Archives for February 2018

Walt Disney World’s Toy Story Land: What to Expect

Calling all Disney fans!

In case you didn’t hear, Toy Story Land is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort this summer with the official opening date of June 30, 2018.

I got a sneak preview of the playtime paradise right here in New York City and let me tell you, it’s going to be magnificent—but that’s no surprise because Disney always delivers.

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Inspired by the blockbuster Disney•Pixar’s franchise, the all-new 11-acre fun-filled world is located within the already magical attraction of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With two new rides and one that’s been updated, guests will be fully immersed in thrilling entertainment surrounded by vibrant, nostalgic toy novelties. Plus, there’s a whimsical spot to grab on-the-go refreshments when hungry strikes.

Below, check out the details on what’s in store at Toy Story Land:

TOY STORY LAND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT (LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.) ÑToy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida opens June 30, 2018. Located at DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios, the new 11-acre Land will make guests feel like they have shrunk to the size of a toy in the setting of AndyÕs backyard. Guests will whoosh along on a family-friendly roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash (pictured under development), take a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers and score high on the midway at Toy Story Mania! (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Photo Courtesy of Disney/Matt Stroshane

Slinky Dog Dash Rollercoaster  
My son is obsessed with Slinky Dog. Right now, he has four slinky dog toys of different varieties, but one can never have too many Slinky Dogs, right? Well, there’s only one Slinky Dog you’ll want when visiting Toy Story Land and that’s the family-friendly roller coaster.

With tracks and supports in bright primary colors, riders are seated inside the belly coils of the stretched-out pooch. Riders will zip around and above Toy Story Land, providing panoramic views of all that the new destination has to offer. I had the pleasure of taking a virtual ride on this coaster and it was completely exhilarating.

TOY STORY LAND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT (LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.) Ñ Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will take guests to infinity and beyond when Toy Story Land opens June 30, 2018. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy's backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys. Guests will whoosh along on a family-friendly roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, take a spin aboard Alien Swirling Saucers (pictured) and score high on the midway at the expanded Toy Story Mania! (Disney)

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Alien Swirling Saucers
No theme park is complete without getting bumper to bumper and Toy Story Land is no different. Riders will be in for an out-of-this world experience as the alien-inspired saucers glide riders into a fun-filled galaxy.

The galactic space toy is designed as a playset that Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant in the popular movie. The undeniably cute green aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket-ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead. Plus, the space is covered, which provides shelter from the beaming sun or intermittent rain showers that are common for Orlando summers.

Toy-Story-Mania-Toy-Story-Land

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Toy Story Mania!
One of my family’s favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom, Toy Story Mania!, is getting an update making it better than ever. With a brand new decked-out entrance, the ride will have an all-new colorful toy carnival game box that leads to the play set action. With an additional third track, more park-goers will be able to get in on the fun of the beloved fast-paced games with a reduced wait time.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Woody’s Lunchbox
After you’ve explored the new and updated rides, Toy Story Land will offer Woody Lunchbox to fend off hunger pangs. The nostalgic walk-up window will serve up delicious bites and old-fashioned soda floats that will transport you and your taste buds back to happier times. The food spot will also feature Mini Babybel – the Official Snack Cheese of Walt Disney World Resort.

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World before the big opening, don’t fret you’ll be able to catch a preview of the new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A detailed model is on display at the theme park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction.

I can’t wait to visit soon!

Are you looking forward to visiting Toy Story Land? What’s your favorite attraction at Walt Disney World?

‘Insecure’ Star Yvonne Orji Partners with Colgate on New Campaign

Yvonne Orji, co-star of HBO’s hit series “Insecure,” has something to smile about.

The Nigerian born multi-talented comedic actress and bestie in our head has teamed up with Colgate, the iconic toothpaste brand for a new campaign that celebrates being ready for opportunities and life’s unexpected moments.

And there are plenty of prospects on Orji’s horizon.

Yvonne Orji and Colgate Total (1)

Not only is she currently filming the third season of the highly-anticipated HBO series, she’s also writing and executive producing her own sitcom, as well as her role in an upcoming comedy film set to be released in the fall.

Orji is ready for her close-up and she’s kicking things off with the Totally Ready ® campaign, which informs consumers that with their whole mouth health—healthy gums, teeth, cheeks and tongue—they are Totally Ready ® for whatever life brings them. In the candid video, Orji reveals how she gets ready for Valentine’s Day. In the clip, Orji chats about confidence, her pearly whites being her best asset and how she’s still waiting for Mr. Right.

With her undeniably gorgeous smile and effervescent personality, this partnership seems like a match made in heaven.

“I am so excited about this partnership with Colgate Total,” Orji said in a release. “A healthy smile has always been important to me. My healthy smile makes me feel good and, when I feel good, I feel totally ready for whatever comes my way. Last year was a really good year for me. I want to take that and make it bigger and better for 2018. So, not only do I need to be totally ready, I know that I must stay ready.”

We can’t wait to see what’s in store for our girl Yvonne!

What are you most excited to see from her this year? Her role as “Molly” on “Insecure,” or some of her upcoming projects? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

3 Books Every Brown Girl Should Read This Year

As a busy mom, I don’t get as much free time to read as I’d like. Cracking open a book during my work commute sounds ideal, but it’s so crappy and unpredictable that even travel time is not conducive to reading.

But, I’m determined to make the time to enjoy one of my favorite pre-mommy pastimes. This year there are several books on my must-read list. As a fan of biographies and memoirs, there are plenty of new non-fiction releases that will keep me turning the page.

Below, check out a few of the books I can’t wait to read:

feel-free-zadie-smith

Feel Free: Essays” by Zadie Smith available here, $18. Known for her superb fiction work, Smith is back with an eye-opening book of essays that explores the conundrums of life. From society’s fascination with Facebook to the perils of global warming, Smith’s ability to draw readers in is bar none.

When-They-Call-You-a-Terrorist-2

 

“When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir” by Patrisse Khan-Cullor & asha bandele available here, $15. This memoir takes you into the heart and minds behind one of the most powerful movements the millennial generation has ever witnessed: Black Lives Matter.

This-Will-Be-My-Undoing

This Will Be My Undoing,” by Morgan Jerkins available here, $11. Still her in twenties, Jerkins is one of the most acclaimed critics tackling racism, sexism, misogyny and other challenges facing young black women. Her debut collection of essays is set to catalyze a revolution of young, female writers.

What books are on your radar to read this year?