Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Swapped’ is a fun family film now on Netflix

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The new animated film Swapped is filled with adventure, fun characters, combined with a little bit of danger. Ollie (voiced by Michael B. Jordan) is inquisitive and thoughtful. He is a tiny, furry little rodent, called a Pookoo. After a tragedy struck The Valley where the Pookoos and other animals live, Ollie and his family and all the Pookoos, were relegated to a small area underground.

This little fellow is inventive and very curious. That makes him such a fun little guy. On one of his outings above ground, Ollie encounters a young bird and teaches it how to open a pod to get to the food inside. This is the staple food for the Pookoos. Unfortunately, Ollie’s good intentions backfire and soon all the birds, known as Javans, are eating all of the food, leaving the Pookoos close to starvation.

Little Ollie ventures outside again to find a solution to their dilemma. After all, he is responsible for their situation. Unfortunately, he encounters a dangerous situation and falls upon a glowing pod that instantly turns him into a Javan, the arch enemies of the Pookoos. 

Ollie, now in a Javan body, meets Ivy (voiced by Juno Temple), a bossy and outgoing bird. Once Ollie realizes what is going on, he knows the old tale of the Dzo is not fiction. His grandmother told him the tale when he was very young. 

A long time ago the Dzo brought peace and stability to the land by helping all the critters understand each other. Their glowing pods gave the creatures the ability to talk to each other. Then a Firewolf came and brought destruction and separation. That is the world in which Ollie and his fellow Pookoos now live.

Ollie begins a trek to find another glowing pod to turn him back into a Pookoo. Along the way things get a bit turned around. Ivy encounters a glowing pod and accidentally turns into a Pookoo.

Ivy and Ollie befriend a large fish. This is a Boogle (voiced by Tracy Morgan) who has a secret of his own. The trio embark on a journey to locate more glowing pods so Ollie and Ivy can return to their normal bodies. 

This is a wild adventure with some cute characters and an interesting storyline. While there are scenes of danger, the outcome is a happy one for all, as you probably expected. This is a fun family film with adorable characters and an engaging plot.

Swapped is now available to stream on Netflix. It is rated PG for action/peril and some scary images.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Netflix

Another handy item from the folks at mophie

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Do you have devices that plug in via USB-C as well as devices that use Lightning plugs? If so, you are probably using two different cables to charge your devices – one for your lightning devices and one for your USB-C devices. That can be cumbersome and frustrating, especially when you’re traveling. Mophie has a solution.

The mophie Charge Stream 1M USB-C to USB-C Cable with Lightning Tip has a USB-C end to plug in to a charging outlet and the other end has a USB-C plug as well as an attached Lightning tip, all together on a single cable.

To use the cable for USB-C charging, plug the USB-C into a charging plug and the other end into a USB-C enabled device. To use this same cable to charge a Lightning device, simply attach the tethered Lightning tip to the end of the USB-C plug.

They call this a “Switch-Tip” as it easily switches from a USB-C to USB-C cord to a USB-C to Lightning cord. The cord can charge a device up to 60W fast charging.

Sure, you can buy a separate adapter to make a USB-C plug into a Lightning plug. But the problem is that the separate adapter is just that – separate. It can be mislaid, lost, or tucked away in a drawer. With this mophie cord the adapter (switch-tip) is attached to the cord with a flexible rubber strap that keeps it all together. It’s the simplicity and handiness that makes this a good product.

With just this one cable you can charge a Lightning enabled device and quickly switch to a USB-C device without having to change cables. A simple click attaches the Lightning  plug into the USB-C end, converting it instantly from a USB-C to Lightning charging cable. How simple is that?

The mophie Charge Stream 1M USB-C to USB-C Cable with Lightning Tip has a durable braided cord that doesn’t kink when curled up. The only downside is that is only 1 M (39 inches) in length. As soon as they come out with a longer one, I’ll be first on the list to purchase a few. 

If you’re struggling with two cords for your different devices, this might be your solution. Also, the company offers a 2 year warranty.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been writing about products, entertainment, and travel for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as various Internet websites.

Note: This unit was sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.
 

