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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.

Enjoy Knott’s Summer Nights June 7th Through August 11th

Enjoy Knott’s Summer Nights Now Through August 11th!

Knott’s Berry Farm definitely knows how to throw a party!

Last week after sun down, my hubby and our good friends Tavo and Patty, headed to enjoy the ultimate summer party at Knott’s Berry Farm!

We shared many laughs, musica en vivo (LIVE music), delicious food, and interactive games…

Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting us to #KnottsSummer Nights. All opinions are my own.

From time to time, my hubby and I like to get a break from the kids and enjoy a date night. #sorrynotsorry kids Lol

Don’t get me wrong, Knott’s Summer Nights is great for the kids too! But no doubt, I will return with them before August 11th to celebrate as well.

More shenanigans!

These two had a blast dancing the night away! We definitely shared MANY uncontrollable belly laughs. It was crazy fun!

Hey kids! Mom and Dad can be fun and cool too…

For $35 dollars you can enjoy 8 tastings, Check out the delicious summer options above!

The Knott’s Summer Nights Tasting card provides samplings of delicious one-of-a-kind summertime items at select locations throughout the midway for only $35. Most locations and items are available from 6:00 p.m. until park closing.

The Chili in a Corn Bread Bowl was my favorite. Just thinking about it, makes me salivate. And YES, this is on the tasting card!

These Esquites (corn cup) has mayo and a little bit of spice. It reminds me of the delicious street vendors in Mexico City. (another option on your tasting card)

It was so nice to get a break from the kids, and get some adult time. Oh! Did I mention the tasting card includes craft beer and wine? SCORE!

***Must be 21 and older for alcoholic beverages.

Knott’s LIVE entertainment features a variety of bands including Suburban Legends, Hiatus and Suffragettes among others that rotate during the event nightly. Rock out to a top 40’s band at the Calico Mine Stage and bop to beats of the Boardwalk DJ around Charleston Circle Fountain.

Oversized classic games and festoon lighting set the stage for guests to enjoy their summer nights at Knott’s, while the Knott’s Party Crew encourages good ol’ fashion fun with games and competitions that will bring out the competitor in everyone.

Don’t miss out on the fun now through August 11, 2019

LIVE music, yummy summer food, Instagram photo opps, interactive experiences, and family-friendly games, it just doesn’t get better…

Knott’s Summer Nights is a definite MUST this summer! Take your ENTIRE familia. There is a little something for everyone!

When They See Us Now Streaming on Netflix

Last week my youngest daughter Clarissa and I headed to the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles, California for a special screening of the new Netflix mini-series “WHEN THEY SEE US”, which focuses on the important issue of racial profiling and chronicles the notorious case of five teenagers (four African-Americans and one Latino) labeled as the Central Park Five, who were convicted of a crime they did not commit in 1989.

After the screening, we took part in a Q & A with the Consul General of México, Carlos García de Alba, that was moderated by Oswaldo Borraez from Univision to discuss the topic of racial profiling.

Thank you Netflix for inviting me to screen “When They See Us.” All opinions are my own.

This Netflix series tells the story of five young boys of color ages 14-16 years, falsely convicted of rape. They were all illegally interrogated, pitted against each-other, and manipulated to create a scenario fabricated by detectives.

When They See Us was created by Ava DuVernay, who also co-wrote and directed the four parts. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King from Participant Media, Oprah Winfrey from Harpo Films, and Jane Rosenthal, Berry Welsh and Robert De Niro from Tribeca Productions will executive produce the limited series alongside DuVernay through her banner, Forward Movement. In addition to DuVernay, Attica Locke, Robin Swicord, and Michael Starrburry also serve as writers on the limited series.

As a mother, my heart ached for these innocent children and their families. All I could think about was my young son Andrew, and how close he is in age to the boys convicted.

We often hear horrific stories regarding people of color being punished unfairly by our judicial system. This film about the Central Park 5’s incarceration and interrogation, took us on an unexpected emotional journey, and opened our eyes to the horrors that destroyed these boy’s lives.

