Alice In Wonderland…All Grown Up

You know the story…A girl named Alice chases a rabbit into a hole during a dream and finds herself amongst a disappearing cat, an army of cards, and an elusive white rabbit in Wonderland.  Fast forward several years to an Alice who’s all grown up, about to get engaged to a man she’s lukewarm about. She’s trapped in a pretentious society of do’s and don’ts, attempting to find her identity.

Tim Burton’s take on Alice in Wonderland is fascinating, imaginative, and even dark at times.  The movie isn’t a sequel…or a re-make.  It’s so much more than that.  The characters are intricate and well-developed.  The cinematography is stunning.  The story evokes nostalgia and remnants of Lewis Carroll’s original work are evident throughout.  Here is a brief summary from the site:

From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.

Alice In Wonderland is available now on Blu-Ray and DVD.

No compensation was received for this post.  A copy of the movie was provided to facilitate this review.

What’s Next at the Disneyland Resort?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been making the most of our Disneyland annual passes before the summer season is in full swing. The resort is always bustling with newness and innovation, while still retaining it’s history…it’s familiarity.

A few weeks ago, I attended the resorts media briefing and got a glimpse of what’s to come.

World of Color is drawing audiences from all over the world (I actually spoke to a girl from Australia on holiday one of the days we were visiting) with it’s powerful fountains, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, music, and special effects. (Year-round)

The Disneyland resort’s summer line-up includes Fantasmic! with its new dragon, Magical fireworks starring Tinker Bell and Dumbo (we’ve seen this every night for the past month), Tomorrowland Terrace TLT Dance Club, and Pixie Hollow Enchantment.  (Now through August 29, 2010)  In the fall, Rapunzel (who will star in the upcoming animated feature Tangled) will greet guests in Fantasyland.

Disney California Adventure Park is all aglow with the colorful, exciting entertainment of Glow Fest.  (Now through August 22, 2010).

Looking ahead, Disney Cruise Line will move to Southern California (yes…I’m jumping up and down).  The Disney Wonder will make regular sailings to Alaska from Vancouver and to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.  The most exciting news is that kids (under the age of 17) are free from January 23 to March 20, 2011 on seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera (must be accompanied by two full-fare paying guests).

2011 will also bring The Little Mermaid to Disney California Adventure Park with it’s immersive, under the sea experience called Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.  And in 2012, Cars Land makes it’s debut.  I saw the model for this at D23 and I can’t even imagine how incredible it’s going to be.  The 12-acre expansion will include 3 new attractions.

I like to stay up-to-date with what’s happening with the park, so I’ll post updates as they come.

Just a glimpse at what a media briefing is like at the Disneyland Resort.

Photo Credit: Copyright Disney. Used with permission. No unauthorized use.

No compensation was received for this post.

Traintastic!

Do you remember when I told you the fantastic traintastic news about Chuggington’s debut here in the U.S.?  Well…the show is widely popular among kids, including my son. Train-loving tots will enjoy following the adventures of Wilson, Brewster, and KOKO, trainee engines with personality.  The computer generated 3D series is set in a world with cities, villages, diverse cultures and geography. Each episode conveys an important educational message, designed to support learning and social-emotional development.

A couple of weeks ago, several of us got together with our kids, who enjoyed singing the theme song while wearing their conductor hats.  Here is a little video I shot (so adorable!):

If you have a traintastic fan of Chuggington and you’re looking to throw a themed party, check out some of these games and ideas:

• Chuggington Musical Chairs: Using the Chuggington theme song, encourage kids to play musical chairs.
• Chuggington Scavenger Hunt: Create clues or a train map for kids to follow to find a grand prize.
• Conductor Says: Create your own Chuggington version of Simon Says. Conductor says “honk your horns!”
• Pin the Wheels on the Chugger: Using construction paper and craft supplies, have kids decorate their own ‘wheels’ and then have them close their eyes and pin (or tape) their wheel on the Chugger!
• Chugga, Chugga, Choo, Choo!: Instead of ‘duck… duck… GOOSE!’ have kids play ‘chugga…chugga…chugga…CHOO CHOO!

