Mouse Extra

The numbers are staggering. $207 million dollars on opening weekend absolutely annihilating the record set by the last Harry Potter movie. $244 million as of Tuesday. Nearly $750 million worldwide already. And its just getting started. With such a crowded summer season (the new Batman and Spiderman movies, Brave, Battleship, GI Joe, etc etc), its unlikely that the film will challenge the domestic box office record set by Avatar at $760 million, but it will likely land in the top 5 all time. Will it top The Dark Knight ($533 million) to be number 3? Maybe. It will surely eclipse Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Man’s Chest for the biggest Disney movie ever.

Bob Iger this week announced there will be an Avengers 2. Shocking (Thats sarcastic). I thought John Carter 2 would be announced first (still sarcasm). Knowing Disney, they will likely try to milk this for all they got. And if they keep turning out movies like this one, then I say bring it on.

I saw the film in a packed theater 930 sunday morning. I was shocked at just how crowded it was at that time of the day. There was no question at that point this was gonna be a huge movie. And frankly, it was great. I won’t spoil anything here, although judging from the box office take so far, it appears everyone in the country has already seen this movie twice.

I’m sorry fans of the Dark Knight, this was the best super hero movie ever. End of story. The mixture of action, character development and comedic moments was perfect. As an old comic book guy, I know the Avengers was always centered around Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. Joss Whedon got that. But the Avengers also always liked to showcase the secondary characters. And Mr. Whedon got that too. In this movie, the Hulk stole the show. Mark Ruffalo played the character perfectly. His Bruce Banner was not an action hero or a conflicted tormented soul like in the two most recent incarnations. Instead, he played it with a kind of sad acceptance, much like Bill Bixby in the old TV show, and it worked well.

Two other characters to me shined in this movie. Scarlet Johannsen’s Black Widow was a strong female super hero who mixed in her espionage backround with some serious butt kicking and fun moments. And not once did she seem out of her league. After all she is basically a spy with a pistol running around with norse gods and flying knights in armor. Finally, there was Loki, the main baddie. Tom Hiddleston reprised his role from the Thor movie, but was far more menacing and effective here. You really start to dislike him, which is what you want in a super villian.

For those 4 people out there that haven’t seen the movie you definately should. It is the prototypical summer popcorn fare. Fun and laughs and you leave saying, “I can’t weight to see the next one.” There will surely be more. Maybe many more. Disney bought Marvel to have the boy counterpart to princesses. And they have hit the mark square on.

By the way, if you haven’t heard, make sure you stay until after the credits are over.

Excelsior!

Since the popularity of the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie, it seems as if pirates have moved into all aspects of life at Disney. They are omnipresent. There is the overhauled Pirates ride, the Jack Sparrow tutorial, the new sequences at Disney Junior in the studios, more merchandise than you can shake a stick at, and the ill-fated Princess and Pirate parties. Well, maties, Jack Sparrow will have another attraction coming this Fall.

The Legend of Jack Sparrow is now the official replacement for the should-have-been-gone-years-ago Prince Caspian attraction in Disney Hollywood Studios. The Disney Parks Blog is saying this attraction is a first of its kind sensory experience. You the guest will experience the world of and immerse yourself in the world of Jack Sparrow. Thats about it in terms of details at the moment. Although Disney does say, you will walk in the steps of Jack Sparrow. So, I assume that means the attraction will continue to be a walk-through experience like it was in the past.

It seems to me that this should have been done 5 years ago, but be that as it may. Clearly, the character of Jack Sparrow is a fixture at the Disney parks, which Prince Caspian and the Pevensie kids never were. So, at the very least, the attraction won’t be that should be dismissed before it even opens. Plus, Jack will always a have a strong following I would think even if Pirates 5 continues the downward trend of these movies.

Frankly, I am surprised it took Disney this long to make this kind of change. The idea of a temporary exhibit showcasing new or upcoming film releases has long since gone by the boards. Now, whether you like Jack or not, there is at least a real attraction here. Although I suppose I should wait to see what Disney actually comes up with first.

