"Happening in the World" Week 4

By Zach Cooper

Once again, not too much to discuss, but still have some good information.

 

SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN LIVE CHAT: On Monday, the Disney Parks Blog hosted a live chat to reveal some more information about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, coming to New Fantasyland in Spring 2014. The chat was hosted by Imagineer Dave Minichiello, who answered questions and revealed photos and videos.
 

 

 

MAGIC KINGDOM PLAZA EXPANSION: A few days ago, Disney announced an expansion for the Central Plaza part of the park. (where the Partner Statue is with Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney) This expansion will feature more space, seating, gardens and more. It will also include more fireworks viewing areas.  

 

The expansion will be complete in 2015.
 

 

 

Universal Studios Hollywood Trip Report 2-20-14

By Beemerboyz803

This past Thursday, I was able to go to Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time in seven years!!We took the long walk from the parking lot, through the CityWalk, to the front entrance of the park. 

First thing we did was the Studio Tour. We enjoyed it, because most of the movies we like were filmed on sets on the Tour. Unfortunately, our Studio Tour could not access the sets from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Desperate Housewives, War of the Worlds, and Psycho (which we were really looking forward to) because a "top-secret" project was being shot there. Our favorite sets from the tour included Back to the Future's Courthouse Square (IT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL SET!!! It burned down in 2008.), the Collapsing Bridge, the King Kong scene,the subway station scene from Earthquake, the "part the waters" scene, and the flash flood scene from the Mexico set. After leaving the Studio Tour, we caught glimpse of a construction site to the right of the Studio Tour's entrance. It is also shown at the end of the movie we have provided. We're positive most of you don't know what it is, but we're sure that it is a magical addition to Universal Studios!!! (WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER)

Next, we headed to the park's three most-popular attractions, all on the Lower Lot. First things first, we boarded Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride. From the videos we've seen, it didn't look that scary. You might not deal with our reasoning, but we...were...WRONG. We were immediately scared with the fast drops, the launch, the portion of the ride where the vehicle is attacked by scarabs (Egyptian beetles), and the backwards launch. 

After leaving the Mummy show building, we then walked across the path to probably the park's most famous attraction, Jurassic Park: The Ride, based on the movie series about a dinosaur park on Isla Nublar. Weirdly, we both sat in the front row with our friend (who we were going with), and hardly got wet. Also, we spotted RACCOONS on the ride, just before entering the big show building. Everybody in our boat seemed confused, like, "Oh, my God!" or "That's not supposed to be there.". Overall, the ride was fun.

Next, we headed to the park's newest ride (until April 2014), Transformers: The Ride 3D. The ride was amazing. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Some portions of the ride were scary in our opinion (again, please don't ridicule our reasoning), but the ride was overall fun. Then, despite our hatred, we foolishly boarded Mummy again. But the second time around wasn't so bad. In fact, we could deal with everything just fine. 

Afterwards, our last ride (or should I say, show) was Waterworld. I loved every bit of it, from the fire to the water to the suspense. It was so cool!! After the show was over, it was 6:00 (the park's closing time) and we headed off to dinner and then home. 

 

A Despicable Update: We didn't mention this during this post, but construction on the park's new attraction, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (based on Universal's popular 2010 and 2013 films), is almost over. The Gru House was visible from the Annual Pass Center and the park's exit area, and construction seemed nearly complete, with the exception of the surrounding Super Silly Fun Land and several portions of the roof. For those of you who are going to visit the park anytime soon, this attraction (also at Universal's Orlando park) will open on Friday, April 10, 2014. 

Pompeii: Movie Review

By Zach Cooper

On Saturday, I was able to see the all-new movie Pompeii. The movie is about a slave (Milo), whose family was killed by Rome, who is transferred to Pompeii to become a gladiator. Along the way, he meets Cassia, a high ranking in Pompeii. Her parents are actually the rulers. The two do have a strong loving relationship, but at that time, Pompeii was trying to receive money from Rome to budget a new coliseum. Rome sends out Senator Clovis, who is looking more for a wife than to budget Pompeii. In the movie, we see Milo fight for Cassia, no matter their class. Along the way, Milo also meets the tall and fierce Atticus, who is already a gladiator.  He too plays a major role in the film, not to be spoiled.

 

This whole time, the lava of nearby Mount Vesuvius is working up a storm. In the end, the lava turns the whole town and its people into rock.

 

THIS WAS BY FAR THE BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR. I would consider it my second favorite movie, after Titanic. It is a really wonderful love story, which might require you to bring a few pieces of tissue.

