Morgyn and Sky Review Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Harry Potter and the world of Hogwarts are a classic by now, so consider us overjoyed when we discovered that there would be another film set in the same wizarding world: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This time we got a glimpse at even more wizarding elements, especially America's wizarding community, and a whole array of magical creatures. The film also delved into Harry Potter's history by bringing the dark wizard Grindelwald into the mix. Sky and Morgyn had the opportunity to go see it together. Here's what they thought of it!

Morgyn's Thoughts

What I disliked: Having never read the book, I had no idea what to expect from this movie. However, parts of it I felt were "overdone." Loud and boisterous. There were a few scenes that literally scared me out of my seat--something I don't enjoy at all. (I hate being scared.) 

What I liked: The characters were great - especially Newt. He was so fun (and I love Eddie Redmayne so that helps too). The "beasts" in this movie were even lovable, and I loved to watch Newt with his "babies" as he took care of them and made sure that they had everything they needed. 

Like I said earlier, I've never read Fantastic Beasts, but I had no trouble understanding any part of the movie, and that's really important for me. It was easy to follow, and I fell in love with all the characters and their backstories.

I can't wait to see the second one!

Morgyn and Sky seeing Fantastic Beasts.

Sky's Thoughts

Fantastic Beasts was actually technically my first Harry Potter film from start to finish. (We had started Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone before leaving for the theater but hadn't finished it.) I can say without a doubt I'm glad this was my first one!

What I disliked: I have an aversion to anything resembling a religious cult, which is what I felt Credence's mother led; it was well-executed on every level, but it creeped me out on a personal level a little too much. Also, objectively, Johnny Depp was a good choice to play Grindelwald, but his abuse allegations soured his portrayal for me, so I wish the character had been cast as someone else.

What I loved: All of it. The characters were spectacular. Newt Scamander is my new favorite character in anything; he was so adorable and sweet and quiet and tenderhearted. Jacob was hilarious. Tina was badass and perfect and everything I aspire to be. Queenie was also everything I aspire to be. The beasts in this film were well-done, colorful, hilarious, and lovable. I loved seeing the MACUSA and the American side of the wizarding world, and I look forward to getting to see more of America and Ilvermorny in the films ahead. Overall, this film was absolutely incredible. I'm so glad we got a glimpse into more of Rowling's world and that we get to see even more of it in the years to come. I can't wait for more Fantastic Beasts. Until then, I would definitely deem this film Muggle-worthy... and even more than that.

What did you think of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?

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Morgyn's Review of Moana

Last night, my family and I went to see Moana. We've been wanting to see it since we saw the first teaser trailer last year. Obviously, as a resident Disney addict, I go to see every Disney movie when it comes to the theater.

   

The Plot:

In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.

There wasn't a dull moment in the whole movie. There were times I was sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Moana was a fearless teenager who didn't let anything stand in the way of saving the people of her island. She was resilient and even bossed around Maui (the demigod!). I appreciated the relationships in this movie, as well. Moana, although she respected her parents, wanted to be able to get out on her own and live her life (outside of her small island), despite her parents wanting her to stay where she was, safe on their island.

This was a typical good versus evil movie, one that I found satisfying from the very first minute to the closing credits.

The Music: 

My favorite thing by far about Disney movies is the great music that always goes with them. The score for Moana was incredible. Featuring songs from newcomer Auli'i Cravalho and even Dwayne Johnson (who knew he could sing?), the Polynesian-style music was interesting and well-done. If nothing else, I say see the movie just for the music. (My sister also says that I should mention that Lin-Manuel Miranda produced the music.)

 

The Voice Cast: 

Like I said above, Auli'i Cravalho is a newcomer to film. She was so good at the part of Moana that I was thoroughly impressed that she'd never done any voice-over acting before.

Dwayne Johnson voiced Maui, the demigod. His character reminded me a lot of him, and he never failed to make me laugh.

Overall Rating: 

I would give Moana a 10/10 rating! The plot, the voice cast, and the music made this animated film a special treat for the whole family.  

Have you seen Moana? If so, what was your favorite part?
If not, when are you planning to see it?  

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Walt Disney World vs. Disneyland

As a seasoned Walt Disney World attendee, I can honestly say that I feel like I know everything there is to do there (even though I actually don’t), and I never have trouble navigating the parks or figuring out what to do next. I have been going to Walt Disney World since I was five and have been on countless trips since then (this past May was trip number 14, and trip 15 is coming up in January!).

So, when I got the opportunity to take a trip to Disneyland with one of my closest friends, I jumped at the chance. I had always wanted to see it – to see the places that Walt himself walked, ride the rides that came from his great mind. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time.

And now that I’ve been home for a little over a week and can take a step back and assess the trip in a little more detail, I can tell everyone the biggest differences between the two Disney parks.

Disneyland is…

1. A LOT smaller
I was actually surprised HOW much smaller. I went into the trip knowing that it was, getting myself ready for the fact that there probably wouldn’t be as much to do and see. As opposed to the four parks at Disney World, there are only two at Disneyland, and they’re a lot smaller in comparison.

2. A LOT cozier
I think because it was smaller, it also had a cozier feel. This was fine until the third day of our trip when the parks were packed, then it was just claustrophobic. (I suggest not going on a weekend.)