The odds are stacked against our Latinx youth. Both black and brown children are often profiled as adults and seen less innocent than their caucasian peers.

How can we take a step towards change? http://bit.ly/2WNmMNK

Several hot topics were discussed among the panelists, but all agreed that these stories must be told to educate our youth for a better tomorrow. The panelists in attendance were:

Ana Flores, influencer and founder of We All Grow
Angelica Salas, Executive Director, CHIRLA
Alex Nogales, president and CEO, NHMC
Jessica Domínguez, immigration lawyer
Pilar Marrero, journalist

We must tell the stories that are too often forgotten.…

This film reminds us that history isn’t so far behind us, and we have reason to be vocal about the injustice that continues today.

Stream and support #WhenTheySeeUs on Netflix TODAY!

Up Close and Personal With Gen Z Influencers Lily Kate and Annie Rose

Interview with Lily Kate

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Lily – I am a 17 year old Texas girl. I’m a junior in high school. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and I absolutely love having the freedom homeschooling gives me. I have many passions that include public speaking, art, video editing, dance, and writing. My favorite foods are Lucky Charms and whipped cream. I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!

What inspired you to start your vlog?

Lily – I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!

Bullying is a huge issue with teens. What message do you have for young people struggling with bullying?

Lily- I have been lucky, since I am a Christian and have been homeschooled, I have not dealt with severe cases of bullying. I am very thankful for that. But something I would encourage is for you to find yourself and never let go of that. Find your own identity and build it up strong; to the point where nobody can break it down. I like to think of it like playing Capture the Flag, once you have your hands on the flag, you never let the flag go! That flag can be your sense of self – never to be let go or lost, and if it is, you exhaust every resource to get it back. Us being secure in ourselves is the most important factor to success in this life. So we must retrieve that flag and show it off proudly.

Plus, remember that:

You are beautiful

You are unique

You are allowed to be different

You are intelligent

You are so very, very loved

And you are not alone.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Lily – 10 years… that is a long time! In 10 years, I want to have published at least three books (currently writing them), I want to have at least 3 degrees, I want to be married and financially stable. I plan to keep doing YouTube as long as the platform exists, I love Instagram and want to continue building my audience there. I am about to begin selling products on Amazon. My goal is to create a lifestyle that I believe in, market it and help others achieve the golden life through aesthetics, books, videos and products. Sprinkled throughout all of this, I want to be a credible public speaker. I have been told that public speaking is my ‘spiritual gift’ (lol). I feel completely comfortable in front of big crowds and I want nothing more than to speak my truth and inspire people to take control of their lives and make them beautiful!

What’s your goal and overall message that would you like to share with your viewers?

Lily – That they are beautiful. That’s it.

So many times in my life I would look in the mirror at that roll of chub over my gut, at the metal braces in my mouth, how round and puffy my face was, or how huge my thighs were and I hated it. I hated myself. I saw myself as a burden to my parents, the least important friend, and I had no self worth. But eventually, with kicking, screaming and lots of sleepless nights, I found myself, my passions and I pulled myself together into a little heap and decided that I was going to be different from everyone else; I was going to be confident and love myself.

So many teens hate their image, personality, status or all of the above, and the sad truth is… that mindset is utterly normal. It is common to be depressed, tired and self-loathing. Teens say ‘want to die’ or ‘I hate myself’ and actually believe it. It is often covered as a joke but, behind every just kidding – there is some truth. This generation suffers so strongly from self hate that right now, the way to be different or to stand out is to fully love yourself and actually accept yourself. The new different is seeing yourself as beautiful, valuable and enough.

Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video to share on my site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyk-nKBPt0c&t=1s – this is a super fun video

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYW4P_H3AO-wjoAb9-lQA_Q

Interview with Annie Rose

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Annie- I’m a 13 year old entrepreneur, youtuber, author, actor, singer, and fashion LOVER!! I started my first youtube channel 4 years ago simply to have fun (considering I was 9). Now I work everyday editing, filming, communicating with my followers, creating new ideas, and let me just say .. I LOVE IT!! Before age 9 I never had a ‘thing’ while my 3 older siblings Matthew, Lily, and Laura were enjoying their own activities and I felt left out. I’ve always been a chatterbox and a storyteller so finding youtube was such a perfect way for me to express myself. I also have discovered my love for writing and fashion along the way and have created my own poetry book and merch line! I’m so grateful for my almost 800k fans and hope I can inspire girls to live their life to the absolute fullest!

What inspired you to start your vlog?

Like I said, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a safe place to express myself.

Annie- Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Annie- English, literature, or writing .. can’t really pick one hehe. When I was eight I would spend all day writing stories and to this day I have loved grammar / writing / poetry. It’s all so beautiful to me. Writing is like an extension of talking, just quieter.

What makes you unique, and why do you think people should follow you?

Annie- Not many girls have the same outlook on life that I have. I see everything in a positive and happy way. I think I can help other girls realize life isn’t so bad and it’s worth living to the absolute fullest.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Annie- I have many dreams. My biggest goals in life are to create my own fashion, and a own my own physical store, publish more books, travel, build my own house, start a family, inspire others, and I hope that in ten years I still live my life to the absolute fullest because like Meghan Trainor says “No we ain’t promised tomorrow”

What advice would you give to young girls that want to start a vlog?

Annie- Don’t stop. If you love it, do it. Don’t stop if you get picked on or because someone tells you to. If I stopped because someone hated on me I wouldn’t be where i am today! If you enjoy doing youtube, that’s all that matters! Not the money, fame, or haters. Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.

Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video.

Annie- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K3_2-vOwQk&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHVSseA5eTTguk_o5InXu9w

LEGOLAND Opens Duplo Playtown

Written By: Clarissa Camacho

My adorable nephew whispered in my ear, “I’m so excited. ” Off we went to Legoland, California. Jack sang the lyrics to “Catchy song” from the LEGO movie 2, while his brother jammed out next to him in the car on our drive up. As we arrived, their little faces lit up. Almost immediately, they ran to Duplo Playground. The updated play area is bright, colorful , and the perfect place where toddlers can let their imaginations roam free.

DUPLO®Playtown includes more than ten whimsical playhouses that feature hands-on activities, slides and interactive elements that encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity while playing. Children can explore a barn, fire station, grocery store, hospital and maze complete with an interactive scarecrow.

The rides were meant for parents (or tias) to bond with their little loves, which made the experience even more memorable.

Kid Power Towers stands tall in the middle of DUPLO®Playtown – kids and parents alike can ride to the top of one of three towers to get an incredible view of the entire Park and enjoy a thrilling “free-fall” down to the bottom.

The boys and I pretended to be nurses, train conductors, gardeners, and artists. They lived in their own little worlds- and it was lovely. As I took pictures of them, I realized I would have to bring them to Legoland more often, because they offered so many toddler friendly stuff things to do! And the memories? Priceless–

The new area is a great option for families with toddlers and the perfect place to let younger children play and experience their first theme park ride on the LEGOLAND®Express Train Ride.

Your little ones will love the new and improved Duplo playground!

Giveaway: Percy Jackson & the Olympians is the Perfect Series for Summer! Enter for a Chance to Win 5-book Series

Disclosure: Thank you Disney Book Group for sponsoring this post.

Summertime is around the corner, and we can’t wait to relax, unwind, and get our summer reading on…

“Hey mom the package is here!” my son yelled. Me, “Hold your horses Andrew, let me open it.” His face lit up when the Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5- book series by Rick Riordan arrived in the mail.

In the fall, my son will begin the 6th grade and I want to make sure he keeps up his reading, but also is prepared for the new challenging school year. Summer reading is critical for students to retain the skills learned in the previous school year. Children who don’t read are at risk of falling behind their classmates. Parents can avoid this by making sure kids take time to read. So, I’m challenging my son to finish the Percy Jackson series before summer’s end, and I encourage you to do the same with your kids!

