Oz the Great and Powerful

On a recent visit to Walt Disney World I had the chance to attend an early screening of the movie Oz the Great and Powerful as part of a Disney Parks Blog event.  Seeing this amazing movie in Epcot of all places was truly a fantastic experience.  Prior to the start of the show we spent some time in the The "Land of Oz" garden in Epcot. The "Land of Oz" garden is based on the film and it is absolutely breathtaking. You'll follow the yellow brick road to a children's play area with lots of fun and carnival style games. The garden is filled with beautiful flowers and amazing art-glass poppies. It's also a great spot to take a rest in the shade while the kids play! 

Arriving at World Showplace guests were ushered into an Oz themed welcome area. Once inside the theater guests were treated to “Glinda the Good” popcorn (yum) and “Oz the Powerful” punch ( again yum) and we were all entertained with lots of fun Disney trivia before the movie began.  Everybody loves the previews before the movie right? Well, I know I do and the movie previews for Monsters University, The Lone Ranger and Ironman 3 really got the crowd excited...there will be a lot of movie theater visits in my future.

Now, onto Oz the Great and Powerful. ..Phenomenal...I mean, really phenomenal! It's a thrill ride through the vibrantly gorgeous Land of Oz. The story was a perfectly written prequel to the Wizard of Oz as it brought in elements from the classic movie and seamlessly wove a brand new fantastical tale. The casting was spot on..James Franco was charming and handsome as Oscar "Oz" Diggs. Oz's faithful flying monkey sidekick Finley, voiced by Zach Braff, was adorable and funny. I now know that it is possible to have a crush on a CG character! Oh, how I love that witty little monkey! Finley and China Girl, voiced by young actress Joey King, provide lots of laughs as they team up with Oz to take on the Wicked Witch. Speaking of witches...Mila Kunis is fantastic as Theodora. She is sweet and innocent (up to a point) and I found myself rooting for her throughout the movie. Evanora, played by Rachel Weisz is wicked at it's best. Bad never looked so gorgeous!  Michelle Williams was stunning as Glinda the Good...her beauty glowed on screen and she embodied all of the mannerisms of the bubbly good witch we all loved in the original version.  Without spoiling the plot for any that have yet to see the movie, I will say that I loved the way that the origin of how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be was shown. The Land of Oz is all it's glory comes to life in this movie. I saw the movie in 3-D and there were some parts that made me jump. There are also some scary scenes but they are tempered with humor to lighten them up. My 6 , 10, and 12 year old enjoyed the movie so much that they have been asking to go and see it again now that it is out in theaters.  Believe me..seeing the Land of Oz in 3-D is something you do not want to miss!!! 

Take a look at this extended clip from Oz the Great and Powerful and do yourself a favor...head to the theater, get a bucket of popcorn, click your heels three times, and head to Oz!! 

*You can find the recipes for "Glinda the Good" popcorn and "Oz the Powerful" punch by clicking HERE

“Like” OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ozthegreatandpowerful

"Follow" OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyozmovie

Visit the website: http://www.disney.com/thewizard

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is now playing in theatres everywhere!

Disney Princess Half Marathon ~ Magic in Motion

I ran a HALF MARATHON!! Me…a  40 “something”  Mom of four..yes, I did! This wasn’t just your "run" of the mill 13.1 miles though…there were pirates, princes and princesses, a castle, music, and MAGIC…and I mean true magic in so many different ways! 

This year was my second year running Disney's Princess Half Marathon. The first year I didn’t know what to expect, the farthest I had ever run up until then was 3 miles here, 5 miles there…nothing even  close to 13 miles! About a month before the race I injured my shoulder and my training suffered…still I was determined to participate in the race. And I did… I finished and it was hot and hard and I was so focused on just finishing that I didn’t fully enjoy the experience. This time around it was a much different experience….my focus was on having fun and boy, did I ever. Fun running 13.1 miles you ask??? Well, here’s where that magic I was telling you about comes in:

The Magic of Teamwork

I felt as if I was on a team while running this race…a HUGE 26,000 person team of supportive encouraging individuals.  Along the race route I heard shouts from spectators and fellow runners,  “You can do it Princess”, “Keep going, almost there”, “You are awesome”! There were women running and walking with their friends, daughters, sisters, mothers….some recovering from cancer….some running for those who could not….some running their very first race ever at the age of 50….Men wearing princess tiaras and tutus running with their wives…an enormous group of cheerleaders pep talking each other throughout each mile. Amazing!

The Magic of Disney

I can think of no better place to run than at the “Most Magical Place on Earth”.  A Run Disney event has the same unparalleled magic of Disney Parks …it is magic in motion.  Jack Sparrow and his crew, handsome princes, beautiful princesses, a friendly genie and a candelabra , a few villains, and many many more characters greet you along your journey. There’s music ….thumping inspirational beats that help you push through your steps.  DJ’s, Marching bands and choir singers keep you motivated and moving.  AND then there’s the Castle…”THE CASTLE”. Imagine running up Main Street in Magic Kingdom ..the street lined with crowds of race fans hooting, hollering, and applauding as they rouse the runners onward.  Now imagine running up to the Castle’s rear entrance and getting to make your way through Cinderella’s intricately decorated hallway! I cried…I felt like a little girl, like a princess, a sweaty princess but an elated one no less.  There was some behind the scenes fun too as we ran through the back of the park and got to see Cinderella’s parade float and a rarely seen view of Thunder Mountain.  Heading in to the home stretch of the race the route takes you through Epcot and you run past Spaceship Earth. A royal welcome awaits you as you crossover the finish line and the medal..see for yourself...it’s fit for a Princess! 

The Magic of Believing

Here’s where I get a bit choked up thinking about being having completed the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  As a Mom my first priority is always my children. I manage my household and everyone's schedules and try my very best to be a good example to them in the way I live my life. All parents doubt themselves from time to time, I am no different. I often wonder if I am teaching my kids to be confident in themselves when clearly there are times when my own self confidence is lacking. I wonder sometimes if I have shown them how important it is to believe in their abilities. One of the best things that I got out of participating in this race was a belief in myself. I BELIEVED that I could do it. I BELIEVED while I was training on my treadmill for months. I BELIEVED when I was waiting in my crowded corral at 5:30am. I BELIEVED at Mile 5 when I was still full of energy and enjoying each step. I BELIEVED when I was sniffling (read sobbing) my way through Cinderella’s Castle. I BELIEVED at Mile 11 when my body had other plans than my mind did. ( my hip has since recovered , thank goodness) I BELIEVED in myself the whole entire way! It is not often that I will say out loud (or in writing ) that I am proud of myself..but, Holy cow, I RAN 13.1 MILES!! I am Strong, I am a Princess, and yes, I am Proud of myself!  By setting this personal goal and accomplishing it I was able to (even for just one day) let go of my doubts. As I saw my whole family waiting for me at the finish line I realized that I had just taught my children that they can do ANYTHING they set their minds to....they just have to BELIEVE!

For more information on Run Disney Events Click HERE.