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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Breaking: Massive Update to Disneyland's Jungle Cruise to tie-in with Jungle Cruise Movie!

After updating you last night on some great news about the Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Jungle Cruise movie, here are EXCLUSIVE concept art pieces of part of the massive update to Disneyland's World Famous Jungle Cruise Attraction as a tie-in with the new movie!

The movie centers around two skippers who are about to embark on the greatest journey in their lives! A wild series of events lead them into a part of the jungle that they have never seen before - A Lost World! The new Jungle Cruise attraction will take Guests into this same 'Lost World'

The top shows a section of river being drained to help excavate a dinosaur fossil!
You are now traveling deeper and deeper into the jungle!
As we travel under the large skeletal structure of a dinosaur, we see two small dinosaurs fighting each other for a scrap of meat! Wait, we see two dinosaurs fighting each other? Yes, clearly those are two genuine dinosaurs! What is going on here?
As we enter a clearing we see all sorts of dinosaurs including a Stegosaurus and several Brontosaurus'!
Our skipper heads towards the Bronto herd and tells us not to be afraid for these large creatures are gentle giants.
Then something happens! Your boat's engine backfires and startles the herd! They move quickly to attack us! The brave skipper drives us away, barely escaping with our lives!
As we move away from the herd, it appears that we are safe. Then we hear what sounds like giant birds. A group of pterodactyls swoop down upon us! The skipper once again saves us but leads us down a rough stretch of rapids!
We appear to be safe once again until we come across some T-Rex's! Fortunately for us they are only interested in attacking one another!

Whew! What an adventure! I wish I could go into more detail but that will have to wait for another time! Full movie details will be announced tomorrow at Disneyland in front of the Jungle Cruise along with the attraction update! The Jungle Cruise movie opens March 2014 with the new attraction opening in March 2014 as well!








Oh yeah - APRIL FOOL'S!

Disney Dreams: Stunning Fireworks Show for the 20th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris


For its 20th birthday, Disney created one of their most impressive spectactles ever. With beautiful projections, fountains-and loads of fireworks, this must be one of the most amazing shows you'll have seen in your life.

All visual effects and music are copyrighted by Disney

Apple-Cheddar Waffle Panini


Yields: 4 half panini
Total Time: 20 min
Prep Time: 10 min

Read more: Apple Cheddar Waffle Panini Recipe - Country Living
Ingredients





  • 2 tablespoon(s) coarse-grained mustard
  • 4 teaspoon(s) maple syrup
  • 4  leftover Maple Belgian Waffles
  • 3 1/2 ounce(s) grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1  apple
  • Oil, for skillet

Directions
  1. In a small bowl, mix mustard and maple syrup.
  2. Spread mixture on one side of four leftover waffles. Place 1 3/4 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1/2 the cheese) on two of these waffles.
  3. Thinly slice apple and divide between same two waffles, layering atop cheese. Sprinkle another 1 3/4 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese over apples. Top with remaining two waffles, spread-side down.
  4. Place panini in a lightly oiled large skillet over medium-low heat. Set a plate or cake pan on top of panini and weigh down with food cans. Cook until waffles are toasted and cheese melts, about 8 minutes, turning after 4. (Alternatively, use a panini press and cook according to manufacturer's instructions.) Slice panini in half.

Cranberry-Streusel Corn Muffins


Yields: 18 muffins
Total Time: 40 min
Prep Time: 20 min
Oven Temp: 400
Ingredients





Streusel topping
  • 6 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup(s) light-brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon(s) allspice
  • 1/2 stick(s) cold butter
Batter
  • 1 cup(s) cornmeal
  • 1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup(s) sugar
  • 2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 3  eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 container(s) (8-ounce) sour cream
  • 3 tablespoon(s) melted butter
  • 2 teaspoon(s) vanilla
  • 1 can(s) whole-berry cranberry sauce

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line three 6-cup muffin tins with paper liners; set aside.
  2. For streusel topping: In a bowl, mix flour, light-brown sugar, and allspice. Cut in butter, then keep chilled until ready to use.
  3. For batter: In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in eggs, sour cream, butter, and vanilla until just combined.
  4. In each muffin cup, place 2 tablespoons batter, top with 2 teaspoons canned whole-berry cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake about 15 minutes.
Source: Country Living