Trainees will appreciate the fact that Chuggington toys are now available in the U.S. (but don’t tell my son yet). Chuggington airs Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT and weekends at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT.

No compensation was received for this post. I received party supplies, courtesy of the company.

RIDEMAKERZ Cruzes To Downtown Disney

Experiences (as opposed to “things”) are very important to our family.  On any given day you’ll find us at the park, the store (because shopping is an everyday experience), a museum or Disneyland.  This past week was busy…but in so many good ways.  On Wednesday, RIDEMAKERZ, “the first-ever customizing shop for one-of-a-kind radio control cars,” reopened at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA.  RIDEMAKERZ actually made a limited debut at Downtown Disney last Fall, which won them recognition as Worldwide Retail Store of the Year by Chain Store Age magazine.  But just before it opened at noon that day, some local bloggers had an opportunity to get a first-look at the store that offers over 649 million ways to build a car.

Gleaning inspiration from it’s neighbor (Build-A-Bear), RIDEMAKERZ offers children a unique, immersive experience…and the result is very much like the real thing.  Adults and children, boys and girls, will enjoy the process of customizing their ride.  After choozing from one of 70 models which include a Corvette, an F-250, and a MINI Cooper S, it’s time to get creative.  Street or Monster? Free-Wheel or Radio-Control? Everything from the wheelz and treadz to the lights and spoilers can be customized.

“Building” your unique car is actually quite simple and takes not time, given the electric tools stationed in the RZ Pit.  Once your ride is to your satisfaction, take it home in a RZ CRUIZECASE.

If you don’t happen to live in one of the six cities that houses a RIDEMAKERZ store, parents and children can participate in their online experience.

RIDEZ are priced from $10 to $32 depending on the body and paint scheme desired.  If you’d like a Radio-Control car, there is an additional $25 tagged on to that price.  Individual custom accessories range in price from $2 to $15.

Head on over to RIDEMAKERZ at Downtown Disney this weekend for their buy one, get one free offer on stock cars.

No compensation was received for this post.  I received a gift certificate to create my own RIDEZ, courtesy of the company.

Toy Story 3 Premieres in 3D

Can you believe it’s been 15 years since Toy Story first captivated children across the country with toys that come to life?  Today is opening day for Toy Story 3, which finds Andy all grown up and off to college (crazy right?).  Presented in Disney Digital 3D and featuring the voices of Tom Hanks (Woody) and Tim Allen (Buzz), Toy Story 3 will warm the hearts of parents and children alike.

It’s been some time since I’ve seen a Toy Story movie, but the familiarity of the characters made it easy to jump right into the plot.  I’m not certain if this will be the last Toy Story movie (the ending, as always, leaves this up for interpretation), but it was my favorite.    The action-packed movie follows Woody, Buzz and the gang as they plan their escape from…day care!  What happens to those cherished childhood toys when the child grows up?  Follow the gang as they wrestle with where they belong now that Andy is moving away.  The movie is funny and tender.  I found myself tearing up at the end as I think about my children growing up.  They’ve also thrown in some humor that only an adult would appreciate. I should mention that there are some adult themes which may be a bit mature (scary) for younger kids.  But my son, who has never seen a Toy Story movie sat the entire hour and forty minutes and only covered his eyes for one of the scenes.  Here is a brief synopsis (without giving too much away).

“Toy Story 3” welcomes Woody, Buzz and the whole gang back to the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in… day care! These untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so it’s all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new faces—some plastic, some plush—join the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie’s counterpart Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voice of Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear (voice of Ned Beatty).

My son has never sat through an entire movie, let alone one where he has to wear glasses, so I know he enjoyed it. While the movie is presented in 3D, I didn’t find it distracting (as I often do with 3 and 4D movies).  At one point, my son took off his glasses and they were lost in the darkness of the theater.  I was able to watch the movie (sans glasses) without any problems (rare for a 3D movie).

Since we saw the movie at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, we were able to check out the Toy Story 3 Fun Zone afterward.  Every ticket purchased for Toy Story 3 at the Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre includes admission into the 25,000 movie-themed amusement park attraction.  My advice?  See the movie early so you can plan on spending ample time in this space.  There were a lot of tears when we left. Just a quick walk away from the Theatre brings children to the “Zone” where they can meet Buzz and Woody, watch “Dancing with Toys” (a life stage show featuring Toy Story characters), bounce in Buzz’s Bounce House, play carnival games, test the latest movie-themed toys from Mattel and LEGO, soar on Bullseye’s Bungee Jump, and compete in an obstacle course.  The “Zone” is impressive and offers a diverse range of activities for children in various age ranges.  For more information, visit the Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre.

No compensation was received for this post.  We attended a screening at the El Capitan, courtesy of the company.

Toy Story 3

My son, like most boys, is eagerly anticipating the release of Toy Story 3.  On June 18th, join Buzz, Woody, and the characters from Toy Story for a third installment of their adventures, where toys come to life.

If you’re looking for a truly unique, interactive experience, El Capitan offers a live stage show and their brand new Toy Story 3 Fun Zone.  Some of the highlights from the Fun Zone include gaming (E3 for kids!), a bounce house, an obstacle course, and the chance to get hands on with themed toys from LEGO and Mattel.  They’re also hosting a Toy Story marathon on June 17th where you and your kids can view all 3 movies in one afternoon.

For tickets, show-times, and more information, just visit the El Capitan website.

And if you’re looking for some Toy Story 3-themed activities, visit your local Disney Store.

June 19^th, Toy Story 3 Scavenger Hunt (11 am to 2 pm):  Kids will start the scavenger hunt by receiving some secret clues to find a specific Toy Story character or product in the store. Once kids find the character, they will be challenged with answering questions about the character. When all of the answers are completed correctly, they will be able to decode a mystery message and receive a special surprise (while supplies last).

June 26^th, Toy Story 3 Adventure (11 am to 2 pm):  Kids will be asked to complete four adventures/activities and may win a free activity sheet or other prizes.. When the activities are complete, kids will receive a certificate and special surprise for participating (while supplies last).

No compensation was received for this post.

World of Color Video Preview

Brilliant…

Artistic…

Moving…

World of Color…now at Disney California Adventure Park.

The Interactive World of Disney

My son is barely three and hasn’t had much exposure to the world of video games.  Being that I grew up with video games and still utilize a gaming system for the occasional workout, I’m not opposed to allowing my children limited, supervised gaming time.

About a week ago, we were invited to preview several new games put out by Disney Interative Studios.  My son is a huge fan of all things Disney, and it was quite challenging trying to convince him to leave a room full of Toy Story, Cars, and Toontown.

Disney Interative Studios publishes and distributes a wide variety of games for various platforms including Nintendo’s Wii and DS gaming systems, PlayStation, XBox 360, and the web.  Their newly released games include Disney Sing It, Split/Second, Disney Guilty Party, and Toy Story 3.  The company has also launched new features in their virtual worlds in the following:  Disney Pixar World of Cars Online, Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow, Toontown Online, Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and Disney Club Penguin.

While we tried to make our way over to try all of the games, my son kept going back to World of Cars Online, Toontown Online, and Toy Story 3. World of Cars Online is a free-to-play, browser-based virtual world based on the hit Disney/Pixar animated feature Cars.  You your child) is the car and he/she can design it, play games, and make friends.  The optional paid subscription offers parts, gear and accessory purchases to trick out your ride and home, a Pro Racing Career and a chance to win the Piston Cup, and access to exclusive race tracks, special events, and more adventures.

Toontown Online is another free-to-play, browser based virtual world where children of all ages can create their own cartoon character before starting their adventure.  New features for 2010 include fire hydrants and boxes that come alive and into action, sidewalk props that pitch in to help the toons, and Cog-dominiums (their new office buildings).

