"Settle Down" performed live by No Doubt

What is up with idiots hatin' on No Doubt lately?  If you read my initial post on about their new single "Settle Down", then you know my opinion.  What ever happened to eating, sleeping and breathing a band because you enjoyed who they were, what they were about and most importantly REALLY felt the music?  I don't know...  People (mainly teens lol) have no idea of what real talent is.  This band creates everything that they put out there for the public to hear and see.  From the sound, to lyrics, relations with one another, and what they are freakin' wearing, etc etc - No Doubt truly represents what a band should be.  Completely non-manufactured.  Raw. Real!  That's why I love (and always will love) No Doubt. 

Here's a video of the first public live performance of "Settle Down" off the upcoming (set to release this fall 2012) album "Push and Shove".

When it Comes to NO DOUBT I Can't SETTLE DOWN

There are 2 bands that I have enjoyed from the moment I was introduced to them.  No Doubt and The Spice Girls.  Odd combo, right? 

No Doubt just released their NEW single "Settle Down" from the upcoming album "Push and Shove" this week!  As a major fan of the group, I can honestly say that they did not disappoint me with this new tune.  Some fans feel differently than I do, but I could care less.  "Settle Down" has something for every fan of No Doubt and Gwen Stefani.  That original ska-sound we all fell in love with in the beginning, some "Rocksteady" flavor, a little bit of solo-Gwen, and a new feel that just screams NO DOUBT!  I absolutely love this single, and I can't wait for September 2012 to get here.  "Push and Shove" (the album) is set to release this fall - which is super exciting because a tour has to take place during the summer of 2013, and I will definitely be there! 

Here's the music video for No Doubt's newest single "Settle Down"

Dreamworks Indoor Theme Park

I just read an article about the new American Dream project located in the New Jersey Meadowlands.  Dreamworks just signed a deal with Triple Five to create an indoor theme park within the upcoming site.  This is huge for Dreamworks, for it will be the first location in North America to exclusively host Dreamworks characters. 

Could this possibly be Dreamworks idea of Disney's America?

It wouldn't shock me if Dreamworks did have something up their sleeve with going forward on this project - many on the Dreamworks creative team were formerly with the Disney company. 


I don't know that Disney has any HUGE competition on their plate with this ordeal, but I do know that Disney definitely needs to step it up and consider placing a theme park or two in the northern areas of the United States - or even just the northern parts of North America in general.  Maybe not a full scale Disney World or Disneyland, but something for the northerners to enjoy when making the trip to Florida and/or California isn't possible.

I think it's great that Dreamworks plans on giving fans of the characters a "real" setting to enjoy them in.  I don't know if American Dream will ever be at the top of my vacation destination list, but we'll see.

Read a more detailed article about the upcoming American Dream project and Dreamworks' plans by visiting:
http://community.nasdaq.com/News/2012-07/can-dreamworks-indoor-theme-park-outshine-disney-world.aspx?storyid=155005


You can also visit the official website of American Dream by going to:
http://www.americandream.com/

David Kawena Brings Sexy Back

David Kawena is BACK, and he's brought Flynn Rider along for the ride!



After a brief hiatus (health issues, and life in general), artist David Kawena is - slowly but surely - posting new works of art on his deviantart.com gallery.  If you are not familiar with David's images - well, you live under a rock.  David brings life - and not to mention spice - to the "Prince Charmings" of Disney that we all love! 

I highly recommend checking David Kawena's images out by visiting:
http://davidkawena.deviantart.com/

To get the most out of your browsing experience, you do have to register as a member of Deviant Art - which is FREE. 

Disney is not the only images David puts a spin on.  He also hosts images like:

Kristin Chenoweth in the broadway musical "Wicked", and

this...I have no idea what's "behind" this image, but I do know that it is titled "Circus Freaque - Smile" and I am no longer afraid of clowns.  LOL

I hope you take a moment to browse what's available on David's - and MANY others - Deviant Art profile.

Here's the link once again:
http://davidkawena.deviantart.com/

Click your way over to http://www.micechat.com/ and get a Fantasyland construction update as of July 9, 2012


Rapunzel's Tower is taking shape - and so are additional Fantasyland restrooms!  Click below to view pics and info - thanks to Mice Chat and Dateline Disney World:

http://micechat.com/7311-fantasyland-construction/

Mirror Mirror In My Hand, I Would Be a Good Queer Man

I have a completely new respect - and attraction - for Mr. Paul Rudd

I don't know how I missed this 2009 article between "Stud Rudd" & Entertainment Weekly:

Paul Rudd:  "I always thought I’d be a really good gay guy. I love American Idol. I watch Antiques Roadshow like crazy. Guys like Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, Elton John – they’re all very bright, with a razor-sharp wit. David Sedaris – who’s funnier than David Sedaris?The Saturday Night Live [episode] that I did was such a gay-heavy show. But it didn’t even cross my mind until after. The family that kept kissing each other – I didn’t even think of that as being gay.  I remember doing interviews for The Object of My Affection [in which he co-starred as Jennifer Aniston's gay roommate], and people would say, “What was it like to kiss a guy?” Like it was such a shocking thing. I said, “How many times does anyone ask, ‘You had to shoot somebody, was that weird?’”I love gay guys. I feel pretty gay. I’m certainly not the most macho guy in the room."

Fabulous picture!  Such a tease...LOL

Check out the following linked article where long-time friends Adam Scott & Paul Rudd talk about their friendship & Paul's penis:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/25/adam-scott-paul-rudd-talk-penis-friendship_n_937127.html

Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure Park

If you didn't know already, Cars Land is officially open at Disney's California Adventure park.  I hate to admit it, but I am not the biggest Cars fan.  The films are cute, but nothing compared to what I knew Disney to be growing up.  I will say that after seeing pictures and vids of Cars Land, I want to experience the atmosphere!  I was hesitant on Disney's idea of creating this themed land for park guests - I didn't think it would be too much of hit.  Guess I let my own opinions get in the way.  Oh well,  I can admit defeat LOL 

Here's a great video of what Cars Land is like.  Enjoy!

The Neverland Files

www.theneverlandfiles.com

Enthusiasts of Disney parks will definitely enjoy browsing the information provided on this fansite about the parks and attractions that never became anything other than an idea.  There are also several "ideas" that actually inspired some of the things that are available to enjoy in Disney parks around the globe today - with a change or two made to the original plan. 


Did you know that there was a Disney park planned to make a home in Virginia, USA?  Me either!

If you are a big Disney park freak like me, this site will
                                                        definitely feed-the-need for behind the scenes details.
                                                        www.theneverlandfiles.com

My Opinion: Magic Kingdom Railroad could use some Updates

I really wish that a few more Disney characters had - at the least - an untouchable/distant looking/facade of a home within the new Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. 

For example, Beast has a castle that is completely just for looks.
Concept Art:

The Real Deal Being Constructed:

The Castle rests on top of a man-made mountain, and is entirely fake.

So, here's my thought on the whole deal....

Miss Cindy & the Sleeping Beaut' may not be able to obtain property in what we now know will be the new Fantasyland -- BUT -- what about along the tracks of the Magic Kingdom Railroad?  Closer to the Fantasyland train station?

As you can see in the vid above, there are some themed scenes here and there.  They are pretty dated though, and could definitely be replaced with familiar characters - still keeping the atmosphere legit for guests.

The Indian camp scenes could totally be re-done - allowing guests to see the homeland of Pocahontas.


Why not?

The area approaching the Fantasyland train station could house:
Cinderella's Chateau

the Cottage of Briar Rose aka Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty LOL

Rapunzel's Tower

Pixie Hollow's Home Tree (instead of a full-scale attraction)


Give or take a few...

Little additions like the ones mentioned above would bring these characters to life for guests, and prep riders of the train for what's in store for them within the new Fantasyland.  Disney wouldn't have to close the train for remodeling either.  All of the scenery could be pre-built, and possibly installed over night.  Of course some land scaping would need to take place as well, but Disney could make it happen.

It would be great to see some scenery added to the areas near Tomorrowland and Main Street USA.  However, the areas aren't as wooded and intimate as Frontierland and Fantasyland.

My Opinion: Pixie Hollow Being Brought to Life at Disney World

I do think it's very unfortunate for fans of Tink not seeing Pixie Hollow make it into the final layout of Walt Disney World's new Fantasyland expansion.  However, there is a way that this could be a reality for guests.  That is, if Disney would do it. 

