Jazz Up Movie Night and Celebrate Disney Pixar's 'Soul' with Family Friendly Meals from Blue Apron

 Shake up your dinner and a movie routine with a fun and savory mix of family-friendly meals to celebrate the release of Disney Pixar's 'Soul'. In celebration of the new Pixar film streaming on Disney Plus starting Christmas Day, December 25th, Blue Apron is debuting four limited-time recipes to inspire your next themed movie night.

What Does it Mean to Be 100? Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2020 Goes Virtual

Can you imagine being a teenager and given the opportunity of a lifetime to spend four magical days at Walt Disney World to experience a phenomenal mentorship program, at no cost to your family?

Disney Artemis Fowl Trailer Reaction Video & DIYS for a Magical Watch Party

Believers in the infinite power of magic, who geeked out over the series of books written by Eoin Colfer, were not thrilled at all with the trailer for Disney's Artemis Fowl. With the fantasy adventure film being released this weekend directly to Disney Plus we figured we'd check out the trailer to see what all the fuss was about. Check out our reaction video and if you're planning to host a watch party we have some fun themed treats to share!

The Disney Family SingAlong ll includes Chloe x Halle, Anika Noni Rose, Danny Glover and Billy Eichner

Music has always been a source to help celebrate life's moments and with a sprinkle of pixie dust, a fun way to uplift spirits. The Disney Family SingAlong, with 13 million viewers was such a hit in our house and featured a star-studded lineup of industry talent like Ariana Grande, Josh Groban, John Stamos, Kristin Chenoweth, Auliʻi Cravalho and more. Hubby and I belted out our childhood favorite melodies from the Jungle Book, Hercules and Aladdin, while our boys enjoyed singing along to Moana and Toy Story.

This Mother's Day you can find me lounging around in pajamas and my new Little Mermaid ears all day, with no plans but to chill out with my boys, enjoying breakfast in bed, a morning walk (with my Disney Villains handmade facemask on) and a marathon of our fave themed board games.  We'll wrap up the night with dinner and show as we tune into the airing of The Disney Family SingAlong II on ABC at 7pm ET. 

Celebrate Earth Month with 4 captivating films and activities from Disneynature and National Geographic

2020 will be forever remembered as the year we were all forced to slow down, stay in place and to pay more attention to how we're caring not only for ourselves but for the world we live in. The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all on a global scale and it almost feels like Mother Nature was finally fed up and said: "alright ya'll are doing too much down there & ignoring all the signs and I need to check you!"

Weeks into this health crisis and as each country requires their residents to stay home, there were all these articles coming out about better air quality in China and Italy, clearer canals in Venice and sightings of wild animals roaming the streets and National Parks freely. At the very least, let's see if some good comes out of all this with positive environmental changes by next year. 

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Disney and National Geographic aim to inspire families to be hopeful and stay connected. Check out their latest Earth Day themed content and activities for families. 

Can't get to the Disney Parks? Bring the magic home with over 20 themed games for kids of all ages

If only a bit of pixie dust could save us all from the coronavirus pandemic! It was announced earlier this month that Disney Parks would close its doors across the globe in hopes to flatten the curve and slow down the widely spread virus. This news has been such a bummer seeing as we were finally planning to take our youngest to Disney World in the fall to celebrate his 10th birthday and first visit.  On our last episode of the Brown Side of Disney my co-hosts and I talked about the park closings and ultimately think a lot of folks underestimated the seriousness of all this news and then realized things were really about to hit the fan once the house of mouse shut things down.

Since we're all practicing social distancing and can't visit the parks, bring the magic of Disney straight to your home and pass the time away with over 20 Disney themed games. As a believer in finding the good in everyday moments big and small despite our circumstance, we hope amidst the challenges ahead you look at this moment in time as a way to unplug to connect with your kids. 

