Checking out the upcoming TV season

Posted on July 21, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

If the upcoming fall television schedule has a familiar ring to it don’t be surprised. Banking on proven past ratings winners to attract a hefty percentage of the $6 billion Madison Avenue will be investing in advertising over the next few months, TV broadcast networks are resurrecting “Will & Grace,” “Roseanne,” “Dynasty,” and “The Gong Show.” It’s not a sure bet, however, despite the heavily hyped return of “Twin Peaks” only a paltry 500,000 viewers tuned in.

At this stage definite trends are already emerging like the presence of more sci-fi and fantasy genres from ABC’s “Marvel’s Inhumans” to CW’s expansion of comic book heroes that already includes “The Flash” and “Supergirl.” Making his NBC debut is DC’s “Black Lightning,” a superhero vigilante turned charter school principal. FOX’s contender is “The Gifted,” a drama about children with mutant power, and “Ghosted,” a comedy where friends investigate unexpected phenomena in Los Angeles.

Another prominent trend was first introduced by NBC with 2013’s “The Sound of Music,” since then the Peacock Network and Fox have each mounted one musical a season. Joining the pack Fox will add a little holiday cheer with a musical version of the perennial mainstay “A Christmas Story” with Oscar winners for “La La Land” Banj Pasek and Justin Paul penning the music and lyrics. For the first time ABC is jumping with “The Little Mermaid” in October, mixing real-life singing with clips from the animated classic. Looking ahead to next Easter, NBC airs “Jesus Christ Superstar,” while Fox plans a live version of the Broadway hit “Rent.”

ABC’s super producer Shonda Rhimes is pulling the plug on “The Catch” and “Scandal” after the coming season, but she’s got two new series waiting in the wings beginning with “Still Star Crossed”which focuses on the aftermath of Romeo and Juliet’s suicides. Getting an early jump the series premiered last week. In addition, the network has picked up an untitled “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff relocated in a Seattle firehouse, along with a legal drama titled “For the People.”

With barely a 13-month hiatus ABC intends to resurrect “American Idol.” In its heyday the show drew 38 million viewers and spawned 375 Number One hits, taking into account natural and domestic charts, according to Billboard. A host has yet to be announced, but relying on star power Katy Perry is its first judge.
Taking into account the longevity and popularity of “Dancing with the Stars,” ABC is mounting a spinoff for the spring of 2018. The pint-sized contestants include celebrity kids, and offspring of celebrities paired with professional ballroom dancers.

The following is a roundup of series that will be filling television screens in the coming months.

ABC

During the recent Upfronts held at various venues in New York City, ABC provided a brief preview synopses of eight new series beginning with “The Crossing.” Refugees from a war-torn country seek asylum in a small American fishing village. There are two innate problems – first these people are from the United States, and secondly, the war they’re fleeting hasn’t happened yet. Leading the pack is Steve Zahn.

As “Scandal” embarks on its last season, Shondaland already is prepared to fill the void with “For the People” that premieres this fall. Setting up shop at the United States District Court for the Southern District in Manhattan, the drama tracks newly minted lawyers working for both the defense and the prosecution on the country’s most high profile and challenging federal cases. Found in the ranks are actors Lyndon Smith, Ben Rappaport, and Susannah Flood.

“Bates Motel’s” Freddie Highmore assumes a new identity as a young surgeon with Savant syndrome in “The Good Doctor.” Recruited by a pediatric surgical unit of a prestigious hospital, his inability to relate to his young patients doesn’t prevent him from doing everything within his power to save them.

“The Gospel of Kevin” stars Jason Ritter from “Parenthood,” who returns home to give his widowed twin sister (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) and her young daughter a hand. On his first night home a celestial spirit named Yvette appears giving him a mission to save the world.

Aspiring rapper Courtney Rose (Brandon Michael Hall) needs public exposure so he decides to run for mayor of his California hometown in “The Mayor.” Designed to booster his music career, Rose surprisingly wins his political bid. With the help of his mother (Yvette Nicole Brown) and his friends, including Valentina (Lea Michele of “Glee” fame) he sets out to transform the city.

“Splitting Up Together” the couple’s (Jenna Fischer and Oliver Hudson) marriage is revived by their divorce. The comedy series is based on the Danish series of the same name.

Based on the podcast “StartUp,” a name already claimed by Crackle, the comedy follows radio journalist Alex Schuman (Zach Braff) as he throws caution to the win and quits his job to start his own company. The same might be applied to multi-talented Braff, who also directs and serves as executive producer with Matt Tarses from “Scrubs.”

CBS

Building on its reputation as the “Most Watched Network” for 14 years running, CBS unveils eight new series beginning with “Young Sheldon.” For 9-year-old math genius Sheldon Cooper (played by Lain Armitage) finds it isn’t easy growing up in East Texas where church and football reign supreme. Narrated by “The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parson, the series offers the opportunity to meet Sheldon as a child embarking on an innocent, awkward and hopeful journey towards the man he will become. Once again at the helm are creators Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro.

Military drama series report for service in the form of CW’s “Valor,” NBC’s “For God & Country,” along with CBS’s own “SEAL Team,” starring David Boreanaz as a member of the country’s most elite unit of Navy SEALS as they train, and execute the most dangerous, high stakes missions. Storylines balance between the members’ personal lives and their unwavering patriotism and fearless dedication.

Inspired by the earlier television series and feature film “SWAT” stars Shemar Moore as a locally born SWAT sergeant assigned to run a specialized tactical unit in Los Angeles. A morally taxing position Moore often finds himself torn between loyalty to the streets where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue.

CBS’s “Wisdom of the Crowd” stars Jeremy Piven as a Silcon Valley visionary tech innovator who creates a cutting edge crowd sourcing app to solve his daughter’s murder. His success fuels his determination to solve even more cases.

Turning to the comedic side of CBS’s roster Mark Feuerstein tears a page from his own history for “9JKL.” As a new divorce and actor between projects he moves to a New York City apartment where he’s sandwiched between his meddlesome parents (Linda Lavin and Elliott Gould) and his competitive brother, sister-in-law and new baby.

“Me, Myself & I” headlines “SNL” alumni Bobby Moynihan in a comedy that defines moments in one man’s life as a 14-year-old, at age 40 in present day, depicted by Moynihan, and at 65 in 2042.

Slated for later in the season are “Instinct” and “By the Book.” The first stars Alan Cumming from “The Good Wife” as a former CIA operative who is lured back by the New York Police Department to help apprehend a serial killer. The storyline is based on a James Patterson soon to be released novel.

Facing parenthood Chip Curry (Jay R. Ferguson), a metropolitan film critic, embarks on a spiritual journey after the loss of his best friend in the comedy “By the Book.” He harbors some serious doubts about being able to follow every page in the Bible and its resulting effect. If Curry has his doubts he can always consult A.J. Jacobs’ bestselling book “The Year of Living Biblically.”

FOX

Boasting a full slate of new entries, Anne Heche returns a D.I.A. Deputy Director Patricia Campbell, who with her team of analysts yield the world’s most advanced surveillance technology from Washington, D.C. in “The Brave.” Their missions take them to some of the world’s most dangerous locales to save the lives of innocent people in “The Brave.”

Expanding on his “Law & Order” franchise, Dick Wolf presents an eight episode true crime installment of “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders.” The siblings were charged and convicted of brutally killing their parents. The series, starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Edie Falco, and details what happened when the cameras stopped rolling.

Think “Thelma & Louise” mixed with traces of “Breaking Bad “ when three suburban moms in “Good Girls” decide to rob the neighborhood supermarket. There’s just one hitch – the manager recognizes one of the bandits.

Mickey Fisher, the creator of “Extant” presents a new thriller “Reverie, starring Sarah Shahi as Mara Kint a former hostage negotiator, who is enlisted to save ordinary people lost in an advanced virtual reality program, who can literally live their dreams.

About the Author

Winnie Bonelli is a former entertainment editor for a daily metropolitan New York City area newspaper. She is passionate about movies and television and loves to take readers behind the scenes.

