Did you miss me? I missed you so much! First I had a heart attack scare (my ticker’s just fine, don’t worry, I just had to take these GREAT BIG PILLS and drink LOTS of water!) and then both my parents got sick, one after the other, so I was down in wine country Temecula, not able to drink any wine, but did get to spend time with family, and talk with my sister about sous vide. She’s going to teach me how tous le sous. Any tips or hints? I do love those sous vide egg bites at Starbucks.

“Black Spire Outpost”…That Doesn’t Sound AT ALL Ominous!

Anything happen while I was gone? Oh, just EVERYTHING! For those of you who attended one of the panel discussions during Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars Galactic Nights, you were the very first to publicly hear some breathtaking news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. WDI Story Editor Margaret Kerrison shared for the first time the name of the village on Batuu: Black Spire Outpost. She also gave attendees some of the story about how the name and the village are closely tied with the looming formations that loom above it on all sides. Our MiceChat spies have a whole story about it going up tomorrow. But here’s a little tease. . . 

Black Spire Outpost is the largest settlement on the planet and is known as being a hive of scum and villainy, where traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space can stay off the beaten path; this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Famous for its once-gigantic prehistoric petrified trees, the spires now tower over the landscape. To the first settlers, these looming spires became more than just landmarks; they became the fortress of the outpost itself.

You’ll be able to officially see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in its entirety at Disneyland in Spring of 2019 and Fall of 2019 at Disney World, but I hear that there may be some test runs for Annual Passholders prior to that, just for parts of the settlement. Say, two to four hours strictly in the Marketplace, just to make sure that the settlers’ Basic-to-English training is right, and they know how to act correctly around visitors; how to use whatever devices their particular booth or shop uses, etc.  – Or maybe to get a look around another area, do a favor for a certain someone, you never know. Or look up on the rooftops to find someone adorable. I mean, terrifying and very, very scary!


If you’re heading out to Walt Disney World any time in the next year, check out Touring Plans’ Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar. Popular Science Magazine said: “These Data Scientists are disrupting Walt Disney World’s Long Wait Times”

Sponsored


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Good Games Maker Outright Partners with Crayola

London game maker Outright Games, who created the Adventure Time and How to Train Your Dragon games both past and upcoming as well as a few more titles both popular and playable for just about all ages announced a partnership earlier this week. This is really good news if you are a gaming family and have little ones.  The game will be available for PlayStation® 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™ and PC this fall.

“We are thrilled to partner with Crayola as they return to the video game space,” shares Terry Malham, CEO of Outright Games. “Crayola’s drive to provide kids everywhere with relevant and imaginative virtual activities has been an inspiration to us. As we create entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy, we are excited to combine our expertise to develop a brand new way of experiencing creativity with Crayola.”

Warren Schorr, Vice President of Business Development and Global Licensing at Crayola says “At Crayola, we’re all about inspiring creativity through color and innovative play experiences, and our partnership with Outright Games allows us to extend that passion to new and exciting areas.”

At least three games are being planned at present, plus OG has an Adventure Time, another Dragons, and a few others on the table for later this year and early next year.

Speaking of Video Games, Harvest Moon, My Old Favorite, Is Coming Back:

About ten years ago, the companies making Harvest Moon split up. The Japanese company that made the games changed the name to Story of Seasons and changed the plot to fantasy games with magicians and wizards and weird European towns in the middle of Japan and Lolita child brides and other odd things, and the American company that owned the name took the original story, added a couple of witches and wizards, and made it into Minecraft with a plot about saving the farm. They’ve been developing so that now it looks about Nintendo 3-D level but the plots and characters are still pretty rough. But they still have my cows. However, now they have a brown cow. It gives chocolate milk. This is why I bust out my Another Wonderful Life.

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I’m going to get this game though, because Harvest Moon. And you get a cow. And anyone who knows me knows that the last thing I want to do is bring shame upon my cow, even if it is a weird skinny cow.

Harvest Moon: Light of Hope Special Edition released four DLC packs following the game’s launch on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Switch™ on May 29. Harvest Moon: Light of Hope SE Season Pass grants access to all four upcoming DLC packs at a discounted price. The season pass is $9.99 and became available digitally day of launch. Harvest Moon: Light of Hope SE Bundle is available through the PlayStation® Store and Nintendo eShop that includes the full game and the Season Pass for $49.99.

The four DLC packs are as follows:

Decorations & Tool Upgrade Pack: Retail Price: $1.99

Completely customize and beautify your farm with 7 different decorative fence sets and 2 statues. You will also be able to upgrade your Hoe and Watering Can two additional levels, making growing crops easier and faster!