 

Out of 10, I would rate it a 10.

"Happening in the World" Week 3

By Zach Cooper

This week was probably the slowest news-week I have experienced. Not much to talk about, but still some good information.

 

 

LEGO MOVIE EXPERIENCE: Just yesterday, LEGOLAND California opened up the all-new LEGO Movie Experience.

The Experience gives guests a chance to step onto a LEGO^® soundstage, see actual movie footage along with interviews with the cast and explore some of the awesome LEGO models.

 

 THE LEGO MOVIE EXPERIENCE features more than 1200 LEGO models made out of more than three million LEGO bricks. Movie fans can stand in the same place as Finn and his father, “Lord Business,” played by Ferrell, and imagine themselves in the scene that has become famous in just weeks. THE LEGO MOVIE EXPERIENCE offers a unique thrill that can be enjoyed by LEGO fans of all ages.

Actor Jadon Sand, who plays “Finn” and worked alongside Will Ferrell in “The LEGO Movie,” was the special guest at the grand opening ceremony where a giant curtain dropped to reveal THE LEGO MOVIE EXPERIENCE to Park guests for the first time. Sand and his family spent an entire day exploring LEGOLAND California then stayed over at LEGOLAND Hotel prior to the event.



 

TREEHOUSE MASTERS SEASON 2 FINALE: Tonight is the finale of the short season of "Treehouse Masters" on Animal Planet.

The show is about Pete Nelson and his amazing team creating large, furnished tree houses in just a matter of weeks. Since the series first aired, I have been in love with the show. The tree houses that they create will blow your mind. Season 2 is full of surprises.

This season finale stars special guest CeeLo Green who is looking to build a nice studio tree-house.

The season finale of Treehouse Masters premieres tonight at 10PM on Animal Planet.

 

 

SOURCES: Photos and information of the Lego Movie Experience are courtesy of LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA.

Frozen: Sing-Along Review

By Beemerboyz803

Over the course of nearly three months, Disney has been making a lot of money, after releasing their blockbuster, Frozen, on November 27, 2013. The instant hit was rereleased as a karaoke version, with the lyrics on screen, and has been considered for new rides at Epcot's Norway Pavillion at Walt Disney World and Fantasyland at Disneyland. 

The movie's box office totals are barely under $1 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Currently, it is ranked fourth, behind 2013's Despicable Me 2 ($970M), Disney's The Lion King ($989M), and Pixar's Toy Story 3 ($1.023B). People are saying this film has become the next Lion King, and many people believe it could rake in $1 billion, since the movie is yet to premiere in Japan. 

I was able to watch the sing-along version today. Every kid in the theater, and a few adults, couldn't resist singing along with the bouncing snowflake. Nothing else from the movie changed, except the on-screen lyrics.

My overall rating would be a 9.5. The karaoke lyrics were okay, but kind've distracted me from watching the rest of the movie. 

"The Week in Sochi" Week 1

By Beemerboyz803

Sunday, February 9

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On February 9, the US received nine medals, one gold and eight bronze in a team event. Female slopestyler Jamie Anderson won gold in women's snowboard slopestyle. Also on February 9, the US won a bronze medal in team figure skating. The team consisted of Jeremy Abbott, Jason Brown, Marissa Castelli, Meryl Davis, Gracie Gold, Simon Shnapir, Ashley Wagner, and Charlie White.

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Monday, February 10

 

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With February 10 came one bronze medal for Team USA. Julia Mancuso won bronze in women's combined alpine skiing. 

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Tuesday, February 11

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On Day 4 of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Team USA won a bronze medal and a silver medal. Devin Logan took silver in women's skiing slopestyle, and Erin Hamlin placed third in women's luge, the first American to ever medal in luge. 

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Wednesday, February 12

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On February 12, Team US received two medals, a bronze medal and the US's third gold medal. Kaitlyn Farrington placed first in women's snowboard halfpipe, and Kelly Clark won a bronze medal also in women's snowboard halfpipe.

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Thursday, February 13

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Thursday brought Team USA an additional three medals: a gold, a silver, and a bronze. Joss Christensen won Team USA its fourth gold medal in men's skiing slopestyle. Gus Kenworthy won a silver medal in the same event, and Nick Goepper won Team USA another bronze medal, ALSO in men's skiing slopestyle.

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Friday, February 14

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So far, Team USA has only won one silver medal today. Noelle Pikus-Pace, a female skeleton competitor, took silver in women's skeleton, which is similar to gliding on the snow on a baking pan.

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Congratulations to all the US Olympians who won medals this week, and may we receive many more before the closing ceremony on February 23!!!

"Happening in the World" Week 2

By Zach Cooper

RATATOUILLE THE RIDE: Disneyland Paris announced an all-new attraction inspired by the Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille. The attraction  will allow you to experience what it is like being a rat in a large kitchen. This will be the same kitchen and restaurant from the film: Gusteau’s. Opening summer.

 

 

 

FESTIVAL OF FANTASY PARADE PREVIEW: A small preview was held for specials guests, as they were able to get a peek at what some of the floats and costumes will look like in the new parade at Walt Disney World.

 

In a 15 minute red carpet show, Disney brought out dozens of performers along with some of the glamorous new floats.
 

Video by www.insidethemagic.net

 

 

 

MARDI GRAS UNIVERSAL ORLANDO: The resort has just kicked off their annual Mardi Gras Grand Celebration. The event features concerts and an inspiring parade. Artists preforming include Daughtry, Cody Simpson and even Cher Lloyd.

 

Mardi Gras runs now through May 31st.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/Mardi-Gras

 

Video by www.insidethemagic.net

 

 

PUSH REMOVED FROM WDW: Sadly earlier this week was Push The Talking Trashcan's last day working at Magic Kingdom Park. For 19 years, Push has entertained guests in so many ways. Truly a memorable trash can.
 

Video by www.insidethemagic.net

Disneyland Paris Announces New Attraction Based on Ratatouille

By Zach Cooper

Earlier this week, Disneyland Paris announced an all-new attraction inspired by the Disney Pixar movie Ratatouille, along with a whole land. The attraction (L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Remy) will allow you to experience what it is like being a rat in a large kitchen. This will be the same kitchen and restaurant from the film: Gusteau’s. While there, Remy and the guests will have to avoid Chef Skinner, someone who believes rats belong on the dinner plates instead of making the dinner plates.

The attraction will open up this summer only at Disneyland Paris.

 

Sources:

disneyandmore.blogspot.com/disneylandparisannualstockholder

www.insidethemagic.net//ratatouilleland

The LEGO Movie: Review

By

On Saturday, I was able to see the all new 'LEGO Movie'. The movie is about a guy named Emmet who is picked as the chosen one after a evil villain named Lord Business takes over all of the LEGO world. Emmet is just a normal guy, that sadly doesn't have any friends. One day at his work, he meets a girl named Wildstyle, who is looking for the 'Piece of Resistance'. Emmet then finds it before her, as a piece actually attaches onto him. He soon finds out that President Business is planning to destroy the world and needs that piece. They then go on a wild chase through the town, ocean and more. It has a very inspirational ending that will make you speechless. I really loved this movie. I was so happy that I saw it. There are a lot of kid jokes in it but can be good for the whole family. Rate: 8/10

Team USA's Current Stats

By Beemerboyz803

At the end of February, Team USA will leave Sochi, Russia as the world's best in slopestyle. Slopestyle is a new event at the Winter Olympics, which has given Team USA two gold medals.

Yesterday, February 8, Sage Kotsenburg won gold in the men's slopestyle and posted on Twitter:

Also yesterday, Hannah Kearney won a bronze medal in women's freestyle skiing. She also posted on Twitter, stating that she probably would've preferred a gold or silver medal, but she contributed to the Team USA medal count, can settle for a bronze, and believes that everything happens for a reason. 

Lastly, this morning, February 9, Jamie Anderson won Team USA's second gold medal in women's slopestyle. Keep it up, Team USA!!!

Graphic: www.pcadvisor.co.uk

Norway Takes Gold/Bronz​e and Sweden Takes Silver in Women's Skiathlon- Sochi Winter Olympics

 

By Beemerboyz803

The women's skiathlon at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, just finished. Norway takes gold and bronze and Sweden steals silver!! The top US skier participating in the 9.3-mile skiathlon was Jessica Diggins, who finished in eighth (less than two minutes after the first-finisher).

The Top 3 in the women's skiathlon were Norway's Marit Bjoergen, Sweden's Charlotte Kalla, and Norway's Heidi Weng. Bjoergen finished in 38:33.6 minutes, Kalla in 38:35.4 minutes, and Weng in 38:46.8. Although we would've appreciated US in the Top Three, congrats to Team Norway and Team Sweden for their wins!!!!

UPDATE: 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics - Sage Kotsenburg Wins FIRST Gold Medal in ENTIRE OLYMPICS in Slopestyle for Team USA

By Beemerboyz803

The Winter Olympics, held in Sochi, Russia this year, have only been airing on NBC for two days, but Team USA is already the leader in the medal count. This afternoon, the world-famed sporting event, held every four years, broadcasted its slope style event. American Sage Kotsenburg scored 93.50 to steal the first gold medal awarded in Sochi. To win the gold medal, Kotsenburg beat out Norway's Staale Stanbech and Canada's Mark McMorris.

 

BREAKING NEWS: Dong Nguyen is Taking Down 'Flappy Bird'

By Beemerboyz803

In May 2013, game creator Dong Nguyen released Flappy Bird in the Android and Apple app stores. It gained huge popularity in November 2013, and soared to the top of the Apple and Android charts. However, you may want to download the popular game the second you read this post, because tomorrow, the game will no longer be in the App Store.

In the game, players control a small, yellow bird. By tapping the screen continuously, the bird will fly upwards. The goal is to get through as many tubes as possible. As soon as Flappy Bird touches the ground, smashes into a tube, or touches something, the character dies. Players officially beat the game if they reach a score of 9,999 points. 

 

The game has been featured on PewDiePie's Youtube channel. The popular YouTuber plays this game, as well as Dumb Ways to Die, in one of his videos. The video reviews Flappy Bird as an "impossible game". 

 

Dong Nguyen announced the game's removal from Android and Apple stores via Twitter. There has been mixed reviews, people stating they are glad this "anger-inducing bird will be gone" and there are also people wishing that "another game should go down, but not this torturous fun". 

 

For whoever wants to download the popular game, you should do it now. After all, today will be a better day then February 9 to download.

 

 

Sources:

https://twitter.com/dongatory

www.latimes.com/flappybird

www.usatoday.com/flappybird

 

 

The 2014 Sochi Olympics Begin's

By Beemerboyz803

Tonight, on NBC, the opening ceremony aired for the 2014 Winter Olympics, held in Sochi, Russia. Team USA has over 230 participants for the Sochi Olympics. The games will air on NBC from today (February 7) until the closing ceremony on February 23.

 

To promote the Olympic Games, Google posted a new Google Doodle on the homepage. It reads: "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play." - Olympic Charter

 Some of the USA's top participants include Ted Ligety, Shaun White, Julie Chu, Hannah Kearney, etc. Lindsey Vonn, female skier, will not be competing this year, after injuring her right knee several days before Christmas. 

The Sochi Olympic opening ceremony consisted of eighteen chapters, and concluded with a grand firework show over Fisht Stadium, the stadium where this year's Winter Olympics will take place. One of the best parts of the ceremony was the arrival of the Olympic torch. The torch, which has been on a 40,000-mile relay from Moscow since October 7, has passed through over 80 Russian cities. 

As far as we know, the next two Olympics following Sochi will take place in Rio (2016 Summer Olympics) and Pyeonchang, South Korea (2018 Winter Olympics). Let's hope that these Olympics will be another fiery contest (despite the cold snow in Sochi), and, more importantly, go, Team USA!

 

Be sure to stay with us from up the date coverage of the Olympics!

 Photos: www.pcadvisor.co.uk and www.google.com 

"Happening in the World" Week 1

By Zach Cooper

It's been about a year since my last "Happening in the Parks" blog posts. I thought it would be better to start something similar up again, this time more about TV, film and other news. "Happening in the World" articles will be posted every Friday.

 

SUPER BOWL XLVII: This years Super Bowl was held in New York, featuring the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. In the end, Seattle took home the win from 43 to 8.
 

 

After the game, Disney released this small commercial of Seahawk Malcolm Smith shouting the famous line "I'm Going to Disney World."  

 

The halftime show was a 14-minute jam between Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The beginning was really awesome with a bunch of kids singing and Bruno Mars on a drumset. Later, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers joined in. I was disappointed because it seems like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers didn't really have a spotlight in the show, as they were only on for a few minutes.


 

 

Criss Angel MAGIC JAM: This week, Criss Angel premiered the winter edition of 'MAGIC JAM' at the Luxor. Usually, his stage is set to the show of Criss Angel BELIEVE, but for about a month, he is letting other magicians take the spotlight. He is also doing this because he is recovering from surgery.

You can purchase tickets to this special event by going to  www.reservations.mgmmirage.com/crissangelmagicjam  

 

 

 

Tomorrowland Filming at Disneyland Park: On February 4th and 5th, Disneyland Park was in full swing, as they filmed parts of the Tomorrowland Movie at the "It's a Small World" attraction.

Later, Brad Bird came out and greeted some of the Optimists, who were out watching the shoot. Thanks @BradBirdA113 for meeting us, and getting a photo @DisneylandToday. #TheOptimists #PlusUltra #Tomorrowland pic.twitter.com/LVFNzogab3

— Hastin Zylstra (@hastin) February 4, 2014

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: On February 5th, Universal Orlando's City Walk opened up Antojitos,a fine and affordable restaurant.  It's opened up nightly at 5PM and closes at midnight.

 

 

Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood: From January 25th through February 9th, Universal Studios Hollywood one big celebration for Lunar New Year. This event was held at the all new Universal Plaza inside the park, featuring décor and even MEGATRON from 'Transformers: The Ride-3D'.

 

 

"As a world-class entertainment destination, we are very excited to bring one of the most celebrated holidays in Asian culture to our theme park,” said Larry Kurzweil, President of Universal Studios Hollywood. “We’re pleased to share our unique Lunar New Year tribute with visiting guests from China and around the globe.”

Tomorrowland Movie Films at "It's a Small World" at Disneyland Park

By Zach Cooper

On February 4th and 5th, Disneyland Park was in full swing, as they filmed parts of the Tomorrowland Movie at the "It's a Small World" attraction.

Photos: 'Tomorrowland' Movie to be Filmed at Disneyland next week. Closures will be in effect http://t.co/6jB321egZA pic.twitter.com/1T27ST3LyT
— DisneylandLive (@DlandNewsLive) February 2, 2014

Giant blue screens were placed all around Small World, and have been there for a couple of days. A couple of us Optimists were able to visit the shoot, when  some very popular celebrities came out.

A break in the action during filming of Tomorrowland in Disneyland. #disneyland #tomorrowland #theoptimist pic.twitter.com/BYl4axYp0S
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) February 4, 2014

 

Its been said some filming has been done in the queue when a little boy ran through with a bag.

 

Later, Tomorrowland director Brad Bird came out and greeted a few Optimists.

Thanks @BradBirdA113 for meeting us, and getting a photo @DisneylandToday. #TheOptimists #PlusUltra #Tomorrowland pic.twitter.com/LVFNzogab3

— Hastin Zylstra (@hastin) February 4, 2014

Killer Whales: Friend or Foe? - The Controvers​y Behind Blackfish

By Beemerboyz803

Please note. We post this as an opinion. We do know there are 3 sides of the story: His truth, her truth and the real truth. From what we viewed, we state our opinion in this post. We love Sea World but disagree with them. We ask for no controversy through comments, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Over the years, children and adults have grown up around SeaWorld. When the kids and adults visited, they never suspected that anything was wrong with them. They thought everything was fine, because they were such happy whales during the shows.

Meanwhile, behind that fake smile was a killer whale who was tortured, night and day. He would be punished for performing tricks incorrectly, and locked in a 20x30-foot cage at night. As the years have passed, these whales have become more aggressive, and have led to serious injuries and several fatalities at marine life parks. In 2010, an infamous accident occurred at SeaWorld Orlando. There has been a controversy ever since.

In 2013, Blackfish was released in theaters. The movie was a documentary about killer whales, their aggressiveness, their tortured lives, and the controversies behind them. One of the two controversies is between OSHA and SeaWorld Parks, OSHA stating that killer whales are not safe for humans to work with. This controversy formed as a result of the 2010 incident. Also, shortly after Blackfish was released in theaters, SeaWorld commented on the movie, stating that its two main premises are false: that life at SeaWorld is harmful and torturous for killer whales, and dangerous for the trainers that assist them, and that SeaWorld has attempted to cover up the facts that surround the incident at SeaWorld's Orlando park in February 2010.

I was able to watch Blackfish on my iPad last night. Immediately, I knew I didn't want to watch it. It was too emotional and to hard for me to handle. When you watch the documentary, it's pretty much like you can feel the pain the whales feel. 

My opinion? Killer whales should be free to do whatever they want. They can't spend their whole lives away from their families. They can't spend their life in a cold bathtub year-round. They can't spend two-thirds of their life swimming in a cold pond in the dark. They can't spend their whole lives covered in rakes, famished, and captured from their families at such a young age.

In conclusion, I believe SeaWorld is not correct. I agree with Blackfish. These whales should deserve to spend their lives in paradise, and not in an aquatic Alcatraz. 

SeaWorld should retire their whales, and not keep them as show-animals their entire lives. Every ten years or so, they remove whales from their parks to return to their families and capture new ones. That way, we can prevent accidents and controversies like this from happening ever again. What will happen to the whales, the trainers, and SeaWorld parks? Each of their fates aren't predictable just yet, but as we all know, anything can happen, at any time.