The Disney Princess royal court welcomes its newest princess, the brave and passionate Merida from Disney-Pixar’s “Brave,” in a regal celebration May 11, 2013 at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. L-R: Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Pocahontas, Tiana, Merida, Rapunzel, Mulan, Cinderella, Jasmine and Ariel (Gregg Newton, photographer)

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This was my 4th event so far this year at the Forum so we know the drill…get tickets at Will Call, go through bag check then head to our seats. This time was different. At bag check I was informed that I could bring my camera, a Nikon Coolpix P100  into the Forum but I couldn’t bring my small camera bag in! I wasn’t carrying a purse-my ID, keys, money, phone were all tucked into my camera bag. The security officer made me put everything in my pocket and Bob ran my camera bag back to the car for me. I am not sure of the reasoning for this rule, and I have tweeted @tbtimesforum and have received no response. Kim’s purse is HUGE, you could fit 2-3 of my camera bags in her purse but she was allowed to bring her purse in so it wasn’t a size issue. I was even more stumped when we got to our seats and saw other people with their camera bags! I’d love to get a response from the Forum on this issue.

We arrived at our seats by 6:30pm and Bob bought Matthew a $10 cotton candy which came with either a princess tiara or a Flounder hat. Matthew opted for Flounder. 

The show opened with a rollicking production number featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and a cast of talented skaters. Later in the opening segment Pinocchio, Anastasia and Druzilla also got in on the act.

The Little Mermaid

Sebastian made his way out to tell us the tale of The Little Mermaid. This segment included Ariel, her sisters, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Flounder, Ursula, Flotsam & Jetsam and a host of skating sea creatures!

Tangled

Next up was Kim and my favorite section-Tangled. This act included Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Maximus, Mother Gothel, and the thugs. The skating horse is very cool and we loved the beauty of the floating lanterns.

Brave

After intermission Mickey and the gang came back out and introduced us to Merida and the rest of the crew from Brave. In this act we had Merida, Queen Elinor, The Triplets-Harris, Hubert and Hamish, and the clans of Dingwall, MacGuffin, and Macintosh. This act was filled with excitement, fast skating and even archery and was the favorite of both Bob and Matthew.

Matthew on the edge of his seat during “Brave”

Beauty and the Beast

Tale as old as time…you can never go wrong by including the classic Beauty and the Beast in the show. Belle, LeFou, Gaston and the townspeople open this act with the songs “Belle” and “Gaston”. Once Belle arrives at the castle we meet up with Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Potts, Chip, the Beast and the rest of the enchanted household. “Be Our Guest” was a fantastic production number and I really loved the flatware’s costumes.

The show ended with the full cast on stage skating to a medley of songs. The high energy show lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes and was enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages. Disney on Ice:Rockin’ Ever After is touring the US, Canada and Mexico this year so it might just be coming to your corner of the world.

Disclosure: I received 4 tickets for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine. There are affiliate links in this post.

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Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to take waves with Ariel.  A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the  sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to your hometown.

I am giving away a 4-pack of tickets to wither the May 16 or May 17 7:00pm show at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. The giveaway ends at 12:00am on 4/27/13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I will receive tickets to the opening night show in exchange for hosting this giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine

The post Disney on Ice Rockin Ever After Tampa Giveaway appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to take waves with Ariel.  A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the  sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn.  And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to Tampa.

Tickets are on sale now from the Tampa Bay Times Forum Box Office and readers of The Mom Maven can save $5.00 on select performances by using code MOMD13 when ordering. Offer not valid on Rinkside Dining or VIP seats. No double discounts. Not valid day of show. Not valid for Sat. 3pm or Sun. 1pm performances. Make sure you are subscribed to The Mom Maven because you don’t want to miss my Disney on Ice ticket giveaway coming up in a few weeks!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am receiving 4 tickets to see Disney on Ice Presents Rockin’ Ever After. All opinions are 100% mine.

The post Disney On Ice is Skating Back to Tampa Bay appeared first on The Mom Maven.

• Best Picture
• Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role – Daniel Day-Lewis
• Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role – Sally Field
• Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role – Tommy Lee Jones
•  Directing – Steven Spielberg
• Adapted Screenplay – Tony Kushner
• Music (Original Score) – John Williams
• Cinematography – Janusz Kaminski
•  Costume Design – Joanna Johnston
• Film Editing – Michael Kahn
• Production Design – Rick Carter, Jim Erickson
• Sound Mixing – Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins

“We are absolutely thrilled and astonished with the 12 nominations. It is such a tribute to the work of those who joined us in this 12-year journey to bring LINCOLN to the screen. We humbly thank the Academy members who honored so many of us.”- Steven Spielberg (Director/Producer) and Kathleen Kennedy (Producer)

“I’m spinning and beyond thrilled on so many levels. To be included in this amazing group of extraordinary craftsman and exquisite talents has been an honor in itself. But now for us all to receive so much recognition from the Academy I’m deeply appreciative and overwhelmed, and basically, I still can’t believe I got the role.”- Sally Field (Supporting Actress)

“I’m tremendously honored to be a nominee in the company of so many writers and filmmakers whose work I admire. I’m very grateful to Steven and Kathy, to Daniel, Sally, Tommy Lee and the whole cast, to Rick, Joanna, Janusz, Mike and John and everyone who made Lincoln happen. I’m overwhelmed by the Academy’s response to the film. I heard that I’d been nominated while waiting to take off on a plane from JFK to LAX. James Gandolfini, who’s sitting in front of me, gave me a hug and a kiss, so I’m about as happy as can be. ”- Tony Kushner (Adapted Screenplay)

