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Disney’s The Lion King Press Junket

Are you a Lion King fan?

If so, you gotta see See Disney’s “They Lion King” in theaters, July 19th!

Last week, my daughter and I headed to the Montage hotel in Beverly Hills to meet with the sensational cast of Disney’s, The Lion King. In celebration of the new film, Clarissa and I jammed out to Donald Glover’s and Beyonce’s music on our way up to in the car. Not only because these are our favorite musicians, but they are also the voice talent in this upcoming new film!

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

The talent in attendance were: Donald Glover (voice of “Simba”), Seth Rogen (voice of “Pumbaa”), Billy Eichner (voice of “Timon”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (voice of “Scar”), Alfre Woodard (voice of “Sarabi”), Keegan-Michael Key (voice of “Kamari”), Florence Kasumba (voice of “Shenzi”), Eric Andre (voice of “Azizi”), John Kani (voice of “Rafiki”), JD McCrary (voice of “Young Simba”), Shahadi Wright Joseph (voice of “Young Nala”), Director Jon Favreau, Composer Hans Zimmer, and Lebo M (AfricanMusic Consultant / Performer)

Below are some of my favorite excerpts from last week’s press junket!

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Creator/producer African vocal/choir arrangements Lebo M. and Clydene Jackson perform during the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

A woman dressed in traditional African clothing slowly raised her arms. The room silent stood still, and then a harmonious choir began to sing. It was surreal.

Lebo M and Carmen Twillie surprised the room, by singing some belting recognizable iconic notes, “Circle of Life”. The two moved their feet in sync and their hearts were connected to every lyric they sang. It was mind blowing, and my tears were flowing uncontrolabley…

After this memorable and heartwarming performance, we were introduced to the cast by the moderator. “Just look at this stage. There’s so many names up here. Everyone up here is so accomplished.”

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.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Director/producer Jon Favreau attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

MODERATOR: And then how long did you work on the film? Because I saw the
footage at Cinemacon two years ago. And then you slowly teased it out to the
world and it broke the Internet with 224 million views in the first 24 hours when
folks got to see what I got to see two years ago. So how long have you been
working on this now? JON FAVREAU: I’ve been working about three years on this one. And a lot of
them have been working for the same amount of time. Because they came in
back when it was pencils. So it was a huge leap of faith for this fantastic cast we
have. And of course musically, Lebo M and Han Zimmer, who were so involved
with the first one to trust that it would turn out well. It was a big leap of faith for
everybody. And in many cases, they kept coming back and recording again and
trying new things, especially with the comedy bits.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Donald Glover attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

MODERATOR: Yeah. I heard your son was very excited to just be able to see it.
What did you tell him going into it? You’re like, just so you know, daddy is Simba.
DONALD GLOVER: I didn’t tell him anything. I really didn’t. It’s his favorite
movie. I was like oh, I’ll just wait until he gets there. But somehow he found out
about it, but still didn’t know I was in it. He was just like oh, the one with Beyonce.
And then during the movie, he’s like oh, dad’s in it, too. This is great. Bonus. You
know.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Seth Rogen attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Seth Rogan always makes me laugh. He doesn’t even need to try. He’s is just hilarious!

MODERATOR: It’s really amazing. Again, people are going to want it. So
Disney, make it happen. Billy and Seth, you guys robbed every scene last night
and stole every scene last night. It was completely hilarious. I couldn’t hear a lot
of your dialogue, because people were laughing over it. So I just kind of have to
ask you guys. How much was you and how much did y’all just pull out as you
were going through it?
SETH ROGEN: Yeah. Okay. I’ll start. It was a lot of improvisation with Billy.
Yeah. And we were actually together every time that we recorded, which is a
very rare gift to have as someone who is trying to be funny in an animated film, of
which I’ve done a lot, and you’re often just alone in there. And I think you can
really tell that we’re playing off of each other. It’s an incredibly naturalistic feeling.
And they really captured Billy. That is what is amazing. I would say, he
essentially played himself on a TV show for years. And this character is more
Billy than that character somehow. It’s like endlessly, it’s remarkable to me how
his character specifically makes me laugh so hard.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: JD McCrary attends the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