5 years ago yesterday, I wrote an article about how (then) Disney MGM Studios should build on Star Tours and make a Star Wars or Lucas Land. I thought of some possible new ride experiences such as converting the Sounds Dangerous attraction (which at the time would occassionally be open) into a THX Sound Experience show. I also way back in 2007 wanted a Mos Eisley Cantina Restaurant with funny cocktails and characters like Greedo walking around. It would be great.

Well, according to slashfilms.com, the hot rumor coming out of Paris is that will be a reality in 2015. As Star Tours gets the update, the rumor mill says Disney Paris will get a Jedi Training Academy, updated shopping and a Cantina eating experience. Star Tours over there has not yet been made over but now that change is coming. The finks stole my idea!

Anywho, I would like to see this come the Paris. Why? Because maybe it will come to the Studios soon therafter. I love the idea of an expanded Jedi Training Academy taking over a Sounds Dangerous complete with a AA Yoda. The Backlot Express was never a favorite of mine so make that a Cantina. Perhaps its time for the Sci-Fi Dine Inn to change too.

I love Disney and I love coffee and, unfortunately, the two have seemed almost mutually exclusive for some time. At least since that junky Nescafe nonsense invade the coffee machines all over the world. I miss the days of Douwe and Egberts. That was good joe. Nescafe not so much. And I drink a lot of coffee. I love the stuff. I drink even the stinky stuff like nescafe.

Thats not to say there is absolutely not one cup of decent coffee in Disney. Kona is served at the Poly and that is very very good stuff. There are places that have good pressed pots. But still, you have look sometimes hard, for a decent cup of coffee.

This week Disney announced a new deal with Starbucks. I prefer some other coffees like Douwe and Egberts, Kona, and even Dunkin Donuts. But is sure beats the powdered stuff we have now. This summer there will be the first of six locations being at Disney’s California Adventure. The plan is said to have the other 5 locations in both California and Florida. It seems there will be one spot in every park.

The stores will, apparently, sell the usual slew of drinks served up at Starbucks as well as various food items (breakfast items and pastries) typically found there. They will be themed for wherever they are located. There are no details yet as to where the other 5 places will be so stay tuned.

I drive. A lot. So I am always on the lookut for a new podcast to listen to. My tastes basically include two options; fantasy sports and Disney. I love listening to the usual suspects like WDW Radio, WDW Today, Inside the Magic, Be Our Guest, Wedway Radio and many others. It makes those traffic jams much more tolerable.

I also love to read blogs and one of my absolute favorites is the Disney Food Blog. A.J. and her crew over there have together one of the best blogs on the internet. I love it. So imagine my delight when just a few short weeks ago the Disney Food Blog started the Disney Food Podcast.

Yes, its all about food choices at the Disney parks. The first episode was about “jaunts” or little side trips out of a park for a good meal. The second episode was about counter service meals. The shows alos have trivia, emails and other tidbits that are well done. AJ is joined by Brad Johnson from WDW for Grown Ups blog. They have a good dynamic and present the show is professional but fun manner.

So go and check out the podcast and the blog. They are both definately worth your time.

Man, now I’m hungry.

Disney has announced the opening date for the new wine bar to open at World Showcase. It is set to open in early May. Operating hours will be 11:30 to 9 pm. Disney has also announced that it will be a 96 seat establishment and will be part of the Dining plans.

It will have over 200 wines. But perhaps, most interesting is the menu. Unlike the other little bar, La Cava del Tequila in Mexico, the food offerings will be more varied. It will include sliced meats, cheeses, panini sandwiches, several kinds of pasta and sweets. Check out the Disney food blog for more details.

This continues a trend I really like at Epcot. I love love love the Cave of Tequila. These little spots are a lot of fun and add so much ambience to World Showcase. Its really what the place is all about. I hope we get more of these kinds of places. How about a little sake bar in Japan?