Disneyland updates Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park in Anaheim, California and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, transports guests to Black Spire Outpost, a village on the planet of Batuu. Guests will discover two signature attractions – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Not really a long time ago and not in a galaxy far, far away, actually, in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort  opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This land in Disneyland has attracted fans of the franchise and immersed them in the planet of Batuu. When it opened in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge took guests on an exploration of this planet, complete with exotic galactic food and drinks, character meet and greets, plenty of merchandise, and  two fan favorite attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. And with the background music by John Williams, guests feel like they are stepping into the movies.

There are two nighttime experiences in the land: a nightly projection show, “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” and on select nights, “Fire of the Rising Moons.”

Beginning April 29, 2026, visitors to Batuu may find Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa and Han Solo inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., as the land expands its timeline to include more Star Wars eras. The iconic group reunites with R2-D2 in Black Spire Outpost, where they may be spotted near the Millennium Falcon. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

 

The folks at Disneyland Resort have made some updates to the land. 

Black Spire Outpost is rolling back in time several decades, enabling guests to experience multiple eras of the planet’s rich history, including the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order. Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker join some existing characters that roam the Outer Rim outpost. Visitors are further transported into the world of Star Wars with the addition of selections of beloved scores from legendary composer John Williams, pulling musical themes from the first six films. 

And coming on May 22, 2026, a new mission featuring Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian from The Mandalorian, is coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the release of Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu. For the first time, the crew will be in control of the destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor or the bustling city-planet, Coruscant. 

With the new additions, including new characters to meet and greet, as well as fun food, fabulous libations, a journey to a new galaxy, and don’t forget the merch, the update to the land is one guests have been anxious to experience. Now, they can!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry, including travel, for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bring home ‘Hoppers’ for a hoppin’ good time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 


The Disney/Pixar film Hoppers is now available on digital platforms with plenty of bonus material. The story is filled with heart as one brave young girl sets out to help the animals in her beloved glade.

Mabel starts off in the film as a very young girl who has always tried to help animals, even going so far as to attempt to take them from her school and set them free.  The story then jumps to Mabel as a 19-year old and living with her grandmother who teaches her about the environment and how we are all connected – animals and humans.

When the devious mayor begins to build a beltway through the glade, Mabel steps into action. Hoping to stop the construction, she sets out to get a petition, however that does not go the way she wants. 

Then she accidentally discovers an experiment in the lab at her college. It involves transferring a human brain into a robotic animal and going out into the world to discover more about them. They call it “hopping.”

She says the experiment is just like Avatar, but her professor disagrees. Not wanting to waste any time saving the glade and the animals’ home, Mabel jumps right into the experiment, to the surprise of those in the lab. 

Now, as a robotic beaver, Mabel sets out to find all the animals that were displaced by the construction project. She knows that if she can get just one beaver to return to the glade, then other animals will follow.

Mabel first meets George, the mammal king who is a well-intentioned beaver. George sees her as just another beaver. When George and the other animals resign themselves to living away from their home, it is Mabel who spurs them on to regain their habitat. And she is victorious, for a while.

Discovering the true evilness inflicted on the animals by the mayor, Mable puts her heart and soul into stopping the construction and helping the animals. 

The friendship between Mabel and George is precious. And all the animals have interesting personalities and perspectives on life. The “pond rule” is that if an animal is captured by another animal, that’s just the way it is. He or she then becomes the other animal’s meal. That’s the circle of life, or as they say, the pond rule.

When push comes to shove, it is the animals who ultimately save the humans. 

This is a cute story with a young hero who sets a good example for others. Although there are scenes of animals’ demise, on the whole it is a very entertaining film.

The bonus features take viewers into the movie-making process with insights from the filmmakers.

“The Critter Diaries” is a featurette showing how the team researched the lives and physiology of the animals. They went to Yellowstone National Park where they were able to get up close with the animals and even into a deserted Beaver lodge! The folks at Pixar always do extensive research when making a film, and this time they had a great time exploring nature and the wild life of Yellowstone.

“Hopping In: The Making of Hoppers” delves into the process of creating the story, refining it, and ultimately bringing it to the public. 

“Meet King George” focuses on how George’s Superlodge was created. This was a daunting task but the final product was worth it.

“Beaverton Revealed” shows various easter eggs in the scenes which die-hard Pixar fans might have missed when viewing the film. 

Bloopers and several deleted scenes are also included. The scenes that did not make it into the final production are introduced by director Daniel Chong and editor Axel Geddes. Honestly, many of them are so cute that they could be in the film, however they did not make the cut.

Keep in mind bonus features may vary by product and retailer.

 

Hoppers is rated PG for action/peril, some scary images, and mild language. It is now available on digital platforms including Movies Anywhere, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. On June 2, 2026 it will be available on Blu-ray and DVD, as well as a 4K UHD set. 

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ takes viewers on a cute little road trip

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

I’ll Be Seeing You brings together two popular actors in a fun story of love and fate. Tyler Haynes and Stacey Farber star as Mark and Amy, two people who are complete opposites.

Mark is the activities director at a retirement community. He’s effervescent, happy, and easy going. He is beloved by all the seniors who count him as a friend besides being on staff there. He’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy.

Amy, on the other hand, is a structured career woman who has her sights on a promotion and who works tirelessly to the point of neglecting her friends in favor of her job.  She comes to visit her grandmother Vivien (Christine Ebersole) at the retirement community and they decide to take a road trip together. Amy needs to get a client to get some documents signed for her job, and taking the trip with her grandmother adds a little extra to the journey.

Vivien asks her friend Sue (BJ Harrison) to join them on a girls weekend. Amy is fine with this as long as she gets to her destination and gets those documents signed. They’re off on a fun-filled trip when Amy’s car malfunctions. As luck would have it, guess who happens to be on his way for a fishing weekend? Yep. Mark happens by and volunteers to take them on their little getaway. This sounds odd to Amy, but if they can get their road trip back on track, all the better. And Mabel, Mark’s old van, has plenty of room for them all. 

They’re on their way when Vivien asks to detour through a little town from her past. It was there where long ago she met a man of her dreams. She wants to relive the memories. 

This little road trip takes on a new dimension when they all learn Teddy, the man from Vivian’s past, lives close by. Why not track him down for old times sake?

Along the way, this little trip opens Amy’s eyes to the world outside of her job. As she becomes more carefree, she and Mark bond and they both begin to realize what is most important in their lives.

Of course there is a happy ending. It wouldn’t be a fun little Hallmark movie without one. But the characters’ interactions make this a cute little movie for an afternoon or a quiet evening. 

I’ll Be Seeing You premieres April 25, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and will be available to stream beginning April 26, 2026. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark

 

Disney Princesses join together for more fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Ever since Snow White lit up the big screen in 1937, audiences have been electrified by the Disney princesses. Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Merida, Elsa, Anna, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Rapunzel, Raya, Moana, Sofia, Elena, and Vanellope, have enchanted fans of all ages – all ages!

While we are used to seeing them individually, there have been several occasions where they have met in various combinations and situations. Sure, Elsa and Anna are usually together since they are sisters, however there have been times when princesses have joined with other princesses for added royal entertainment.

Vanellope and the other Disney Princesses

Perhaps the most notable time when the princesses were gathered together was in the 2018 movie Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. It was there when Vanellope joined the rest of the royal gals, making these scenes downright delightful.

While in “the Internet,” Vanellope popped into the lounge where the princesses were waiting. Anna, Elsa, Ariel, Moana, Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, Merida, Rapunzel, Belle, Snow White, Tiana, and Mulan met the newest little princess who introduced them to casual attire. Initially dressed in their royal gowns, they changed into tees and other less formal wear. For fans of the girls, this was a fun change of pace, showing the princesses in a new light, all thanks to the easy-going Vanellope.

Easter Eggs

Disney/Pixar fans know the animators cleverly add fun little bits inside the movies. Eagle eyed viewers will have noticed Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (aka Eugene) attending Elsa’s coronation in Frozen.

Hiding in the background of Oliver & Company is Princess Aurora. And Belle can be seen for an instant in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Although these Easter Eggs do not combine the princesses, it is notable that they add royal fun to the shows. 

Tangled was full of references and nods to other princesses. First, there is a little painting of Cinderella’s glass slipper on the banister. Aurora’s spinning wheel is also visible, as well as the poisoned apple from Snow White. 

Easter Eggs give viewers some additional fun – if they can spot them!

Sofia the First 

In the Disney Jr. TV series Sofia the First, new princess Sofia was given the Amulet of Avalor, a magical piece of jewelry that summoned other princesses when Sofia needed help and guidance.  The series ran from 2012 – 2018. Throughout the series Sofia met Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora, Mulan, Snow White, Tiana, Merida, and  Rapunzel. Besides making friends with other princesses, the magical necklace gave Sofia  the power to talk to animals too. 

And, the Amulet of Avalor also released imprisoned Elena, who had her own series, Elana of Avalor. The two princesses first met in the 2016 TV movie Elena and the Secret of Avalor. 

Instead of being born into royal life or marrying into royalty, Sofia was a common girl in a small village in the land of Enchancia. Her mother married King Roland II making her mother the Queen and Sofia  a princess with a new father (the King), and two siblings, Princess Amber and Prince James. 

It was a big change for little Sofia, and in the beginning she felt out of her league. But she was always an optimistic little girl, and she quickly became a good friend to other royals in the Royal Prep Academy, which, incidentally, is run by the fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty fame.

The series introduced many other young royals who are now part of the Disney royal family, however it is doubtful they will ever be considered true Disney royalty. Princesses Vivian, Clio, Hildegard, Oona, Ivy, Isabel, Jun, Kari, Cora, Lani, Leena, Maya, Astrid, Cassandra, and Zooey all make appearances in the TV series through encounters with Sofia,  yet they are really not considered Disney princesses.

Sofia the First returns

Sofia  the First was a fun royal show for young viewers, and now a new series takes to the screen –  Sofia the First: Royal Magic. The show follows Sophia in her new school The Charmswell School for Royal Magic. And yes, other young students from across the realm will be in attendance.

Besides the students, the original characters from the first episode also return: Queen Miranda, King Roland II, Princess Amber, Prince James, Baileywick (the royal butler), Minimus (Sophia’s horse),  Cedric the Sorcerer, and of course Clover the bunny. Others from the initial series will return as well. 

To add to the princess fun, Cinderella, Aurora, Elena, Jasmine, Moana, and Rapunzel are also scheduled to make appearances to assist the young princess in her new endeavors.

The new series will premier on Disney Jr. beginning May 25, 2026, and be available to stream on Disney+ the following day.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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 is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries’ on UPtv and UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The quaint Amish community of Sugarcreek, Ohio is a laid-back place where people help each other, look out for each other, and blend Amish and English residents in a picturesque setting. Sugarcreek has been the setting for several previous films, and now it is the center of the new UPtv series Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. 

In the last movie, Cheryl Cooper (Galadriel Stineman) left Chicago after a difficult breakup and moved to Sugarcreek to manage her aunt’s gift shop. It is a little difficult adjustment for her, but Cheryl manages beautifully, especially with the help and friendship of her new Amish friend Naomi (Denise Gossett). 

Both Cheryl and Naomi are attracted to mysteries, to the chagrin of Police Chief Twitchell (Lance E. Nichols). It’s the old story of residents getting involved in police matters, and usually getting to the bottom of mysteries before the officials. Thanks to their inside contacts and sharp instincts, this new duo manages to not only deepen their friendship, but also help the community when trouble comes to Sugarcreek. 

“We’re excited to return to Sugarcreek and bring viewers deeper into Cheryl’s world,” said Crissie Miller, vice president, content strategy at UP Entertainment. “The success of our 2025 world premiere movie, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise, made it clear our audience connected with the warmth, mystery and sense of belonging at the heart of this story. With Easter as the backdrop for our series launch, the timing feels perfect to invite families back into this community for new adventures.”

The pilot episode focuses on a rash of seemingly insignificant items being stolen from the shops in the town. Cheryl feels there is a connection between the thefts and an unknown person taking shelter in Naomi’s barn. 

As Cheryl digs deeper, Naomi sets a trap to find out who is living in her barn. She does not feel there is any danger, but it is a mystery she wants to solve. 

While the two keep their investigations from Chief Twitchell, they seem to be getting closer and closer to the thief. But is it who they think it is? There are several twists throughout the story as this calm Amish community is the focus of the mystery.

Slowly, Cheryl becomes ensconced in this quiet community. It is a comfortable place and her friendships with the Amish people takes root. Perhaps she might even have a new love interest. We’ll have to wait to see. It looks like Levi (Kevin Joy) might just step into that role.

This new heartfelt series premieres April 23, 2016 on UPtv. There are eight one-hour episodes in this first season. Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries is an easy-going, laid-back show filled with interesting stories blending the quiet Amish lifestyle with English mysteries. Viewers can also stream the series on UP Faith and Family.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy UPtv

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

For those of us who have grown up with home movies – now called home videos – we know how far technology has come from the old hand-held eight millimeter cameras. The grainy and shaky home movies that captured our childhoods and family vacations are windows to our past. Today’s generation capture videos on the ubiquitous smart phones. The images are cleaner and sharper than in the past. But now enter the gimbal. The gimbal is a marvel in that it allows for smooth movement when filming objects. Even when they are traveling at high speeds. The latest version of DJI’s Osmo Mobile is great for families. 

With spring break, Easter gatherings, summer vacations, Thanksgiving family get togethers, and holiday parties as well as family reunions and birthday parties, capturing videos for future memories is easier than ever. The Osmo Mobile 6 is compact and very light weight. It comes with an easy-to-snap-on magnetic clip that attaches to the gimbal. It also comes with a tripod and extension rod. And to make things just a little easier, there is a travel pouch to keep it all safe when in a suitcase, car, or drawer. 

The first thing to do if you get the Osmo Mobile 6 is to charge it with the accompanying USB cord. Once that’s done, the rest is a snap – literally. The tripod screws onto the base, the arm twists up, and the phone (now clipped to the magnet) snaps on. Voila. The gimbal comes alive. It aligns itself automatically. 

So, what does it do? Of course you can simply hold your phone in your hand and press the record button to capture videos, but the gimbal adds a lot more. Its main function is to stabilize the phone so it doesn’t shake when you move. It gives you smooth videos automatically. But this little gadget does much more. 

Perhaps one of my favorite things when it comes to this unit, is switching from portrait to landscape with just a double click of a button. Another useful easy-to-use side wheel lets you zoom in for a closer look. And the Osmo Mobile 6 has an “active tracking” feature so if you’re taking a video of little Johnny hitting the ball then running to first base, the device can stick with him during this feat of amazement. It tracks his movement and smoothly follows him around the bases. And when little Susie gives her presentation at the science fair, capturing it all is easy. Simply make sure the gimbal is facing her and start recording. You won’t have to watch it all through the phone. You can watch it through your eyes while the gimbal is recording it for posterity.

Click the link  to watch how the Osmo Mobile 6 changes quickly from Portrait to Landscape with just a push of a button. Osmo Mobile 6 view change

With the extension rod, it’s much easier to video over people’s heads. Those of us who are not six feet tall understand that little dilemma. 

There is a joystick that lets the user move the phone around while it’s on the unit. This is actually another of my favorite aspects of the Osmo Mobile 6. And, yet another button switches the camera from front to back so recording selfies is a breeze. Not only can you record yourself, but you can also move around at the same time and the video will still be smooth and clear. With just a click of a button users can start and stop the recording or take a still photo.

There is more to this little unit than all of this but these aspects are probably the most important for families who want a small, easy, reliable gimbal to save precious memories. The fact that it is light weight is a plus. And the tripod makes it easy to take group photos or group videos without having to miss out on the fun..

The one caveat is there is a slight learning curve to the Osmo Mobile 6. This little unit packs a lot into its uses with different modes and a variety of features. Getting the basics for family use is not too hard. I recommend adjusting to this unit then watching the beginners guides on YouTube, besides the one from DJI. Different YouTubers highlight different uses so it would behoove new users to learn from them and decide what features will be most useful for their own needs. 

Now when I watch my old family videos (which have been transferred onto DVDs), I see how far technology has come. The grainy and bouncy videos are precious to me and my family. These videos recorded our past. This new generation can record their family events in a completely different way – one without all the shakes and the blurry pictures. And in 20 years when it’s time to watch Johnny’s 10th birthday party, well, the video will be much better than those of the past. 

Gimbals are the updated devices for recording family memories. The Osmo Mobile 6 is small, lightweight, easy to handle, and has a variety of useful features besides the main use of stabilization. 

Note: DJI sent me the Osmo Mobile 6 for review. They wanted an honest opinion for family use.  And there you have it. 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Alice in Wonderland is popular throughout the Disney parks

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Alice in Wonderland, the Disney animated version, premiered in 1951. Since then Disney has produced two live-action films with the same characters, however their original animated film is still a favorite among fans of the delightful little girl.