MODERATOR: Okay, so JD, you grabbed the mic. So tell us about the video
game.
JD MCCRARY: It was so cool. It’s like watching your favorite movie, but
everything, like you’re in it. You’re in the movie. That’s exactly what it was. You
did an amazing job with this. So it was me and Shahadi and Mr. Favreau. We put
on the headsets, we had these little controller things in our hands, and we could
fly. It was like we were Zazu. We were birds. We were whatever we wanted to
be. And we saw everything. We saw the Pridelands. We saw Pride Rock. We
saw the watering hole. We saw the elephant graveyard. We saw it all, man. And
it was so cool, dude. It was so cool.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: (L-R) Actors Eric Andre, Keegan-Michael Key, Florence Kasumba, Billy Eichner, Creator/producer African vocal/choir arrangements Lebo M., Composer Hans Zimmer, actors John Kani, Shahadi Wright Joseph, JD McCrary, Seth Rogen, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover and Director/producer Jon Favreau attend the Global Press Conference for Disney’s THE LION KING on July 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Disney never disappoints at these junkets, and I always look forward to them. There were many laughs and memorable moments at this press conference. This movie is a wonderful entry into the world of CG photorealism, along with a proper homage to the unseen beauty of Africa!

See it in theaters July 19th!

Review: Disney Pixar Toy Story 4

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Summer of Spork: TOY STORY 4 Feeds Fans Only the Best

Disclosure: Thank you Disney Pixar for inviting us to screen Toy Story 4. All opinions are my own.

Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 4 is sure to be the summer’s favorite film, feeding fans another
serving of fun. Consider this the kickoff to the Summer of Spork.

Since the franchise’s last release in 2010, the world hasn’t been the same. Toy Story 3 ended
with the toy gang in the arms of a new kid and it changed everything. Toy Story 3 had a magic
to it—allowing nostalgia for the generation that knew and loved the first two films, all while
perfectly entertaining a new generation of young moviegoers.

Along with familiar favorites, Toy Story 4 welcomes a new cast of toys. At the center of it all is
Bonnie’s favorite homemade toy—Forky (Tony Hale). Forky is the complete opposite of Sheriff
Woody (Tom Hanks)—scared, insecure, and completely content without the love of a child. In a
quick turn of events, Woody vows to be Forky’s guardian and the duo find themselves in the
worst possible predicament for a toy to be in—they become lost.

The film follows the pair as they try to return to Bonnie, and to everyone’s surprise, they come
across Woody’s past love Bo Peep (Annie Potts). Bo is a different toy since her last appearance
in Toy Story 2, as she presents herself as resilient, tactful, and protective. As the female toy with
the most screen time (sorry Jessie [Joan Cusack] fans), Bo’s character is unique and strikes
interesting conversations about self-worth and purpose.

Director Josh Cooley ensures the chemistry of new and familiar characters is electric. In
wonderful fashion, the introductions of Forky and Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) are
memorable and hilarious—presenting multi-faceted characters, completely fresh from the
lovable, yet worn favorites of Toy Story 1 and 2.

Saving the best for last, Toy Story 4 introduces the oddest toy BFFs of all, Ducky (Keegan-
Michael Key) and Bunny (Jordan Peele). Nothing can stop this carnival couple from being truly
themselves—toys with the best escape plans.

Toy Story 4 is a breath of fresh air, and a film to entertain any age group. From physical comedy
to inside jokes, the film reminds viewers how fun it is to play with toys.

See Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 in theatres beginning this Friday, June 21.

Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.

Disneyland Insider Tips: Prepping for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Disneyland warmly welcomed its first visitors to the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge on Friday,
May 31. The widely-anticipated expansion is the largest in the Anaheim park’s history. If you’re
one of the lucky few with advanced reservations to the Planet Batuu, Queen Bee Latina has
some helpful tips and tricks to help navigate the immersive Galaxy’s Edge.

Prior to June 24–Reservations are Required
In addition to Disneyland Park admission, all “travelers” need a reservation to enter Galaxy’s
Edge. Each reservation allows guests four hours in Galaxy’s Edge, and guests can enter at a
predetermined time when Disneyland Park is open. Reservation blocks typically start at 8am,
11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm (assuming a normal 8am-12am day at Disneyland).