Personally, I think Disney assumed "Why make it?  We already have 'Tinker Bell's Magical Nook'.  Let's $ave..."


Disney did create a meet-and-greet area for Tink and her pals in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.  So, it does sort of make sense to not go forward with Pixie Hollow.  However, it is a bit of a bummer because Pixie Hollow would've been much more of a spectacle than a room full of fake grass wall papered back-drops.

Disney could create Pixie Hollow within Disney's Animal Kingdom park.

It could make sense.  There's always opinions flying that there's not enough here for boys, and there's not enough there for girls.  Animal Kingdom is definitely moreso a boy friendly zone in my opinion.  So, bring Tink there for the ladies!  Animal Kingdom may not necessarily be about the fairytales so-to-speak, but it is about animals and preserving the world we live in.  Who appreciates what's best for this planet more than fairys?  Just my opinion.  However, a big deal breaker would be the fact that the Tree of Life is the icon for the Animal Kingdom theme park.  How would Pixie Hollow differ, and where would placement be?  etc. etc.  So, who knows if Pixie Hollow will ever come-to-be.  Disney could consider re-vamping the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House into a Home Tree for the fairys.  I know mature audiences enjoy and consider the Swiss Family to be a classic.  I don't think many young guests today even know the tale behind the tree.  Oh well, just an idea.

If not a home for Tink, how about Tarzan?

He doesn't get enough recognition!

I hate that certain tales are barely brought to life within the parks - but that's another topic...LOL

Walt Disney World's New Fantasyland Expansion - What Would've Been & What Will Be

Disney put rumors to rest in 2009 by announcing plans to expand Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland of Walt Disney World Florida.  Pictured above is the original concept of what the new Fantasyland's outcome would be.  However, quite a few of the cool attractions pictured above are no longer going to be a reality future guests.

What didn't make the RE-make:

Cinderella's ChateauCinderella's Chateau would've given guests the chance to meet Cinderella in her childhood home - and allowed for an encounter with Lady Tremaine, Druzella and Anastasia.  No dark ride experience was planned for this project.  It was mainly an "ear"mmersingly entertaining way to provide a Meet-and-Greet to fans of this classic Disney tale.  Inside the Chateau, knighting ceremonies would've taken place for the lil' guys - gals would've enjoyed assisting the Fairy Godmother in transforming Cinderella from her peasant get-up into the iconic princess we know her to be - and guests would've celebrated with song and dance.  A great way to mix and mingle with such beloved characters.  Disney Imagineers wiped this idea off of the map to allow space for The Seven Dwarf's Mine Train attraction which is pictured further down in the final concept drawing of the new Fantasyland.

Aurora's CottageAurora's Cottage would've been similar to the Meet-and-Greet style of Cinderella's Chateau.  Inside guests would meet Flora, Fauna and Merryweather and help them prepare for Aurora's birthday party by creating cards for her to enjoy.  After surprising Aurora, it was planned for her to mingle with guests at the party and read the cards aloud.  Like the Chateau, no dark ride was planned for this attraction either.  Just another fun way to meet a popular Disney princess.  Aurora's cottage was also erased from the final outline of the new Fantasyland to make room for The Seven Dwarf's Mine Train.

Pixie HollowThis attraction planned to shrink guests to the size of Tink and the rest of her fairy friends, and allow them to experience Pixie Hollow up close and personally.  Total Meet-and-Greet type of attraction with no ride included.  Great chance for guests to take photos with their favorite characters from Pixie Hollow and I would imagine the atmosphere would've been beyond awesome.  What kid - and kid at heart - doesn't want to be able to be shorter than a blade of grass?  This was also taken away from the final drawing of the new Fantasyland.  By the looks of the earlier concepts of the new Fantasyland, Pixie Hollow was placed in 2 different sites.  At one time it was to be located next to Aurora's Cottage blending into the Storybook Circus area.  Prior to that, it was located in the farthest corner of the dedicated area for Storybook Circus, behind Journey of the Little Mermaid.  Now, it's just a figment of imagination.