Children can play Buzz, Woody, or Jessie as they run, ride, and fly through scenes inspired by the movie Toy Story 3 in their latest video game release.  The game aims to encourage children to use their imagination to create their own story.

My favorite game is Sing It, a family-based video karaoke game.  I’m not the best singer in the house but I had fun singing some of the lyrics to Beauty and the Beast.

Disney Interative Studios recently released Club Penguin:  Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge, the follow-up to the previous game.  The game follows the misadventures of Herbert, a vegetarian polar bear who can’t swim, dislikes the cold, and inhabits the snow-covered virtual island of Club Penguin.

For more information on their online and real-world games, check out Disney Interative Studios.

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event courtesy of the company.

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival…With Kids!

You might have gathered that we spend a lot of time at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”  Most of our trips are unplanned and decided upon at the last minute.  Like last week when we decided to pop on over to Disney’s California Adventure Park for the afternoon.  I had been wanting to check out the Food & Wine Festival and since I can’t imagine going to Disney without my son, we just brought the kiddos along.  Surprisingly, the month and a half long event isn’t just for adults.

Junior Chef gets kids 11 and under involved in learning and participating in hands-on culinary experiences.  Goofy led my son and several kids in a cookie baking experience.

While most of their Signature Events are sold out, you can still participate in their free Culinary Demonstrations.  Wing Lam, one of the founders of Wahoo’s Fish Taco was at the festival demo ing their classic fish tacos. I should mention that if you’d like to participate in their demonstrations, try to get in line early to secure a seat.

The Food and Wine Festival runs through May 31 at Disney’s California Adventure Park.  For more information and a schedule of events, just visit their website.

Here are some more pictures from our day:

No compensation was received for this post.  As annual pass holders, we frequently visit the park.

Simple Steps…Going Green Disney Style *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Jennifer (#29). Congrats!

As someone who grew up wearing Mickey Mouse Ears and went through a HUGE Winnie the Pooh phase, I’m partial to all things Disney.  This year, the company is celebrating by offering Earth-day themed activities, products, and apparel to inspire families to go green!  Here is a quick overview of what the company has planned and how you can participate:

• Donate to the Nature Conservancy: For every “Save Planet Earth” tote bag sold, Disney Store will donate $1 to the Nature Conservancy with a goal of reaching $65,000.  Each tote is made from seven recycled bottles and displays the green alien from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story.

• Recycle: If you bring in six plastic bottles or aluminum cans to your local Disney Store, you’ll receive a free Friends for Change and Oceans branded hat on Earth Day (April 22, 2010) (while supplies last).  The hats are made from six recycled plastic bottles.
• Teach Children About Conservation: Bring your kids to your local Disney Store on Earth Day (April 22, 2010) for an activity sheet based on the new Oceans film which will teach them how to reduce trash and waste in our lakes, oceans, rivers, and streams.
• Shop Sustainably: At the Disney Store, you’ll find Disney’s new Friends for Change apparel and their new “Save Planet Earth” collection. Disney Channel stars Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and many more have come together as Disney’s Friends for Change, educating kids about activities that can do to help the planet.  Their new apparel line includes 100% organic t-shirts in four unique styles, available exclusively at Disney Store.  Their “Save Planet Earth” collection includes an exclusive line of new t-shirts made from 100% organic materials, reusable aluminum bottles, journals made from recycled paper and more.
• Spread the Word, Get Involved: Disney offers exclusive content and information to help you get involved this Earth Day and spread the word about simple things we can all do to preserve our environment’s resources.  Watch exclusive Earth Day videos featuring Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato on Disney Living and the store’s Facebook page.  A special message can also be seen at Disney Store locations, encouraging everyone to do their part to protect our waterways.

Win It! One of you will win a Earth Day prize package from the Disney Store. The prize pack includes a “Save the Planet” aluminum bottle, recycled tote bag, recycled journal, and Toy Story Alien Plush.   Simply leave me a comment with another product (other than the ones listed above) that you like from the site (bonus entry if you find another green product!).  Comments will close on April 29, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review and giveaway.

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