Online reservations are no longer available, but guests staying at one of Disneyland’s three
hotels (until June 23) are able to get one reservation slot during their time of stay. Reservations
can have a total of six people, and all legal names must be included on the reservation. Adults
18+ must provide legal identification upon reservation check-in; children under 18 do not require
ID.

All with advanced reservations will receive an email (or printout if booking through a Disney
resort) with a QR code and a list of names for all the people on the reservation. A print-out of
your reservation confirmation is not necessary to check-in at Launch Bay, but you will need to
bring it up on your mobile phone.

If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, the hotel concierge can point you to a designated
Galaxy’s Edge booking room inside your hotel, where a Castmember can confirm your
reservation, adjust the spelling of names in your party, and can provide a print-out of your
confirmation email with QR code. This service is only available during certain business hours,
so please check that with your hotel.

Land Availability Beginning June 24
Beginning June 24, advance reservations are not needed to enter Galaxy’s Edge. Disney is
likely proceeding with a FastPass-type reservation system once guests are inside Disneyland
Park. Follow the Disney Parks Blog for details when this date approaches.

Checking In on the Day of Your Reservation
If you have advanced reservations, guests are able to check-in at Launch Bay in Tomorrowland
up to two hours prior to your reservation block. I recommend that you check-in as closely as you
can to those two prior hours because there are some reports of check-in going smooth and also
of check-in taking a lot of time.

When you arrive at Launch Bay, a Disney Castmember will check to see if you have a
reservation by asking you for your reservation confirmation letter. Again, you can either shothem a print-out or a copy of it on your mobile phone. You will then be directed to a line where a
Castmember will check that all people on the reservation are present and have the appropriate
ID. Please note that the main person on the reservation needs to be present at check-in, no
names can be changed at check-in, and all people in your party need to be present at check-in.
If some of your party is not able to enter with you, your partial party is still able to enter Galaxy’s
Edge as long as the main person on the reservation is present.

At check-in, all guests on the reservation will receive a wristband. These need to be kept on the
entire stay inside Galaxy’s Edge. Prior to leaving Launch Bay, make sure every person with the
wristband has their QR code scanned by a Castmember. According to Disney, this is needed to
“activate” the wristband. Prior to leaving Launch Bay, Castmembers will also inform you of
where you are to queue up for entering the land.

Queuing to Enter Galaxy’s Edge
As soon as you leave Launch Bay, you should know which entrance you need to queue up at.
From personal experience, the 8am reservations typically queue up at the Fantasyland entrance
(just past Casey Jr. and Red Rose Tavern), and all later reservations queue up at the Critter
Country entrance (just past Hungry Bear Restaurant). There will be a large crowd gathering in
those areas as your reservation start time nears, but don’t be discouraged.

It’s up to your party to determine when to queue up for your start time. If your party is turned off
by crowds, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait up until 30 minutes prior to get into the queue. If your
party is anxious to be first for busy experiences like Savi’s Workshop for Handbuilt Lightsabers
or Oga’s Cantina, you may want to be in the queue one to two hours prior.

Castmembers are known to let the queue partially enter Galaxy’s Edge up to 30 minutes prior,
but no one will be allowed to enter the land until the reservation start time. When proceeding
through the queue, Castmembers will continually check for wristbands, so again, ensure it’s on
your wrist for your entire stay.

Experiences with Very Limited Availability
The two most popular, but limited experiences are Savi’s Lightsabers and Oga’s Cantina. If you
are looking to do both in one day, there is a very slim probability you’ll have the opportunity
unless you split up your party. Because both experiences accept only a limited amount of
people, it’s best to focus on one and try to get in line for the experience once you enter the land.
Savi’s allows less than 20 people in one 30-minute interval to make a handbuilt lightsaber. The
cost for one of the land’s most intimate experiences is $200 plus tax per lightsaber. Queen Bee
Latina was able to experience this on Opening Day, and has a breakdown of its experience here

Oga’s Cantina is a long awaited experience for Star Wars fans. The opening marks the first
public offering of alcohol in Disneyland Park. Oga’s is a family-friendly bar atmosphere with
unique drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Three of Galaxy’s Edge’s most coveted souvenirs can be found at Oga’s—a Porg tiki mug, an Endor tiki mug, and a Rancor Beer Flight
Board with four “teeth” beer flight cups. The souvenir mugs are only available with the purchase
of its respective drink (the Cliff Dweller, the Yub Nub, and beer flight).

Savi’s and Oga’s both have a waitlist that fills rapidly. Use a Disneyland map or the Disneyland
app to find each location and safely walk to those areas. In my last experience for Oga’s, prior
to being allowed to enter the land, Castmembers informed guests of safely following behind a
Castmember with a flag. Those who sped up in front of the Castmember, or unsafely didn’t heed
the Castmember’s direction were not allowed to put in a reservation at Oga’s. Once you provide
your cell phone number to a Castmember making reservations, they will text you with a return
time window, which allows you to explore the rest of Galaxy’s Edge without waiting in a long,
unnecessary line.

There aren’t many food options at Oga’s, but try the Oga’s Obsession treat if you want to
consume something a little “out of this world.”

Readily-Available Experiences
There are several readily-available experiences at Galaxy’s Edge, all in thanks to the
reservation window system. Shopping, eating, and riding the new Millennium Falcon Smugglers
Run ride can all be done in a four-hour window.

Smugglers Run is first of two rides to open in Galaxy’s Edge, and allows for the opportunity to
be a pilot, gunner, or engineer for the majestic Millennium Falcon ship. There is a height
restriction, so be sure to check with a Castmember to see if you “youngling” can ride. To ensure
you get the “job” you want on this ride, group your friends to either five or six people, as the ride
holds six at one time. If you have any in your party that is a video game expert, they will be the
best pilot. Every “job” is interactive, as you smuggle precious cargo for the pirate Hondo
Ohnaka.

The lines for Smugglers Run were pretty tame during opening weekend. On Day 2, I waited 40
minutes, and on Day 4, I waited five minutes and then walked on for a second ride. You can
afford to ride Smugglers Run an hour or so after you enter the land. Try to ride it within your first
2.5 hours, as another large group of “travelers” will start their reservation time at your third hour.

Extend your Adventure with the Play Disney App
My favorite feature of Galaxy’s Edge is the ability to extend your personal adventure via the Play
Disney app. This app is separate from the Disneyland app, but you can connect your profiles
and set up your Star Wars character. There are several locations with hotspots to unlock special
features and earn Galactic credits (fictional money). You can also decide to aid either the
Resistance (good guys), First Order (bad guys), or the Scoundrels (out for themselves), and
each decision you make builds your personal Star Wars adventure.

Be sure to bring backup batteries for your cell phone, or buy a FuelRod battery pack inside
Disneyland if you plan to use the Play Disney app. FuelRods are $30 and you can change them
out any time you see a kiosk. So far, no FuelRod kiosks have been reported in Galaxy’s Edge.

Shopping
There are several shopping opportunities throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Custom items like Savi’s
Lightsabers and the build-your-own-droid experience at Droid Depot are the most popular
shopping locations in the land. Be sure to check out the Marketplace for fun items including
plush, wooden, and interactive toys. The Creatures Stall in the Marketplace is where you’ll find
the cutest, yet strangest pets in the galaxy to take home.

Two other locations to shop are Resistance Supply and First Order Cargo, where you can
purchase items supporting your favorite side.

Food and Beverages
There is a limited food selection at Galaxy’s Edge, so take a look at the menus for each location
to see if you want to eat inside the land, or “off-plant” at another location in Disneyland.

Quick-service food locations include Docking Bay 7 and Ronto Roasters. Quick snacks are
available at Kat Saka’s Kettle (which I loved!) and the Milk Stand. My favorite treats in the land
were the popcorn mix at Kat Saka’s and the Blue Milk made famous by Luke Skywalker in the
movie ‘A New Hope.’

If you have picky eaters, it may be best to bring snacks or eat elsewhere.

Water fountains and water bottle fill stations are readily available throughout Galaxy’s Edge. Be
sure to check out the fountain area in the Marketplace, as you may find a creature stirring in the
water tank above.

PhotoPass
Disney didn’t miss any opportunity to provide PhotoPass options inside Galaxy’s Edge. I saw
three major areas for photos inside the land, in the Resistance area, First Order area, and in
front of the Millennium Falcon. Be sure to take advantage of the great photos Castmembers can
take, and ask if you can add a “hologram” to add an extra touch of Disney magic.

