Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Muppets Most Wanted Mickey House Movie House Review...

Photo courtesy of wannabite.com



It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets in Muppets Most Wanted tonight. Riding high on their comeback, Muppets Most Wanted picks up where “The Muppets” left off. Anxious to continue their success, the gang wants to produce a sequel but Kermit isn’t so sure. As they try to decide their next career decision, they meet Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) who claims to be interested and in their talent and agrees to be their manager. Kermit once said, “it’s not easy being green” but sooner learns that it becomes harder when the green turns mean.  Through a series of events, Kermit’s identity is stolen by Constantine, the world’s most dangerous criminal frog, and Kermit is imprisoned in Russia. As Kermit struggles to escape and clear his name, Fozzi and Walter begin to suspect that something is wrong and the quest to find their friend begins. Will they find Kermit and restore things back to normal? Will Constantine’s plans be foiled, and will Kermit finally marry Miss Piggy? All these questions and more are answered in this action-packed comedy that will have you holding your sides with laughter and leave you wanting more Muppet mayhem.

Photo courtesy of rogerebert.com

Photo courtesy of geekyrant.com


While I am usually wary of sequels, the Muppets have a well-proven track record when it comes to successful stories and comical skits and Muppets Most Wanted continues this tradition faithfully. It was wonderful to see some of the original Muppet characters return such as Sam Eagle and Annie Sue as well as the return of Walter from the first film. The cast of supporting celebrity stars added to the playful antics of the Muppets and felt nostalgic in some instances, reminding me (and many audiences) of the original Muppet show celebrity guest appearances. While I was initially disappointed that both Amy Adams and Jason Siegel didn’t reprise their roles, the celebrities assembled for this sequel made up for the absence. The plot, while some would argue was predictable, was witty, charming, and even surprising, taking a few turns even I wasn’t expecting.  So what’s next for Kermit and his friends?  Well, only time will tell. For now, Mickey Mouse Movie House gives this side-splitting sequel an A+. See you next time at the movies. Wokka wokka! 

-Marc 

Photo courtesy of disney.wikia.com


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Monday, March 24, 2014

Blue Sky Australia

To read some of Jeff's other blog stories click here:

http://yohoyohobloggerslifeforme.blogspot.com/p/blue-sky-ideas-by-jeff.html

G'day. When Blue Sky left off a while ago, one subject was expansion at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Avatar section is under construction which means at least some element of Beastly Kingdom is under way. Additionally, a new continent is getting pushed aside.

The addition of Australia is a no-brainer for the title of Most Likely to Proceed. It's interesting to note Australia could also be a country pavilion at Epcot, but they'll be too busy over there working the Blue Sky Greece project. In looking at the old rumors, the AK Australia project is nearly everyone's pick although I saw one other blogger who thought Disney should counter Sea World with their own Antarctica.  Blue Sky thoughts on that project are in a prior article. So, what might one see or want to see when Disney finally goes Down Under?  Let's take a walk towards Uluru (or Ayers Rock as newcomers call it) looming in the distance as a backdrop and look around.


Uluru or Ayers Rock from vacationadvice.com 


What connections does Disney already have to Australia?  There was the animated feature "The Rescuers Down Under."  While a step up from "The Rescuers" which was produced at a low point in Disney's history, the sequel faced criticism for its location. Effectively, the film was plopped down in Australia but could have been just about anywhere.  Perhaps that's why "Finding Nemo" had Australia so heavily integrated into its plot. Fortunately, the upcoming "Finding Dory" may reignite interest in an Australian addition to the Animal Kingdom.

One might expect Nemo and Dory to be seen at the new continent. But, one would also hope that Nigel the Pelican would be there especially because he is voiced by Geoffrey "Captain Barbossa" Rush. Please, forgive the spelling of his first name.  There was also Jake the Hopping Mouse from "The Rescuers Down Under."  Even though he's not well known, he'd make a good host.


Pic courtesy of listal.com 
Pic courtesy of siundonsight.org


But, what other exceedingly popular Disney star has an Australian connection?  That would be a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal of action.  Perry the Platypus is one charismatic monotreme.  Having an animated platypus gets around a serious animal welfare issue. Platypuses... platypi... platypodes... the plural of platypus do not do well in captivity.  They're also camera shy.




Photo courtesy of disney.com

What about the other real animals? Oh, sure there are all the marsupials. That's a given. It wouldn't be Australia without them, so kangaroos and wallabies for everybody.  Emus are impressive as well.  The frilled lizard is a show off. Florida supports native alligators, so it's not too difficult to envision a group of crocs.

For entertainment, why not move "Finding Nemo the Musical" to its rightful place in Australia from its current location in... Dinoland?!?  Actually, this may be accomplished by building Australia in the land adjacent to Dinoland and redefining the border. That's happened before. The Matterhorn Bobsleds "moved" from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland in California.

