Have you seen Secrets of Sulpher Springs on the Disney Channel?
Earlier this week we got a sneak peek of, “The Secrets of Sulpher Springs” Episode 9-As Time Goes By. We have been following this season for a few weeks now, and it definitely keeps us on edge. Drew and I have come up with some theories as to what happened to Savannah, and we can’t wait to find out the truth. This episode reveals A LOT, but I will share no more!
On another EXCITING note, as of today this sensational series can be streamed on Disney Plus!
We have been indoors for sometime now, and it was so nice of Disney to send us some pizza kits! THANK YOU….
Drew’s primos came over to watch the show and make some yummy pizzas! This put a HUGE smile on their faces. It truly makes me so happy to see them enjoy an activity together.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, don’t worry! You can stream the latest episodes online anytime here.
We took an early look at the newest episode “Time Warp, ” and it was definitely a nail bitter. In t Young Jess dares Savannah to spend the night in The Tremont basement with real ghosts. Young Ben comes to Savannah’s defense. Young Jess storms off and wishes Savannah gone. Sorry no more spoilers!
Disclosure: I am a Disney Channel Partner. All opinions in this post are mine.
WE ARE HOOKED! I don’t want to give you any spoilers, but lets just say there are a lot of spooky surprises!
Secrets of Sulphur Springs is a delightful, but frightful Disney Show, perfect for any age. Pack your bags, an extra pair of underpants, and head to Louisiana. Be ready for mystery, fright, and secrets. Undoubtedly, Disney’s first mystery show, tune in every Friday with me Queenbeelatina to experience this one of a kind, Disney Original Series.
Earlier this week we got a sneak peek, of the latest episodes and celebrated with some nommy themed treats! Thank you Disney Channel!
If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, don’t worry! You can stream the latest episodes online anytime here.
Coinciding with the series premiere, the DisneyNOW app will launch a casual game, “Mystery at
The Tremont,” in which users can explore Sulphur Springs in an interactive adventure full of
hidden objects, puzzles and mini-games. “Secrets of Sulphur Springs” is from writer and
executive producer Tracey Thomson (“The Young and the Restless”). Charles Pratt Jr.
(“STAR”) is the executive producer. The series is produced by Gwave Productions, LLC, and
carries a TV-G parental guideline.
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.
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!
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.”
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!
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.
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 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.
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 NEWCoop & 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.
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.
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!
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!
Earlier this month Disney Villains released their newest book, Mother Know Best! This wonderful book is a great compliment to their fun Villain series. I am thrilled that the Disney Book Group has partnered with me for a giveaway! Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win the complete book series and the Sephora Hair bundle pack!
I love to cuddle up with my son at bedtime, and read a good book. I know sooner than later, he’s going to grow up and he will be too big for story time. But for now, I’m going to cherish this special time with him and read this series with him…
Disclosure: Disney Book Group has partnered with me for this giveaway. All opinions are my own.
My young prince loves a good Disney story… Your kiddos will enjoy this series too!
The Disney VILLAINS series by Serena Valentino explores how the antagonists in Disney movies became some of storytelling’s most iconic villains. In the first five VILLAINS books, we see how the Evil Queen, the Beast, Ursula, Maleficent, and Mother Gothel fall into darkness, through the instigation of the mysterious Odd Sisters: Lucinda, Martha, and Ruby.
The tale of the legendary golden flower is widely known. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the flower is coveted by an old witch to keep herself young and beautiful. And always the flower is used to save a dying queen, who then gives birth to a princess with magical hair. Not willing to lose the flower, the old witch steals the princess and locks her away in a high tower, raising her as her own. But the princess always finds out who she truly is and manages to defeat the old witch.
And yet this is only half the story. So what of the old witch, Mother Gothel? Where does she come from? And how does she come across the magical golden flower?
Here is one account that recounts a version of the story that has remained untold for centuries . . . until now. It is a tale of mothers and daughters, of youth and dark magic.
It is a tale of the old witch.
GIVEAWAY LET DOWN YOUR HAIR!
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:
For hair as long and twisted as the one in this tale. One (1) winner receives:
Serena Valentino has been weaving tales that combine mythos and guile for the past decade. She has earned critical acclaim in both the comic and horror domains, where she is known for her unique style of storytelling, bringing her readers into exquisitely frightening worlds filled with terror, beauty, and extraordinary protagonists. The books in her best-selling VILLAINS series are best enjoyed when read in the following order: Fairest of All, The Beast Within,Poor Unfortunate Soul, Mistress of All Evil, Mother Knows Best.
This sensational book series is so much fun to read. The recommended age for this series is 12+