There are so many things to see, do, shop for, and eat at Galaxy’s Edge. As the land develops
ways to better enhance “travelers’” experiences in the land, things will adjust accordingly. It’s
incredible to see the hard work of Disney Imagineering and LucasFilm in person. Enjoy every bit
of it, and may the Force be with you!

Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.

New DISNEY Junior Show T.O.T.S.

Last week, Disney’s littlest fans and my favorite Social Media Influencer Mamas celebrated the release of Disney Junior’s new show T.O.T.S. My adorable little nieces and nephews are jumping for joy about this cute new show!

Broadway sensation Megan Hilty, stars as K.C. the Koala (Wicked, 9 to 5, Noises Off) This LA Mama made a guest appearance at Disney Channel HQ, to greet her precious little fans!

About

T.O.T.S. is about the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transfer Service (T.O.T.S.). As new members of the esteemed team, these junior flyers must take tender care in transferring baby animals – kittens, cubs, calves, bunnies, puppies and joeys among them – from the nursery to their forever families around the globe.

Disney Chefs served up a “T.O.T.S” themed brunch – complete with music playing and fun T.O.T.S. themed activities. The little ones played and with their sweet mamas and friends. It was sooo darn cute!

This new show is absolutely adorable, and your little ones are going to love it… Watch it with your babies on Disney Junior today!

Review: Disney’s ALADDIN Soars Into Theaters

Written by: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Disney’s ALADDIN soars into theatres this weekend with the tough job of following in the footsteps of animation gold.

The story of Aladdin centers on a poor but good-hearted young man (Mena Massoud as Aladdin) as he attempts to impress the girl of his dreams (Naomi Scott as Jasmine) with the help of magical friends (Will Smith as Genie).

Riding on the heels of Beauty and the Beast’s live action success in 2017, Disney gambles on bringing the film’s memorable cast of characters into a whole new world. Disney’s decision to green-light Aladdin as a live-action is tough in that the whimsical aspects of the most memorable sidekicks appear less dimensional and less interesting.

Prior to shooting, director Guy Ritchie took a lot of heat from the movie world when casting Will Smith as Genie—because let’s face it, Robin Williams is a tough act to follow. I was most hesitant about what to expect from Smith, but in the end, he genuinely helps the film grow into a more grown-up version of the original story.

Though the film delivers all the poignant scenes you know and love from the animated original, it does bring to light some of the problematic dramas involved with its main characters. This is the film’s redeeming quality—its awareness of its characters true intentions, especially Jasmine and villain Jafar (Marwan Kenzari). Though Aladdin centers on its main protagonist, the film’s diamonds in the rough are conversations Jasmine and Jafar’s dreams for themselves and the fictional nation of Agrabah.

The film’s ending proceeds as you might expect, but attempts something different with Jasmine. Though two original songs are written for her (the only ones unique to the live-action), a powerful punch isn’t made until the end in a conversation with her father. If this point were fleshed out more effectively in the plot, Jasmine would have experienced the most poignant development of all the film’s characters.

Aladdin is a visual masterpiece, with gorgeous cinematography (Alan Stewart) adding a crispness to the film’s enjoyable choreography. As always, Alan Menken’s music injects another layer of life, and brings the nostalgia home.

Disney’s ALADDIN comes to American theatres on Friday, May 24.

https://movies.disney.com/aladdin-2019

Movie Review: AVENGERS ENDGAME

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Whatever it takes.

Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios do whatever it takes to give movie and comic book
fans the proper ending to an 11-year arc of its treasured universe with AVENGERS: ENDGAME.

Sure to be one of the biggest grossing films in both studios’ history, ENDGAME directly picks up after super-villain Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) iconic snap in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Released
nearly a year after Infinity War, Endgame doesn’t waste time getting to the heart of the most monumental questions: Where do we go, and what do we do after Thanos’ snap?

Earth is a now a completely new place for the Avengers team. The survivors, lead by Iron Man
(Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans), are faced with challenging
tasks–grieving and moving forward. Forward is a different direction for each of the surviving
Marvel characters. Ultimately, a plan is devised that puts everything on the line in true
superhero fashion.

