Mouse Extra

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting a little party started in mid-July, as the theme park adds to this year’s Summer additions at Walt Disney World. As noted in the Mom and The Mouse, there will be a new Taste of Africa Street Party to spice up late afternoons at the park.

The Party will include street vendors selling unusual food and drink, along with music and dancing with Wasslou, the african band, and Harambe’s DJ Khalifa.  There will also be animal education experiences, beer and wine tastings, and event specific merchandise.

The Taste of Africa Street Party will apparently begin just after the Mickey’s Jammin Jungle parade and will run until the park closes, continuing through Extra Magic Hours as well. It will take place daily in Harambe and will launch on July 9.  The event is only scheduled to last about 2 weeks but if popular that could be extended or perhaps brought back for the holiday busy season.

I went to see the newest Pixar blockbuster and was certainly happy that I did. Frankly, I was not that big of a fan of the second installment of the Toy Story franchise. The first one is, obviously, a Disney classic. The second was, well, OK. I suppose. Not bad but didn’t really wow me. The newest movie is certainly better than that.

First of all, its in Digital 3D and IMAX 3D. That experience can cost you well over 50 bucks for a family of 4. Don’t bother. I spent the cash to go 3D. It doesn’t really blend itself to the 3D effects, like, say How to Train Your Dragon which was absolutely visually stunning in IMAX 3D. Toy Story was a fun movie but not because of the 3D effects. So, I would save your money.

The movie itself had a fun story line. Andy is all grown up and going to college. And his mom wants him to get rid of his stuff. The gang of toys end up at a DayCare where things aren’t as fun or pleasant as they appear on the surface. Needless to say, the toys need to get out and back to Andy, and the safety of storage in the attic. Along the way, there are plenty of fun jokes for kids. Adults get their fair share of humor, as well (a staple of a good Pixar film) including jokes about ebay, gags at the expense of Ken Doll, and a spainish version of Buzz Lightyear.

I do recommend this movie for most people. There is one demographic I would tell to stay away from this movie. Far away. That is parents who have kids that are going to college. Avoid this movie at all costs until your kid is well into his or her sophomore year. Or else, you will blubber uncontrollably. You probably still will anyway, but its a pretty good movie.

Today’s review is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra