Celebrate Familia and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort

Amigos, who’s excited about Oogie Boogie Bash and Dia De Los Muertos at Disneyland?

There is just SOOO much to celebrate at Disneyland Resort this fall. Our favorite park has transformed and celebrates “Dia De Los Muertos” now through November 2nd. Also, Oogie Boogie Bash has returned for select days during the month of September and October.

I took a sneak peek at this year’s seasonal merchandise and food and beverage offerings. The park has brought culture, super cool Halloween park transformations, and new spooky treats, and we are loving it

As I walked into the Plaza De Familia, I began to choke up because I could feel the essence of our rich Mexican culture. Disneyland has embraced our authentic traditions of “Dia De Los Muertos,” (Day Of the Dead) to bring our community together. Gracias!

Thank you Disneyland Resort for inviting me to your fall preview. All opinions are my own.

At Disney California Adventure Park, Plaza de la Familia comes to life with folklórico dancers, Mariachi, delicious food, interactive experiences and ‘A Musical Celebration of Coco.’ A special tribute to Día de los Muertos presents atraditional ‘ofrenda’ near Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante

Mariachi Espactular is performing daily ya’ll!

Don’t forget to say hello to Miguelito at Plaza De La Familia!

When you visit, Plaza De La Familia. You can taste, feel, and enjoy the sounds of Mexico. This SPECTACULAR Tree of Life is breathtaking and a must see when you visit the park.

The Treats are Spooktacular!

Disneyland Resort, has wowed us again! This year’s clever and colorful treats include the Poison Skull Apple, the Minnie Witch Apple, the Vampire Mickey Bat Cookie, the Oogie Boogie Crispy and the Cozy Cone Macaron, and so much more!

Click here for the full foodie guide!

Check Out the Haunted Mansion Transformation!

Come say hi to Jack and Sally! They are waiting for you…

This year is the 20th time that Haunted Mansion is transformed into Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park! Jack Skellington, Sally and ghost dog Zero from “Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Inside the halls, the latest Haunted Mansion gingerbread creation stands nearly 10-feet-tall! Not only is it creepy, it looks yummy enough to eat!

There are so many Instagram photo-ops in and around the park. Don’t forget to take quick pic and share with your friends!

Wicked and Spooky Must-Haves. I want it all!

This season’s hottest new items including pumpkin glow-in-the-dark spirit jerseys, glow
necklaces, Mickey and Minnie plush, two new collectible headbands featuring a Mickey
pumpkin and a Halloween plaid Minnie design, as well as new Halloween art.

And yes, I could not resist these adorable Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly ears. The merch is AMAZING this season friends.

Thank you Disneyland for this incredible celebration! Enjoy these spooky festivities with your entire familia and your good friends too!

Disney Jungle Cruise Now on Disney+ and In Theaters

When I was a little girl, the Jungle Cruise was one of my favorite rides a Disneyland. I enjoyed the mysterious manmade jungle that for a moment took me to a different time and place. For as long as I remember, the “Jungle Cruise” has ferried visitors on imaginary river safaris set in Africa, South America and Asia. Ohhh and who could forget the corny jokes that Skipper told us to make the experience even more amusing? But have you ever wondered what the backstory is to this ride? Well we don’t have to any longer, Disney just released, “Jungle Cruise” TODAY!

Partnership Disclosure: Thank you IMAX and Disney for inviting us to screen and celebrate the release of “Jungle Cruise.” All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:

Dr. Lily Houghton enlists the aid of wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff to take her down the Amazon in his ramshackle boat. Together, they search for an ancient tree that holds the power to heal — a discovery that will change the future of medicine.

This film is both action packed and hilarious!

Watch the official trailer here.

Frank- Dwayne Johnson (The rock) never disappoints. His character is witty, fearless and brave.

Lily- Emily Blunt is endearing as ever. Her role is feisty, fierce, and she is also a fearless daredevil. Iv’e seen the film a few times now and each time I love her more.

But I have to say McGregor- Jack Whitehall is my ultimate favorite. He is witty, poise, and fashionably put together. This articulate English gentlemen has a BIG surprise for viewers. I won’t spoil it for you, but BRAVO Disney! This makes my heart so happy.

