enjoy this story, with executive producer John Lasseter.

Last year I watched the second movie "Naughty and Nice" at Disney's California Adventure. While the attraction is not as popular as it once was, they turned the Muppet Vision 3D to be the area of watching the special. It was really fun to watch due to the fact that they do a 4D experience where they put the snow on you as you watch, and other magical parts of the story.

Have any of you seen the movie? If so please leave what's your favorite part this story in the comments below.

I seriously cannot wait for this movie! We all know that the writer of Mary Poppins Mrs. Travers, was not so willing to give up the rights to Mary Poppins due to the fact that she thought Disney would ruin her beloved character and would make her nothing more than a woman who would fly around and smile all the time. This movie seems to follow the story of how she would allow Disney to make the movie, and through her approval, they would come to agree.

Seeing that this movie was not only filmed about a beloved movie that is timeless, it was also filmed at Disneyland!

Who else is going to see this movie?

Christmas Time At the Disneyland Resort!

FROZEN!

I saw Frozen about two weeks ago. I LOVED THE MOVIE! My thoughts upon seeing the movie was that Disney was finally back to movies that started in the Disney Renaissance era.The music was phenomenon, the message behind the movie was incredible, and the animation was simply breathtaking. I feel like I could make a ton of posts about this movie, but I am going to do my best and just do one post about it. So! Let's get started with the many different aspects of the movie that were my favorite.

My favorite character? Elsa and Olaf
My favorite song? "Let It Go" and "Love is an Open Door"
Favorite Scene? "Let It Go"

I highly suggest you all get the album, the music is amazing, and thinking back on it, the movies 'musical' side of it reminded me a lot of "The Little Mermaid". Not that it is a copy or anything, but it had a very musical theme, and seeing upon other blogs as well, people see this could very well be a musical.

I want to see this movie again, but I will of course have to wait with the holiday season upon us all!

If you have seen this movie, please leave in the comments below what you thought!

Disneyland Partner's Statue

One of the greatest things I did when I went to Disneyland in December was when I got to just spend the first hour by myself in the park, and just took pictures. Now, I haven't really done this ever and kept you guys in mind while doing this. I looked around, and the one thing I never really did when I came to Disneyland was never really look at the partner's statue. Walt Disney next to Mickey Mouse in front of the castle.

I had always seen this statue and had stood next to it while I watched parades and all of that, but I never looked to what was around the Partner's Statue. With that, I decided to take pictures of all of these, and share them with you all. There they have the statues of many beloved Disney characters.

Partner's Statue Main Street U.S.A.

Back in the Grind

Yeah, I know, I've been gone for a VERY long time. I'm sorry guys. I have had a lot of life stuff happen since the last time I posted with you guys. But! I am just as Disney driven as ever! I have just recently upgraded my pass to a Premium, so I can go ANYTIME I WANT. It's just as exciting as you would think it is. I love it. I have been to the Disneyland Resort about 30+ times already since August. So, I have lots of fun things to show you!