“I’m thrilled and honored to be nominated, it was an extraordinary experience with a remarkable team who are all part of this recognition. It is my first nomination and I’m so happy to be part of this unique body of talent.”- Joanna Johnston (Costume Designer)

BRAVE (Disney•Pixar)

•  Animated Feature Film

“We are incredibly honored by today’s Academy Award nomination. ‘Brave’ has been an adventure from the beginning – starting with our research trips to Scotland, the crew embarked upon a journey that inspired us all and forever changed our fates. Thanks to the Academy from all of us here at Pixar.”- Mark Andrews, Director, “Brave”

FRANKENWEENIE (Disney)

• Animated Feature Film

“’Frankenweenie’ is a very personal film for me. The idea of telling a feature length version was in the back of my mind for many years. Stop Motion was the perfect medium for this project, and one I’ve always loved for its expressiveness and dimensionality. I’ve worked with so many incredible artists: animators, cast members, set builders, and puppet makers, all who have helped bring this film to life one frame at a time. I’m so honored that the Academy has recognized this film as one of its nominees.”- Tim Burton, Director “Frankenweenie”

WRECK-IT RALPH (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

• Animated Feature Film

“To have the ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ team’s passion and years of hard work acknowledged by the Academy is an honor like no other. We are so proud, so grateful – I can’t wait to congratulate everyone in-person.”- Rich Moore, Director “Wreck-It Ralph”

PAPERMAN (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

• Animated Short Film

“It’s beyond an honor to have ‘Paperman’ nominated for an Oscar. I can’t thank everyone on the team enough for their passion and hard work in making this dream project a reality.”
– John Kahrs, Director “Paperman”

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS (Marvel)

• Visual Effects – Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and Dan Sudick

The 85^th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, February 24.

The post Walt Disney Studios 2013 Oscar Nominations appeared first on The Mom Maven.

#3

BRAVE Review My thoughts on this much anticipated Pixar film.

#2

Let It Shine Review  The best DCOM of 2012!

#1

Les Miserables Review My review of the acclaimed Broadway Musical now motion picture.

2013 is sure  to be filled with more great entertainment!

The post 2012 Year in Review-Top Entertainment Posts appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In Brave, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

Rated PG.

Like BRAVE on Facebook

Visit the official website

Just in case you aren’t familiar with BRAVE, you can read my review and watch this trailer.

The Giveaway

The BRAVE Prize Pack includes:

• $25 Visa Gift Card to have a family movie night at home with BRAVE on demand!
•  Copy of the official soundtrack
•  BRAVE stationary set
•  BRAVE T-shirt

Prize pack valued at $63. Prizing courtesy of Disney ABC Domestic Television. The giveaway is open to US residents only. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter, see terms in the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am receiving the same prize pack as I am giving away in exchange for posting this giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Sulley carving

Pizza Planet Truck

I know some die-hard Pixar fans who were hoping for a Luxo ball or an A11 but so far they have not been sighted.

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When I see a Pixar film I expect quirky, yet deep characters, a story line that sucks me in and isn’t ridiculously predictable, and beautiful scenery that makes me feel I am in the movie, not just watching it. Unfortunately for me, Brave didn’t deliver on all of those accounts.

I have been in love with Merida, the main character since I met her last summer in my sneak peek. Merida is the most dimensional character in the film but she is never fully developed and I found myself not really feeling anything for her as the film moved on. King Fergus, Merida’s loving and bumbling father shows some moments of being a caring and understanding father who wants to make his daughter happy and see her dreams come true.More often than not though, he is just a fun-loving, competitive male who may be King but he doesn’t rule the roost. Queen Elinor, Merida’s strong and purposeful mother is also rather one dimensional and seems to care more about her place in life and in the kingdom than she does about helping her daughter follow her passion. The triplets are just in the movie for comic relief. For as much pressure that is put on Merida to grow up and be the princess she is supposed to be, the princes are left to wreak havoc with little care of their misbehavior by either parent.

The scenery in Brave is beautiful and I feel the Pixar team did a great job bringing us into the Scottish highlands and into the DunBroch castle. Merida is especially well animated and her curly red hair appears life-like, especially as it moves in the wind as she rides her horse, Angus.

The story started strong in Act 1 but by Act 2 the plot didn’t thicken, it fell off and became very predictable and more like a Disney fairy tale and less like a Pixar film. I’m sure that this is because none of the well known Pixar writers were involved in the script for Brave. This is where I feel Brave missed the mark. IF Brave were a Disney animated fairy tale, with a better score and a singing princess, it probably would have worked…but it isn’t. It is a PG rated Pixar film which the kids will enjoy but, unlike all of the other Pixar movies the parents won’t care to see it again.

As I was leaving the theatre I asked several people their opinion of the movie and here is a general breakdown of their responses.

Children: I loved it, I love Merida

Teens: It was a beautiful movie but the story was boring, I liked Merida’s hair, I want to go to Scotland now

Adults: Boring, Too Brother Bear-ish, No story line, This is the first Pixar film I won’t be buying on DVD.

To sum it all up, Brave is a good movie, it just isn’t great. It doesn’t live up to the Pixar name and thus it let me down. If this movie had been released by a different company it may have been acceptable, but it wasn’t.

Have you seen Brave? What are your thoughts? Please let me know what you thought of the movie in the comments.

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