Disney's Raven's Home Episode Highlights Vaping and 3 Ways to Start a Conversation with Your Tweens and Teens

Did you know that (According to CDC figures) 38% of high schoolers and even 13% of middle schoolers have tried vaping at least once — and there’s reason to think these figures are low, given that they’re based on self-reporting. Even though the legal age for buying vape pens is 18  the usage of them has explosively increased over the last 5 years and our kids are being targeted with products that look cool and are flavored like candy to entice them. 

Disney Channel's hit series "Raven's Home" will spotlight the risks associated with vaping among youth in an important episode that's especially relevant to kids age 6-14 and their families,  this Sunday, March 1 (8pm ET/PT) on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.  A special message from the cast will follow the episode on Disney Channel and Disney Channel YouTube.

You Can't Fear What You Can't See: Unstoppable 14 Year old Football Player Adonis and The Marvel Hero Project

We may all sit back and ooh & ahh at the incredible powers of our favorite Marvel comic book heroes as they unfold in million-dollar CGI effects on the big screen, but there are everyday heroes among us in impressively passionate children who are suiting up to make the world a better place! 

Grab your kleenex because once you watch and read about the inspiring story of 14-year-old Football player Adonis and all of the extraordinary kids featured in the upcoming 20 episodes of The Marvel Hero Project, you'll undoubtedly end up a hot, ugly-crying mess. 

During our visit to Disney Studios, while attending the Geekly Retreat for entertainment writers, we had the opportunity to enjoy an early screening of episode 103 - The Unstoppable Adonis from the new Disney Plus original with an introduction from their VP of non-fiction content. 

Frozen 2: An Empowering Disney Princess Sequel that Shows Boys its Ok to Have Real Feelings

When Disney's Frozen hit DVD five years ago, I had no idea that the animated movie would be repeatedly played as often as it would be by our then threenager son. Tristan was absolutely obsessed with all of the layers that made the record-breaking movie so wildly popular in the theaters: beautifully engaging scenes, catchy hit songs, and a great storyline with lots of laughs. We'd both done a teaser trailer reaction video together for Disney's sequel, Frozen 2 and regardless of it being a "princess" movie, my tween son has been counting down for it to hit theaters this Friday, November 22nd. 

I'm still in complete disbelief that I  was blessed with the opportunity to walk the red carpet and attend the world premiere of Frozen 2 during my stay in Burbank California for The Geekly Retreat. The movie takes us on a visually stunning adventure alongside two fiercely determined sisters who follow a voice and their gut to understand their past. It's definitely a more complex storyline with some darker themes but there were some beautiful takeaways on owning and expressing feelings that boys can learn from. 

(Re)Considering Dog Adoption and Interviewing the Cast of Disney Plus Original Lady and The Tramp

I'll be the first to admit that I'm easily distracted by dogs, large and furry ones, stubby-legged ones with big floppy ears and even the scraggly looking ones with a lot of heart - I really don't discriminate. Looking back on pictures of me visiting my Grandmother on the Lower Eastside, I seemed really happy in the photos that included her German Shephard Nija who was practically double my height when she got on her hind legs. From stories told to me, there really is something to be said for a loyal dog, she was my protector and always by my side.

It wasn't until my first time seeing Disney's animated classic Lady and the Tramp that I most vividly recall really wanting a particular type of dog. American Cocker Spaniels were everywhere I looked in our Queens neighborhood and I begged my parents for one even though I knew the answer would be no without a hint of hesitation.  

One of my best friends in grade school had gotten the most gorgeous cinnamon brown Cocker Spaniel and I remember being so upset at my mom and dad for refusing to let me have one. My wishlist to Santa even included a new pup, and year after year I was pretty disappointed that there wasn't a surprise wrapped in a pretty hatbox under our Christmas tree. Eventually, they agreed to let me have an adopted cat named Little Bit who I loved bunches but I knew as an adult I'd always end up with a shelter dog of my own.  

Into the Unknown: Frozen 2 Red Carpet World Premiere and After Party

Thank you to Disney and The Geekly show for the opportunity to attend!

Have you ever stood in your own way of something so unbelievably amazing because you underestimated your gift and purpose? If you can relate, I'm sure looking back you've either kicked yourself repeatedly out of regret or you rose to the occasion and listened to the sirens of the universe pulling you towards greatness. When the application went out to attend the first-ever Geekly Retreat, I had such a surge of feelings that fluttered between excitement and self-doubt.

Fast forward to months later and I'm so glad that I pushed fear aside and applied. I've always been a true believer that "what's meant for you, will always be for you". Now I'm sitting here pinching myself while thinking of the many incredible moments we just experienced during a whirlwind 4 days this week in California. It's kind of surreal that as part of our retreat itinerary we attended Disney's Frozen 2 red carpet world premiere and after-party all thanks to the ladies of The Geekly Show.

Living in NYC as a freelance family and lifestyle writer, I have been honored to attend advanced movie screenings and to receive opportunities to interview celebrities and directors during press junkets over the last 5 years. Where we've been invited to a few movie premieres in the past, I'd never been invited to actually walk the red carpet. 

Disney World Girls Weekend: Fun Planning Tips to Try on Your Magical Getaway

Who can agree it's time for a girls weekend at Walt Disney World? There's been a recent social media rant from a mom that's getting lots of buzz on banning kidless Millenials from visiting the most magical place on earth. I think that's such nonsense, especially over a pretzel her 3 yr. old son didn't get due to expected long lines. Disney is meant to be enjoyed by everyone! Can you imagine growing up and not being able to afford to go to Disney until you hit your adult years, only to be told you can't visit the parks because you're not a parent?

I'll never forget a spontaneous crazy six hours of kids free fun I had a few years ago with my girls Tiffani of MyMommyVents and Valerie of Mommyrandr running through Magic Kingdoms Main Street to Milly Rock with Frozo during a parade, grabbing dole whip and turkey legs and cracking jokes on a magical carpet ride before getting caught in a freaking downpour. When you don't make strategic plans you end up hanging out on all the kiddie rides and we could care less that we were soaking wet, we rode "It's a Small World" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" without our own kids fussing and whining and ended the night with spectacular fireworks. I put the dang mom guilt aside and had the absolute best time! Watch the fun here.

If you are taking a break with your girlfriends at Disney, I have some great planning tips for you. Follow these awesome Walt Disney World girls weekend ideas to have the time of your life with your girl gang at Disney!

Photos [polynesian @brittanyburwellmickeytravels // toystory @clumsydragon28]

The Circle of Life: Reviews of Disney The Lion King from Multi-Generational Families Across the Nation #TheLionKing

We made it a family affair and checked out Disney’s The Lion King, in theaters NOW! When I was a kid, I remember when big blockbuster movies hit theaters, our fam would rally up sometimes and go in big groups. I loved those moments so much because with tons of snacks in hand we'd fill rows of the theater with parents, grands, cousins, aunties, uncles and even the neighbor's kid from down the hall, LOL. 25 years later we knew we'd have to meet up to enjoy each others company amidst singing along and all of the laughter while watching this Disney classic unfold on the big screen once more. While scrolling through the #lionking on Instagram It was so awesome to see how many other families around the world journeyed to the pride lands, many rocking matching Lion King tees to see the film. 

With all the criticisms lately over the new genre of Disney live-action remakes (we're still not sure how to feel about the upcoming Mulan), we decided to go in with an open mind but definitely had high hopes that Director John Favreau would do one of our top 3 Disney films justice the way the animated 1994 classic gave us all the warm and fuzzy feels. To be honest, our multi-generational family of hard to impress Millenials and Gen-Z kids thought the new Lion King was a good family flick, despite any mixed reviews you've already heard or read. It's already made $185 million domestically this opening weekend, but is it really a must-see or are we all just buying tickets for the sake of nostalgia? We Chatted with other Disney loving families around the nation who shared their memories and thoughts on the movie.

Toy Story 4 Review: Every Ending is A New Beginning as We Discover Purpose, A Voice and Prioritize Happiness

Whoa, where does the time go? It just dawned on me that it has been 9 years since we all thought the Toy Story franchise had come to an end as Woody, Buzz and the gang said farewell to their college-bound kid Andy and found themselves in a new room with the adorable, imaginative new kid Bonnie. 

Last week the monsters and I had the chance to partake in an early screening of the latest Pixar adventure Toy Story 4 and I hope you all have plans to see it this weekend!  It was a truly hilarious journey between friends new and old, that highlights discovering your purpose, finding your voice and learning that it's really ok to prioritize your own happiness. You could feel the anticipation in the theater once the lights dimmed, and the sweetest giggles of a child two rows in front had us moviegoers all laughing before the opening rescue scene. 

At the root of it, these iconic Disney Pixar characters are more than just our favorite toys who've been tugging at our heartstrings and making grown folks weepy for over 2 decades, they bring so many of our human characteristics to light in a relatable way. Would you have ever believed that Pixar's very first movie could carry such longevity and through animation allow us all to reflect on our own lives: successes, disappointments, and insecurities?

There's been a lot of internet buzz surrounding the film and whether or not there was a need for a third sequel and I'm going to say heck yes! I honestly think Toy Story 4 gives us the closure we didn't even think we needed and I'm happy that Disney Pixar decided to do it. Now, not everything in the film gave me the magical feels but didn't take away from the overall enjoyment and I'll break that all down in this spoiler-free review.

Don't You Dare Close Your Eye's! 4 Reasons Disney's Aladdin is a Must See + Video Review and Giveaway #Aladdin

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jakks Pacific whose sponsoring this giveaway and our annual holiday toy drive. Thank you for reading & supporting the brands who help us support families in need. 

Growing up I remember watching Disney’s Aladdin in the living room of our 2 bedroom apartment in Queens, we'd pull off all the seat cushions from the couches and spread each of them across the floor. My sissy and I would pretend that we were hopping from one rooftop to the next like we were being chased through the city of Agrabah. I'm surprised we didn't ruin the dang VHS ribbon after the number of times we played that tape. We'd belt out all of those catchy songs at the top of our lungs and crack up at Robin Williams in his larger than life role as the Genie.

Fast forward to today and us 80’s and 90’s babies have been waiting patiently for the release in theaters, some of us with a little skepticism after seeing what felt like subpar trailers and having high expectations of Disney’s latest live-action update. Would it be masterfully produced, and visually engaging? It's freaking Disney of course and Guy Ritchie was at the helm in the director's seat giving his touch of fast action and grit, while the legendary Alan Menken would undoubtedly have us singing along on a new adventure, with 2 brand new songs.

Aladdin is one of those movies that quintessentially represents our childhood and we knew there was no way with all the cinematic magic in the world that Disney could fail us, or could they?

I'll say this, Don’t You Dare close your eyes on this movie or underestimate Will Smith in his role as the Genie! We screened the film with our 2 boys and it brought a whole new world to light in a way that was true to the nostalgiac storyline yet updated with a few modern twists that were meant to appeal to a Gen Z audience.

Toy Story Drop Mobile App Game with Special Toy Story 4 Levels #MustHavesforLilMonsters

Big fish games recently released Toy Story Drop!, a new mobile game fully themed in the Toy Story universe and it's been the perfect way to keep Disney and Pixar fans preoccupied while waiting for Toy Story 4 to hit theaters on June 21st. The new game will include characters, friendships, locations, environments and motifs from the entire Toy Story universe, including the latest installment.  Players progress through gameplay by matching, dropping and clearing hundreds of exciting puzzles to help favorite characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear overcome larger-than-life obstacles as they journey across iconic locations such as Andy's Room and Pizza Planet. 

Players can also unlock bonus gameplay driven by new Toy Story narrative adventures inspired by the toys’ unique worlds. Players can help Sheriff Woody and his posse of friends track down Evil Doctor Porkchop who has robbed the bank, or join Buzz Lightyear to protect a top-secret prototype from Zurg’s clutches. 

Key Toy Story Drop! gameplay features include:

• Journey across iconic locations while matching three or more colorful marbles on the board to meet level goals, rescue stuck toys and overcome obstacles to unlock new levels;
• Unlock fully themed bonus levels with original narrative content by collecting and assembling character-themed sets of beloved characters, accessories and set pieces;
• Make impressive combinations to unleash more powerful play: bouncy Pixar Balls bump away big groups of marbles, rockets blast off to clear random tiles, jack-in-the-box boosts punch through entire lines on the board and disco balls clear all pieces of one color; and
• Unlock special items for added strategy and fun: zap away pieces with the Aliens’ flying saucer and swap marbles with The Claw.

Beginning June 21^st, Big Fish will unveil additional Toy Story 4-themed content syncing to the theatrical release, including a Forky playable scene and special content where players help Bo Peep find her lost sheep. Big Fish expects to release additional Toy Story Drop! content every few weeks.

Toy Story Drop!, by the developer of Gummy Drop!, is available worldwide on the App Store, Google Play and the Amazon Appstore and it is coming soon to the Microsoft Store on Windows 10. To learn more, please visit: www.toystorydrop.com and follow Facebook, Twitter and  Instagram.

Disney Dropped The Lion King Official Trailer: Our Hyped Reaction Video

Let the countdown begin! 25 years later and we're officially 100 days away from the release of Disney's live-action installment of The Lion King and they gifted us with the official full-length trailer yesterday. Leaving us in the midst of the Serengeti to witness the unfolding of a story of growing up through tragedy, friendship, love and finding one's place in the world, everyone's all in their feels about it! We're hoping in a good way, because we really loved the classic animated version as kids and can't wait to see the new film in theaters July 19th. 

Disney Ralph Breaks the Internet Digital & Blu - Ray DVD Release Giveaway

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links where we may receive a small percentage in sales. 

Fans of Ralph Breaks the Internet get excited because the sequel to Wreck it Ralph is coming to Digital {February 12t} and Blu-Ray DVD on February 26th, 2019. Our favorite Video game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) risked it it all by traveling to the world wide web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet—the netizens—to help navigate their way, including a webite entrepreneur named Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site “BuzzzTube.

Must Haves for Lil' Monsters 2018 Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaway

 It's the most wonderful time of the year and we're beyond excited to be hosting our 4th annual "Must Haves for Lil' Monsters" Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaway! All year we've been heading to our favorite toy showcases hosted by The Toy Insider and TTPM to check out the latest and greatest in toys and we've rounded up our favorite must haves for kids of all ages within 10 categories: Trendy Toys, Create, STEAM, Disney Lovers, Game Night, Video Games, Throwback, Books & Movies, Outdoor Fun and Stocking Stuffers.

This year we're offering 1 lucky reader a prize pack valued at over $400 and excitedly all of our giveaway sponsors have donated products to our #LilMonstersGiveBack Initiative where we will be donating toys to a local school, church and women's shelter! 

Disclosure: We have received review samples and donation contributions to facilitate this guide and giveaway. Opinions expressed are 100% our own and this post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays! 

"SOLO" A Star Wars Story: Fun Facts and a Gift Pack Giveaway #HanSolo #AStarWarsStory

In honor of Star Wars’ release of SOLO: A Star Wars Story on May 25, 2018, I’ve teamed up with some amazing Disney Bloggers for a galactic giveaway of a Star Wars Gift Pack—a $300 value! No purchase necessary!

Before you enter to win the prizes below I thought you'd all love a few cool FUN FACTS from the movie: