Author: Nate

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Powers Passed $240 Million At Box Office In Opening Weekend

“Avengers: Infinity War,” had an amazing opening weekend at the box office! The latest instalment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is expected to finish the weekend with at least $240 million in sales from more that four thousand North American venues.

The highly anticipated film made $106 million at the domestic box office on its opening day Friday, making it the second biggest opening day in history right behind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” which came it at $119 million.

If the box office sales for the film finish where they are predicted to, then the film will become the second-highest domestic opening weekend of all time. That would land it once again right behind 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” with $248 million. The film will most definitely pass “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and passing “The Force Awakens” to take the number one spot is still a real possibility.

This will make “Avengers: Infinity War” the sixth film in history to top the $200 million during its opening weekend. The film will join a top six that also includes, “The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Jurassic World,” “The Avengers” and “Black Panther.”

Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana and many more, reunite two years after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” for “Infinity War,” which also stars Josh Brolin as Thanos, the intergalactic force bent on destruction. Joe and Anthony Russo directed the film which was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

Debuting with $207.4 million in 2012, the original “Avengers”, had the highest opening to date for a Marvel film.

April 28, 2018
A Sweet-Lover’s Guide To Pixar Fest Treats at Disneyland Resort
If you have a sweet tooth then Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort is where you want to be! All four candy shops – Pooh Corner and Candy Palace at Disneyland park, Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park, and Marceline’s Confectionery at the Downtown Disney District – have filled their windows with themed treats inspired by everyone’s favorite Disney•Pixar stories.

Here’s a quick guide to help you find all the sweets! Because you won’t want to miss out on them and you will definitely want to get some cute pics with them.

Candy Palace (Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland park)
- Grape Soda Cake Pop – Inspired by Disney•Pixar’s film “Up,” this grape-flavored cake pop is dipped in white chocolate and covered in purple sugar.
- Pixar Ball Cake Pop (Available through June 22) – A vanilla cake pop inspired by everyone’s favorite bouncing ball!
- Buttercup Apple (Available through June 22) – Inspired by the lovable Buttercup from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 3,” this candy apple is dipped in white chocolate and decorated with marshmallows, yellow sugar, pink chocolate, and a corn chip horn.
- Alien Apple (Available through June 22) – Oooooooo, we are eternally grateful for this candy apple dipped in green and blue chocolate and decorated with blue and purple sugar, white and dark chocolate eyes, a mini-marshmallow antenna, marshmallow ears, and a dark chocolate smile.
- Pixar Ball Apple (Available starting June 23) – Dipped in yellow chocolate, this candy apple is striped with blue chocolate and blue sugar and topped with a fondant star.
- Alien Cake Pop (Available starting June 23) – This chocolate cake pop is dipped in green and white chocolate and decorated with marshmallows and blue and purple sugar.
- Dug Cake Pop (Available starting June 23) – I have just met this chocolate cake pop, and I love this chocolate cake pop! It’s dipped in white chocolate, covered in gold sugar, and decorated with marshmallow ears, dark and white chocolate, and small round candy-coated chocolates.
- Russell Cake Pop (Available starting June 23) – The candy must be explored! This chocolate cake pop is dipped in yellow chocolate and decorated with white chocolate, orange sugar, and small round candy-coated chocolates.
Pooh Corner (Critter Country, Disneyland park)
- Baby Dory Cake Pop – You won’t be forgetting this cake pop! It’s a yummy chocolate cake pop dipped in white chocolate and decorated with blue sugar, white and dark chocolate, and sour belts.
- Nemo Cake Pop – No more Mr. Grumpy Gills after eating this chocolate cake pop. It’s dipped in white chocolate and decorated with orange sugar, small round candy-coated chocolates, white and dark chocolate, and sour belts.
- Grape Soda Cake Pop
- Pixar Ball Cake Pop (Available through June 22)
- Pixar Ball Apple (Available starting June 23)
Trolley Treats (Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure park)
- Pixar Ball Cake Pop
- Grape Soda Cake Pop
- Mike Wazowski Crisped Rice Treat – I can’t believe it! A crispy treat inspired by the green monster himself from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” Dipped in green chocolate and decorated with white and dark chocolate, blue sugar, chewy chocolate candy horns, and small round candy-coated chocolates, this is something you won’t want to put back where it came from (or so help me)!
- Lightning McQueen Apple (Available through June 22) – Ka’chow! This candy apple is dipped in red chocolate and decorated with red sugar, marshmallow wheels, white and dark chocolate, sour belts, and small round candy-coated chocolates.
- Tow Mater Apple (Available through June 22) – Just towed in, this candy apple is dipped in milk chocolate, dusted in orange powder, and decorated with mini-marshmallow headlights, chewy chocolate candy, marshmallow wheels, white and dark chocolate, and small round candy-coated chocolates.
- Pixar Ball Apple (Available starting June 23)
Marceline’s Confectionery (Downtown Disney District)
- Grape Soda Cake Pop
- Nemo Apple – You’ll be swimming out to sea to touch this candy apple dipped in white chocolate, covered in orange sugar, and decorated with hand-cut marshmallows, white and dark chocolate, and small round candy-coated chocolates
- Dory Apple – Just keep swimming to find this candy apple dipped in white chocolate, covered in blue sugar, and decorated with hand-cut marshmallows, yellow sugar, white and dark chocolate, and small round candy-coated chocolates
- Pixar Ball Cake Pop (Available through June 22)
- Pixar Ball Apple (Available starting June 23)
Remember – these sweet, sweet candies are only available for the duration of Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort, which runs through September 3. So make sure to come on out and get your sugar rush before it’s too late! If you’re looking for all of the food and beverage offerings available for Pixar Fest, see my recent Foodie Guide.
April 28, 2018
Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land Officially Opens Today at Shanghai Disneyland

