After an extensive search, The Walt Disney Studios is pleased to announce that 13-year-old Storm Reid will play the lead role of Meg Murry in the upcoming Disney live action adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle In Time! Said director Ava DuVernay,”After an extensive search that spanned multiple dimensions, we’re overjoyed to welcome Storm Reid to WRINKLE IN TIME as our beloved “Meg.” Storm is a tremendously talented young actress who embodies the hopes, dreams and spirit of a character much loved by audiences worldwide for generations. I can’t wait to work with Storm as we chronicle Meg’s epic quest, alongside Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Who. Tesser well!”
Reid’s first theatrical film role was in the Academy Award-winning 12 YEARS A SLAVE where she played Emily, and she has also appeared in AMERICAN GIRL: LEA TO THE RESCUE and SLEIGHT, which premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Most recently, she shot a starring role in Judy Greer’s directorial debut A HAPPENING OF MONUMENTAL PROPROTIONS (2017), alongside Allison Janney, Common and Bradley Whitford.
Reid joins a cast which already includes Oprah Winfrey in the role of Mrs. Which, Reese Witherspoon in the role of Mrs. Whatsit and Mindy Kaling in the role of Mrs. Who. The actors shared the official news on Twitter.
It was a dark and stormy night…I wwondder wwhat Mrs. Whatsit is uupp to? @Rwitherspoon
The film is directed by Ava DuVernay (SELMA) from a script by Jennifer Lee (FROZEN). Jim Whitaker and Catherine Hand are producing the film, which will begin production later this year.
I, for one, am definitely looking forward to this film! I loved the book when I was younger – and I think it has great themes and morals for kids about love and letting go (ha! No pun intended – because – Frozen). There is no release date yet, but as soon as I have one, I will let you all know!
I am quite the coffee drinker. I stay home with two little girls and well, I can’t seem to get through my day without at least 3 or 4 cups. My oldest started Kindergarten this year meaning that she is in school all day long, leaving me alone with the little one. And thanks to back to school time, I am needing even more coffee to get through my day. One of my favorite coffee companies is Brooklyn Bean Roastery because they have a wide variety of delicious coffees. I have been known to put a spoon full of cinnamon in my cups of coffee before and because of this, I love Cinnamon Subway!
Brooklyn Bean Roastery whisks you right here to the corner of the globe with the perfect blended combination of rich coffee and toasted cinnamon. Spicy-sweet and elegant- a tantalizing flavored coffee treat. Hold on tight. Their pastry-inspired brew will put you in head-to-toe cinnamon bliss. Brooklyn Bean Roastery Single-Serve Cinnamon Subway coffee cups are available in a convenient 40-count box. Use Brooklyn Bean Roastery cups in many of the popular single-serve coffee machines.
All of Brooklyn Bean Roastery’s delicious individual blends include:
Highest quality of coffee beans; 100 percent Arabica coffee beans available in 16 specialty blends.
Revolutionary “Roast2Cup” processing for extra freshness and premium flavor. You are guaranteed a fresh-brewed cup every time.
Crafted with pride in the USA.
Compatible with many of the popular single-serve coffee machines.
About Brooklyn Bean Roastery
About BBR
We’re three guys from Brooklyn who love coffee. We grew up with an appreciation for quality, originality, and local pride, and we base our company on those values. What we’re saying is: We demand the best of everything and don’t hesitate to tell you what’s what. Brooklyn Beans Roastery is the first independently owned, single-serve coffee company using “Roast2Cup” technology, a process that ensures the best cup of coffee every time you brew. Not your everyday cuppa Joe, see?
Unwavering Quality Five separate, important quality-control checks are performed with every batch we make:
Visual inspection – Only the best coffee beans make the initial cut.
Supervisor-monitored grinding – A little secret: if it’s too coarse, it won’t brew properly; if it’s too fine, the coffee gets bitter.
Portion quality control – Precisely the right amount is packed to ensure the best brew every time.
Filled and sealed podsare individually hand-checked for perfection.
Brewed coffee samples are consistently taken for aroma and taste testing checks (we admit, this is our favorite part of the job!).