Release date: July 30, 2021 (USA)

DirectorJaume Collet-Serra

Music composed byJames Newton HowardProducersDwayne JohnsonDany GarciaHiram GarciaBeau FlynnDavid HobermanTodd LiebermanJohn DavisJohn Fox

ScreenplayJohn NorvilleJosh GoldsteinGlenn Ficarra

Story byJohn NorvilleWalt DisneyJosh GoldsteinGlenn FicarraJohn RequaHarper Goff

For the ultimate watch experience, see this film in an IMAX theater.

10 Park Tips: A Touch Of Disney- Now Open

Hola Disney fans!

Who else is doing cartwheels because Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is opening up on April 30, 2021?!

As Disney Parks prepares for the reopening of the happiest place on earth on April 30th, they have given us a little treat leading up to the reopening. “A Touch of Disney” is taking place NOW through April 19th at Disney California Adventure. This unique experience allows Disney fans to see their favorite characters, dine, snack and shop!

Photo credit to Disneyland

When the invitation to, “A Touch of Disney” popped up in my inbox, I cried tears of joy and leaped off my chair. I have many beautiful childhood memories at the park with my parents, and I can’t help but to feel nostalgia when I visit. This is truly a Disney dream come true, and I am beyond grateful for this unbelievable opportunity.

My daughter Clarissa and I consider ourselves “foodies” and professional shoppers, so we were thrilled to be at the debut on March 18th! ¡Estábamos encantadas de visitar nuestro parque favorito después de tanto tiempo! (We were thrilled to visit our favorite theme park after all this time!)

Disclosure: Thank you Disneyland for hosting us at, “A touch of Disney.” All opinions are my own.

Clarissa and I have put together a list of helpful tips to get the most out of your magical day at, “A Touch of Disney!”

Photo credit to Disneyland

Tip# 1

Visit the online Disney Parks Blog an Food Guide. The site provides a list of available restaurants and shops open during the event. This is a great starting point and resource to know what to expect during your visit.

Tip # 2

I highly recommend you download the Disneyland App on your smart phone. This will help your visit go smoothly. The app provides a map to navigate through the park, make restaurant reservations, and order treats while at the park!

Tip # 3

Prepare your itinerary ahead of time, to get the most out of the experience. Make a list of where you will be exploring, dining, and shopping!

Tip # 4

Pack a mask, hand sanitizer, wear comfortable walking shoes, and water to keep you hydrated. Disney California Adventure has taken extreme measures to keep visitors safe adhering to government CDC guidelines.

Temperatures are taken upon arrival. There are also several hand sanitations throughout the park. Look out for designated eating and drinking areas.

Tip # 5

Arrive on time to park your vehicle. The parking structure opens at 11:30 a.m. Keep in mind the trollies are not available, so you will be walking from the parking structure to the park entrance. This is why it is important to wear comfortable walking shoes.

The park has designed a pathway that helps with maintaining social distance. Note* The walk up to the entrance will take a little longer then usual.

  • Self-parking at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure is included with admission to A Touch of Disney.

Tip # 6

Enjoy a tasty lunch at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill or at your favorite eatery of choice! I am a taco girl, and yes they were NOMMY! I also enjoyed the seasonal Piña Margarita on the rocks. SCORE!

  • A $25 A Touch of Disney Dining Card redeemable for food and nonalcoholic beverages at select dining locations within the Disneyland Resort (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol purchases)*
  • Choose an arrival window that works for you, order food and beverages and pay via the Disneyland app to help limit your contact with others. You’ll get an alert when your order is ready, so kick back and relax while your food is prepared.

Tip # 7

Try the famous Dole Whip! You will thank me later. Clarissa was craving DOLE Whip after lunch. She pulled up the Disneyland app on her phone, she found the location, ordered and paid for it. She scheduled a 3:20p.m. pick up. (found at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats) YES IT IS DELICIOUS!

  • Many items are served snack-sized, so you can delight in a variety of bites and sips from mid-day through the evening.

Tip # 8

Take advantage of the park shopping! My daughter and I found this warm and fuzzy hat and gloves for her sister Tori. We also picked up a Baby Yoda beanie and socks for Drew. We found these at Elias & Co. We love the huge selection there!

  • Must-Have Merchandise
    Browse to your heart’s content. Select shops will be open and carrying the latest and greatest gear, apparel and accessories.

Minnie was our inspiration for our, “Touch of Disney” outfits. She is our favorite Disney queen!

Tip #9

Enjoy the adorable photo ops throughout the park! Clarissa and I stopped to take a quick pic a this adorable backdrop.

Tip # 10

Take it all in… Enjoy, indulge, and spend quality time with your loved ones. It’s been a tough year, and it’s time to make new memories!

We had an extraordinary day at Disney California Adventure! The park was not overcrowded, and it was easy to maintain social distance. Mask wearing is strictly enforced.

We left with our hearts and bellies full… We can’t wait to visit again. ¡Muchisimas gracias Disney California Adventure por la invitación!

Until next time… More tears of joy!

Secrets Of Sulphur Springs: Series Now On the Disney Channel

My friends and family know I love a good ghost story. In fact, when I was a kid I used get lost in spine-chilling books. I loved the suspense, the mystery, and the feelings of fear. As my son gets older, sometimes it can be difficult to keep him entertained. But AT LAST there is a series we can enjoy together!

Last week, Andrew and I snuggled up to watch three episodes of, “The Secrets Sulphur Springs.” It is debuting on the Disney Channel TODAY!

We also had the amazing opportunity to talk to the incredible cast! Drew said, ‘This is so cool mom!” I was thrilled to see that we both shared the excitement together. After just watching the three episodes, we are hooked! We can’t wait to see what is in store….

Disclosure. Thank you Disney Channel for sponsoring the post. All my opinions are my own.

disney-sulpher-springs

If you are a brave soul, and love a good ghost story,you need to watch this series!

SYNOPSIS

Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver) and his family move to the old Tremont hotel in the town of Sulphur Springs. The entire town believes that the hotel is haunted by the ghost of a girl named Savannah (Elle Graham), who disappeared over 30 years ago. When Griffin and his new best friend Harper (Kyliegh Curran) try to solve the mystery of what happened to her.

The following cast members zoomed with us to talk about this new spooky series.

Preston Oliver – Griffin Campbell

Kyliegh Curran – Harper

Elle Graham – Savannah

Landon Gordon – Wyatt Campbell

Madeleine McGraw – Zoey Campbell 

Kelly Frye – Sarah Campbell

Josh Braaten – Ben Campbell

Things are about to get spooky with #SecretsOfSulphurSprings on the Disney Channel. Don’t miss it!

Disney Pixar’s #SouL Activity Sheets

This holiday season, we have streaming some new flicks and we were thrilled to hear about the debut of Disney Pixar’s SouL. This movie is truly inspirational, and includes SO many incredible life lessons. Since it aired on Disney Plus, we have seen it three times. My son Drew says it’s his new favorite film!

Support this SENSATIONAL film!

SouL is Pixars’s first film with a black character as the lead. It is super important to support films like this one so that children get exposed to a diverse universe of characters. Studies show that it’s important for kids to see characters who not only look like them and their family members, but also sound like them.

Download the SouL activity sheets below!

Watch the official trailer here.

SYNOPSIS

Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz — and he’s good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.

Like it’s title, this movie is full SouL, tender moments, and

#PIXARSOUL

Activity Sheets Include:

  • Maze: Help Joe find his way through a piano maze
  • Spot The Difference: 11 differences
  • Door Hanger: Soul Joe and 22
  • Drawing Activity: Draw your favorite type of pizza

Download the Activity Sheets here.

Release date: December 25, 2020

DirectorPete Docter

Music composed byTrent ReznorJon BatisteAtticus Ross

ScreenplayPete DocterKemp PowersMike Jones

ProducersPete DocterDana Leigh Murray

Stay safe and healthy everyone….Happy Holidays!

Godmothered Will Debut on Disney+ December 4th!

Isla Fisher as Mackenzie and Willa Skye as Mia in GODMOTHERED, exclusively on Disney+.

JUST IN! Where are all my Disney fans at?

Today, we are jumping for joy because we got word that “Godmothered,” will debut on December 4, 2020 on Disney Plus. This film could not come at a better time, because we can all use a little cheer this holiday season!

Check out the behind the scenes scoop here!

ABOUT

Set at Christmas time, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers.

Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not. 

Jillian Bell as Eleanor in GODMOTHERED, exclusively on Disney+.

We are a Disney family, and we seriously cannot wait to see this original film on Disney Plus. Join us in watching it December 4th!

Disney The Lion King Movie Night

We just got back from the Caribbean, and we are feeling a little jet lag. We need a vacation from our vacation! Lol. We are now back into the swing of things, and going three thousand miles a minute. Yikes, sometime we need to slow down and take a break. In celebration of our return and the home release of Disney The Lion King, my kiddos and I had a Lion King themed movie night!

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba sithi uhhmm ingonyama! The Lion King has hit the big screen for a second time. The new photorealistic computer-generated animation has been recreated, with an all new star studded cast. The film stays true to its original 1994 roots, honoring the original release. So don’t worry, Lebo M who created its original magnificent scores, with homage to Africa has recreated the magic once again!

Hey guys visit my instagram, and comment by October 28, 2019, on my Lion King post for a chance to win a digital download! @queenbeelatina

Thank you Disney Movies for partnering with me on this giveaway and hosting our very cool, “The Lion King Movie Night.” All opinion are my own.

About The Film

In-home audiences will feel the love as they trek behind the scenes and to the African savanna through “The Journey to ‘The Lion King,’” a three-part documentary that explores the film’s creation. It features visits to the Playa Vista production facility where talent, including Donald Glover (voice of Simba) honor and elevate the animated classic’s iconic music; discussions with Favreau and team who used cutting-edge technology to create photorealistic animals and environments; and filmmaker and cast reflections on the timeless tale that has moved generations. Extras also include “More to Be Scene,” layer-by-layer progressions of some of the film’s most iconic moments; lyric video for “Never Too Late” by Elton John and music video for “Spirit” by Beyoncé; sing-alongs to the film’s unforgettable songs; and a feature on the “Protect the Pride” campaign, which focuses on protecting and revitalizing the lion population.

There are super cool Blu-ray and Digital Bonus you don’t want to miss!

Watch the trailer here!

Our Lion King themed movie night could not be complete without our critter treats!

This classic is worth seeing with your children. Pick up your copy and celebrate too!

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Movie Review

We often go to cheesy kid movies with our kids out of love for them. We pretend to understand everything they talk about, and to love everything they remotely care about because… that’s the motherly thing to do. Take Assassin’s Creed for example. Do I love Cal Lynch? Uh, well, which one was that again? But, If you ask my son what I think about Assassins Creed? He’ll say, “I love it.” That’s just what we do as parents. We adore our dang kids, and want to find things in common with them. But I have found that my son and I actually DO have something in common. We both enjoy movies! Earlier this month, we got a sneak peek of MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL.

My son loves Syfi, action, and comedy flicks. I love dramas, romcoms, and adventure films. Finding movies that bond our two loves, can be tricky. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, however, left us both on the edge of our seats, eager to see what was going to happen next. The movie itself sent many powerful messages. This twisted fantasy was everything I hoped for (and more).

Synopsis:

A formidable queen causes a rift between Maleficent and Princess Aurora. Together, they must face new allies and enemies in a bid to protect the magical lands which they share. In this movie, you will experience bold, cinematic visuals. My son pointed out that the women in the film were “fearless” and “unique,” just how a woman should be portrayed.

The mythology that goes along with the cast’s spectacular performance, fits into the list of Disney Classics perfectly. Angelina Jolie goes above and beyond to not only fit the physical qualities of Maleficent, but she also accurately portrays the emotional qualities of this complicated witch. Through the course of this film, the audience will learn the importance of confidence and individuality. As a 43-year-old woman, I felt unbelievably empowered by the portrayal of all the women in this film. My son witnessing characters like Maleficent, is extremely important to me. Quite frankly, it’s important for the development of all young boys. This film has no damsel in distress, has no woman dependent on a man, and that is what I like and expect to see more of in the future movie world.

BRAVO Disney! This movie is for all the women, and girls ready to be portrayed as the strong heroes that they are. Maleficent: Mistress of evil is now on my list of favorites. I’m so glad I got to watch it with my little guy!

Disney fans… This movie is a MUST-SEE!

Read about the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Press Junket here.