Pumpkin-Ginger Waffles


Yields: Five 5-inch round waffles
Total Time: 30 min

Read more: Pumpkin-Ginger Waffles Recipe - Country Living
Ingredients





  • 1 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 2 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup(s) finely chopped crystallized ginger
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup(s) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup(s) canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup(s) sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Directions
  1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture and toss with crystallized ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Whisk eggs, buttermilk, pumpkin, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Combine with flour mixture. Stir in butter and fold in reserved crystallized-ginger mixture. Do not overmix.
  3. Heat a waffle iron and make waffles, using about 1/2 cup batter per each one. Keep warm in 200°F oven, if desired.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Disney pairing Tom Hanks and Tim Allen for 'Jungle Cruise'


EXCLUSIVE: After Toy Story 3 cracked the billion dollar worldwide gross mark and got a Best Picture nomination for Disney, the studio is making moves to pair stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen in Jungle Cruise, the live action film inspired by the venerable Magic Kingdom theme park ride. The studio has hired Roger S.H. Schulman to write a script that’s being produced by Mandeville’s David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, who themselves are coming off a Best Picture nomination for The Fighter. No director yet, I’m told.

Disney has been trying to get Jungle Cruise out of dry dock for several years, but the combination of Hanks and Allen in a family film makes this the equivalent of an E-ticket for a family-themed film.

UPDATE:  The basic plot of this film will be a sort of a  "Lost World" action adventure. Maybe this will lead up to the long rumored revamp of the Jungle Cruise attraction itself? Stay tune for more details as this story unfolds.

Cap'n Crunch French Toast

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 8 to 10 slices thick-sliced white bread
  • Butter for cooking
  • For the topping:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups frozen wild Maine blueberries defrosted

Procedures

  1. Mix the cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl and whisk until combined.
  2. Put the cereal in a storage bag and use a rolling pin or the flat edge of a large knife until it resembles cracker meal. Transfer it to a shallow dish.
  3. Dip a couple of slices of the bread into the cream mixture until soft but not completely soaked. Let excess liquid drip from the bread, then press into the cereal crumbs to coat evenly. Place on a sheet pan and repeat with the remaining slices.
  4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, add butter as needed, and cook the bread until it is caramelized on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total.

    Source: Serious Eats
    http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/02/sunday-brunch-capn-crunch-french-toast.html 

Copycat Recipes: Wendy's Chili

Ingredients:

2 lbs. fresh ground beef
1 qt. tomato juice
1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree
1 (15 oz.) can red beans, drained
1 medium onion (1 1/2 c.), chopped
1/2 C. celery, diced
1/4 C. green pepper, diced
1/4 C. chili powder1 tsp. cumin (if you like real flavor, add more)
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. each: black pepper, oregano, sugar
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Preparation:
In a frying pan, brown the ground beef; drain. Put the drained beef and the remaining ingredients into a 6-quart pot. Cover the pot; let it simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes

Source: Restaurant Secret Recipes
http://menurecipes.blogspot.com/

April at Subway: Buy One Get One Free


Come in before 9AM and get a FREE 6” sandwich of your choice when you buy any 6” sandwich, this April only. From the toasty Steak, Egg & Cheese to the tender Turkey Breast. That’s right, buy one get one FREE. Hurry in by 9AM to score YOUR FREE sandwich.

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer 2: IN LEGO


LEGO Dark Knight Rises Movie Trailer By ParanickFilmz. http://paranickfilmz.co.nr/ Thanks to Adviceversas for the mouth animation and JediMasterSoda for the CGI. Movie (2012) HD.
Like on Rebrick: http://rebrick.lego.com/en-US/bookmark/the-dark-knight-rises-trailer-2--in-le...

The original Media is property of Warner Brothers and DC Comics, which we have no affiliation with.

Follow Me: http://www.twitter.com/ParanickFilmz
Jedimastersoda's Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/jedimastersoda
Adviceversas Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/adviceversas

Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’-Themed Monorail to Debut This Spring at Walt Disney World Resort

Marvel Studios are bringing Marvel’s “The Avengers” to Walt Disney World Resort this spring!

In Marvel’s “The Avengers,” super heroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.

