(Guess Who's Coming On Board?!)

I wanted to share some amazing news with you today! As if we weren't excited enough for the new Disney Fantasy ship to make its debut, now we are doubly excited! It was announced on the Disney Parks Blog that the Muppets will be hosting an interactive adventure onboard the ship. Hosted by J's favorite prawn Pepe, guests are charged with finding the stolen props for the big show! The name of the game is "The Case of the Stolen Show," and makes use of the interactive art aboard the ship (that you may be familiar with from the Disney Dream). Muppet fever is in the air - sign me up!

Happy Cruising!

(It's Time to Meet the Muppets)

I love Jason Segel. He's hilarious both in writing and acting, stars in my current favorite television show, and clearly knows a thing or two about puppets. But what is the funnyman, who doesn't shy away from full-frontal nudity, doing with the family-friendly muppets? The answer: giving our friends a glorious comeback that has been long overdue.

I had been silently counting down the days until the Muppet movie release ever since I heard that it was in the works. I wasn't sure what to expect but was willing to bet that Segel's love and respect for the gang would ensure plenty of laughter, great tunes (a la the Dracula musical), and of course plenty of guest stars. I was far from disappointed.

Early on we learn that brothers Gary (Jason Segel) and Walter have a close relationship despite their differences; Segel's Gary is an ever-growing human, while poor Walter (who looks suspiciously muppet-like) remains the same height throughout the opening montage. Walter soon discovers the Muppet Show and falls in love, longing to find his place among the gang. Fast forward to the grown-up years where Gary plans to take his girlfriend of ten years, Mary (played by the very-appropriately cast Amy Adams) to Hollywood for their anniversary. Gary invites Walter to tag along (much to Mary's chagrin), and the trip quickly becomes a quest to visit the old Muppet Studios. When Walter learns that evil oil baron Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) plans to destroy the landmark to drill for oil, he sets out on a quest to stop him. In order to do that, he must get the whole Gang back together to raise $10 million to buy the studios. The problem is, the gang has been split up for years and scattered all over the world. The always-glamorous Miss Piggy is living her dream as the plus-size editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in an anger management facility with Jack Black, Fozzy is in Reno performing his act with the Moopets, and Gonzo is running Gonzo's Royal Flush, a highly successful plumbing company. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say that the plot unfolds beautifully and viewers will not be able to get enough of the Muppet antics right up until the end. 

The movie is filled with great music and hilarious moments - one song in particular, called Man or Muppet is the standout favorite for me. Featuring great lyrics and hilarious surprises (like a cameo from Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons), this is really the turning point when Gary and Walter must decide what is really important to them in life. I guarantee you'll laugh through this one. Another standout is a beautiful rendition of an old classic, The Rainbow Connection. 

It is my understanding that there was a bit of controversy surrounding the return of the Muppets. There were those who believed that their resurrection would prove fruitless - like original Muppet heavyweight Frank Oz who passed on the opportunity to be a part of the project, claiming that he didn't believe the characters would be respected. The resulting film couldn't be further from that description. If anything is evident from this movie, it's the blatant love and respect that Segel has for these characters. He handles them with charm and grace, and brings us a new story that I hope all generations can enjoy. If you love the Muppets, there is no doubt that you will love this. Do yourself a favor this holiday season and take your whole family to experience The Muppets!




Happy Viewing!

(Photo Op: Muppet-Vision 3-D)

Welcome to Muppet Vision 3-D! Those being my favorite words spoken by Kermit during one of my all-time favorite shows in Walt Disney World. But this isn't about the inside of Muppet-Vision 3-D, it's about the outside. The fountain in front of the beloved show building is a spectacle to behold. Fozzie is filming a scene for the attraction, and Miss Piggy is at the center of it all, naturally. Dressed as Miss Liberty, Her Royal Pigness shoots water out of her crown and spins around, just to be sure that everyone watching gets a good view. Our favorite weirdo Gonzo directs from the left, while Animal causes trouble down below.

Every time I visit the fountain, I could swear that it has moved farther left than the last time I saw it. I am likely losing my mind, but does anyone else feel this way?

Grandma & Grandpa, May 2007

Like the Tree of Life, the Muppet Courtyard Fountain is another of those places where a yearly photo is an absolute must. It may not be a park icon like the aforementioned Tree, but for me it's a standout favorite. Who says what's on the outside doesn't count? While Muppet Vision 3-D is fabulous on the inside, the outside really is the perfect prelude of the fun that is to come.

It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights...

Happy Muppet-ing!

(Miss Piggy & Fashion's Night Out)

Who, Moi?

Happy September! I love this time of year. Soon the leaves will be changing, and my favorite holiday is right around the corner. Another great part of September, especially for New Yorkers, is Fashion's Night Out. For the third year in a row, fashionistas and celebrities alike will mingle for the best night celebrating designers and their beautiful work that we so proudly obsess over.

If the biggest fashion party of the year isn't enough to get you excited, there is something else that is bound to appeal to the Disney girl in you: Miss Piggy will be in attendance at this year's event! Yes, that Miss Piggy. No, I'm not kidding.

Her Royal Pigness will be on hand to unveil her new collection, Muppets x Opening Ceremony. The design house is collaborating with Piggy and the gang in celebration of the Muppets Movie, in theatres November 23. I've been told that Opening Ceremony is the place to be on FNO as it is. The addition of my favorite pig should make the place an absolute zoo! (No pun intended).

Happy Shopping!