About Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is located next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. When guests cruise inside, they will come face to face with Lightning, who appears live on stage. The theater features a 17-foot-tall wraparound screen that stretches more than 200 feet end to end, enveloping guests in high-octane fun.

During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career. And if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years … things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to turn right to go left!

Our Thoughts on the Attraction

The Queue, or lack thereof can be disconcerting. There is a queue area to the left of the building. There are several umbrellas and fans to help keep waiting guests cool. When we arrived we were the 3rd family in the queue area. Many other families were checking out what is technically the post-show area while they waited. When the “doors will be opening soon” announcement was made, those families made there way to the queue area and worked their way in front of the families who had been waiting under the umbrellas or near the fans. I feel there needs to be an actual queue system to avoid the mad rush and keep things orderly.

Once you enter the theater there are benches for you to sit on. The show takes place on the large screen and a raised stage so there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is a fun show for all ages and…it is air conditioned with seats so you might as well enjoy that for the 10 minute show. When you exit the show you can meet Cruz Ramirez and DJ. You cannot meet or take pictures with Lightning McQueen. As we were exiting I heard several parents telling children that they were going to take pictures with Lightning and that just isn’t offered.

We enjoyed the attraction and I’m sure we will visit again. It also gives me something else to do while Ron and the boys are riding Rock ‘n Roller Coaster! If you are ready to book your next Walt Disney World vacation just Email Me and we will get started!

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About The Music of Pixar Live!

Celebrate over 20 years of lyrical brilliance with music that’s made cinematic history!

Mike, Sully, Woody, Buzz and the gang are back! The Theater of the Stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomes a philharmonic retrospective highlighting the most memorable music from popular Disney•Pixar films—and with special appearances by the stars themselves, it’s sure to have attendees hitting the high notes!

This all-new, nightly concert series showcases a selection of unforgettable soundtrack favorites from Cars, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story and Up—performed by a live orchestra, all while giant screens feature a movie montage and outtakes.

And don’t be surprised to see some of the studio’s funniest characters stop by to steal the spotlight with their own brand of comedic relief. It’s an immersive, family-friendly experience fans won’t want to miss!

The Music of Pixar Live! Took place at the Theater of the Stars (Beauty and the Beast theater) each evening. The show ran about 40 minutes long and fastpasses were available.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts on The Music of Pixar Live!

We loved the show! We had fastpasses for the 6:45pm performance and had great seats, row 3 center. The orchestra was amazing and really seemed to enjoy being part of this experience. While the orchestra played medleys of the movie scores, seamless video clips played on the large back screen and two side screens. There are also clips of John Lasseter talking to the audience about the movies and music.Between movies we were greeted with the antics of some of the movie characters. The show ends with a singalong of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”

The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Character was a creative melding of live symphony orchestra and video. I’m really sad that it had such a limited run. Not enough people got to enjoy it. Everyone I’ve talked to who did attend the concert loved it. I really hope Walt Disney World offers more entertainment choices like this one. Not only was it extremely well done, kids need to have the opportunity to see and hear an orchestra perform and the music of Pixar is a great introduction into the world of the orchestra.

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Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton and produced by Lindsey Collins, the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

The new story will bring back our favorite characters from Finding Nemo and introduce us to new characters including Hank, Destiny, Bailey and the Otters. You can introduce your kids to these new friends with the Finding Dory Activity Pack Free Download which includes coloring pages, a maze and some dot-to-dots. Did you know that Hank has actually appeared in every Pixar film? They let the proverbial cat out of the bag last week with this post on Oh My Disney. I love searching for all of the Pixar Easter Eggs. Now I need to go back and search for Hank.

Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17, 2016. Until then you can stay up-to-date on the movie by joining them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and their official website.

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Monsters University

About Monsters University

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. “Monsters University” bravely explores themes of self-discovery and the revelations that come with growing up.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I had the privilege of previewing the movie at the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer Meet-up back in May and I loved it then. I have watched it twice since I received my review copy and I love it even more now. The movie is rated G but please note, there are some rather scary scenes, Dean Hardscrabble and the librarian are both menacing creatures so I suggest using caution when allowing your little ones to watch. You know your kids and what they can and cannot handle. I always recommend parents previewing any media/video/television/movie/game/music before allowing their children to consume it.