CHOC WALK 2019: Elisha & Jerrica

I have a lot of things to be grateful for…

CHOC Hospital has been a HUGE part of our lives. My daughter Elisha was born with a really rare chromosome abnormality (Chromosome 4q deletion), and also my niece Jerrica battled Leukemia 5 years ago. This year, I will walk the CHOC WALK for both Elisha and Jerrica…

CHOC-Walk

Read more about Jerrica’s story here.

They say that God only gives you what you can handle, but this has definitely been a very difficult journey for my family. I don’t usually write about this on my blog, because it’s very hard for me to open up and discuss this publicly. Elisha requires 24 hour care and nursing. She is in and out of the hospital, for numerous ongoing medical issues. It’s just become part of our “norm.”

I’ve decided to finally come out of my shell, and share our story. I feel this is important because I want to show my gratitude for everything CHOC has done for Elisha and Jerrica.

Carlos and I were young parents, and we had no idea of the amount of medical care that Elisha would need. CHOC was there for us from the very beginning. They helped us manage her care, and get the best medical treatments available. The doctors at CHOC were very compassionate, and helped us tremendously throughout most of her childhood.

Her pediatrician, Dr. Teresa Hollander, was wonderful and was very attentive. She often called us after her office hours at home, when Elisha was sick or not feeling well. She also helped us with her transition to adulthood.

Her life expectancy was only 7, but she is now she is 27 years old. I cannot say that I have done this alone. My incredible parents, familia, Dr. Hollander, and the sensational CHOC staff have been a HUGE part of her story.

This year I will walk for my daughter Elisha and my niece Jerrica!

Muchismas Gracias CHOC, we could have not done this without you!

Join me Sunday, August 11th at the 2019 CHOC WALK In the Park! Join my team or donate to #JerrBear here.

Event Day Details

  • Sunday, August 11, 2019
  • Main Street opens – 5:30 AM
  • Opening ceremony Main Street U.S.A. – 6:00 AM
  • Entrance cutoff time: 7:15 AM
  • 5K walk through Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.
  • Early Bird Registration $85 per person (3 and older)
  • Late Registration $95 after July 29, 2019.
  •  Walkers ages 2 and under FREE
  • CHOC Walk information booth will be available morning of for questions. 

Parking

  • FREE Parking at the Disneyland® Resort will be available for all CHOC Walk participants.
  • Parking structure opens at 4:00 AM

Review: Disney’s The Lion King Is Now In Theaters

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba sithi uhhmm ingonyama! The Lion King has hit the big screen for a second time. The new LIVE action film has been recreated, with an all new star studded cast. Last week, we got a sneak peek of the new film, and I could not help but to feel a little nostalgic. The film stays true to its original 1994 roots, honoring the original release. So don’t worry, Lebo M who created its original magnificent scores, with homage to Africa has recreated the magic once again!

Disney Studios has created a cinematic masterpiece, and who better to recreate the magic with Beyoncé, and Donald Glover? This epic duo creates sensational harmonies, while Seth Rogan and Billy Eichner add hilarious improvisational humor. To everyone’s surprise, Seth Rogan sings exceptionally good, rifting and showcasing other professional vocal qualities.

Thank you Disney Studios for inviting me to screen “The Lion King” and attend the Press Junket. All opinions are my own.

Director Jon Favreau, (The Jungle Book, Chef) crafted a stunning, photorealistic CG. The film is so futuristic, that it is perhaps the pillars for CG technology evolution, as a film like this has never been created before.

Favreau said, “We are dealing with very engaged audiences that often times have grown up with these properties. And they have an emotional connections to them—in certain cases spanning generations within their family. So, you’re not just remembering ‘The Lion King,’ you’re remembering ‘The Lion King’ when you were 7, or when you brought your kid to it, or when you saw it then later introduced it to your kid. People have a whole basket of memories and emotions that are related to this movie, and there’s a certain protectiveness that people feel because those memories belong to them.”

About The Lion King

Disney’s upcoming film journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, and utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way.

Another exciting bonus, is the playful 40 second easter egg. Prepare a for unbelievable sunsets, and sensational musical vocals!

We laughed, we cried, and the new film moved us. Much like the original…

Don’t miss the magic. Watch The Lion King in theaters today!