Similar to the “Tron”-themed wrap, one of our Magic Kingdom Park Monorails is currently undergoing a Marvel’s “The Avengers”-themed changeover to celebrate the May 4 opening of the film, which stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan SkarsgĂ¥rd and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

Source: Disney Parks Blog
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/marvels-the-avengers-themed-monorail-to-debut-this-spring-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Copycat Recipes: Sonic Drive-In Cherry Limeade Drink Recipe


Sonic Drive-In Cherry Limeade Drink Recipe
12 oz Sprite
3 lime wedges
1/4 cup cherry juice

fill glass 2/3 full with ice. pour Sprite over ice. add juice of 3 lime wedges and drop them into the drink. add cherry juice and serve with straw.

Source: Restaurant Drink Recipes
http://menudrinks.blogspot.com/

Copycat Recipes: Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider

 

INGREDIENTS:

cinnamon syrup, a couple of squirts (sold in the store)
Treetop premium apple juice
whipped cream
caramel syrup drizzled on top


DIRECTIONS:

Blend cinnamon syrup with apple juice. Top with whipped cream and caramel syrup. Enjoy!

Source: CDKitchen
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/528/Starbucks_Caramel_Apple_Cider7955.shtml 

Copycat Recipes: Jamba Juice Orange-A-Peel

INGREDIENTS:

12 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
10 strawberries
3/4 banana (sliced)
2 scoops non-fat, vanilla flavored frozen yogurt (frozen keeps smooth consistency while/after blending)
2 ice cubes


DIRECTIONS:

Blend ingredients together.

Source: CD Kitchen
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/956/Jamba-Juice-Orange-A-Peel137613.shtml

Copycat Recipes: Fazoli's Breadsticks


Ingredients:
Prepackaged breadsticks
Whirl or butter
garlic, salt or just garlic salt

Directions:

Buy the prepackaged bake and serve breadsticks that you find in the bakery section.

Apparently Fazoli's doesn't make their own breadsticks either.

Use a liquid butter substitute called whirl.or melt your own butter.

Once breadsticks are baked, slather them GOOD with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic and salt or just garlic salt.

And that's it. I know it sounds dumb.

The Avengers by Lego

The Avengers by Lego

The Avengers by Lego

The Avengers by Lego

The Avengers by Lego

The Avengers by Lego

The Hunger Games Movie Poster Giveaway!

The contest begins Friday morning March 29th, 2012 and ends on Saturday evening  March 30th, 2012.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Lil Oishi as an Apple Fanboy by Jerrod Maruyama!

Disneyland Castle Made Out Of Legos!

This LEGO replica of Sleeping Beauty Castle is pretty magnificent creation. Here you can see some photos of this beautiful replica made completely from LEGO bricks. It was posted by Brickshelf user Grrandram.



Star Wars Han Solo Carbonite Chocolate Mold for $9.99


Star Wars Han Solo Carbonite Chocolate

by ThinkGeek

Price: $9.99

In Stock.
Ships from and sold by ThinkGeek.

TEASER: Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers



Coming Soon to Facebook. Disney Social Games presents a brand new hidden object game Inspired by the most popular animal park in the Universe. Animal Kingdom Explorers invites you to join a team of globe-trotting wildlife experts on nature's ultimate quest. Join Global Wildlife Research team members as they guide you through exotic wilderness to preserve habitats, build and grow your very own protective animal habitats, protect endangered species and expose a cast of entertaining characters.

KINECT STAR WARS Girly Vader Video


CGRtrailers, from Classic Game Room®, presents a "Girly Vader" video for KINECT STAR WARS. Kinect Star Wars is from Terminal Reality, LucasArts and Microsoft. It will make its way to the Xbox 360 this coming April 2012. Below is an excerpt from a June 2011 fact sheet. This is the PEGI version of the trailer. Enjoy!

Kinect Star Wars brings the Star Wars Universe to life like never before. Harnessing the controller-free power of Kinect for Xbox 360, Kinect Star Wars allows fans to physically experience training as a Jedi, using the Force and battling with a lightsaber. Using full body motions, players can live out the ultimate Star Wars fantasy, no controller required.

Check out more video game trailers from Classic Game Room's CGRtrailers at http://www.youtube.com/CGRtrailers

Get more Classic Game Room on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ClassicGameRoom

One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream!


