Magical Adventures & Memories
In the continuing Disney Dream Portrait series by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, the Disney Parks Blog released the latest celebrity to pose. This time around Taylor Swift is transformed into Rapunzel, which seems like a natural fit for the singer known for singing her heart out and sharing her emotions within her songs.
You can see more of the Disney Dream Portrait series here on Zannaland.
Disney may have caused a bit of a national stir with their first incarnation of the Habit Heroes attraction, (which held soft openings about a year ago, and then closed less than two months later) but the entire show has been rewritten, revamped and ready for action.
The issue faced in the previous version was that two of the cartoonish characters depicted obesity as being easily solved by exercising and eating right, and, critics felt, used tools of shame to attempt to get their message across. Bariatric surgeons and National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance advocates spoke out against the attraction perpetuating negative stereotypes about obesity. At the same time, many in the local Disney community felt that too much of an overreaction was made toward the attraction’s characters. A show about bad habits included characters depicting the effects of those bad habits. One need only look at our schools and yes, theme parks, to see first-hand the effects of those bad habits. As someone who has struggled with weight all my life, I was not offended and definitely understood the message trying to be conveyed. Regardless, Disney closed the attraction while it retooled the storyline based on guest reactions.
Habit Heroes is now back and opens today in Epcot’s Innoventions East, right near the popular Sum of All Thrills motion simulator ride and the Vision House walk-through. I was given a special preview yesterday and even better, was able to take my four year-old with me to test out the changes.
This time around, according to Creative Director Brent Strong, the focus is on positive messages and at the core, trying to make sure everyone feels like a super hero, tapping into emotions to get guests engaged and excited about healthy habits. Rather than having “bad guys” fighting with donuts and sweets, the focus is on YOU, the hero, making good choices and keeping the effects of bad choices away. These bad choices are represented by the unseen forces that threaten our health – dehydration, inactivity and lack of nutrition.
Guests are taken into a series of 4 rooms within the attraction, starting with the training center and ending with the debriefing room. In the training center, we are introduced to our Habit Hero guides, who tell us about these unseen dangers, and how we can combat them by making the right choices. These stories are told in a simple manner that anyone can relate to, without making it seem silly or corny.
Every guest walking into Epcot has probably seen the effects of dehydration, represented here via “Scorchers.” Inactivity is translated into a young boy wanting to go out and play on his skateboard, but getting distracted by the “Sappers” who do anything they can to keep you from activity. Lastly, we are shown the effects of not having proper nutrition. The “Blocker Bots” are what appear when you just eat whatever you want, leaving no room for good choices like fruits and vegetables to get into your system. These lessons are very well portrayed, in such a way where you could see the effects of your choices and how being a Habit Hero will ensure good health.
Next, we enter a room full of “blasters” which correspond with the habits we just learned about. Blue for hydration, red for activity, and green for nutrition. We then use the blasters to zap away the cartoon representations of Scorchers, Sappers, and Blocker Bots as they try to attack people. A fun little addition is each blaster gives off a little “surprise” as you hit your target – blue gives off a mist of water, red a puff of air, green a little vibration. Another round is played where teamwork comes into play, showing the importance of neighbors and community as you battle to be a Habit Hero.
The community aspect is also utilized in the next room, where you are given a colored card as you enter. The room is surrounded by a screen showing Scorchers, Sappers and Blocker Bots attacking from above. Guests place their card on stands around the room, activating a shield and destroying the bad habits. The habits are attacking all around, so guests must run around to the different stations, and are encouraged to ask for help when they see a different card is needed, “we need a red card here!”
Once the world has been saved, you are ready to head to the debriefing room to take the Habit Heroes pledge. The fun doesn’t end there, however. Guests are given a wrist band bracelet in the color representing the habit they most identified with, red, blue, or green. Guests are also given a special card with a mission to embark on in the real world – Epcot! The cards show a cut out to match up on an Epcot map displayed within the debriefing room, and they follow the clues to find a hidden code word somewhere in a nearby Epcot attraction. They are then instructed to return to the Habit Heroes kiosks outside the attraction and enter their code word for a special message from the Habit Heroes leader and an option to enter their email address to receive more information on the Habit Heroes app which is available for Apple and Android mobile devices. Right now, there is just one mission and code word per card, but the attraction itself plus the app ensure lots of return visits to Habit Heroes.
While the Epcot mission takes the Habit Heroes attraction one step beyond, the app truly brings it to the real world, creating healthy families along the way. The app provides the same missions on the cards at the end of the show, as well as backstory on all the Habit Heroes, along with interactive tracking of activity which allow you to unlock content and real world tools for healthy living. The overall message here is positive, healthy changes and how those healthy choices affect us, our friends, and our family.
Guests leaving the attraction were already commenting on how they will now make sure their family stays hydrated throughout the day. This is definitely an interactive attraction that stays with you and keeps the entire family working toward healthy goals. As Brian Wansink, Ph.D. from Cornell University and the Director of Cornell Food and Brand Lab puts it, “Habit Heroes is incredible because it’s not just about learning…it’s about learning and turning it into action. That’s the nice thing about this is that when people leave, they’ve got a plan of how to make their life healthier.” That is definitely the message I took away; kids and adults alike are given the lesson and the tools to turn those lessons into life changes.
In addition to all of that – it’s just plain fun. My four year old loved it the two times he got to play and couldn’t wait to bring his older sister and brother back so each of them could be a different color and get all the bad habits. The app is a great addition to keep the lessons and the momentum going, leading to lifelong lessons and positive habits down the road.
Habit Heroes is sponsored and presented by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I was provided with a preview of the attraction from Disney – my thoughts and opinions are my own. You can also learn more at HabitHeroes.com.
See more photos from Habit Heroes:
After returning to the Boston area to finish high school, I saw Phantom of the Opera, followed by Les Misérables. I loved it so much I had to see it again right away. It became the show I saw the most and still is to this day. The music moved me so, combined with the story (what girl isn’t obsessed with Paris at some point?), and of course, the amazing staging of the show itself. Needless to say, I’ve been more than a little excited to see Les Misérables come to the big screen as close to the stage show as possible. The clips I saw prior to watching the film were all just incredible; haunting, alluring, drawing you in, just like the stage show. The film did not disappoint in that regard.
I did not do much research before seeing this film version of Les Misérables, but what I did know is that it was produced by Cameron Mackintosh, who produced the original stage production, and directed by Tom Hooper, who had done The King’s Speech, most famously. Hooper did something truly unique for the filming of the musical, he had the actors sing their parts live as the cameras were rolling, rather than lip-synching to pre-recorded songs. By doing this, Hooper believed this method allowed the actors to have emotional control over their songs, noting that when Anne Hathaway sings ‘I Dreamed a Dream,’ if she needs to take a moment to have a thought or show an emotion before she sings it, she can do that. And after witnessing this first hand, I can tell you it was the right decision.
Now, to the film itself. If you do not want spoilers, save this part for after you’ve seen the film. Obviously, the story is well-known at this point, but I’ll go into specific details from the movie which could be considered spoilers if you want to be surprised. For those who aren’t familiar with the Les Misérables story here’s a quick synopsis before the review:
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Hugh Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
The opening scene is one of the most powerful I have seen on screen. I truly did not even recognize Hugh Jackman as he sang his parts and acted with the other condemned men doing hard labor for their crimes. It was an excellent set-up to the antagonistic relationship between Jean Valjean and Javert.
We then move into the struggle for Valjean to find his place in the world that wants nothing to do with him. Refused at every turn, Valjean finally receives shelter and care from an elderly bishop who takes him in and treats him like an honored guest. The bishop is played by the original Jean Valjean in the stage production, the amazing Colm Wilkinson. It was wonderful to see him on screen and in this story once more. When Valjean receives the second chance from the bishop and is faced with the life-altering decision to remain as himself or create a new life and leave his past behind, Hugh Jackman’s performance is Oscar-worthy without a doubt. The emotion is palpable and to say it is moving just doesn’t seem strong enough. At this point, I realized that this film version of Les Misérables was not going to be about the singing, but rather the story, the individual characters purging their emotions before our eyes and telling this tale with great care and love.
When the next scene opens with ‘At the End of the Day’ and the music, the staging, the costumes are all spot on, I just sat in my seat with a giant grin on my face, seeing the story I loved so much essentially coming to life before my eyes. The citizens were singing out in the open, under a grey sky, with the bustling of the 19th century France enveloping the singers. It was wonderful for a fan of the original musical.
There were a few changes from the original show, most of which I did not have any problems with. With Fantine, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ is sung after she hits bottom, selling her necklace and hair and teeth and committing to the life of a prostitute in order to provide for her daughter Cosette. I thought this worked and made sense and her performance makes much more sense after being so beaten down by her experiences prior to singing the most famous song from the production.
There were a few other differences; we don’t hear all of ‘Little People’, nor all of the Thénardiers various songs. However my thoughts on that are that unlike the stage production where you truly need that comic relief and breaking up of the misery that’s occurring in the film, you sort of need that continuity to keep you in the story with these characters without being chopped up by comedy right and left. We still get ‘Master of the House’ and the antics of the Thénardiers, and I think the choices were founded. I did miss ‘Turning’ at the end of the battle scenes, as it’s one of my favorites, but we did hear a few lines from it. Nothing is missing completely from the stage version, they are just sometimes subtle nods vs. full performances.
There is also a new song, written just for the film by original Les Miserables composer Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyricist Alain Boublil. The song, ‘Suddenly,’ definitely fits within the film and the scene in which it is used, but something about it seemed a bit off to me, lyrically. The rest of the score is so rich, lyrically, each word seems to hold some important key to the story at hand, giving you insight to the characters and pushing the plot forward. ‘Suddenly,’ however, seemed a little thin, and just, there. Still, it’s a pretty song and does fill in some gaps in the transformation of Valjean from mayor and factory owner to substitute father.
The one performance I had a problem with was Russell Crowe. I feel he was a weak choice for Javert and even though he’s in a band, I felt his singing was not up to what I’ve come to expect from the relentless inspector who is completely overcome by his need to find and arrest Valjean. While his singing lacked power and, for me, was distracting enough to detract from the film, it was not enough to make me come away from the screening I attended disappointed. Javert’s final scene was one I was most concerned with translating to screen, and while the actions themselves were well-done, Russell Crowe just did not make the connection I needed to feel for Javert in any way. That said, the other excellent performances overshadow the few that aren’t up to par, in my opinion, and the film on a whole is just an amazing concentration of story and song. [Update: after some reflection on Javert as portrayed by Russel Crowe, and listening to his songs again, I’ve come to a new understanding of him as a character. In the stage production, Javert is overtly ruthless, a man of the law, who strives to hunt down and bring Valjean to justice at any cost. In the film, Javert is someone we actually do feel for. He’s still upholding the law and out to get Valjean, but his songs and actions portray him as someone lacking his own sense of self and security. When he sings ‘Stars’ it’s as if he’s trying to convince himself, rather than the audience, of his duty and mission. So it’s a different Javert than I’m used to, but he did grow on me.]
I lost count of the number of times I cried during the movie, which is not unusual for me, but I was actually worried going in that the film would not elicit that response. I was wrong and cannot wait to go through the emotional wringer again when I head back to see Les Misérables with my oldest children, who are also into musical theatre, much to my delight!
I think fans of the stage production of Les Misérables will be overall pleased with the film adaptation and hopefully enjoy the few nods to the original which are found within the movie. Those who have never heard of Les Misérables prior to this will most likely be moved by the story, music and characters and I hope the movie’s success translates into more touring of the stage show. At the end of the day (pardon the pun), I feel that is what the true purpose of these films should be, to spark interest in theatre, musicals, and live performances; something everyone should get to experience in their lives, no matter their age. Les Misérables succeeds in this regard as it certainly made me want to take my children to see it live and begin fostering that love of theatre as well.
Connect with Les Misérables, which opens December 25,here:
Official Site: www.lesmiserablesfilm.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lesmismovie
YouTube:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Right now, you can also get digital downloads of the Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack
and the Les Misérables Original Broadway Cast Recording
for $5 and $5.99 respectively at amazon through the end of December!
Disclosure: I was provided a free screening of the film prior to its opening. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Sofia The First character will make her Disney Parks debut in the 29th Annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” airing nationwide on Christmas Day, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., ET; check local listings) on the ABC Television Network. It was also recently announced that Sofia will be joining the Disney Junior – Live on Stage! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure in early 2013 – joining Doc McStuffins as a new addition.
Disney’s first little girl princess, Sofia was introduced in the music-filled animated television movie “Sofia the First: Once Upon A Princess” which debuted on November 18, 2012 and became the #1 cable telecast of all time in Kids 2-5 and Girls 2-5, and the #1 preschool cable TV telecast ever in Total Viewers and Women 18-49. A “Sofia the First” television series which continues Sofia’s journey as she learns how to adjust to royal life, premieres FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 on Disney Channel (9:30-10:00 a.m., ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:30-6:00 p.m., ET/PT).
In Frozen, Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and save their kingdom from eternal winter. Disney just released a piece of concept art from the upcoming film, and it’s just beautiful:
Walt Disney Animation Studios announced yesterday that they have given voice to its extreme mountain man from the comedy-adventure “Frozen.” Tony Award® nominee Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening,” TV’s “Glee”) is on board to help bring Kristoff to life in the epic journey slated for the big screen November 27, 2013.
Groff appears in the independent feature “C.O.G.,” which is part of 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The Pennsylvania native made his big-screen debut in Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” and went on to appear in the independent drama “Twelve-Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” His TV credits include Fox’s “Glee,” the Starz series “Boss” and CBS’ “The Good Wife.” On stage, in addition to the Tony Award®-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” Groff appeared in the Public Theater’s revival of “Hair” and off-Broadway plays “Prayer for My Enemy” and “The Submission,” among others. He made his West End debut in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” and appeared in the 2010 Tony Award®-winning “Red” by John Logan at the Mark Taper Forum this year.
Personally, I loved Jonathan Groff on Glee and clips I’d seen from Spring Awakening, so I’m excited that he’s on board for Frozen.
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, “Frozen” will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
From the studio behind 2010’s “Tangled” and this year’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios presents “Frozen,” the most daring comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters. For more information, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation. FROZEN hits theaters on November 27th, 2013!
Running from December 20 to January 2, the Coins for Change program will turn Club Penguin into the biggest virtual bake sale ever, with players baking virtual cookies and buying them with virtual coins that act as votes to influence where Club Penguin’s $1 million US cash donation will go. The votes determine the percentage of donations made in three areas: providing medical help, building safe places, and protecting the earth.
Through programs like Coins for Change, Club Penguin has given a total of $9 million to charities all over the world, further raising social consciousness among the more than 750 million players who take part in the online community. In last year’s event, kids donated over 10 billion coins to help make the world a better place, including funding projects in 42 countries such as:
Here’s how kids can take part – when players virtually buy the special bake sale cookies, they will be transformed into the new holiday characters for a short period of time. All players can transform into toy cars, while members are rewarded by transforming into reindeer puffles and “frost bites,” which allow them to temporarily freeze in-world items. Sounds festive, right?
Head over to ClubPenguin.com for tips to start your own real-world bake sale, with recipes too, and to begin earning your Coins for Change today!
The beautiful and moving Candlelight Processional is now a favorite tradition each holiday season. Each celebrity narrator adds their own touch and something special to the Christmas story as they speak the words we all know so well. This year I was able to enjoy both Neil Patrick Harris and Lea Salonga, both very different, but wonderful in their own right.
In between the Christmas story pieces, the talented orchestra and Voices of Liberty singers join a Cast Member chorale and area high school students to bring traditional holiday favorite songs to life. The songs are a perfect mix of classics which move you and fill you with the spirit of the season. This year, a new story prefaced Silent Night, adding to the rich tapestry of the candlelight performance. We were told about a town without an organ and a man who wrote a poem to welcome the birth of Jesus. The man’s son could play the guitar, but only 4 chords, and thus Silent Night was born.
At the end of each performance, I am left filled with joy and appreciation for the true meaning of the holiday. It is a must-do for anyone visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season. The best bet for guaranteed seats is purchasing a Candlelight Dining Package, available by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Several shows remain this season, be sure to head out to see this beautiful spectacle.
Disclosure: I was provided with Gold Badge seating for my family at the Lea Salonga performance. My opinions are my own.
Set in the former Virgin Megastore building, Splitsville has completely redesigned the building and it is a marvel to see first hand. The process at Splitsville is a little different; you sign up for a bowling lane and tell them your shoe size and they bring the shoes to you and set you up in a lane. Then you get 1.5 hours of bowling and can enjoy drinks and dining while you bowl. If you’d like to just hang out for the music or food, that’s cool too. The second floor of Splitsville in Downtown Disney is only open to those 21+ after 10pm. Regular hours are from 10am-2am, 7 days a week. Pricing varies based on when you go, but for now it is $20 per person for an hour and a half of bowling, including shoe rental, during the peak hours of 5-10pm. If you’d like to bring your whole family, you are welcome to bowl downstairs where there is no age limit – drinks and food are still available downstairs as well – including a sushi bar!
After experiencing the vibe at Splitsville in Downtown Disney twice now, I am excited for the potential this brand has to invigorate and enliven the Downtown Disney atmosphere. I know there is a great need for things to do at Walt Disney World “after hours” since most things close at midnight or before, so this seems like a natural fit for couples and solo travelers visiting the World, as well as, of course, locals. Whether there will be discounts for locals, cast members and annual passholders remains to be seen, but I am sure Splitsville will be a great fit and personally look forward to the future with possible bowling leagues and fun get-togethers among friends.
The decor and theming in the Downtown Disney Splitsville is just fantastic. They have kept the retro 50’s bowling theme going with shiny red and black vinyl and mid-century modern lighting everywhere, along with adding some touches specific to our location, like Orlando-specific landmarks and nods to our orange grove history. In addition, downstairs is an absolutely amazing mural designed after the 1970’s merchandise bags which Walt Disney World history buffs love so much. It is just a perfect fit and a detail which did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the many fans who visited the lanes before its official opening. Well done, Splitsville and Disney!
In addition to the nightly bowling, billiards, dancing and dining, Splitsville Orlando will be offering New Year’s Eve 21+ packages, with ($175 per person) or without ($100 per person) bowling which will include food options, drinks and Champagne with a reserved table for 3.5 hours. You can contact [email protected] or call 407-938-PINS for more information and reservations. You can also make lane and special event reservations online for birthdays and more.
Here’s a gallery of more images from Splitsville Orlando:
Disclosure: I visited the Splitsville Downtown Disney location as media during a special dedication event on December 7, and also as a guest of the Disney Parks Blog meet-up, held on December 17. I was provided with free bowling, food and drinks during both visits. My opinions and thoughts are my own and unaffected by this access from Disney. My thanks to Walt Disney World and the Disney Parks Blog for the opportunities. Keep an eye on the official Disney Parks Blog for future meet-ups, as well as the @WaltDisneyWorld twitter account for a hint or two before the meet-ups are announced.
The Grinchmas show is always a family favorite, and fits right in to the Suess Landing area of Islands of Adventure. Now through January 1, Guests can watch the heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Who-ville accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can also meet The Grinch and the Whos and on select dates, purchase and enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.
The Macy’s Holiday Parade over at Universal Studios Florida features classic balloons, straight from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, including several stationed throughout the park for photo opportunities. Santa Claus ends the parade with a colorful tree lighting.
Also in Universal Studios Florida are select performances by Mannheim Steamroller, featuring composer Chip Davis. Mannheim Steamroller performs their holiday classics along with selections from the Grinchmas show, composed by Davis. Performance nights are Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23.
All the holiday offerings are included for guests as part of any holiday pass, two-park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
For more information on the Holidays at Universal Orlando, vacation packages and ticket offers, visit UniversalOrlando.com/holidays.
Disclosure: my family was provided a complimentary viewing of the events mentioned above. All opinions are my own.
There are so many wonderful holiday events at Central Florida theme parks, and this year Busch Gardens Tampa is launching the biggest Christmas celebration ever. For the first time in the park’s 53-year history, visitors to Christmas Town will experience all-new evening attractions, shows and shopping from 6 to 11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. Christmas Town transforms the park into a nighttime holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas, filling guests’ senses with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors, and creating a beautiful new tradition for Tampa’s families. What’s even better than that? A portion of the proceeds from Christmas Town will benefit All Children’s Hospital here in the Bay area.
Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed night event, and regular daytime admission is not required or included. General admission for Christmas Town is $39.99 plus tax. Busch Gardens annual pass members will receive the deepest discounts with advance online priced at $24.99 for adults and $9.99 for children, and special offers are available for guests wishing to upgrade their paid daily admission to Busch Gardens. Gift cards are available at Bay area Publix locations and additional discounts are offered through promotional codes from Chik Fil-A, Coca-Cola at Wal-Mart and Fantastic Sam’s. Families with children ages 3 to 9 will enjoy a special advance-purchase price of $9.99 for their youngest members.
Disclosure: my family was provided a complimentary viewing of the events mentioned above. All opinions are my own.