Director-brothers Anthony and Joe Russo’s Endgame is a true gem. It is a nod to the truest
Marvel fans, and a wink to the fans of the standalone Avengers movieverse. It’s not necessary
to cram all 21 Marvel films into your Blu-Ray player in preparation, but it certainly gives you the
chance to be nostalgic for all the moments that are timeless in the Marvel universe. Believe me,
there are too many to count, and Endgame is the senior-year yearbook everyone is waiting for.
Stan Lee would be proud.

Audiences have pondered all sorts of endings to this Avengers series, and in the end it is
straightforward and complete. The journey of your favorite character may not be what you
anticipate, but that is where Endgame’s humanity lies. Everyone lost someone after Thanos’
snap. Everyone will do whatever it takes.

Endgame will have its moments where you will laugh at a clever inside joke (the film is loaded
with them) and in the next minute cry every tear you thought you had (there will be many times for that too).

It’s incredible to know that the end is near, as this arc ends with Spider-Man: Far From Home,
releasing July 5, 2019. Disney and Marvel have a wealth of opportunity for the future. After all,
the end is a new beginning.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theatres on Friday, April 26.

Movie Review: Dumbo Now in Theaters

Written by: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

It’s been decades since the world first saw an elephant fly, and Disney’s 2019 live-action DUMBO extends the magic and splendor of the studio’s original masterpiece.

The studio’s decision to remake this beloved classic is no doubt controversial, however, the world is different from when the animated film released in 1941. Today, Disney recognizes that the success of this live-action remake needs balance between nostalgia and something fresh. The challenge was accepted by Disney animator-turned-director Tim Burton.

Hosted: Thank you Disney for inviting to screen Dumbo at El Capitan Theater. All opinions are my own.

Dumbo is Burton’s fifth film directed for Disney. In 2010, he ushered in a new wave of Disney remakes with the live-action Alice in Wonderland. Film critics and fans alike know the whimsy and creative curiosity explored in this director’s breadth of work–Dumbo is an extension of that bold sentimentality, from the vivid visuals to the signature world created by composer Danny Elfman. Dumbo is the 17th feature film collaboration between Burton and Elfman.

Ehren Kruger’s script is a nod to what is familiar about the Dumbo storyline, yet pleases audiences with a different look at Dumbo the performer. If you ever wanted to know how Dumbo practiced at dress rehearsal and how he processed feelings of self-doubt, this script beautifully introduces a deeper look at the world’s most adored elephant. Coupled with gorgeous computer-generated imagery, this Dumbo character displays a innocence that feels true and heartwarming.

The cast of Dumbo contributes a fundamental element to this film that is missing from the animated version–the deep connection between mankind and animals. The live-action film centers on the Farrier family (Colin Farrell as father Holt) as they lovingly care for the new addition to the Medici Brothers Circus (Danny DeVito as ringleader/owner/jack-of-all-trades Max Medici). The Medici Circus includes all the classic, small-town performer personalities, yet also introduces them as a family facing tough decisions amid a changing American entertainment industry. When tycoon V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) crosses paths with the circus, Dumbo is given a new opportunity at an accelerated career and potential new family of entertainers, including the charming aerialist Colette Marchant (Eva Green).

For those that welcome the idea that a remake of a Disney classic can result in a familiar yet elaborated takeaway, Dumbo resonates with the powerful feeling of belonging. Dumbo’s families, both elephant and circus, face heart-wrenching conflicts, and comfort exists in knowing there is someone accepting of and invested in his happiness. The feeling of belonging is essential to feeling complete, happy, and fulfilled; the same can be said for all the animals in our lives, including an elephant with larger-than-life ears and larger-than-life heart.

Disney’s Dumbo is in theaters nationwide on March 29.

Disney Channel Fall Preview: New Shows and New Episodes

Are you a Disney Channel Fan?

If so, you need to tune into the Disney Channel to see what’s new!

Last week my kiddos and I headed to Disney Studios in Burbank to what’s coming up on our favorite channel. We were thrilled to get a sneak peek of new episodes of Andi Mack, Raven’s Home, and the all NEW Coop & Cami Ask The World.

Here is a photo recap of our day at our favorite studio!

Hosted: Thank you Disney Channel for inviting us to your fall preview event. All opinions are my own.

