Year: 2014


May
2014

Mouse Ears Mom’s Review of “Maleficent”

categories: Reviews

Maleficent poster

Maleficent

On May 30th, the “Mistress of All Evil” graced movie screens across the nation in her film, Maleficent.  Disney fanatics, “Sleeping Beauty” fans and Villain fans spent last evening submerging themselves in Maleficent’s world with this retelling of the Disney classic, “Sleeping Beauty”. Fitting into all three of those categories, you can probably guess correctly who was among this great group of people- ME!  Today I’m excited to share with you my “spoiler-free” thoughts on “Maleficent”. Reviewing this film as a mom and Disney Enthusiast, I’m simply telling you my opinions of the movie.  I am in no way affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.

My Thoughts as a Mom

I would not recommend taking small children to this film.  Having a seven-year old boy and a three-year old girl, I can tell you that neither of my children would enjoy the movie.  Maleficent’s world is home to some incredibly beautiful creatures, but it’s also filled with woodland inhabitants that can create a few nightmares for kids.  In addition, the violence and fast-moving images can be intense for small minds.  This is NOT a traditional Disney princess movie where Aurora sings with animals as she dances through the forest.  Having said that, there isn’t any gore in the film and if your child enjoys live action movies, such as the Pirates of Caribbean films, I believe they can handle “Maleficent”.  The story line can easily be followed and the lessons to be learned are those we should all teach our children.

My Thoughts as a Disney Enthusiast

As a Disney Enthusiast, this is a “MUST-SEE” film.  “Maleficent” is pure enjoyment.  Discovering the elements from Disney’s 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty” brilliantly weaved into Disney’s 2014 film “Maleficent” is a gift from executive producer Don Hahn to “Sleeping Beauty” fans across the world.

Casting is spot on.  Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Princess Aurora is angelic perfection.  Sharlto Copley, with the looks of a perfect King Stefan, passionately plays a dad whom will save his daughter at all costs.  As for Maleficent… Personally, I’m not Angelina Jolie’s biggest fan and prior to seeing the film, I wasn’t extremely excited to know that she would play the role of such an infamous Disney villain.  However, her performance as Maleficent is truly fantastic.  There are moments in the film that I had to hold back giggles of enjoyment when Sleeping Beauty‘s animated Maleficent seemed to descend upon Angelina and take over the screen.  Again I emphasis that  Ms. Jolie’s depth in portraying this character is nothing short of superb.

The film’s visual design and story development are simply magical.  The set designs instantly transports you to Maleficent’s stunning world, and in turn it speaks volumes to the heart of the film without saying a word. The “Maleficent” story line keeps true to key components of Disney’s 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty”, while additionally telling the back story of its main character, Maleficent.

I applaud first-time Director Robert Stromberg for giving us a new Disney classic, “Maleficent”.  Once Upon a Dream may not always mean what it seems…

 

 


May
2014

Wreck-It Ralph Inspired Vanellope Cupcakes

categories: Disney-Inspired Party Planning

Vanellope cupcakes

Last weekend, I asked the Mouse Ears Mom Facebook Friends what Disney character they would like to see me attempt to make as a character-inspired cupcake.  The requests were fantastic.  One request was a “Wreck-It Ralph” inspired cupcake.  Vanellope Von Schwetz, the adorable star character of the game Candy Crush in the film “Wreck-It Ralph”, has the perfect candy sprinkled hair. I just had to give it a try.

If you’ve follow my blog, then you know that my skill level for decorating cupcakes is that of a first grader.  However, it doesn’t stop me from having fun and if my kids recognize what I’m doing, then I feel I have a winner.  This cupcake isn’t one of my best, but Gavin instantly recognized it as Vanellope’s hair, so that’s why I’m sharing it today. Here’s a closer look at her hair and how I made the cupcake.

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To create her licorice hair tie I used a strand of Twizzler Pull and Peel candy.

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After icing the top of the cupcake black I added the licorice tie and then filled it in with black icing.

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I used a star tip for the wave in the hair and sprinkled it with miniature M&M pieces and ice cream sprinkles.  That’s it!

As you can see, the cupcake is simple to make and I think it’s a perfect fit for a “Wreck-It Ralph” party.  If you’re looking for a fun cupcake to make for a Disney Infinity themed birthday party, I think Vanellope would be a great fit too!  Seriously, how can you go wrong with sprinkles?

If you’re looking for other Disney Infinity birthday party ideas.  Here’s a link to a simple party decor idea!

Disney Infinity Party Planning

Have a Magical Day!


May
2014

Disney Junior’s First Family Movie Debuts in June

categories: Disney News

Lucky Duck

On Friday, June 20, Disney Junior will debut “Lucky Duck,” the first Disney Junior Original Movie, about a group of misfit tub toys in search of the kids who will love them just the way they are.  Leading the voice cast are Broadway and television stars Christian Borle, Megan Hilty and Tom Cavanagh.

The story introduces an unflappable rubber ducky with a broken squeaker named Lucky (voiced by Borle) and two kindred spirits – an extroverted hippo with mis-matched eyes named Flo (voiced by Hilty) and a timid turtle named Snap (voiced by Cavanagh) – as the they find themselves stranded at sea when the cargo ship they are being transported on is caught in a storm.

Showcasing its musical theater cast, “Lucky Duck” features six original songs, including the ballad “I’m a Lucky Duck,” the up-tempo “Tub Toy Twist” and the heartfelt “Friends Will See You Through.”

Here’s an exclusive first look at the new movie, “Lucky Duck”!

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“Lucky Duck” premieres Friday, June 20 on Disney Junior (7:00 p.m., ET/PT) and Saturday, June 21 on Disney Channel (9:00 a.m., ET/PT).  It will be available for verified users on the WATCH Disney Junior app for smartphones and tablets and on WATCHDisneyJunior.com beginning Friday, June 6.  On Monday, June 16, DisneyJunior.com/LuckyDuck will launch with the online puzzle game “Tub Toy Tumble.”

Adorable, isn’t it?

Each weekend, our family picks one evening to call Disney Movie Night.  Since our family has a two-year old and a seven-year old, sometimes it’s difficult to find a film that catches the interest of our littlest one.  After showing this preview to her FOUR times, “Lucky Duck” was written on our calendar for Friday night, June 6th!  I’m thrilled that Disney Junior will be having their first of hopefully many “Magical World of Disney Junior” nights!  Gavin and Victoria have already said that Lucky is their favorite of the lost toys.  I particularly like Snap the turtle.  He’s ADORABLE!!

So what do you think?  Will you be watching The Magical World of Disney Junior on Friday June 6th too?


May
2014

Disney on Ice Presents “Frozen”! Enter to Win a $150 Ticketmaster Gift Card to go!

categories: Giveaways

DOI Frozen contest (1)

Disney on Ice Presents “Frozen”!

Beginning September 2014, Disney’s world famous animated film, “Frozen” will take to the ice across America.  Can you imagine your little ones eyes as they light up at sight of Elsa and Anna magically gliding on the ice?  Or the giggling you’ll hear as Olaf sings “Summer”? This show is sure to be amazing!

Mouse Ears Mom has partnered with a wonderful group of Disney-loving bloggers to give you an opportunity to ENTER TO WIN tickets* to see Disney On Ice “Frozen”!

* Prize is for Ticketmaster Gift Cards which can be redeemed for tickets to Disney On Ice, 
or any number or shows/events.

Here are the details!

  • Giveaway starts Friday, May 23, 2014  and end at 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2014
  • The Giveaway is open to all residents of The United States of America and Canada, 18 years of age or older.
  • All winners will be announced on Mouse Ears Mom’s Facebook page and right here on the blog after the winners have been confirmed.

Enter Below!  Good Luck!

Win a Chance to See Disney On Ice Presents “Frozen”!

Below is a list of the current locations that Disney has announced will be offering the Disney on Ice “Frozen” show.  Check it out to find the closest location near you!  If you don’t see a location that is close to you, don’t worry yet. Disney will be adding more locations soon!

frozen on iceI’d like to thank the following fabulous Disney -loving bloggers for teaming up to offer this Frozenly (yes I made that word up) Fantastic Giveaway!

Big Fat Panda
CanDoItMom aka Mouse Fan Diane
Disney Day By Day
DisTherapy
Dixie Midwest
Homeketeers
Jackie’s Magical Moments
Mouse Ears Mom 
My Pixie Dust Diary
Personalized Gift Express
Special Mouse Podcast
Temporary Tourist

I’d like to say a special thank you to the blog, Home Is Where the Mouse Is.  James organized this giveaway and did a wonderful job putting our graphics together.  Please stop by the Home Is Where The Mouse Is blog, I’m certain you’ll love their blog too!  Here’s a link to take you straight to their home page! http://www.homeiswherethemouseis.com/

Have you had the opportunity to see any of the other Disney on Ice shows?  What is your favorite show to date?  I have a feeling this one will be our favorite!


May
2014

Picnicking With Mickey Cupcakes

categories: Disney-Inspired Party Planning, Disney-Inspired Treats, Free Printables

Picnic mickey

Are you planning a family picnic this Memorial Day Weekend? Add a little Disney magic to a simple cupcake by adding these easy-to-make Mickey Mouse chocolates.

Mickey chocolates

To make these chocolates you’ll need chocolate candy melts, wax paper, a microwave safe squeeze bottle or microwave safe disposable decorating bags and my Mickey Mouse template.

Below is the template that I created with the use of a Mickey Mouse craft punch.  Print it out to get started!

Mickey Mouse chocolates template

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Using the template underneath a sheet of wax paper makes creating Mickey Mouse candies a breeze.  Simply melt the chocolate in the squeeze bottle or in your decorating bag, snip a small hole at the end and then cover the blue Mickey heads with chocolate. Once the chocolate has cooled, flip them over and your miniature Mickeys are ready to magically transform your cupcakes!

One important tip to make your candies fabulous ~ do not try to trace the Mickey head to create the candy.  This will give the candies bubbles on the back side, instead of the smooth finish you see on the candies pictured on the blue plate.  Instead, apply chocolate in the center of the large circle until it fills the entire circle.  Follow with adding the ears by applying chocolate again in the center of one ear until it fills the ear and then complete Mickey by adding his last ear.  Talk about easy!

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Have a Magical Monday everyone!