My girls and I love to watch Daniel Tiger together. I love it because it brings back memories of watching Mister Roger’s Neighborhood with my mom and they love it because it is fun! I think it is a great way to teach important lessons to young kids. The latest DVD from Daniel Tiger, You Are Special Daniel Tiger, includes 8 of our favorite episodes and has been quickly added to the rotation of DVDs to play in the car. It hits shelves on September 13, 2016 and is a must see for all kids! Grab your copy here – and check out some fun Daniel Tiger toys that any fan of his should have below.
Synopsis
Everyone has something that makes him or her unique and special. In DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, Daniel’s friends have so many talents that sometimes it’s hard to stand out. When a class performance leaves O the Owl feeling discouraged, and a fun walk through the neighborhood leaves Daniel wondering if he’s as special as his friends, it’s a good time to remember that great friends appreciate each other just the way they are!
“YOU ARE SPECIAL, DANIEL TIGER!” will be available on DVD September 13, 2016. The stories included are:
“You Are Special”
The children are putting on a show at school today, each doing something that presents a unique ability. At first, O the Owl wants to be just like the others, but with a little encouragement, he finds his own special ability, too.
“Daniel Is Special”
Daniel and Dad take a fall walk through the Neighborhood, admiring the colors of the leaves. On their way, they meet Miss Elaina and O the Owl. Both Miss Elaina and O the Owl do special things that make Daniel wonder if he is as special as they are. Dad reminds Daniel of the things that make him special, such as his whimsical imagination!
“No Red Sweater for Daniel”
Daniel is getting ready for the day and can’t find his red sweater anywhere! Mom tells Daniel that it’s in the wash, so he’ll just have to find something else to wear. Daniel puts on a blue sweater and is concerned because he looks different. How does he know he’s still HIM? Mom assures him that no matter what you wear or how different you appear, you’re always still YOU on the inside.
“Teacher Harriet’s New Hairdo”
Daniel goes to school and finds that something is different: his teacher! But wait…it IS Teacher Harriet, only with a different hairstyle. Daniel is hesitant at first but soon comes to understand that even though we can all change how we look on the outside, we’re still the same on the inside.
“Same and Different”
While Daniel is playing dress up with his friends at school, he feels different when he realizes that not everyone has a tail like him. He learns that everyone has differences, but that these characteristics are the things that make us unique.
“Tutu All the Time”
Katerina has on her favorite sparkly tutu at school today! She likes to wear it all the time, even when she’s painting and playing “grizzly bear” with her friends. But she soon learns how important it is to choose the proper clothes for the things you want to do.
“Daniel Thinks of Others”
Daniel is making different kinds of art at school today. While creating a picture for his family, he ends up using ALL of the glitter. Oh no! What if someone else needs glitter? Teacher Harriet tells Daniel that it will be okay, but to always keep in mind that whatever you do, you should think about what other people might need, too.
“Daniel Thinks of What Margaret Needs”
Daniel and Miss Elaina want to play their musical instruments and march all around the house, but Margaret needs to sleep and it would be way too noisy! Mom and Dad remind Daniel that he should be aware of how the things he does might affect the needs of others.
As you all know, I was lucky enough to head to LA last April to attend the Captain America: Civil War premiere and interview some of the cast. As a giant Marvel fan, it was an amazing experience – and one that I will never forget. I remember that even though I was exhausted and had been awake for over 20 hours, I was glued to the screen. It was an incredible movie and I have been dying to see it again (you can read my article about why it is the best Marvel movie yet here).
I was blessed to be able to receive an advance copy of Captain America: Civil War on Blu-ray and was dying to check out the bonus features. And boy is it jam packed with some amazing features! Honestly, my favorite is probably the sneak peek at Doctor Strange (guys, it is going to be so good!). The gag reel is hilarious and totally worth checking out. And the making of parts 1 and 2 are really interesting – OK, they are all great! Be sure to grab a blu-ray copy so that you can see it all.
Bonus features include*: DIGITAL HD/3D & BLU-RAY:
United We Stand, Divided We Fall – The Making of Captain America: Civil War Part 1 & Part 2 – As the tension mounts, sides are chosen and lines drawn. Learn more about the characters on each side—from Captain America and Iron Man to the latest recruits. In this complete behind-the-scenes look at a landmark in the Marvel saga, we’ll examine their stories through exclusive footage and interviews and discover just what went into selecting the Super Hero teams, filming the epic action sequences and introducing Black Panther and Spider-Man to the MCU.