Toy Story Land is Now Open at Shanghai Disney Resort! The Park welcomed its first official guests to Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land today, the first major expansion at the resort since its grand opening in 2016.

“We’re incredibly proud of the success of this one-of-a-kind, world-class destination, and we are thrilled to give our Chinese guests even more to explore and enjoy at the resort with the addition of a spectacular new land based on Pixar’s beloved Toy Story characters,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Based on the Disney·Pixar film series, Shanghai Disneyland’s seventh themed land is a high-spirited, colorful world where guests will feel as if they’ve been shrunk down to the size of their favorite Toy Story toys.

Woody, Buzz and their Toy Story pals come to life and play in this fully immersive land, which features three new attractions: Slinky Dog Spin, Rex’s Racer and Woody’s Roundup. Guests can also interact with their favorite characters at Meeting Post, shop at Al’s Toy Barn and dine at the Toy Box Café.

Shanghai Disney Resort is home to the Toy Story Hotel – the only hotel in the world themed to the popular franchise – as well as the popular Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue at Shanghai Disneyland which features the most advanced Buzz Lightyear targeting system at any Disney park.

With the opening of Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, guests can share even more laughter and fun with family and friends this summer and beyond! Tell us in the comments below what you’re most excited to see and do in this new themed land.

April 26, 2018
Woody Arrives in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort
Toy Story Land is nearing completion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort and Tuesday Imagineers put the proverbial icing on the cake when they installed Woody at his permanent place in the land.

Standing nearly 20 feet tall, Woody will appear as a part of the new Toy Story Land marquee, which sits just in front of one of the land’s most anticipated attractions, the Slinky Dog Dash coaster. He’s tipping his hat (which measures 7’ feet, brim to brim!), next to the marquee, which is made out of blocks and a 4-foot-tall yo-yo – just a few of the many toys that make up Toy Story Land.

When Toy Story Land debuts on June 30, guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody’s Lunchbox – and meet some of the characters from “Toy Story” films!

Want more Toy Story excitement? Check out the list below for updates on new Pixar experiences coming to Hollywood Studios.
April 25, 2018
Disney Reveals A First Look at Tim Burton’s Live-Action ‘Dumbo’

At Tuesday’s live presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, NV there was no ignoring the elephant in the room as Disney revealed the footage from their upcoming live-action Dumbo movie.

Mixed in with footage that was mostly actors from the film talking about the making of the movie and behind the scenes footage was a first glimpse of a young Dumbo in all his CGI glory.

Disney hasn’t officially released any of the footage, but multiple attendees at the event were able to snap some pictures of everyone’s favorite pachyderm. You can see the photo below along with a shot of the film’s official logo.

@DisneyStudios just showed footage from Tim Burton’s recreation of #Dumbo, coming to theaters in 2019!🍿🐘🎪 #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/BbmdYbFdPR

— WildAboutMovies (@WildAboutMovies) April 24, 2018

As the Dumbo presentation started, Disney Executive VP Cathleen Tiff introduced the clip and said, “We’ve expanded the story, taking that as a jumping off point for Dumbo’s newest story”. She explained the film will be different from the classic story we know.

Tim Burton helms the live action Dumbo which is loosely inspired by the 1941 animated film. It’s written by Ehren Kruger and has an all-star cast including Eva Green, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Alan Arkin, and Danny Devito. The period movie includes DeVito as the circus ringmaster and Keaton as the owner.

Disney has continued its dominance at the box office in with a slew of live-action remakes of its animated classics, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Jungle Book,” and last year’s $1.25 billion worldwide grossing “Beauty and the Beast.”

Dumbo is scheduled to hit theaters on March 29, 2019.

April 24, 2018
Marvel’s Newest ‘Venom’ Trailer Reveals Venom And It Was Worth The Wait

The newest trailer has been released by Sony Pictures for Marvel’s upcoming superhero spinoff series Venom and this time it doesn’t disappoint. The first trailer was just a tease and didn’t show the titular anti-hero, but this one shows Venom in full form.

Last weekend on Instagram Tom Hardy teased that he would bring the thunder at CinemaCom and he sure did. Hardy introduced a new trailer Venom during Sony’s presentation.

Marvel’s new superhero spinoff series stars Tom Hardy who plays a reporter named Eddie Brock as well as Venom, an “alien symbiote” stuck in a human body. Brock’s body is possessed by the symbiote which gives him Spider-Man-like powers.

The first trailer didn’t give much in the way of plot details and offered only vague hints about the anti-hero’s origin story. The newest trailer starts with Hardy’s Eddie Brock as a tough journalist dealing with Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed as he uncovers nefarious exploitation at a corporate entity — resulting in a subsequent visit at his run-down apartment from henchmen who are there to dispatch him.

Hardy then partially transforms into Venom and quickly kills his attackers. Eddie Brock then looks at his hand bewildered wondering what has happened. At the end of the trailer we get to see Eddie Brock as he fully forms into the alien symbiote with massive powers and proclaims, “We… Are Venom.” They also released a new poster for the movie.

Venom marks the very beginning of “Sony’s Marvel Universe,” and they have insisted that film will take place in the same setting as 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, which takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Then again, Marvel has insisted that Venom is not a part of the MCU. Confusing, but it leaves the door open for Marvel to include Venom at some point if it suits them.

Venom is set for wide release on October 5, 2018.

April 24, 2018
OFFICIAL: Free Dining Plan Offer Is Back At Walt Disney World Resort And Available Now
When you plan a Walt Disney World vacation, there are many choices to help you create a magical and lasting experience and one of them is the food! As expected, Disney announced today that the annual Free Dine offer is back and now available.

This popular offer comes just in time for new entertainment, first-of-its-kind character interactions and all that Walt Disney World has to offer in 2018, starting with the highly anticipated debut of Toy Story Land, opening June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

You will receive a dining plan for free if you book a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package by July 7 for arrivals most nights from:
- August 20 – September 29
- November 24 to November 27
- December 7 to December 23, 2018
The package includes a room at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket with a Park Hopper option.* Packages of other lengths of stay may be available.

Guests staying at select Value and Moderate Resorts receive the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, which includes two quick-service meals and two select snacks per night honored at more than 100 dining locations.

Guests staying at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan, which includes one quick-service meal, two select snacks and one table-service meal per night honored at more than 150 select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants.
April 24, 2018
First Look: New Incredicoaster Trains at Disney California Adventure Park

When Pixar Pier opens this summer California Screamin’ will be permanently transformed into Incredicoaster! The attraction is already closed for construction and today Disney gives us a first glimpse of the new Incredicoaster trains that will ride the rails of the newly redesigned high-speed wooden roller coaster.