New Marriageable Characters Pack: Release Date: June 19th | Retail Price: $5.99

Expand your experience with new and exciting content! Two new eligible residents have moved into Beacon Town! Shirlock, a fledgling journalist and self-proclaimed detective who is studying under the tutelage of Naomi, and Michelle, Doc’s research partner.

Doc’s and Melanie’s Special Episodes: Release Date: July 10th | Retail Price: $5.99

Help out Melanie and Doc in two side stories that will unlock new shops! Melanie is in a designing slump, and needs your help for inspiration! Meanwhile, Doc is having trouble in the romance department! Can you help him out? And what rewards will they give you?

Divine Marriageable Characters Pack: Release Date: July 31st | Retail Price: $3.99

Ever wonder what it’d be like to woo the Harvest Goddess or Gorgan? Well, now you can! Get to know the Harvest Goddess and Gorgan on a deeper level and marry them!

In Harvest Moon: Light of Hope, players begin the game as they set out looking for a fresh start and new surroundings. During their voyage, their ship is hit by a storm and goes down. As they drift into a small harbor town, now in a shambles from the storm, it will be up to the player to help rebuild the town and save the lighthouse…but it won’t be easy! Nevertheless, with some hard work growing crops, tending livestock, and gathering materials for repairs, players will be able to make new friends, start a family, revive the lighthouse, and save the town!

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Disney’s DuckTales: Destination Adventure! available on DVD June 5th!

I wanted to like this series, then I heard the cut-off theme song, and that REALLY bugged me, and I saw their heads, and that really bugged me, and I learned that Gyro was a big stupid jerkface and Mrs. Beakley was kind of mean and Lin-Manuel Gizmoduck wouldn’t get there til halfway through the season and I went ugh, then I watched it and then I had to watch the second episode and then I couldn’t stop watching and I love this show so much. I just hope they change that one thing about Darkwing Duck.

If you don’t have any way at all to watch it, get this DVD and play it on your computer or DVD player. It’s fun and entertaining and the series is, while the episodes CAN stand alone, episodic. Really fantastic. Deets:

David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck; Danny Pudi as Huey Duck; Ben Schwartz as Dewey      Duck; Bobby Moynihan as Louie Duck; Kate Micucci as Webbigail (Webby) Vanderquack; Beck Bennett as Launchpad McQuack; Toks Olagundoye as Mrs. Beakley; and Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck; Lin-Manuel Miranda as Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera aka Gizmoduck (featured in one episode*)

Executive Producer:      Matt Youngberg

Co-Producer/Story Editor:  Francisco Angones

Episodes: The Beagle Birthday Breakout!

The Living Mummies of Toth-Ra!

The Impossible Summit of Mt. Neverrest!

The Spear of Selene!

The Missing Links of Moorshire!

Beware the B.U.D.D.Y. System!*

Bonus: 2 Classic DuckTales Episodes:

New Gizmo-Kids on the Block

Ducky Mountain High

 

Knott’s is Ready for Summer!

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Knott’s Berry Farm is always a fun place to be in the summer – I remember going there every summer from the time I was about eight to the time I was in my early teens with my sister and my cousin Jason. This year, they’ve got a fantastic  entertainment lineup with two brand new shows and the return of the award-winning story of the Wild West, Ghost Town Alive! The Endless Summer of Knott’s Boardwalk (they are on the famous Beach Boulevard, after all!) comes to life in June at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre as Beach Blanket Beagle, a musical dance party set to the classic beach party tunes of the 60’s and 70’s and starring the coolest beagle around – Snoopy, of course – starts shows select days June 9 – August 19.

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and don’t forget: HangTime is now open!!! I’m dying to try it! The brand new coaster towers 150 feet over the Boardwalk area, showcasing gravity-defying inversions, mid-air suspensions and a beyond vertical drop – the steepest in California. HangTime ascends 15 stories up a vertical lift hill and comes to a halt leaving riders suspended at the crest for several seconds before descending down a 96-degree drop, through 2,189 feet of steel track and five thrilling inversions. At a maximum speed of 57 mph hours, HangTime comes to life as the sun sets each night by illuminating the Boardwalk area with vibrant nighttime track chase lighting offering a spectacular view unlike any other. Whew! 

Want a closer look? We made Dusty ride this new contraption and recorded his every scream and grimace. It’s almost as delicious as boysenberry pie to watch.

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  Meanwhile, in Ghost Town, the western adventure continues as the award-winning experience of Ghost Town Alive! returns for another action-packed season. With Ghost Town Alive! guests are invited to visit the beloved town of Calico and experience an authentic western adventure by becoming a part of the day’s evolving storyline; each guest has the power to unlock adventures through interactions with the townsfolk or by joining in on the town’s activities and much more: Guests have the ability to influence how the story takes shapeby their actions – or lack of them. This year, the town of Calico bursts to life with new adventures and guest interactions. Gold has been discovered in town and guests will get swept up in gold fever as the citizens of Calico set their sights on seeking their fortunes. Runs select days through September 3.

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At the Calico Mine Stage, Knott’s is presenting another new show called Calico’s Mountain Jamboree! It’s a stunt-filled spectacle featuring the rivalry between the Timber Mountain Loggers and the Calico Miners set to an upbeat soundtrack and comedy galore. Showing select days June 9 – August 19.

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And after your day at Knott’s, if the kids aren’t with you (DEFINITELY), hele on down the street to former Queen of the Haunt Lara Hanneman’s divine digs The Cauldron Bar for fine French Cuisine and decadent drinks – the “Knotty Kid” is a local favorite, so popular that it’s not always available: picture a martini glass filled to the brim with boysenberry cotton candy, which is then poured over with vodka and lemon at your table. Very nice.  https://www.thecauldronbar.com/

It’s Not Just Designing Women…It’s Designing Disney!

Have you been watching Designing Disney on Facebook Watch? I didn’t know anything about it until I got an email last week while I was on the road. It blew. My. Mind! So I spent the rest of the time in hospital waiting rooms and NISSAN dealerships fueling up Ben Solo (My LEAF, light on the outside, dark on the inside!) binge-watching the episodes they recommended and I’m going to binge-watch the rest after I catch up on all my writing!

“About Designing Disney: From sustainable fashion to flower crowns, to intricate makeup and fashion design, each Facebook Watch episode features the best and brightest creations inspired by your favorite Disney properties. “

Cool Con

Cool, Conscientious Fashion With A Disney Twist: Laura Ortiz is an advocate for sustainable fashion and doesn’t let using recycled materials stop her from creating empowering Disney-inspired garments.

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Meet the Flower Crown Artist Who Brings Disney Magic to Her Work: As a child, Carolyn Brown used Disney films to connect with others. Now, she takes inspiration from Disney to create whimsical, beautiful flower crowns.

How One Dad Turned a Hobby into a Career Through Disney Dresses: Nephi Garcia longed for a career in fashion, but family pressure and life got in the way. It took one magical trip to Disneyland to spark a new design and allow him to pursue his dreams.

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The Magic of Makeup Transforms An Artist Into The Little Mermaid’s Ariel

Richard Schaefer is inspired by Disney to use his transformative makeup skills to prove that makeup has no gender.

That last one blew me away.

Maybe someday my business, Home Themed Home, will be on there. But I don’t do my home/yard transformations on strictly Disney subjects. I do Tuscan winery kitchens and steampunk bathrooms and Bat/man-caves and anything else we can imagine.

Special SOLO Packages at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre

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So, I hear AMC was the best place for the Fan Event Swag because they got gold dice. Sigh, eBay, here I come. Dad and I went to Regal and got a poster and pins. We bought a T-shirt and a soda cup. The el Cap had a limited edition poster, mini poster and pin set, popcorn bucket and coke bottle, but they also had a DJ, Chewbacca, standees, and some other cool stuff, including props and costumes from the film, plus a raffle and a costume contest, because what did I tell you about opening night at the el Capitan Theatre for any Disney/Star Wars/Marvel movie? The studio’s home theater is always going to put on the best show for opening night. Oh, and then Lawrence and John Kasdan took to the stage to thank everybody for coming to see the film, because DISNEY STUDIO’S HOME THEATER.

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They still have standees and costumes on display there, and will have them for the run of the film. Chewbacca is staying, too: El Capitan Theatre General Manager Ed Collins said, “There is no better place than the El Capitan Theatre to enjoy the latest Star Wars adventure, ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ because only at The El Capitan can audiences create Star Wars memories that are simply not possible anywhere else. Before the movie, El Capitan Theatre guests can take their photo with Chewbacca himself, and before or after the movie, explore the ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ props and costumes exhibit.  We are screening the film in outstanding Dolby VisionTM laser projection along with Dolby Atmos® audio technology.  Throughout the engagement, we can also make it easy to enjoy a meal at Hard Rock Café across Hollywood Blvd. for one convenient price.”

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 “Solo: A Star Wars Story” will screen through June 10, 2018; daily showtimes are 11:30 AM3:15 PM7:00 PM and 10:30 PM.

Tickets are now on sale, and are available at the El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110.  Showtimes are subject to change.

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HARD ROCK CAFÉ MOVIE & MEAL PACKAGE$40.00 per person.  Each ticket package includes: reserved seat (no concessions) to see the movie at The El Capitan Theatre, and a meal at Hard Rock Café.  Reservations are required in advance (tickets must be booked no later than 24 hrs business days).  This offering is available for all showtimes May 25, 2018 – June 10, 2018.  Guests will choose one entrée from special Hard Rock Cafe menu at the time of their seating.  Tax & gratuity included.  Does not include alcohol – guests can purchase and pay on their own.

Oh, and starting on June 12…

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There’s All-New Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Have you been to Hogsmeade? Ever try the magic wands? With a gentle flick of the wrist and just the right touch, guests can cast spells throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at certain “Wand Magic” locations, marked with a metal disk on the ground. This summer’s installation of two additional spells ups the tally to 15 thrilling Wand Magic experiences to practice. The Incendio fire-making spell will conjure flames of varying size based on skill level, and the Alohomora spell will unlock a series of intricate locks that may reveal the fiery breath of a creature hidden behind a secret door.

In foodie news, Three Broomsticks expands its lunchtime menu with a selection of traditional British fare, including:

  • Ploughman’s Lunch, featuring an imported selection of ham, salami, country paté, English cheese, homemade pickles and a warm scotch egg served with bread, cranberry chutney and grain mustard
  • Cheese Toastie with Chicken, featuring grilled English Cheddar cheese with chicken, crispy bacon, mustard and sliced tomato topped with a sunny side egg served with a fresh salad or potato wedges
  • Sunday Roast Sandwich served on a freshly baked baguette filled with warm prime rib, caramelized onions, English Cheddar, horseradish sauce and homemade garlic pickles served with fresh salad or potato wedges

Visitors can channel their inner wizards at Gladrags Wizardwear with a wide array of apparel inspired by the films. The billowing house robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and accompanying house uniforms, including hand-loomed cardigans from Scotland, scarves and ties are available for purchase.  New to Gladrags Wizardwear this season is a high-end replica of Professor Severus Snape’s robe, as well as a replica of Hermione’s beautiful pink dress worn at the Yule Ball as seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is now available in adult and children’s sizes.

Other wizard attire includes a replica of the cardigan worn by Neville Longbottom in the Battle of Hogwarts scene in the film series finale. Select attire is available in a variety of sizes from toddler to adult.

Madam Malkin’s Talking Mirror makes quite a reflective entrance this summer, located in the corridor between Dervish and Banges™ and Gladrags Wizardwear. Speaking with an English accent, the Talking Mirror will entertain guests with a variety of complimentary remarks. (The Weasleys had a rather rude one in book 2, The Leaky Cauldron a rather sweet but resigned one in book 3. They have yet to appear in any of the films.)

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“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns for a limited time only, beginning Sunday, June 24.

 “As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” shines brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection is accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy® award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.”

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As summer ends, the Nighttime Lights give way to Horror Nights, and one of my favorite stories is coming to … life? this year at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights:

Beginning September 14Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort will bring Legendary Pictures’ cult Halloween classic Trick ‘r Treat to life in all-new Halloween Horror Nights mazes that dare guests to live by the rules or suffer the consequences.

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Based on Michael Dougherty’s critically-acclaimed and fan-favorite movie, the “Trick ‘r Treat” maze will transport guests to Warren Valley, Ohio on Halloween night to celebrate the holiday’s dark traditions. Recreating some of the anthology’s most iconic scenes, the disturbing new maze invites brave thrill-seekers to become entwined within the secrets of this sleepy suburban town.

“Guests will experience some of the film’s most grisly scenes and encounter hauntingly familiar characters. They will meander through Mr. Kreeg’s infamous house, watch as college students viciously transform into bloodthirsty werewolves and dismember the town, as well as come face-to-face with Sam – the spirit of Halloween – who readies to punish those who break the holiday’s traditions.”

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There’s still SOOOOO much for us to catch up on. So go out there and conquer the world, and when you are done, come back here to MiceChat for even more goodies to devour and enjoy.

Thank you for reading, I adore you all!

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Shelly Valladolid
Shelly Valladolid, aka Fab, has been writing about Disney and theme parks for about two decades. She has written for various fan and pop culture sites, Disney Magazine and OCRegister.com and participated in several books, including Passporter's Disneyland and Southern California and Disney World Dreams. She was co-founder and president of the Orlando, Florida chapter of the NFFC (now Disneyana Fan Club). She taught a class on theme park history at a Southern California University. She is creator and co-owner of Jim Hill Media, one of the creators of MousePlanet and was a consultant on MSNBC, The Motley Fool and others about Disney and various media matters. She was a Heel wrestling manager on TV and a voice artist on the radio in Honolulu, HI, where she grew up. She has a blog and a podcast with her daughter, Mission:Breakout Obsessive Alice Hill. She and her husband, MiceChat columnist Noe Valladolid, live in Southern California with Alice.