About Andi Mack

Life goes from routine to a roller-coaster ride overnight for artistic teenager Andi Mack. It all happens on the eve of her 13th birthday when free-spirited older sister Bex — who has been traveling around the world — returns home to make a revelation, which changes everything for the Mack family. It turns out that Bex isn’t Andi’s sister — she is her mother — and Celia, who Andi thought was her mom, is actually her grandmother. Learning this family secret sends Andi on an uncharted course of self-discovery. She’s not alone on her journey, as best friends Cyrus and Buffy are also trying to figure out their places in the world.

About Disney’s Raven’s Home

Now a divorced mother of two, Raven Baxter still catches glimpses of the future. She uses her power to help her be a better mother, a successful fashion designer and a good friend. She’s not the only member of her family who can see the future, though. Her son Booker has inherited the ability from her, using it to help him make sense of middle school and his new family life. Their visions sometimes collide, but they always figure things out together. Also living in the Baxter house are Booker’s no-nonsense twin sister Nia and free-spirited Chelsea, Raven’s childhood best friend, who is the divorced mother of Levi, who is savvy and wise beyond his years. Raven and Chelsea work together to help raise their children.

My girls grew up watching That’s So Raven, and they were ecstatic to meet the cast of the show!

About Coop & Cami Ask The World

Middle school siblings Cooper and Cameron Wrather make nearly all of their decisions, both mundane and madcap, by crowdsourcing opinions from the millions of followers of Cooper’s online channel.

There a so many fun surprises in these shows, no spoilers I promise!

We had a sensational time at Disney Studios, tune in to the Disney Channel and don’t miss out on the fun!

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors Event

Are you a Marvel Fan? If so you gotta watch this new animated film!

Last week, we celebrated GIRL POWER in Burbank, California at the Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors event. This new Marvel film premiered on Disney Channel and Disney XD on September 30th.

This new action packed film is full of surprises…

Thank you Disney Channel for inviting my family to your Marvel Rising event. All opinions are my own.

We got behind the scenes and spoke to writer, Mairghread Scott. She has super powers of her own! She’s a mom, freelance writer, and film creator. Love her!

About

This incredible story centers on teenage superhero Ghost-Spider who is running from the law after being framed for her friend’s murder. Oh no! Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Quake, and Patriot bring her in before they all find themselves teaming up to fight and battle a threat no one had expected…

Watch the trailer here!

The kiddos sat at the edge of their seat while screening this film!

My fam bam absolutely LOVED this new film. It definitely aims to create adventurous and empowering superhero stories for a new generation of fans.

If you did not have a chance to catch the film. Watch it now.

Solo: A Star Wars Story Is Now Available Digitally and on Blu-ray September 25th

Last week while the kids were at school, Carlos and I headed to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to celebrate the upcoming in-home release of SOLO: A Star Wars Story released Digitally Sept 14 and on Blu-ray Sept 25th! The Special Bonus Showcase/Press Day included an interview Ray Park (Darth Maul) and lightsaber training. We also met Solo’s sidekick Chewbacca!

My fam bam loves this incredible film and you will too! It was so much fun to get the behind the scenes scoop. Our kids were super jealous, and thought it was cool that their papa took over my social handles for a day.

Star Wars Fans! Get ready for the ultimate ride and experience the galaxy like never before when you watch SOLO on digital or Blu-ray.

Join us for a #SoloBluRay Twitter Party! We’ve got fabulous door prizes. *See the details below.

Thank you Walt Disney Studios for inviting us to your SOLO event. All opinions are my own.

About Solo: A Star Wars Movie

Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

Actor Ray Park (Darth Maul) gave us lightsaber training. It was by far one of the coolest things we have ever done! I have to admit it was not as easy as I thought, and I almost whacked Ray Parker in the face… Oops

Ray Parker talked about his 8 hour a day intense training while preparing for his role. His story is truly inspiring!

Mr. Camacho was all smiles because he can now watch SOLO at home!

This fun and fast-paced space adventure, compliments the saga and is a special treat for longtime fans.

I love these two adorable hairy men! lol

Twitter Party

Join us this Monday September 24th at 6 PST, in your PJs to celebrate a Star Wars #SoloBluRay Party on Twitter! We’ve got fabulous door prizes in store for our guests!