"Nemo and Friends" in Epcot's Futureworld already has a brief ride on the East Australia Current.  Disneyland redid their subs for Nemo (at least for a while). Merge the ideas into a sub simulator in the spirit of Star Tours. Have it hosted by Peach and call it Sea Star Tours.

Don't forget about The Great Barrier Reef. Warming waters have been bleaching large parts of it. Who could raise awareness of this issue by sending guests on an exploration?  Secret Agent P. That's who. His unassuming alter ego, Perry the Platypus, had everyone fooled. Right?


travel.com Image 


Australia has a rich history of exploration on which to draw. Tasmanian is named for Abel Tasman.  It must have been quite an adventure. That could serve as the basis of another attraction.

If guests are hungry, they could get a authentic meal at a franchise of Outback Steakhouse except it's not even close to Australian. It was started in Tampa.  It's doubtful that guests would like to chow down on bush tucker either if it included kangaroo. Even emu is probably pushing it. Australians are known for beef and lamb dishes.  That would add somewhere other than Epcot's Morocco to get lamb at least until Greece is done.  A quick service location can serve up the popular Australian meat pie or the infamous Vegemite sandwich (Scratch that. Vegemite is now owned by a US firm. Why?!?). Just wash down that meat pie with a Fosters... what? They're owned by SABMiller.  Crickey!  Fortunately, there are genuine Australian beers. Strong beers. Plus, Australia has a substantial wine industry.


Outback.com picture 


Shoppers can pick up Indigenous Australian crafts (apparently the term "Aboriginal" is out of favor) at the market. Maybe they'll have recordings of the native music that's been playing throughout our Blue Sky walkabout. Pick up a didgeridoo or a banjo.  You can learn all the words to "Waltzing Matilda" or sing along to Australia's most famous band, AC/DC. Okay, that last one was just wishful thinking.


Pic courtesy of dealbreaker.com


Then again, wasn't all of this?



- Jeff C. 


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Friday, March 21, 2014

Disney Bars Outside of the Parks....


I see a lot of questions online about the best bars to go to at WDW so I thought I'd write about it. On my last girl's trip we bar hopped a good amount.

The Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian Resort was one of my favorites. It is located right next to O'Hana's inside the hotel if you know where that is. We got to our Chef Mickey's dinner reservation way too early so rode the monorail over to the Polynesian.We both had fruity drinks. Monika had a mixed berry martini & I had some peach mixed drink. Both were excellent! It was our first night in Florida and we wanted to celebrate! The bartender was excellent there! I forgot his name though. :( It is a really cool tiki bar & I will definitely be back!

Tambu is steps from O'hanas


After dinner one night we decided to bar hop to a few places in DownTown Disney. I would NOT recommend Bongos Bar. The Peach Martini was not very good. We were the only two people sitting at the bar and the bartender seemed annoyed when we needed something?! We only stayed for one drink because of that.



After Bongos we headed to the old area of Pleasure Island. I've always wanted to try the Grey Goose Citron Lemon frozen drink. I hated it?! My friend ended up drinking it & enjoyed it.

pic courtesy of easywdw.com 

We then ventured over to Paradiso 37. This was my first time in there & it was really nice. I loved my strawberry daiquiri! I think Monika had a gin & tonic here which she enjoyed. The bar is really nice too! THe bartenders were very attentive & friendly here.



On another day we ate dinner at T-Rex and had the best surprise ever! They served my favorite beer (Yeungling) in HUGE frozen goblets so your beer is ice cold! We loved T-Rex! I wasn't sure what to expect.


Another night we were lucky enough to find seats at the bar at Raglan Road. I loved watching the Irish Dancers & the great beer!


On our last long trip my husband & I discovered Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club Resort. The bartender there was lovely! She even gave us the remote so my husband could watch the Hokies Football game! If you'd like to read a full review of that experience click here:

http://yohoyohobloggerslifeforme.blogspot.com/2012/11/yacht-club-resort-ale-compass-lounge-bar.html




We weren't that impressed with JellyRolls. This is located at the Boardwalk area of WDW.You had to pay $10 to get inside and all the tables were full plus you had to pay for any requests of music. The bartenders weren't very good either. We only stayed for 2 beers.

Kimono's is a cute karaoke/sushi bar at the Swan Hotel. They will validate your parking here. I loved the seating. They had regular tables and a bunch of couches set up to relax in. The martinis weren't that great here so I'd stick to beer or something else here.

There are endless options of adult places to go for a good time! What are your favorites?


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Thursday, March 20, 2014

50's Prime Time Cafe Mom's Meatloaf Recipe & Review...

Me & our friends at 50's Prime Time Cafe



We have dined at 50's Prime Time Cafe twice but have never eaten the meatloaf?! I normally get the always amazing Fried Chicken. I thought this recipe was going to be so complicated. It took me 15 minutes to get all the ingredients organized & chopped. Other than that it is easy as pie! 

I'm a VERY picky eater so I wasn't sure I was going to like this. It was amazing! My husband normally loves my bacon meatloaf & said this one was a tad bit better. I think he was just being nice. ;) As soon as he tasted it he couldn't stop "Mmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmming" LOL This recipe make 2 loaves. I just wrapped the other in tinfoil & put in freezer. Remember to not add the sauce until the very end! Follow the directions ;) This is so juicy & flavorful! This is a new staple for sure. :)


INGREDIENTS:
2 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
4 eggs
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced green peppers
1/4 cup diced red peppers
2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
Cracked black pepper to taste
Kosher salt to taste
½ cup Meatloaf Glaze (recipe below)
METHOD:
Chop peppers and onions and set aside for later use. Combine meats and seasonings. Add vegetables. Place meat mixture in oiled loaf pan. Bake at 350º F oven for 1 hour (internal temp 155º).

Brush meatloaf with meatloaf glaze. Bake another 10 minutes. Let meatloaf set 10 minutes, cut loaf and serve.
MEATLOAF GLAZE
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tsp Dijon mustard
½ Tsp worcestershire sauce
METHOD:
Combine all ingredients until mixture is smooth






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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

My WDW Quick-Service Suggestions....

The Land ( Sunshine Seasons Inside)


I always get asked which quick-service restaurants at WDW are my favorites so I thought I'd list my favorites in each park.

Magic Kingdom




Caseys's has always been a favorite of mine. It is located at the end of Main street. I'm a sucker for a good hot dog. Although I do not like the new buns WDW serves now with the dogs. The lines go by quick & I've never regretted anything from here. On my next trip I really want to try their corn dog nuggets! I always put the liquid cheese from the condiments bar on my dogs. If you'd like to read a more in depth review on Casey's click here: 



Columbia Harbor House- This is by far my favorite! I always get the tuna salad sandwich here. It is SO good! We normally sit upstairs. It is quiet, air conditioned,& you have a nice view! CHH is located in between Fantasyland & FrontierLand. It is really close to the Haunted Mansion. Here is a more detailed review of CHH if you are interested:


View from upstairs at CHH




If you are looking for a smoothie I would go with Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies in TommorrowLand. It is right across from the SpeedWay. You can also go to the Cheshire Cafe for whole fruit & slushies. That is located in between TomorrowLand & Fantasyland. There are also restrooms right next to there. 

My FAVORITE Ice Cream at WDW is in Fantasyland at Storybook Treats! I ALWAYS get a chocolate soft serve hot fudge sundae! They are a hidden gem on property. They offer other sundaes as well. 



Disney's Hollywood Studios

There are not a lot of good options in this park honestly. You can grab an okay breakfast at Starring Rolls Cafe. For that experience click here: 


We wanted to stay and watch Fantasmic one night so decided to give Fairfax Fare a try. It is right across from the theatre area to Fantasmic. I REGRET not getting the truffle mac & cheese hot dog! My husband REALLY enjoyed his turkey leg though. I think DHS needs to step up their fast food service options in this park. If you want my full review of Fairfax Fare then click here:



Epcot

The Land Sunshine Seasons is the best place to eat a healthy balanced meal in Epcot. I have eaten here quite a few times. They have a ton of options to choose from. I've had anything from caesar salad to pasta here. It is basically a cafeteria style place. You pick what you want & then check out with the cashier. Next trip I'd love to try breakfast here one day. It is located back in the park near the Nemo Attraction.


Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a good alternative to eating at Rose & Crown to save some money. I enjoy their fish & chips but think getting them from the stand would be a lot quicker & easier. Sometimes the line can get quite long though. It is located next to the Rose & Crown Restaurant in Epcot.

Animal Kingdom

We tried FlameTree BBQ for the first time this past trip & loved it! The line looked VERY long but we only waited about 10 minutes or so. They handed out menus to people in line so you knew what you wanted when you got up to the cashier. We had to try their famous onion rings and BBQ. Both were excellent. For my full review please click here:

http://yohoyohobloggerslifeforme.blogspot.com/2014/01/flame-tree-bbq-review-pics.html





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Monday, March 17, 2014

Disney's Asparagus Soup Recipe...




The recipe hails from this cook book





In ode to St. Patrick's Day I thought I would post something a little green today on this snowy day. I was trying to be healthy & randomly bought asparagus last week. I never ate it & then remembered about this recipe. :)

This was fairly easy to make & I made it in exactly 1 hour with all the chopping etc....  This soup was REALLY good! It reheats very well too. I did not add crab meat to this because I don't have the money in my budget right now but I'm sure that would've added even more flavor to the dish. It is simple & a great appetizer soup!




Sautee the onions
Before puree

After Puree



This is how my Beurre Manie turned out. VERY EASY! & my first time doing it ;)








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