The Bonus Features

I LOVE bonus features…when they are done right and the bonus features disc that comes with the Blu-Ray Combo pack are awesome. Hubby and I spent about an hour and a half the other night just watching the bonus features disc and learning more about Pixar, how animated movies are made, how the music fits in and much, much more.

 Bonus Materials Overview for These Products:

Digital SD
Digital HD
4-Disc Blu-ray 3-D Superset (3D + 2BD + DVD + Digital Copy)
3-disc Blu-ray 2-D Superset (2BD + DVD + Digital Copy)
3-Disc Blu-ray 2-D Combo Pack (2 BD + DVD)

High-Definition & Standard Definition Digital
• Bonus offerings vary per select digital retailers
Includes:

• Campus Life – What’s it like being on a production crew at Pixar? Get a look at a day in the life of the “Monsters University” crew through their own eyes.
• Story School – This documentary examines the challenges of creating a prequel as well as themes that run through the story, and the change in focus from Sulley to Mike. We’ll also look at how gags are developed – from writing jokes to brainstorming a million ideas, only 5% of which actually end up in the movie.
• Scare Games – At Pixar, we play hard while we work. The same people who keep the film production moving – producers, managers, coordinators and artists – are also the ones who bring spirit and excitement to some of our extracurricular activities. We check out the MU production teams as they go head to head in the mostly playful Pixar Scare Games competitions.
• Welcome to MU – Sets aren’t just buildings, they are the worlds our characters live in and explore. This look at the Monsters University campus and its development is told from the perspective of the artists who created each piece of the campus from the architecture to the ivy leaves. .
• Music Appreciation – Randy Newman’s scores are a mainstay of Pixar films, and this documentary will give you a privileged look at his creative process. We follow the “Monsters University” scoring process from spotting to writing and on to the scoring session. including special college-themed recording sessions.
• Scare Tactics – Animators are actors who digitally bring the characters to life. In this look at how the MU animation team worked, you’ll see their process of how they channeled their own monster-selves and created moments on screen that were really funny, really scary and also really serious, sometimes all at the same time.
•  Color and Light – How can a single painting set the tone for an entire scene? We’ll look at the creation of the colorscripts and how they were realized technically in the final film. Along with the process, this piece explores the many layers of technical innovation required to produce such a naturalistic feel.
•  Paths to Pixar – MU Edition – When one door closes, sometimes another door opens – one with an even more exciting opportunity behind it. Members of the MU crew tell their own compelling backstories and share the challenges they overcame along their paths to Pixar.
•  Furry Monsters: A Technical Retrospective – Explore the difficulties in creating characters that are 20 years younger with tools that are 10 years more advanced in this contrasting look at the differing technical challenges that arose when making “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Monsters University.”
• Deleted Scenes – Four separate scenes – “Rivalry,” “Recon,” “Movie Night,” and “Drama Class” – are highlighted with an introduction from director Dan Scanlon.
• “The Blue Umbrella” – This animated short film from Pixar Animation Studios, directed by Saschka Unseld and produced by Marc Greenberg, played in theaters in front of “Monsters University.” “The Blue Umbrella” tells the story of an evening commute in which the rain starts to fall and the city comes alive to the sound of dripping rain pipes, whistling awnings and gurgling gutters. And in the midst, two umbrellas—one blue, one not—fall eternally in love.
• Additional Bonus Features – Audio Commentary, Promo Picks, College Campaign, Theatrical Campaign, Set Flythroughs, Art Gallery and more!¬

Bonus Materials for These Products:
DVD
Includes:

• Audio Commentary
• “The Blue Umbrella”

I haven’t gotten to watch it with the audio commentary on yet…but I will soon. My favorite bonus features on this Blu-Ray are Campus Life, Story School and Music Appreciation. “The Blue Umbrella” Pixar short is amazing and is now one of my favorite Pixar shorts of all time.

Order your copy of Monsters University today! It is the perfect Halloween gift for the whole family!

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Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters.

Enjoy the newest trailer for Monsters University and then go to the MU website and scroll to the bottom of the page to take the MAT and see if you have what it takes to enroll in MU. I scored a 987 so I should have no problem getting in! After you take the test come back and leave me a comment and tell me your MAT score.

Stay up-to-Date on all the latest Monsters University news by following MU on Twitter and Facebook. Mark your calendar for great family entertainment on June 21st when Monsters University comes to a theater near you.

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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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