Greek Mythology is one of my son’s favorite types of literature. As a parent, I love to see him read a book he actually enjoys, and to see him off his XBox. (My worst enemy). Moms, can you relate?

* Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win (1) boxed set of the, Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5-book series.

About the Series

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

By Rick Riordan

Read the 5-book series that has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 500 weeks!

Learn about Greek Mythology as the Percy Jackson series offers readers a fresh and exciting way to learn about the Olympians, the Titans, the Minotaur, and more while enjoying a fast-paced, highly entertaining adventure!

Synopsis of Book 1: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school… again. And that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few of them. Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus’s stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

My son is hooked on the first book. “ Mom, Percy discovers his powers and is on an adventure to save his mom.“ The look on his face was priceless.

A family that reads together, stays together!

Enter the Rafflecopter here before June 1st for a chance to win (1) boxed set of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5-book series before June 15, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to U.S. addresses only. Prizing provided by Disney Book Group.

Catch Your Favorite Pokémons In Detective Pikachu- Now in Theaters

Earlier this week, my family got a sneak peek of POKÉMON Detective Pikachu at the ArchLight Theater in Hollywood, California. Andrew sat at the edge of his seat, and he could barely contain his excitement while screening this new action packed film. He whispered in my in my ear, ” Mom that’s Bulbasour and Flying Charmander.” He wants me to share with ya’ll that Greninja is his favorite Pokémon of all time in this post. Lol

The surprising Torterra scene was incredible, and my son and I both agree that it was our favorite part. (no more spoilers) Clarissa, my teen daughter said she loved being introduced to Pikachu. “He’s so adorable mom!” Pikachu is impossibly cute and charming.

Watch the trailer!

About

Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery.

This movie is full of action, adventure, and laughs. It is definitely worth seeing with the entire family. Watch Pokémon Detective Pikachu in theaters today!

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.

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.

Celebrate Earth Day by Watching Disneynature Penguins In Theaters!

Written By: Clarissa Elyse Camacho

On April 17, 2019 pack your bags, and get ready to travel to Antarctica to meet the amazing Steve in Disneynature’s Penguins!

Every ticket sold opening week April 17-23, 2019, Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern
hemisphere…

Thank you Disney for inviting us to screen Disneynature Penguins, and for the opportunity to interview director Roy Conli. All opinions are my own.

This hilarious film is narrated by Ed Helms; who tells the coming of age story of an Adèlie penguin, who follows his fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. However, unlike the other penguins in his breed, nothing comes naturally to him. Steve battles the extreme conditions in the arctic, and an abundance of predators. Disney Nature has touched our hearts again, and made me fall in love with this beautiful story.

Did you know?

The Adélie penguin is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

In my interview with Director Roy Conli, he explained how much character and personality the Adélie Penguins had. They were very animated with their movements, and practically wrote their own stories.

The cinematography and scenic landscapes in this film were breathtaking!

“Penguins” continues Disneynature’s conservation tradition: for every ticket sold
opening week (April 17-23, 2019), Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife
Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern
hemisphere. Founded in 2002, WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground
conservationists, including top experts in the field of penguins like the Global Penguin
Society (GPS). The worldwide leader in science-based penguin conservation, GPS
champions specific programs that align with Disneynature’s conservation mission.
Conservation is a key pillar of the label, and the films empower the audience to help
make a difference, with each film supporting wildlife featured in the films.

Support The Wildlife Conservation an watch Disneynature Penguins in Theaters!

PLOEY Movie: Activity Sheets

PLOEY starring John Stamos (“Full House”) and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings) has flown exclusively to DIRECTV Cinema!

This movie will fill your heart with joy! It’s about courage, friendship, and family. It has a great message too.

Synopsis:

When he gets separated from his family, Ploey, a young flightless plover chick, must undertake a dangerous journey to a legendary valley in order to save his loved ones from falling prey to the evil falcon.

Last month we screened this adorable film and learned to fly too!