Disney Imagineers have been putting the final details on the new trains, which will take you on a thrilling race alongside “The Incredibles.” The superhero family, each with special gifts, will race alongside guests during the attraction, trying to catch their baby Jack-Jack.

The Incredicoaster will glide around Pixar Pier on steel tracks that cover a distance of almost 1-1/8 miles—the longest and fastest roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort. The attraction will feature a super combination of character figures, lighting, music and special effects, bringing all the action of “The Incredibles” to life!

The coaster’s existing tunnels will be fully enclosed, and the character of Mrs. Incredible, also known as Elastigirl, will stretch inside, over the heads of coaster riders, trying to catch her baby.

The new loading area for the ride will be a soaring glass mid-century-modern building inspired by the Parr family home in the movie. Music will be provided that hypes the new “Incredibles 2” movie slated to open July 14.

There has been a 13-year wait for The Incredibles 2, finally coming to theaters next year, but the anticipation is even higher as we wait for Incredicoaster’s debut this summer. You can enter for a chance to win a Pixar Pier getaway here! The new area opens June 23 at Disney California Adventure park.

April 23, 2018
Disney World is Hiring 3,500 Workers And Offering Signing Bonuses Up To $3,000
Central Florida is the hub for tourism in Florida and with the opening of Toy Story Land coming this summer along numerous other additions to the parks which aren’t far behind, Disney World is in need of some more Cast Members. The company will be hosting job fairs for a variety of positions within the Walt Disney World Resort as they hope to hire around 3,500 workers.

The company is looking for “full-time, part-time and seasonal roles within housekeeping, transportation, lifeguard, food and beverage and many more.” a release stated. Full-time cast member hires will be offered a $3,000 hiring bonus for select positions along with benefits including medical, dental, vision and paid time off.

Multiple other positions qualify for bonuses as well and most of them have been increased from what the company offered last year. Culinary chefs can get a $3,000 bonus while both full-time or part-time housekeepers hired at Disney World’s resorts this year can get a hiring bonus of $1,250. Full-time or part-time lifeguards this year can get a $1000 hiring bonus and seasonal lifeguards get a $500 bonus. Bus drivers can get a $500 hiring bonus just like last year. The bonuses are given after training periods and 30 days on the job.

There’s was a culinary job fair at ESPN Wide World of Sports today, April 23, but Disney will continue holding its annual spring hiring events through May.

Candidates searching online can apply at Disney’s Big Spring Hiring Event by going to DisneyCareers. Here is a list of upcoming spring job fairs Disney World will be holding in preparation for the resort’s summer season:
- Housekeeping Hiring Days & Job Fair – Housekeeping Hiring Days are held every Monday-Friday throughout April and May from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and on Wednesday, May 9, a housekeeping job fair will be held from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. – all at the Walt Disney World Resort Casting Center. Disney workers will be available to answer questions, help with the application process and conduct interviews on the spot.
- Lifeguard Job Fairs – On Saturday, April 21, at Mickey’s Retreat; and Wednesday, May 2, at Typhoon Lagoon, candidates age 16 years or older will interview and complete onsite swim tests for an opportunity to become part of the Disney team.
- Culinary Job Fair – On Monday, April 23, at ESPN Wide World of Sports, qualified candidates can learn about available culinary roles, meet with chefs and interview with recruiters.
- Bus Driver Online Job Fair – Held online through May 31, candidates interested in joining a team that’s always on the move can apply for available part-time and full-time roles.
April 23, 2018
First Look: Toy Story Land Entrance Sign Installed at Hollywood Studios

With less than one hundred days until the opening of Toy Story Land the excitement is hard to bear, but today we got to see just how close we really are. In new images revealed by Disney today, we get a first look at the Toy Story Land marquee that will adorn the entrance into the new land.

The signage features the Toy Story logo on a wooden yo-yo toy atop the word “Land” spelled out in alphabet blocks. The only thing missing is the Woody figure that will tower over guests as he leans against the sign.

When it opens, guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard.

Guests will be also be able to take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, or take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet.

Toy Story Land guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will allow even more guests to take aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

You can see the new marquee when Toy Story land opens up on June 30!

April 23, 2018