Captain America: The Road to Civil War – Explore the First Avenger’s fascinating evolution from loyal soldier to seasoned, conflicted hero who questions authority.
Iron Man: The Road to Civil War – From Gulmira to Sokovia, delve into the development and evolution of one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Gag Reel – Break the tension of this high-stakes conflict with some hilarious outtakes featuring the lighter side of your favorite Super Heroes.
Deleted & Extended Scenes – Check out never-before-seen footage that didn’t make the final cut of “Captain America: Civil War.”
Audio Commentary – Directors Anthony and Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely deliver scene-by-scene insight and explain the storytelling challenges they faced creating the third installment of the Captain America franchise.
Open Your Mind: Marvel’s Doctor Strange – Exclusive Sneak Peek – Go behind and beyond the scenes as Doctor Strange makes his journey to the big screen.
*Bonus features may vary by retailer. The DVD does not include any bonus materials.
Synopsis
The most explosive clash to ever rock the Marvel Cinematic Universe ignites a firestorm of conflict in the game-changing epic, Captain America: Civil War. In the wake of collateral damage, government pressure to rein in the Avengers drives a deep wedge between Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), causing a catastrophic rift that escalates into an all-out feud. Against a backdrop of divided loyalties, their fellow Avengers must deal with the fallout. Pick a side in this spectacular adventure, packed with mind-blowing action, suspense and exclusive bonus content!
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Emmy® Award-winning directors Anthony and Joe Russo from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Kevin Feige, p.g.a. is the producer of the film, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.
I remember watching Little House on the Prairie with my grandmother when I was younger. It was one of her favorites and so it became one of mine. I think part of it is because of the memories of enjoying it with her, but it is a great show as well. It is heartwarming and full of great life lessons. Little House on the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection arrives on DVD and Digital HD September 13 from Lionsgate – and I was really excited to get an advance copy. It brought back a lot of memories and I enjoyed watching it again.
Synopsis
Say farewell to this legendary western drama with three movie adventures: Look Back to Yesterday, Bless All the Dear Children, and The Last Farewell. These movies will be available individually on Digital HD and on the Little House on the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection DVD. The story of the Ingalls family concludes with these three heartwarming movies which are newly restored and remastered for optimal sound and picture quality. Rediscover the timeless adventure of “Little House on the Prairie” as Albert displays courage in the face of a serious illness; Laura and Almanzo race to find their missing baby daughter; and the community of Walnut Grove unites to defend its town in these inspiring and exciting moments that fans will treasure.
Michael Landon: TV’s “Bonanza,” TV’s “Highway to Heaven”
Karen Grassle: Wyatt Earp, TV’s “Murder, She Wrote”
Dean Butler: TV’s “The New Gidget,” TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
Victor French: TV’s “Highway to Heaven,” TV’s “Carter Country”
Richard Bull: The Thomas Crown Affair, Normal
Enter to win a copy of Little House on the Prairie: Legacy Movie Collection using the Gleam form below. Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here and GOOD LUCK!
My girls are huge Odd Squad fans. We love pretty much every show on PBS Kids and this is one of their favorites, especially my 5 year old. She really enjoys the science and education behind it (which is something that we love about all PBS Kids shows). We were excited to find out that the newest DVD from Odd Squad was coming out – and to get an advance copy! Odd Squad: Creature Encounters has some of the best episodes, and is out just in time for Halloween – September 13, 2016! Grab your copy here.
Synopsis
When it comes to dealing with bizarre situations and unusual creatures, the agents of the Odd Squad are always ready for the challenge. Fans can join agents Olive and Otto as they interrogate a mummy, a unicorn, and a robot that escaped from library books; work to find a powerful weapon capable of defeating the Hydraclops; and travel back in time to prevent dinosaurs from destroying headquarters. Using their wit, courage, and math and problem-solving skills, Olive and Otto work to save the day and set things right!
“CREATURE ENCOUNTERS” will be available on DVD beginning September 13, 2016 and the stories included are:
“6:00 to 6:05”(extended adventure)
In this extended adventure, dinosaurs break out of the dinosaur room in Odd Squad headquarters and Olive and Otto must travel back in time to save the day.
“How to Interrogate a Unicorn”
When characters escape their books in the library, Olive and Otto must figure out how and why it’s happening and put a stop to it.
“The Trouble with Centigurps”
When Otto accidentally releases 100 small furry creatures in headquarters, he recruits Oscar to help get them back before Ms. O finds out.
“Rise of the Hydraclops”
In order to save humanity, Olive and Otto must locate a treasure chest that Oscar buried.
“Robert Plant”
Olive and Otto must find a way to stop Obfusco’s plant from taking over headquarters.
I am a huge comic book nerd – which you probably know if you come here regularly. I was really excited to get an advance copy of Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants because I was really intrigued by the trailer. It seemed like something that my girls and I would like to watch together – and I was right! They really like super heroes (and villains) so this was right up their alley. My girls are 3 and 5 and it was not scary for them at all, so I think this movie is good for all ages. Even if you don’t have the first two (but you should pick them up) you can quickly get caught up to what is going on. We have watched it a few times already, and it is quickly becoming a favorite in our home! If you (or your kids) are DC fans, this is for you!
Synopsis
Batman will need the help from several of his Super Hero pals — Green Arrow, Nightwing, The Flash and Robin – to take down a crew of Super-Villains on a scale he’s never seen before in Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants. Produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, this thrilling new addition to the Batman Unlimited animated film trilogy comes to DVD via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on September 13, 2016.
The Dark Knight is back doing what he does best – protecting the citizens of Gotham City – in the third installment of the Batman Unlimited series, Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants. When evil scientist Mr. Freeze activates his latest invention on two of Gotham City’s most formidable criminals – Killer Croc and Bane – things go from bad to worse. Turning them into super-sized mutant monsters, the Super-Villains start bashing through the streets of Gotham City with no end in sight. It’s up to the Caped Crusader and his Super Hero team to save the day by putting the giant robot mechs in their place – but it will be an uphill battle as they face off against enormous foes. Purchase your copy here!
The heroic voice cast features Roger Craig Smith (Batman: Arkham Origins, Assassin’s Creed games) as Batman, Chris Diamantopoulos (Episodes, Silicon Valley) as Green Arrow, Will Friedle (Batman Beyond, Boy Meets World) as Nightwing, Charlie Schlatter (Diagnosis Murder, Kick Buttkowski) as The Flash, and Lucien Dodge (Pokemon, Bleach) as Robin.
The villainous voices are led by Oded Fehr (The Mummy, Resident Evil: Apocalypse) as Mr. Freeze, Dana Snyder (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) as The Penguin, Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911, Handy Manny, The Fairly Oddparents) as Bane, John DiMaggio (Futurama, Batman: Under the Red Hood) as Killer Croc, Dave B. Mitchell (World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor) as Clayface and Troy Baker (Batman: Assault on Arkham) as Joker. Phil LaMarr (MAD TV, Futurama) joins the Batman Unlimited series as Dr. Langstrom.
Disclosure: I was provided with this experience from Disney Cruise Lines. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
If you are thinking about going on a cruise and are a Disney fan, there is really no other option than a Disney Cruise! Everything has a touch of magic in it and guests of all ages are sure to have a blast. If you aren’t 100% certain yet, take a look at these reasons why I think you need to book your Disney Cruise now!
Disney exclusive port adventures
One thing that I love about Disney Cruise Lines is that they have Disney Exclusive Port Adventures. For example, if you are on the Norwegian Fjords Cruise and stop in Norway, you can meet some of your favorite Frozen characters (Anna, Elsa, & Kristoff) while you are in port! How amazing is that? We might plan one of these cruises for the future solely for this port adventure! WOW!
If you are on the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, you are going to get the chance to stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island. We love this island because it is filled with all things Disney! Where else can you get off your cruise ship and run right into Captain Jack Sparrow? Later we had a beach dance party with Goofy and Minnie Mouse. Things like this really made our trip special – and myself and my daughters loved it!
On Board Disney Themed Fun
On a Disney Cruise, you can find a bit of Disney everywhere. One of my daughters’ favorite activities on board was becoming a detective in Mickeys Detective Agency. We only had a 3 day cruise and we found the time to complete two of the three mysteries that were offered. Kids get a special badge and a map, then they run around the ship from deck to deck finding clues behind interactive paintings. They simply hold up their badge while standing on an emblem on the floor to activate them. They have to use the clues to narrow down the suspects and help find the missing items (puppies and paintings in the two mysteries we solved). I think this is totally brilliant and a great idea by Disney (I don’t think they know how to have a bad idea, honestly). When you bring your whole family with you on a cruise (especially a Disney cruise), everyone’s going to want to roam around and do their own thing. You hope everyone meets up on time or at least in the designated spot, but that’s not always the case. So, I know for next time that there are different kind of walkie talkies used on cruise ships, so I think this would be the best method in communicated to everyone, even if they are on the other side of the cruise ship.
I already told you a little bit about the Disney Shows on board (that you really can’t miss) like Villians Tonight! and Disney’s Believe in my Tips for Cruising with Preschoolers post, but I have to reiterate that these are the things that truly special about a Disney Cruise. Kids of all ages are sure to love interactive shows as well, like the Disney Junior Pirate & Princess Dance Party – where they get to dance with Jake and Sophia!
One of my favorite things about a Disney Cruise – you get to see new Disney, Lucasarts, and Marvel movies the day they come out! Yup, if they are out in theaters, they are playing on board the ship. I was shocked that the lineup while I was on board included Pete’s Dragon (which had just come out that day!), Finding Dory, and Captain America: Civil War – all really new movies. Old favorites were being played as well, such as Hercules, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There are several movie theaters around the boat – including a big screen on the main deck (called Funnel Vision) where you can watch movies while taking a swim in the pool or waiting in line for the AquaDuck!
Can you find the hidden Mickeys?
I loved walking around the ship looking for hidden Mickeys. My mom, my daughters, and I would yell out HIDDEN MICKEY! whenever we would find one and would point them out to each other. I refuse to give any away – you will have to sail with Disney Cruise Line and see which ones you can discover!
One of our favorite stops at Disney World is the Bippidi Boppidi Boutique. My daughters love to be turned into princesses so I was thrilled to find out that there was a Bippidi Boppidi Boutique aboard our Disney Cruise Ship (on all this DCL ships)! I knew right away that we would be booking a make over for both of the girls (your child needs to be at least 3 years old). While booking, I noticed that for Pirate Night, the BBB would turn into the Pirate League and my girls could be made into Pirate Princesses! Well, that was a done deal, I signed them right up. They had so much fun becoming pirates! They were given new pirate names and even got to recite the Pirate Oath (see the video above). If you are bringing kids with you on your Disney Cruise, work BBB into the budget, it is beyond worth it!
Character Meet and Greets
One of my favorite parts about Disney World is meeting the characters, and I had no idea I would be able to meet so many on my Disney Cruise as well! There were princesses, Disney Junior Characters, Star Wars Characters, and more! I was totally shocked (and impressed) with the amount of characters on board and how many opportunities we had to meet them. TIP: Bring an autograph book with you – you will start meeting characters starting with check-in (yup, before you even get on the boat!). In the daily Personal Navigator that is left in your stateroom each night, there will be a schedule of where to find them all. In the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab, kids (and parents) will get the chance to even play with some of their favorite characters.
Mickey’s Pool, a favorite feature of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, continues on the Disney Dream. This play area for children features a Mickey Mouse-shaped pool and an oversized version of Mickey’s hand supporting a yellow winding slide that splashes down into the pool area. (Jimmy DeFlippo, photographer)
Fun for All Ages
On board our Disney Cruise there were endless activities for guests of all ages. There was so much to do, in fact, that I felt like we barely scratched the surface of all the fun! I cannot wait to go back in February and spend 7 days with Disney Cruise Lines on the Disney Fantasy (get ready for more tips and tricks then too!) and take it all in! If you have preteens or teens traveling with you, they are sure to have a blast in the underage nightclubs and lounges. I have been told that on the 4 day cruise aboard the Disney Dream, they even get to make a zombie movie and then air it for the whole ship the last night at sea! Read about all the fun Candypolooza and her family had on their cruise here!
Edge Guests ages 11 to 14 with their own special hangout where they can connect with other tweens from around the world. Equipped with high-tech entertainment including flat-screen TVs, computers and video games and featuring daily guided activities, this interactive play space is bound to become your tween’s favorite on-ship destination!
Teens rule in Vibe, a club created exclusively for guests ages 14 to 17 aboard the Disney Dream. A media room serves as the central gathering space in this trendy and casual crash pad, with video gaming and movie watching on a giant LCD screen with digital surround sound. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)
Vibe
Vibe provides Guests ages 14 to 17 with their own special place where they can break off from the family and connect with other teens. Designed with their interests in mind, each lounge is laden with amenities and activities that will keep them engaged and entertained while encouraging them to mingle. With so much to do, Vibe is bound to become your teen’s favorite on-ship destination!
They also have games and fun for the whole family like karaoke, Disney Trivia, and So You Think You Know Your Family? On Goofy’s Sports Deck they offer miniature golf and a basketball hoop! There is no way that you will be bored on this cruise! Even if you don’t have kids, Disney Cruise Lines has plenty for you to do. Disney is known as a family entertainment brand, and that doesn’t just mean kid friendly activities, it means something for everyone. As a matter of fact, the record holders for most Disney cruises is a couple that just went on their 105th Disney cruise (and guess what, they have no kids!). Keep checking back because one of my upcoming articles in this series will be about the activities adults can do on board a Disney Cruise.
Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream immerses guests in a vivid undersea environment. During dinner, Crush, the surfer-dude sea turtle from Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo, makes a special appearance, swimming around the restaurant and engaging in live impromptu interactions with guests. Other Finding Nemo characters such as Nemo, Dory, Squirt and Bruce the shark, also swim by and visit with guests. (Jimmy DeFlippo, photographer)
The Food (and Restaurants)
I have been to Walt Disney World more times than I can count, and the food is always something that impresses me. Well, it is no different aboard the Disney Cruise Line! While on the Disney Dream, there are many restaurants to choose from – and I was a fan of all the ones I tried out!
Royal Palace on the Disney Dream is an elegant restaurant inspired by the classic Disney films Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. Splendid d?ecor includes essential elements from each fairy tale such as tiaras, glass slippers, roses and apples. With meticulous attention to detail, many of the restaurant’s features are modeled precisely from the classic films. (Jimmy DeFlippo, photographer)
The really cool thing about the Disney Cruise is that you select a dinner time while booking (either 5:45pm or 8:30pm) and you told by Disney which restaurants you will be going to each night while on board. I love that your wait staff follows you – so you will have the same server every night. By the second night, our waiter knew what my daughters liked to drink and how we liked our food cooked. The main places to eat on the Disney Dream are Animators Palate, Royal Palace, and Enchanted Garden. All of the food was delicious – we did not have one complaint. The cost of food is included in your cruise cost, so there is no worries about checking the cost of food while on board. I was happy to hear that kids can order pretty much whatever they want even if it is not on the menu – pizza, chicken fingers, mac and cheese.
Palo and Remy are adult-exclusive restaurants and a meal I highly recommend. My mom and I were sure to eat here while on board (and the kids were having a blast at the Oceaneer’s Club) and my husband and I plan to book one night here as well. Remy is French fare and Palo is Italian fare (we ate at Palo) and they are not to be missed. Additional fees do apply, but they are well worth it. TIP: Eat a small lunch the afternoon that you are going, there is so much delicious food to eat!
For breakfast, lunch, and even a second dinner there are other restaurants that are open what seems like all day. We loved the buffet at Cabanas – it was filled with options and everything was delicious! We grabbed burgers one afternoon at Flo’s Cafe and the girls even went back for seconds!
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Don’t worry, Disney has you covered when it comes to desserts and treats too! Eye Scream Treats and Frozone Treats are a great place to grab an ice cream cone while relaxing in the sun on deck. But if you are on the Disney Dream, the place to check out is Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats! Disney Dream is currently the only ship that has this candy and ice cream shop that is themed after Wreck It Ralph (one of my personal favorite Disney films). Race on down to this decadent dessert shop inspired by the super-sweet arcade game from Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph. Enjoy a “Sugar Rush” with hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats and candy in a wide variety of delicious flavors.
We loved our trip so much, that we booked our next cruise while on board! I even saved some money by doing this – so if you are on your cruise and just loving it, book your next one right there on the boat to get a discount and even onboard credit for the cruise you book! (TIP: Use your Disney Rewards Visa Card when booking and get a card member “gift” – for example, I secured a $50 drink credit on board the ship). We had a blast on our 3 day, but opted to try out the 7 day next (complete with Star Wars Day at Sea!) and we cannot wait. A whole week on the seas with Disney, what can be better than that?
My girls and I love to cuddle and watch movies together. We are always looking for something that we will all enjoy because – let’s face it – not all kid movies are adult friendly. I want to be entertained while watching something with my kids. And I found that in The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today. When this DVD first arrived, my oldest daughter was thrilled. She saw it on the table and picked it up and hugged it as tight as she could (I was almost afraid she would break it!). Of course we had to watch it immediately.
My 3 year old was napping so missed the first showing, but later that night my oldest asked if we could watch it again with her sister when she woke up – and we did! Both girls love this movie. We laughed a lot and I really enjoyed the plot and the moral of the story. I refuse to give anything away but I will say, pick up your copy today!
The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today is out on DVD NOW from Sony Home Entertainment!
Synopsis
In the brand new original animated film, Princess Alise is training to be the perfect royal but in her heart all she wants to do is sail the seven seas as a swashbuckling pirate! After setting sail, Princess Alise is shipwrecked and washes ashore on an island where she meets Lucas, a young boy who has been living there by herself. They have to work together to survive and get back to civilization!
The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today is out on DVD September 6 from Sony Home Entertainment!
In the brand new original animated film, Princess Alise is training to be the perfect royal but in her heart all she wants to do is sail the seven seas as a swashbuckling pirate! After setting sail, Princess Alise is shipwrecked and washes ashore on an island where she meets Lucas, a young boy who has been living there by herself. They have to work together to survive and get back to civilization!
Take the “Are you a Princess or Pirate” quiz and unlock an exclusive GIF! We did – all 3 of us got Princess!
Enter to win The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! using the Gleam form below. Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here and GOOD LUCK!
Each household is only eligible to win The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! DVD via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
My daughters love to read with me – and I love it too! A new book, Purrball Meets Burrballin Brazil, is a fun book for the whole family! You can read an interview with the Author, Anne Zoet, below – and then enter to win a copy for yourself! Good luck!
Synopsis
Visiting Brazil, an earthquake hits and separates a family from their beloved cat, Purrball. Purrball’s mad dash leaves her lost in a jungle where she becomes fast friends with a very clever sloth named Burrball. The two quick-witted animals embark on a journey to find Darryl, the loving and loyal boy who longs for his adorable missing cat. Witty word rhythms and rich illustrations make Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil an engaging read-aloud story. An alluring tale of friendship, family, ingenuity and persistence. Purchase here.
Anne Zoet is a freelance creative director for both technology giants and countless startups in the Silicon Valley. Her passions are art, words, travel, the environment and animals—all of which came together naturally in the creation of her children’s picture book, “Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil.” In addition to her human family, Zoet shares her home with three domestic cats (though sometimes she wonders if they’re not just a bit wild).
Please visit http://purrballandburrball.com and be the first to know about the next adventures of Purrball and Burrball! Kids are invited to find their inner cat and sloth: they can send Purrball and Burrball drawings, write their own adventures, help Purrball and Burrball out of their jungle mazes, download coloring pages…and much more!
What inspired you to write this book?
The story hit me on a day that I took out for myself away from my high tech work. I was having a massage, which is when I zone-out and don’t think about anything. Oddly, this time, I started creating the Purrball and Burrball storyline the more and more I unwound. I was so relaxed that the whole thing unfolded start to finish.
How would you describe the characters of Purrball and Burrball?
Smart, kind, resourceful and they’re team players. Animals are invariably way more clever than we humans give them credit for. I’ve seen my cats use incredible logic to alter a situation they’re in. I once had a cat run away in a place she didn’t know (the worst weeks of my life searching every day) but she found her way back, though completely unfamiliar with the surroundings. I have another cat, my outdoor cat, who you can see trotting alongside opossums and raccoons in evenings. That scared me so much at first, but eventually we’ve come to see that he has a real relationship with them. He’s so smart and the more I see the wildlife interact with him, the more I see them as clever and accepting and even friendly. The Purrball and Burrball characters came to me before I moved to this area and could witness my cat and his outdoor adventures. But this experience really solidified how Purrball and Burrball should be portrayed as a team. I think that my cat’s experiences with wildlife show that animals are capable of very unexpected bonds with one another.
Why did you choose to write about a cat and a sloth?
I’m crazy about both domestic and wild animals and it is a passion that just gets deeper all the time. I’ve done a lot of research on cats (on nutrition and behavior) as well as love to build cat structures and make toys for them. And, I do not know who could look at a sloth and not smile! They have the sweetest faces and they have so much more to them than the “sloth” slowness we think of. They’re rather industrious buggers and have some funny quirks, like the wildlife that grows in their fur. I firmly believe they should never be pets and should be kept wild. While the story is pure fantasy (as are stories where animals communicate with phones!), I really want to keep one a pet and the other wild and be true to my feelings about that and it would be so lovely to pass all that along to children!
How do Purrball and Burrball use technology in the book?
Purrball, the cat, is unable to send a critical text message, so she asks Burrball, the sloth, if he could tap with his toes to write it. Maybe that’s my wish: I wish my cats would find a way to text me what they’re thinking, lol.
Why did you decide to set the story in Brazil?
It had to be set in the natural habitat of a sloth. I’ve always wanted to see a Brazilian rainforest, so I just created my own. It is roughly in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and their plane arrives in Sao Paulo. Earthquakes are incredibly rare in that region, so all the more surprising that one happens when they arrive. After setting my sights on this area, I’ve seen dozens of photos of both Sao Paulo and the Atlantic Forest that make me long to go there! It is on my bucket list.
What does your writing process look like?
It’s very interesting that verse isn’t the first thing that comes out. I think it all through with as much rhyme as possible, but just let the story be written in prose for a few versions until the story gels. I can picture the scenery faster than I can create a rhyme.
What was the most rewarding moment you experienced in writing Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil?
It was seeing the art that kids created from my coloring pages! I always loved to draw and I didn’t find coloring pages that interesting as a kid. Now that I’ve seen what some kids have come up with (like one used a gold pen to make a gold mobile phone), I think it can be very creative. I look forward to some freehand drawings, if kids post any to my site (and there’s an option for that at purrballandburrball.com).
What was the biggest challenge you faced in writing this book?
I’ve done a lot of digital art, but all for technology-related purposes, so letting things take shape (and learning from a very good freehand artist) was new, challenging, and not always what I had wished it would be until I found my style.
You also illustrated Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil. How did illustrating the book compare to writing it?
It was a bit easier, given that I’m familiar with creating digital art for business purposes. To have artistic license was amazing and both writing and illustrating were very creative and fulfilling. In sum, illustrating was easier for me than writing, but both were much lengthier than I had ever imagined. I spent a good six months pulling both together.
Did any of your three cats influence the character of Purrball, either in physical likeness or personality?
All three: one has the coloring of Purrball (I love grey kitties, although I suppose Purrball is a bit blue, really) and she has some cute characteristics—the scene where Purrball is looking up curiously at Burrball is so her! I have another onn who is a squat and roundish cat with intense eyes and sitting frontally she looks like a black and white version of Purrball. And the last cat is the most clever cat you could imagine. I rolled them all into one.
What drew you to writing and illustrating a children’s book?
My niece and nephew were recently of picture book age and I loved reading to them. I fell in love with books that were both beautiful and cleverly written and also reminded me of the years we live with unconstrained imagination. I love that animals are a big part of books for children. I figured I had a lot to say that could help kids fall in love with animals, like I did from a very early age.
What is the key to attracting young readers?
It’s letting yourself be one for a moment—a good picture book can transport you back there.
When did your interest in writing begin? What about your interest in illustration?
Recently, my dad reminded me of the “novel” I wrote and illustrated when I was in fourth grade and a few years ago he found my kindergarten poetry and illustrations. I guess I had it in me a while. He always told me I should write. I didn’t pay much attention to that, but like him, art has been a part of my studies and career and learning to illustrate children’s books is such a logical path in my life.
Which writers inspired you as a kid? Which writers inspire you today?
As a kid, I loved any book with intense colors with much to take in visually on every page (like Where the Wild Things Are). I was always moved by art at an early age and even didn’t want to move from picture books to chapter books! As an adult, I am in love with words as much as the art, so Chris Van Dusen’s “If I built a” series is the type of book that inspires me to develop both. He is a master at both.
Will we see the duo return in a future book?
They have many adventures ahead! If a picture book were not a short thing, I’d probably be just finishing up chapter 18 at this time because I have so many ideas for Purrball and Burrball. But yes, there’s one in the works already as well as a few other animal adventures that are rattling around in my head.
Enter to win a copy of Purrball Meets Burrball in Brazil using the Gleam form below. Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here and GOOD LUCK!
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