The major tips can be summed up as:
• Peel your bananas first.
• Cut them into small pieces.
• Freeze for just 1-2 hours on a plate.
• Blend, blend, blend - scraping down the bowl when they stick.
• Enjoy the magic moment when they turn into ice cream!

Directions:
1.  Pick a couple of ripe bananas. They should be sweet and soft but not too mushy.

2.  Peel the bananas.

3.  Cut them into coins.

4.  Freeze the banana pieces for at least an hour or two.

5.  Put the pieces into a food processor or blender.

6.  Blend on high. Initially they will look crumbly and piecemeal.

7.  The mixture will probably get stuck a lot. Keep scraping down the bowl.

8.  Suddenly, as you keep blending, you will see a change. The bananas turn creamy!

9.  Now is the time to add a scoop of peanut butter or anything else you care to mix in.

10.  The ice cream will be the texture of soft-serve, but if you freeze again in an airtight container, it will get harder and more like regular ice cream.

Source: The Kitchn
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-creamy-ice-cream-w-93414

The Avengers Lego Poster

Source: MTV Splash Page
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2012/03/29/avengers-lego-poster/

No-Bake Lemon Cream & Coconut Icebox Cupcakes


makes 24 cupcakes
2 ounces cream cheese, very soft
2 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large lemons, zested and juiced (about 1/3 cup juice)
72 Nilla wafers (from 1 box)
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
24 raspberries, fresh or frozen and defrosted

Whip the cream cheese until very soft in the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a large bowl and hand mixer).

Gradually whip in the cream.

When it has been smoothly combined with the cream cheese, add the powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest (about 2 tablespoons).

Whip until the cream forms firm peaks, then slowly beat in the lemon juice.

Continue beating until completely combined. The cream should still hold soft peaks.

Place a Nilla wafer in a cupcake paper (I used regular-sized cupcake papers) or in a ramekin. Smear about a tablespoon of cream on top of the wafer. Smear cream on another wafer and put it on top, then repeat once more, for a total of three layers. Sprinkle coconut generously over the stack. Repeat until you've used up all the wafers and cream. Top each with one raspberry.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the stack has softened into a cakey texture.

Source: The Kitchn
http://www.thekitchn.com/no-bake-recipe-lemon-coconut-icebox-cupcakesrecipes-from-the-kitchn-168324

Quite Possibly The Coolest Theatre Anywhere!

This is in Thailand for the Film on the Rocks Yao Noi, a Film Festival. 
The venue is called the Archipelago Cinema.
A giant modular raft was constructed to hold the audience. It is anchored to the bottom of the lagoon.

The massive display and projector are secured more firmly to the bottom of the bay.

Showings only take place during the evening, and special ambient lighting is used to bring the surrounding island scenery to life.

Source: Tecca
http://www.tecca.com/news/2012/03/29/film-on-the-rocks-yao-noi-archipelago-cinema/ 

Kingdom Hearts Japanese 10th Anniversary Box

While the game will be released on March 29th, that doesn’t stop Square-Enix from showing off the Limited Edition box set in the familiar silver box tagged with multiple symbols representing the franchise’s characters or groups. The box set will feature three DS games: Kingdom Hearts re:CodedKingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and of course Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. So if fans missed out on any of the previous Nintendo DS games, they won’t need to go find the other games. Also in the Limited Edition box is the Nintendo 3DS etched cover and a set of 12 postcards. The 10th Anniversary Box will be released on March 29th for 15,000 yen (almost $200). Dream Drop Distance by itself will retail at 6,090 yen ($75).
While there is still no US release date, some American voice actors have confirmed they have finished recording sessions for the game, meaning that it’s already being worked on Stateside.

Merida from ‘Brave’ is Coming to Disney Parks

At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Joining Merida will be the three bear cubs from the film, who will no doubt be up to plenty of mischief.
To prepare for Merida’s arrival, Rapunzel will be moving from Fairytale Garden April 15, to a new spot at the outskirts of Adventureland where she will continue to greet her loyal fans and subjects.
When visiting Disneyland park in California this summer, Merida and the cubs will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.
Source: Disney Parks Blog
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/merida-from-brave-is-coming-to-disney-parks/

Review of The Ranch

Wow! That is the one word to describe my experience at The Ranch! From beginning to end, I would have stayed if they let me! Top notch service from the young lady at the door, to the hostesses, to our amazing server Ben! Everything was just perfect! I went with my friend Rachelle and so far I have been batting 1.000 with her in terms of choosing restaurants to go to. The Ranch keeps my streak intact!
I loved the fact that Ben really talked up the OC Restaurant Week menu. Our experiences with OC Restaurant Week has been either a serving staff that didn't know what ti was to ones that didn't really want you to go off of that. Ben also let us know that we could add items from the regular menu to our meal. This would lead to us eating way too much! Adn that's never a bad thing!
Ben brought us out the wagon wheel of bread! Seven different types of bread! There was sourdough, wheat, white, portugeuse, jalapeno, and several others. Our first mistakes was ordering another one of these after we quickly made our way through this one!
Rachelle ordered a strawberry vine, made of Three Olives Citrus and St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, muddled strawberries, basil and fresh squeezed lemonade. I loved it, but Rachelle said it was too strong for her.
 I went with on old fashion cowboy, made of Bulleit Bourbon, sugar, Angostura Bitters, muddled oranges and
house marinated Bourbon maraschino cherries with splash of soda. It was really strong but I love strong drinks. Rachelle's face, even after I warned her how strong this drink was, said it all.
Now Rachelle is a huge fan of pasta and once she saw that they had hand crafted sweet potato gnocchi, she knew what he had to order. It was made with Maitake Mushrooms, Braised Petaluma Rabbit and San Marzano Tomato Sugo. It was heavenly. The gnocchi were soft and freshly made. The rabbit was prepared in such a way that it lost its typical gaminess. I would happily order this again!
We also ordered the Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna Crudo made with Aji Amarillo Chile, Naval Orange and Avocado.Just like the photo suggests, this was nice and light with sashimi grade tuna. Just delicious! Another great choice!
I also ordered the lobster mac n cheese! Mac N Cheese is a new favorite of mine! I know, I know, I just never ate it as a kid! Great big pieces of lobster combined with soft pasta and Vermont white cheddar cheese made this another winner! We could have made a great meals just on appetizers and sides!
Rachelle ordered the British Columbia Skuna Bay Salmon with Black Quinoa, California Pistachios, Vine-Dried Grapes and Tangerine Nage. The salmon was light and flaky and cooked to perfection.
I ordered the Confit of Muscovy Duck Leg made with Beluga lentils, house made guanciale, and baby root vegetables. I am already a huge fan of duck and this was the best duck I have ever had.  The duck was perfectly juicy and the skin was crisp. This was an OC Restaurant Week exclusive, but it was such a hit that it is now a regular item on the menu. 
I knew I would want a glass of red wine to accompany my duck leg. I asked Ben for his recommendations and he brought out three of his favorites for me to try. For a little backstory, VP of Food & Beverage at The Ranch Michael Jordan, not that Michael Jordan, but the man who was the opening Generel Manager for the Napa Rose at The Grand Californian Hotel at The Disneyland Resort, is a Master Sommelier. He continues a program he started at The Napa Rose, to encourage his entire staff to become sommeliers themselves. They even pay for the courses for the staff to take. So, with that Ben who is training to become a sommelier, took me through his favorites that he felt would pair well with the duck leg. I loved all three and decided on one. Just another example of over the top service that one should expect at The Ranch.
Believe it or not, we have made it to dessert and trust me there was a little room in our stomachs for dessert. Rachelle ordered the Tahitian vanilla bean creme brulee with Lemon Poppy Seed Madeilineson the side. It was just perfect! The crisp top of the creme brulee gave way to a sweet creamy inside.
I went with the PBJ & milk chocolate bar made concord grape and caramelized banana ice cream. This had molecular gastronomy written all over it. Everything is hand made and just a great twist on the traditional PB&J!

All in all, an amazing meal! Rachelle and I just loved this place! I had been looking forward to dinner here since I first heard about this restaurant last year. The Ranch exceeded my expectations and we will be back!


The Ranch
1025 E. Ball Road
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 817-4200
Located on the
Ground Floor of the
Extron Building.

THE RANCH Restaurant Hours:
Open Nightly
5:30PM - 10:00PM

http://theranch.com/