3. A LOT busier
Not the parks themselves necessarily, but the area. Disneyland is right in the middle of Anaheim, California. I was impressed that they got everything into one small space because the city is RIGHT THERE. It’s hard to explain without seeing it. We took Uber rides to and from our hotel which took anywhere from 5-15 minutes and we were only a mile away from the parks.

4. A LOT different
I tried to go into Disneyland with an open mind despite what I’d heard from some different people about the major differences. I didn’t want to go off of other people’s experiences without knowing for myself. The cast members (employees) were not nearly as friendly. They didn’t smile a lot and didn’t talk unless spoken to. (Something that is obviously very different at Disney World). The wait-staff at the Disneyland restaurants were not as attentive as they are at Disney World restaurants. They were rush-rush-rush and wanted to get you in and out of the restaurants so that they could get new customers in. (I get that this happens at some other major restaurants, but it’s just a stressful situation when you want to sit down for a nice meal at Disney.)

5. STILL nice
I was happy overall with my trip to Disneyland. While it wasn’t obviously my first choice of Disney destinations, I had a great time. I got to walk where Walt Disney walked, I got to ride rides that he came up with, and I got to see things he saw. That in and of itself was worth the whole trip.

So, would I go back? Maybe. But I’ll be spending most of my time at Walt Disney World from now on.

Have you ever been to Disneyland? If so, what were your favorite things?

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Try the Grey Stuff {It's Delicious}

Beast's Castle in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World - Orlando, FL

If you have ever seen the movie Beauty and the Beast, you know about the feast scene where Lumiere sings Be Our Guest to Belle. However, in case you need a reminder...

The Grey Stuff is a refreshing summery treat that should be eaten any time of the year. At the Be Our Guest restaurant in Walt Disney World it's served on top of a cupcake as an icing. However, I love to eat it straight out of a bowl!

So I thought I'd share the recipe for this wonderful treat: it's super easy to make and is something the whole family should enjoy!

First, start by gathering the ingredients:

Ingredients:

• Instant vanilla pudding mix 
• Instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1-1/2 cups milk 
• 15 Oreos 
• 8 oz. container of whipped topping

Start by mixing the entire content of the vanilla pudding mix with the milk. Put in the refrigerator to harden for 5-10 minutes.

 Next take the 15 Oreos and put them in a baggie and and crush them. I did this with a rolling pin. (You can also put them into a food processor and pulse them into crumbs. Either way!)

Take the hardened pudding out of the fridge and mix in the crushed Oreos!

 Then mix in the entire container of mixed topping.

  

Last but not least, mix in 3 tablespoons of chocolate pudding mix.

Put in the refrigerator for an hour to harden, and then serve!

If you're looking for a quick and easy (and possibly Disney!) recipe to make, this is a great option.

What is your favorite Disney food? Is it something that you make at home or something you get while you're at the Disney parks?

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A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

source Matthew Wade

Have you ever met someone so obsessed with Disney that they had all the Disney clothes, movies, soundtracks, and even went to Disney World as often as humanly possible? Well, that’s me. And if you haven’t met a person like that yet, allow me to introduce myself.

I’ve been a Disney fangirl since before I even realized that I was. I grew experiencing Disney sing-a-longs, watching every Disney animated movie that I could, and going to Disney World as often as my mom could talk my dad into it! (Which, much to my dismay, was usually only once every five years or so.)

The thing about fangirling about Disney is that the feeling never goes away. People think I’m crazy–I know they do. They say, “Oh, you’re going to Disney again?” “Oh, you’re going to see that kid’s movie…?” (Let it be known that Disney movies are for every age and not just for kids…duh.)

Disney is my middle name (not really, but wouldn’t that be cool?!) and so writing about it is…well, easy. I come by all of this honestly, FYI–my mom is just as Disney-ified (that’s not a word but it’s going to be used in my posts, so get used to it) as I am.

So with that, I’m going to introduce you to one of my favorite Disney rides of all time. This ride was originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair in Chicago by Walt Disney himself. Part of the reason I love it so much is that I know this was something that he had his hand on–something original, something wonderful. I never go to Disney World without riding it, and while some people find it outdated, I find it amazing.

The Carousel of Progress is a moving theater. You walk in and sit down, and after each scene, the entire theater moves and you are taken to the next scene.

Each new scene is a different time period. It starts out with the beginning of the 20th century. This scene shows things such as gas lamps, an ice box, and a hand-cranked washing machine.

The second scene takes place in the 1920s. During this act, we see electric lights, cookware, and a sewing machine.

The third scene is the 1940s and features a dishwasher and a TV! (This is my favorite scene in the whole ride. I have always had a “thing” for the 1940s!)

The fourth and final scene is set in what is considered “the future.” It includes a high-definition television, voice activated appliances, and virtual reality games. This particular scene could use some renovations, as most of the things in this scene are outdated (including the clothes and furniture. However, keep in mind this ride was created in the 1960s so it was great for its time!)

This ride has a theme song, There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, that was written by the Sherman Brothers, of Mary Poppins fame. This song plays throughout the ride starting with the first scene and going through to the last. The video below features the Sherman Brothers and Walt Disney singing the theme song together.


While some may consider this particular attraction outdated and not worth their time, I can never go to Disney World without sitting down and watching the show.

Because, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…shining at the end of every day. There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…and tomorrow is just a dream away.

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