Alice and her story are so admired around the world, that Alice in Wonderland is represented in one way or another in every Disney theme park.

In Disneyland guests are treated to a whirling time at The Mad Tea Party where they spin in colorful teacups. This attraction as been a favorite since 1955, for guests of all ages. 

And just next to the tea cups is the popular dark ride Alice in Wonderland where, while riding in colorful caterpillars, guests are taken through the story of Alice, the White Rabbit, and everyone in the classic tale. 

The ride opened in 1958 and is still a go-to for guests as they travel through the croquet game and the un-birthday party. It is a fun recreation of the story. Personal note: this ride was the favorite ride my mom and I shared together every time we went to Disneyland. 

And Alice has been added to it’s a small world, so guests aboard the happiest cruise get to see her with other kids representing the children of the world.

Alice is also represented in Walt Disney World in Orlando. Guests to The Magic Kingdom experience the fun of the spinning tea cups.

And in Disneyland Paris, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups adds fun next to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth maze where characters from the story are represented. This is an outdoor experience for guests to explore the wonders of Wonderland.

Alice is represented in Tokyo Disneyland in it’s a small world. And, as in the other parks, Alice’s Tea Party provides spinning cups, which, as mentioned earlier, seems to be a favorite attraction among guests to all of the parks. Although the name of the attraction varies a little, the fun of the whirling cups is the same.

The Mad Hatter Tea Cups are also in Hong Kong Disneyland, however Shanghai Disneyland does not have a tea cups attraction. It is the only park that – so far – has not installed the rotating cups. They do, however, have a maze based on the Tim Burton live action movie.

Through topiaries at various times as well as special foods and merchandise, the characters from Alice in Wonderland are represented around the world. Besides sweet little Alice, there is the White Rabbit, The Queen, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, and more. Since the 1951 movie premiered, all of these characters have made their way into pop culture and today’s lexicon.

And fans of Disney’s animated Alice in Wonderland will be delighted with the new 4K restoration on 4K UHD and Blu-ray coming May 5, 2026.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Shelee’s Travel Center in Southern California is unique and convenient

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Just east of Palm Springs in Coachella is Shelee’s Travel Center. It is off the I-10, easily accessible from both east and west directions on the freeway.

What makes this stop better than others in the area?

1 – There are 59 pumps, which, in itself makes this a great stop. If you have waited in lines at gas stations to fill your tank, the fact that there are so many pumps makes a gas stop less time consuming and gets you back on the road quickly.

2 – Prices here are very competitive, often lower than other stations in the area.

3 – The dog park in this travel center is a plus when you’re traveling with your pet. 

4 – Besides the 59 gas pumps for cars, trucks, and SUVs, there is a dedicated area for RV refueling for RVs as well as “toys.”

5 – For those traveling in RVs, there is a propane area to replenish your gas.

6 – Also for RV travelers, there are three RV Dumps, making this an all-access stop for RV travelers.

7 – Inside the building is a little coffee shop which will brew your favorite caffeinated or decaffeinated beverage. And if you have a sweet tooth, they also offer pastry selections.

 

8 – The remainder of the inside is a large store filled with all kinds of clothings, accessories, and goodies, as well as a dedicated drink corner with a variety of beverages – from frozen drinks, coffees dispensers, shakes, juices, and more. 

9 – While on the road, it is important to find clean bathrooms, and Shelee’s has them. As a matter of fact, the women’s room has just added the BRILL Seat One, a sanitary toilet seat cover that replenishes itself for each visitor. Women know that it sometimes takes awhile to position the paper sanitary seat covers appropriately, and often, especially when needed most, there are no covers available. This is a game changer. 

The BRILL Seat One is a plastic cover that envelops the seat, instead of just laying on top. When a hand is waved over the activation button, the cover moves around the seat disposing of the old cover and depositing a fresh one in its place. 

And for women who often find a seat covered in drops from the previous user, this gadget gives users a clean seat free from any disturbing substances. We’ve all been there!

Click on the link below to  see how this works:
Shelees Brill One

There are several nice places to refuel in and around Palm Springs, and the addition of Shelee’s Travel Center has upped the ante when it comes to conveniences. So check it out when traveling though Southern California on the I-10.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment and travel industries for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.