Heat Holders Character Slipper Socks

Posted on July 20, 2017September 1, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

What’s more uncomfortable than cold feet? When we’re home and the weather outside is snowy, rainy, or just plain cold, we like to snuggle up in comfortable clothing that feel good and keep us warm. But often we have plain socks for our feet. Sure, they’re better than nothing, but with the new Heat Holders Character Slipper Socks, we now have soft, warm, fun thermal slipper socks for the whole family.

For men there are the gray/yellow/black Batman themed slipper socks, yellow Minions, black stormtroopers, black Darth Vader, and blue/red Superman.

For boys there are the new green Incredible Hulk slipper socks, yellow Minions, black Star Wars, and red SpiderMan.

Girls will like the pink Olaf socks, lavender Elsa/Anna, and raspberry Disney Princess socks.

And for women there is a pair of purple Snoopy socks and black/pink Minnie Mouse socks.

Every pair is soft, insulated, and keep feet warm and dry. They also have slip resistant bottom with corresponding rubber designs to keep you safe on slippery floors.

Imagine cold winter nights when the family is gathered together with some popcorn to watch a fun movie in front of the fireplace. Now add these Heat Holder Character Slipper Socks for everyone and the night got even more fun and warm. Or think about your kids doing their homework on chilly nights. Sleepovers will be more fun with these slipper socks. And don’t forget them when traveling.

We always think of hats, gloves, and coats to keep warm when we’re outside, but we often forget staying warm inside. Whether you’re wearing your regular daytime clothes or your snuggly pajamas, these slipper socks will make you more comfy when you’re home. The Heat Holders special yarn and technology together with the fun of the characters make these slipper socks not only entertaining but also practical. They are the best way to keep your feet warm, short of piling on layers of blankets. And when our feet are warm, we tend to be warmer all over.

These socks also make great gifts for the holidays or winter birthdays. Kids socks list for $14.99 and adults list for $19.99.

Check out their website for designs and sizes.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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FreezeFrames Cool Care Sunglasses

Posted on July 20, 2017July 20, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

We have all had days when our eyes ache or are puffy. Whether it’s from lack of sleep, headaches, or allergies, eyes are usually the first to be affected. The solution is to place a cool cloth on your eyes while you lay down. (That’s what I usually do.) Or put an ice pack over your eyes. But both of those remedies require the user to stay put and lying down. The new FreezeFrames Cool Care Eyewear addresses this problem in a new way.

The FreezeFrames are sunglasses with magnets placed inside the frames for the small magnetic gel pads that accompany the glasses. After placing the gel pads in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes (or a glass of ice), they are ready to use. Simply attach them to the inside of the glasses and that’s it. When the glasses are put in place, the user can now go out into the world and still get the benefits of cooling compression in the eye area.

The gel pads attach to the inside upper and lower area of the sunglasses and do not impede sight. The cooling pads touch the face on the upper and lower areas around the eyes. There are also magnets on the temple areas so you can also place the gel pads there for cooling compression on the sides of your eyes/face.

So why is this something people might need when a cool cloth or ice pack will do the same thing? It allows the user to get up and out of the house. If you have to walk your kids to school and you wake up with swollen eyes or a headache, you can’t stop your life to stay in bed for an additional 20 minutes while you put a cool cloth or ice pack on your eyes. The FreezeFrames are there for those times when you simply need to get out and get on with your life, while at the same time soothing tired, sore, or swollen eyes.

They are comfortable however I wouldn’t recommend using them all day long as your regular sunglasses. These glasses are for a specific purpose, however if you happen to have them with you and have forgotten your everyday sunglasses, simply remove the gel pads and you have a pair of dark glasses on hand.

The FreezeFrames are also good for when you go to a spa. They cool down your eyes while you are sitting in a steam room or sauna.

Eyestrain is getting more and more common with our long use of computers. After a day at the office, put on the FreezeFrames and drive home while your eyes are getting a cooling treatment. So, the glasses are beneficial after working on your computer. When you leave your desk to walk down the street for cup of a coffee or out to the food truck, wear the glasses and no one will know that you are treating and comforting your eyes.

These sunglasses were invented by a nurse who saw the need for patients to have cool compression on their eyes but still needed to be upright. The FreezeFrames come with one pair of sunglasses, four reusable gel pads, a freezer pouch in which to store the pads while in the freezer, and one thermal travel case as an introductory bonus. They are available exclusively online at their website. They are for ages 8+.

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Baby Belle Doll

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

With both the animated movie as well as the new live action film, Beauty and the Beast has wowed generations of viewers. Belle is a Disney princess that is beloved by girls and women. As a matter of fact, the yellow Belle ball dress is the most popular costume from the Disney Store, attendees at the 2017 D23 Expo recently learned.

Paige O’Hara voiced the original Belle in the 1991 movie. She told the D23 Expo guests “Belle was ahead of her time.” She is “smart, intelligent, and a bookworm.” O’Hara was proud of her onscreen princess, who gave up her life for her father without hesitation. “She was noble.”

Emma Watson’s newest Belle is just as noble in this year’s live action film. For a brief snippet, audiences saw Belle as a baby. The newest doll from the Disney Store is Baby Belle, based on that brief moment in the film.

Baby Belle is adorable. She wears the famous yellow dress and has a rose rattle which her hand can actually hold. The rattle does not make any sound, however. And with her other hand she can suck her thumb.

Baby Belle’s expression is nothing short of sweet. With her open mouth and wide brown eyes, she is an adorable little doll. With shiny long brown hair, details on her dress, and a toe that sticks up like a real baby, Belle is sure to be loved by little girls.

Belle is 12 inches high although her legs are bent so she can actually sit on the edge of a shelf without falling over. She is also able to sit on a table. Baby Belle has a soft body but her head, hands, and legs are made of hard plastic. She’s a sturdy little doll that can stand the test of time, and hundreds of hugs.

Baby Belle is made to be loved and cuddled. She is for ages 2 and up.

Belle is a princess that inspires and endears herself to young and old. This new Baby Belle doll is perfect for the little princess in your life.

Baby Belle lists for $22.95 and can be purchased from the Disney Store and the Disney Store website.

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‘The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on July 20, 2017August 21, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

One of Townsville’s most magical citizens, Donny the Unicorn is the star of Cartoon Network’s DVD release of The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn, available in stores August 15, 2017. Join pint-sized superhero sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup in this must-own DVD release that features 12 butt-kicking episodes from the Emmy®-nominated hit series’ first and second season. The DVD includes the half-hour special, The Last Donnycorn, the Emmy® Award nominated episode Once Upon a Townsville, and bonus content, including five The Powerpuff Girls minis odes.

Once again, the day is saved by the cutest, evil-busting crime fighters, the Powerpuff Girls! Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup take on all types of troublemakers, from ferocious fortune-tellers to yucky yetis and of course mixed-up monkeys named Mojo Jojo. Luckily for the city of Townsville, the three sisters always manage to tap into the power of teamwork to topple evildoers.

Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls brings the adorable superhero sisters back with 12-action-packed episodes on one great DVD. This release includes the 30-minute special The Last Donnycorn, in which Donny comes to the girls for protection when he’s hunted by a robotic unicorn. After narrowly escaping, he reveals that he’s accidently unleashed evil unicorns that were trapped inside of a magic mirror upon Unicorn Land and needs the girls’ help to save his dimension. Get set for punch-outs and plenty of crime-stopping heroics! Juggling school, homework and a regular parade of villains is no easy task, but the Powerpuff Girls are more than up to the challenge.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Amazing Water, email us at [email protected] with “Amazing Water Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is August 12, 2017.

Attending the 2017 D23 Expo

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The fifth D23 Expo was held July 14-16 in Anaheim, California selling out tickets for the three-day event. The Expo is held every other year and each time it gets bigger and more popular with Disney fans of all ages. Not only do fans get to purchase all kinds of Disney related items and one of a kind pieces, they get to meet their favorite movie and TV stars, get sneak peeks at upcoming shows and resort attractions, take part in activities, and learn about all things Disney.

This expo attracts all ages, from very young (even kids in strollers) to seniors. Many attendees dress in Disney-related costumes, either bought or hand made. It’s a whirlwind three days of excitement for fans.

Robert drove in from Fresno. He has attended all five Expos. So what’s his favorite part of the expo? “The free swag,” he exclaimed, however he was quick to point out that this year there were less items being handed out. His eleven-year-old daughter came for the live-action panels with her favorite TV show actors. Robert complained that the organization for certain events was anything but organized, even to the point of the head of Disneyland security needed to come in to assist for one panel when the entrance was not manned. “Kids were crying and parents screaming” when they weren’t able to get into the event they had waited a long time to see. But all in all, Robert and his family were pleased with this expo, although he did admit, “the first year was the best.” When he headed back home with his family he had spent about $3,000 on items, mainly artwork. “We really like the artists meet and greets,” he said.

Jennifer came all the way from Winnipeg, Canada, and has attended all five expos, at the ripe old age of 29! She enjoys the sneak peeks and the previews of upcoming shows. She came to California with her dad. Unlike Robert, Jennifer admits to spending under $200 “because we have to fly back and can’t carry everything.”

Seventeen-year-old Sarah came dressed as Moana for the “Power of the Princess” panel featuring four of the Disney Princesses. When asked why she dressed in character, she said “I wanted to be a princess for a day.”

Francisco, 27, was dressed like Russell from the movie “Up.” He came to California from Dallas, Texas. And Esther, 29, came all the way from Toronto. She decided to dress like Belle for her first D23 Expo. “Belle’s been my hero since I was a little kid,” she said.

The next D23 Expo will be held in 2019. Fans are already planning for their next trip to Anaheim for another Disney-filled three days of shopping, sneak peeks, and all kinds of Disney fun.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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‘Bloodline’ final season streaming on Netflix

Posted on July 18, 2017July 18, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Bloodline centers around the Rayburn clan deeply rooted in the Florida Keys. This seemingly normal and hardworking family starts crumbling after their black sheep eldest son, Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), came home for his parents’ 45th anniversary. The patriarch Robert (Sam Shepherd) left it up to Danny’s younger siblings, John (Kyle Chandler), Kevin (Nobert Leo Butz), and Meg (Linda Cardellini), to rule on his wish to stay and ‘work things out.’ Robert’s reckless behavior inadvertently ignited fury in the younger siblings. Robert and the matriarch Sally (Sissy Spacek), the products of broken homes, had done a number on their children, particularly on Danny by enabling his unsavory behaviors out of guilt, shame, fear, and disappointment.

Psychoanalyzing this season is a breeze because we’re privy to the big picture as well as family secrets. And when you hear Sally uttering “How did we get here?”, you would realize that she is totally clueless about how to deal with the world. She doesn’t have any insight whatsoever into how her own actions have impacted the children. She is the one who taught them to lie in the name of ‘protecting the family.’ In her book, lying in any shape or form is acceptable as long as it keeps the wolves from the door. Hence, the final season is all about the Rayburns trying to fend off relentless onslaughts on the Rayburn Empire.

The Rayburn children no doubt pay for their parents’ sins, but I believe John, the second oldest of the siblings, is the biggest victim. His fate was sealed when he was forced into taking the savior role when he lied about Danny’s ‘accident.’ He was only doing what he had been groomed for and tried his best to save and protect his immediate family. The nature of profession John (criminal justice) and Meg (legal) chose turned them into the perfect gatekeepers of the Empire. But you know what? You can’t save people who won’t save themselves. It’s a futile exercise.

As a recovering rescuer/fixer, I put myself in John’s shoes from the get-go. The journey was tumultuous and physically and emotionally taxing to say the least. It was like playing a game of Whac-a-Mole for ten hours straight. No wonder I cried tears of relief when the game was over. I desperately want to whisk John far far away and let him sleep to his heart’s content.

You can watch all three seasons of Bloodline now on Netflix.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

‘Minnie’s Happy Helpers’ on DVD

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Minnie’s Happy Helpers DVD includes seven episodes from the popular Disney Junior TV show Mickey and the Roadster Racers/Minnie’s Happy Helpers. Mickey and Donald might be head of the Roadster Racers, but Minnie and Daisy are the best helpers with their business helping anyone with a problem.

Always willing and ready to help anyone in need, Minnie and Daisy, along with Cuckoo-Loca, provide all kinds of assistance with their Happy Helper Van. And they always look stylish doing everything. With a quick spin in the Turn-Styler to get them into the right outfit, they head off to do whatever needs to be done, providing assistance wherever needed.

When Clara Cluck’s egg is about to hatch and she needs to go out, Minnie, Daisy, and Pluto are there to egg-sit for the day. Unfortunately, the egg starts cracking so Minnie heads out with Cuckoo to find Clara for the “birth” of her chicks. While Minnie is out and about tracking down Clara, Daisy and Pluto have a difficult time trying to keep the chicks from hatching. They even try putting rubber bands around it! How inventive. But Mother Nature waits for no one.

And over in Hawaii, Minnie and Daisy need to help find the perfect birthday gift for Leilani to give to her Grandpa. But it’s not easy. This man has several of everything. While they are trying to help Leilani, Mickey and Donald are setting up the party. At least they’re trying to set it up.

And when they all go to London for tea at Buckingham Palace, they find themselves in quite a jam, no pun intended. Big Ben breaks at the same time Mickey and Donald must take lessons on how to be gentlemen. It’s Minnie and Daisy to the rescue to fix the clock.

Minnie and Daisy prove that girls are just as handy to have around as boys. In many cases, even more so! And they always wear a smile.

The episodes included on this DVD are:

Egg-Xasperating!
Happy Hula Helpers!
Tea Time Trouble!
Happy Birthday Helpers!
Bed, Breakfast and Bungled!
Gone Fishin’!

The bonus episode is Teed Off!

Also included in the DVD box is magnetic chart to place on refrigerators with spaces to write chores. There are also magnetic stars for kids to add to their list when they have completed their tasks.

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Getting Around Walt Disney World

Posted on July 18, 2017August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

Walt Disney World is approximately 40 square miles. So, how do guests maneuver around this expansive magical place? There are four basic modes of transportation: bus, monorail, boat, and on foot.

Bus

The bus system at WDW is amazing. Every location is serviced by the bus system. Each resort has at least one bus stop for guests. All you have to do is to wait for the correct bus, get on, and leave the driving to them.

For instance, if you are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and you want to go to the Magic Kingdom, simply wait at the convenient bus stop for the bus with the Magic Kingdom sign. Or, if you are at EPCOT and want to go to the Pop Century hotel, at the EPCOT bus zone check the list for the corresponding number of the Pop Century hotel and wait in the appropriate area. Busses run about every 20 minutes. Signage is easy to understand.

Monorail

The monorail is another mode of transportation at WDW. The monorail services three resorts (The Contemporary, The Polynesian, and The Grand Floridian) as well as The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and the TTC (Ticket Transportation Center). There are three monorail lines: one services the three hotels, TTC, and The Magic Kingdom, the second services the TTC and EPCOT, and the third is an express between The Magic Kingdom and the TTC.

Now, if you are at The Magic Kingdom and want to go to EPCOT, you have two options. You can catch the appropriate bus that will take you directly to EPCOT or you can take the monorail to the TTC. Once you arrive at the TTC you must switch to the other line and there you can catch the monorail directly to EPCOT.

If you are staying at one of the three hotels, the monorail can take you directly to The Magic Kingdom. If you are at The Grand Floridian and want to go to Disney Hollywood Studio, even though the monorail has a station at this resort, it won’t take you to Disney Hollywood Studio. You must take a bus.

While the monorail system is a great method of transportation, it doesn’t service the entirety of WDW. It would be great if it did. Perhaps one of these days they will extend it to all of WDW. In the meantime, it has limited service.

Boat

There are many waterways in WDW. The Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake, Crescent Lake and Lake Hollywood areas each provide boat service to other locations within WDW. As with the monorail, boat service is limited to the immediate vicinity, however if you are in one of the areas, a launch is an easy way to get from point A to point B.

For instance, if you are at The Polynesian, you can catch a launch directly to The Magic Kingdom. If you are at The Boardwalk, you can catch a launch to EPCOT or Disney Hollywood Studio. Boat access is available to minimal locations from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. The resorts that have boat access to the Magic Kingdom are the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, the Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge. Resorts with water access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are the Boardwalk, the Beach Club, the Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin. Boat access to Disney Springs is available from Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West resorts.

Walking

The final way to get around WDW is on foot, however only nominally. Since this place is so large, several areas are connected by pathways, however you wouldn’t want to walk the entire world.

It’s an easy walk from the Boardwalk resort to EPCOT. It’s also an easy walk from the Polynesian to The Grand Floridian or the TTC.

Once you get inside a theme park, you’ll do plenty of walking, so if you don’t need to add to your Fitbit step count for the day, you might as well opt for the bus, monorail, or boat.

Magical Express

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, getting to your hotel from the airport is another convenient experience via the Magical Express. Once you make your reservations with the hotel and the Magical Express, you’ll be mailed special luggage tags. When you arrive at the airport you have two options: you can collect your bags and continue to the Magical Express location or you can let them collect your luggage (hence the special luggage tags) and you can proceed directly from the gate to the Magical Express location. You will then board the appropriate bus that will take you to your resort.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Walt Disney World introduces two new night shows

Posted on July 18, 2017August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

No one can put on a fireworks show like Disney. And now the great Imagineers have added a laser show to accompany the fireworks, or possibly the fireworks to accompany the laser show. Whatever way you look at it, “Happily Ever After” is the most amazing night show I have seen, to date.

When the sun goes down Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom becomes a screen for the big event. During the show the castle morphs into a whole lot of different things. Clips from many memorable Disney films light up the castle, which changes for each film. The castle, which is normally white, takes on several personalities during this amazing show. It moves, the towers spin, and it is simply awe-inspiring. If you don’t hear all the cheers and “wows” being uttered by those viewing this amazing spectacle, you are not in the Magic Kingdom.

While the castle is changing and characters we all know and love are highlighted on the walls, fireworks accompany the scenes and go right along with the visuals. For instance, when Merida shoots her arrow, it manifests into a big burst in the sky.

Tiana, the characters from Toy Story, Up, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King and scenes from so many other films are shown while laser lights and fireworks accompany the spectacular. The projection show would be amazing in itself as would the fireworks show, but add them together and you get something that is extraordinary.

To say this is a “must see” is an understatement. It is a “must see again” event. There is so much going on that there is too much to take in in one viewing. However if you only have on night to spend at Walt Disney World, by all means, this is the place to spend it. This show surpasses everything else Disney has produced to date. After seeing this the little fireworks show in your home town on July 4th will seem like a major disappointment (Apologies to all the hard workers in all the towns across America). But no one can put on a spectacle like the folks at Disney. And look for Tinkerbell near the end of the show as she flies from the castle off to Neverland, or Pixie Hollow, or wherever she flies off to.

Their second new laser show is “Once Upon a Time” that uses “projection-mapping technology” to also show scenes from Disney classics on the iconic castle. Mrs. Potts begins the show by telling Chip some bedtime stories, and they are projected onto the castle walls. The stories immerse viewers in the visuals, as like in “Happily Ever After.” The effects are spectacular and the show is another memorable experience for guests to the Magic Kingdom.

Ariel, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Cinderella, Anna, Elsa, Heffalumps and Woozles, Belle and the Beast, Peter Pan, and others are projected onto the castle, which turns into some remarkable scenes. It is truly amazing to see how the castle transforms to show the various scenes.

“Happily Ever After” and “Once Upon a Time” are definitely major advancements in nightly shows and give guests to the Magic Kingdom a magical end to a magical day.

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