100 Acre Wood
Winnie the Pooh is still included in the new Fantasyland coming to the Magic Kingdom.  The only change is that it the 100 Acre Wood will stretch no further than what it does currently.  The queue line for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction was updated a few years back to provide guests with entertaining Pooh Corner activities to take part in while waiting to board the ride.  It was mentioned that the 100 Acre Wood will somehow blend into the new Fantasyland perfectly.  There really aren't many official details provided anywhere online to secure that idea.  I'm sure whatever the plan is, Disney will make it happen with great taste! 




In 2011, Disney released what WILL BE the new Fantasyland with the gorgeous map-out provided above.  I have to admit that I am a little let down that Cinderella's Chateau, Arora's Cottage and Pixie Hollow did not make the final-cut.  In my opinion they should have at least kept - or created new designated spots for the other princesses.  Many enthusiasts argue with the opinion that the new Fantasyland isn't too "boy friendly".  Personally, when I think of a fairytale themed forest I imagine an abundance of Meet-and-Greet's with the characters in their own themed environments.  Unfortunately for the lil' guys, princesses over-populate Disney's storytelling.  Deep down though, they would find a way to enjoy it just as much as the gals.

Below is a list of what presently WILL BE included in the re-vamp & expansion of Walt Disney World's Fantasyland.

Belle's Cottage
This is the home of Belle and her father Maurice.  Guests will not only be able to meet with Belle one-on-one, but they will also enter the cottage and be able to take part in theatrical styled activity re-telling the "tale as old as time".  Very similar to the old attraction "Storytime with Belle", but within a more themed environment with some sure-to-be exciting "bells and whistles".

Beast's Castle

You would think that this would've been the perfect chance to create a kick-ass ride, but unfortunately that isn't the case.  However, the Beast's Castle will be home to the sure-to-be GORGEOUS Be Our Guest restaurant.  Guests will be able to dine with pleasure in rooms designed to mimic the castle in the Disney film.  The ball-room is a definite.  It's been mentioned that the West Wing will be open for dining as well, along with other noticable areas.  I'm sure there will be some level of entertainment added to this unique dining experience, however it's basically just a place to eat and possibly meet some characters.  Don't get me wrong, I love Beauty and the Beast.  It's one of my favs!  I'm sure the dining experience will be great, but I think there was room for a lot more with this attraction though.

Gaston's Tavern

This area of the land will house Gaston's Tavern where guests will be able to dine in true Gaston style - antlers and all!  Sorry wishful thinkers, I would assume the available ale in this area will include only ginger.  Along with the tavern, where I'm sure guests will catch chances to meet with Gaston himself - there will be shops for purchasing themed gifts from.

Journey of the Little Mermaid

Prince Eric's seaside castle sets the scene for princess Ariel's designated area of the new Fantasyland.  Not only will it look awesome and make guests feel like they are strolling right by the sea - this area will also host Journey of the Little Mermaid, a new story-telling ride similar to the one located in Disney's California Adventure.  This themed attraction & area is what I am most excited about!  Along with the ride and facade, Ariel's Grotto will make a return allowing fans to once again meet with Ariel.  There are a few additional quirks that will take place in this part of the new land as well.  So psyched about this one!  I just wish all of the other new themed areas had a ride as well.

Seven Dwarf's Mine Train & Cottage



This is sure to be an awesome addition and update to Snow White's Scary Adventure.  Guests will not only be able to visit the home of the Seven Dwarfs.  They will also be able to take a journey into the mines where the dwarfs work, and experience a coaster meets dark-ride top notch attraction!  I was sad to hear that Snow White's Scary Adventure was taken out earlier this year, but I cannot wait to see what the new version has in store! 

Princess Fairytale Hall


Formerly known as Snow White's Scary Adventure, the Princess Fairytale Hall will allow guests to mix and mingle with all of the Disney princesses in their own themed corners of this fancy hall dedicated to them.  I hope this will be a good make-up for not giving each princess their own themed part of the new land.  I'm sure it will be magical and beautiful like everything else Disney does.  No ride of course, just a total meet-and-greet.  Not to sound like a broken record, but it was still sad seeing Snow White's ride taken away...




Closed and becoming Fairytale Hall...


Storybook Circus

Instead of typing a big explanation, I figured it would be best to just provide a video of the newly opened Storybook Circus - which is the first area already available to enjoy in the new Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom!

Also, enjoy a more detailed look inside the Dumbo Circus tent queue: