This holiday season, we have streaming some new flicks and we were thrilled to hear about the debut of Disney Pixar’s SouL. This movie is truly inspirational, and includes SO many incredible life lessons. Since it aired on Disney Plus, we have seen it three times. My son Drew says it’s his new favorite film!
SouL is Pixars’s first film with a black character as the lead. It is super important to support films like this one so that children get exposed to a diverse universe of characters. Studies show that it’s important for kids to see characters who not only look like them and their family members, but also sound like them.
Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz — and he’s good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.
Like it’s title, this movie is full SouL, tender moments, and
#PIXARSOUL
Activity Sheets Include:
Maze: Help Joe find his way through a piano maze
Spot The Difference: 11 differences
Door Hanger: Soul Joe and 22
Drawing Activity: Draw your favorite type of pizza
Isla Fisher as Mackenzie and Willa Skye as Mia in GODMOTHERED, exclusively on Disney+.
JUST IN! Where are all my Disney fans at?
Today, we are jumping for joy because we got word that “Godmothered,” will debut on December 4, 2020 on Disney Plus. This film could not come at a better time, because we can all use a little cheer this holiday season!
Set at Christmas time, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers.
Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.
Jillian Bell as Eleanor in GODMOTHERED, exclusively on Disney+.
We are a Disney family, and we seriously cannot wait to see this original film on Disney Plus. Join us in watching it December 4th!
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!
We often go to cheesy kid movies with our kids out of love for them. We pretend to understand everything they talk about, and to love everything they remotely care about because… that’s the motherly thing to do. Take Assassin’s Creed for example. Do I love Cal Lynch? Uh, well, which one was that again? But, If you ask my son what I think about Assassins Creed? He’ll say, “I love it.” That’s just what we do as parents. We adore our dang kids, and want to find things in common with them. But I have found that my son and I actually DO have something in common. We both enjoy movies! Earlier this month, we got a sneak peek of MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL.
My son loves Syfi, action, and comedy flicks. I love dramas, romcoms, and adventure films. Finding movies that bond our two loves, can be tricky. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, however, left us both on the edge of our seats, eager to see what was going to happen next. The movie itself sent many powerful messages. This twisted fantasy was everything I hoped for (and more).
A formidable queen causes a rift between Maleficent and Princess Aurora. Together, they must face new allies and enemies in a bid to protect the magical lands which they share. In this movie, you will experience bold, cinematic visuals. My son pointed out that the women in the film were “fearless” and “unique,” just how a woman should be portrayed.
The mythology that goes along with the cast’s spectacular performance, fits into the list of Disney Classics perfectly. Angelina Jolie goes above and beyond to not only fit the physical qualities of Maleficent, but she also accurately portrays the emotional qualities of this complicated witch. Through the course of this film, the audience will learn the importance of confidence and individuality. As a 43-year-old woman, I felt unbelievably empowered by the portrayal of all the women in this film. My son witnessing characters like Maleficent, is extremely important to me. Quite frankly, it’s important for the development of all young boys. This film has no damsel in distress, has no woman dependent on a man, and that is what I like and expect to see more of in the future movie world.
BRAVO Disney! This movie is for all the women, and girls ready to be portrayed as the strong heroes that they are. Maleficent: Mistress of evil is now on my list of favorites. I’m so glad I got to watch it with my little guy!
Ours is five… I’m referring to the number of times my family has seen the Avengers: Endgame in theaters. You can now buy it on Digital on on Blu-ray. Yippee!
In celebration of “Back to School” we are giving away a digital download of Avengers: Endgame!
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win. One lucky winner will be selected.
Thank your Marvel Studios for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Are your kids Marvel fans? My kiddo is ready to start the school year, with his cool new Avenger gear!
The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”
Pick up your digital on or Blu-ray copy of Avengers: Endgame today!
Now that the Avengers: Endgame is on digital, we are planning a movie night before the kids return to school.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a digital download of Avengers: Endgame!
CHOC Hospital has been a HUGE part of our lives. My daughter Elisha was born with a really rare chromosome abnormality (Chromosome 4q deletion), and also my niece Jerrica battled Leukemia 5 years ago. This year, I will walk the CHOC WALK for both Elisha and Jerrica…
They say that God only gives you what you can handle, but this has definitely been a very difficult journey for my family. I don’t usually write about this on my blog, because it’s very hard for me to open up and discuss this publicly. Elisha requires 24 hour care and nursing. She is in and out of the hospital, for numerous ongoing medical issues. It’s just become part of our “norm.”
I’ve decided to finally come out of my shell, and share our story. I feel this is important because I want to show my gratitude for everything CHOC has done for Elisha and Jerrica.
Carlos and I were young parents, and we had no idea of the amount of medical care that Elisha would need. CHOC was there for us from the very beginning. They helped us manage her care, and get the best medical treatments available. The doctors at CHOC were very compassionate, and helped us tremendously throughout most of her childhood.
Her pediatrician, Dr. Teresa Hollander, was wonderful and was very attentive. She often called us after her office hours at home, when Elisha was sick or not feeling well. She also helped us with her transition to adulthood.
Her life expectancy was only 7, but she is now she is 27 years old. I cannot say that I have done this alone. My incredible parents, familia, Dr. Hollander, and the sensational CHOC staff have been a HUGE part of her story.
This year I will walk for my daughter Elisha and my niece Jerrica!
Muchismas Gracias CHOC, we could have not done this without you!
Join me Sunday, August 11th at the 2019 CHOC WALK In the Park! Join my team or donate to #JerrBear here.
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.”
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!
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.
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!
