My Big Fat Cuban Family: A Cuban-American Blog

For the love of Belle - Beauty and the Beast in 3D

When my daughter, Amy Kikita was young, she was completely enamored with The Little Mermaid, as probably most 7 year olds were at the time. Ariel was spunky for a princess and went after what she wanted. I think she identified with those qualities.

Years later, Disney gave us Beauty and the Beast and when it was available on VHS, we promptly procured a copy and our sweet Lucy had found that Belle was a princess who had qualities she could admire.

My mom calls Lucy, "La Bella Lucy." And our Master Teacher throughout our homeschool years always called her "Lucy Belle." Coincidence?

I think not.

We had seen the stage show, Beauty and the Beast last year, but last week I was invited by Disney Pictures to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood to experience Disney's Beauty and the Beast in 3D and I couldn't have stopped Lucy from joining me if I had wanted to. She was out-of-her-skin excited with the prospect of finally seeing the drama played out on the big screen. Not to mention that we just both happen to love being on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

Check out the look on her face. Can't you just see her excitement?

Because it was Disney, and because it was at the El Capitan, we were treated to an amazing organist who played every song from the movie as we all took our places. (Totally made me happy.)

Then, Belle and the Beast came out to dance and welcome the audience along with canon blasts of rose petals. (Oh, yes!)

We got to don our 3D glasses, which I'm starting to kind of like. (I know. Shut up.)

And were treated to the new Disney short Tangled Ever After - The Rings, which was absolutely hysterical. Here's a preview:

When the movie began, we quietly sang along to each familiar song and even though we knew the movie by heart, decided that it was absolutely worth seeing it on the big screen. (The Tangled Ever After short was seriously laugh-out-loud funny. Almost worth the price of admission, but that's not important right now.)

And because I'm a big, sentimental uber-geek, I sat there thinking how cool it was to be sitting with a fully grown-up Miss Lucy Belle and enjoying that piece of her childhood as it came to life before us. And, okay...I might have wiped away a tear or two. (But I'll deny it if you tell anyone.)

I encourage you, if you've only seen the small screen version of Beauty and the Beast, or haven't seen it in all its glory, to find a theater playing Beauty and the Beast in 3D in your own town. It's playing in selected theaters opening this coming weekend, January 13th and runs through February 2nd. I swear you don't want to miss it.

And then, because the story is set in France....we ate crepes...

...and we lived happily ever after. ;-)

Did you see Beauty and the Beast back in the day? Are you planning on seeing it again this time around? Tell me.

{Disclosure: Disney Pictures invited us to the pre-screening of Beauty and the Beast 3D. The opinions about the show are my own and the crepes were delicious, but that's not important right now.}

The Circle of Life - Lion King 3D and Eternal Disney Uber-geeks

Back in 1994, I took Amy and Adam to the premiere of the Disney film, The Lion King at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. This was obviously before Lucy and Jonathan were born. We all loved the film so much that we couldn't wait to own it when it was released on VHS. (Yes, this is waaay back in the day.)

A few years later, when we added two more little ones to our family, our love for The Lion King never diminished.

When my son, Jonathan, was very little, he loved watching Disney's The Lion King on our VHS player. He's almost 16 now and I imagine that like most of his generation, they grew up watching Simba grow from cub to king and knew every moment of the film and every song by heart.

In the first scene, when all the animals come to the presentation of Simba, Jonathan would stretch his arms out for someone (usually me - Wait! Would that then make me the monkey??) to pick him up and "present" him. He would usually signal his older siblings to bow down, and to my endless astonishment and to their everlasting credit, they always did.

We've also enjoyed watching the live musical production of The Lion King. Seriously, so much love for this movie and show.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a preview screening of The Lion King 3D at the Walt Disney Studio Lot with my friend, Jana (The Summer House). 

We were wide-eyed and amazed and feeling sooo accidentally cool to be visiting the Walt Disney Studios. You can imagine what that was like for a Disney-uber-geek like myself. (Pinch me!) 

First of all, the film itself (even though I knew every line by heart) stands the test of time. It's completely as fresh and funny and poignant as it was so many years ago. The 3D effects make the scenes just that more thrilling (particularly the wildebeast stampede, but that's not important right now).

Having the privilege of seeing it at the Walt Disney Studios just gave me another thing to put a checkmark next to on my Bucket List. (I'll have to tell you all about it in great detail, but that's a post for another day.)

Do yourself a favor and GO. SEE. THIS. FILM. It's only in theaters for the next two weeks. In 3D, people! (Not the roller-coaster-stomach-churning 3D, the very cool-modern-the-characters-look-so-real 3D.)

Take your kids who were so little when it was released in theaters the first time, so they can enjoy the full effects. Encourage your teenagers and young adults to go see it again on the big screen so they can relive the magic. Seriously. You'll thank me.

As for Jonathan, who wants to one day be a film maker, well.....he just can't wait to be king. ;-)

Do you have some good memories of The Lion King? Please share. 

Fabulous Summer Fun - Disney Style

Last week I was privileged to be a part of the kick-off for some really amazing summer fun at the Disneyland Resort.

I feel sooo accidentally cool to be considered part of the "new media."

We got to preview the new Little Mermaid ride, Ariel's Undersea Adventure which was as cute and clever as you may imagine.

Sitting two clamshells behind me was the much-more-beautiful-in-person-than-on-Dancing-With-The-Stars, Christian de la Fuente. (Google him if you must.)

And much to my everlasting delight, there was a four song set, led by Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel. Yes, The Little Mermaid herself sang 'Part of Your World.' I cried. I did. (I know. Shut up.)

I loved everything about the day including that I got to share it with these beautiful Blog Friends.

Left to right: Liz from Disneylandia al Dia, Sandrini from Soy Fashionista, Me, Ana from Spanglish Baby.

There was the fabulous new parade called Mickey's Soundsational Parade which I loved, but let me tell you why:

• There was a flash mob. (Disney + Flash Mob = Genius.)
• The floats were super-amazingly colorful, the music totally fun and happy.
• Everything that I love about Disney parades were rolled into this one.
• Dancing Chimney Sweeps! ;-)

And then there was the new Star Tours - The Adventure Continues. It's now in 3D so you feel like you are RIGHT THERE. Truly as much fun as you imagine.

(Note to self: Skip the corn dog the next time you ride this. =D)

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, there was a wonderful poolside party with gourmet food from the Disney chefs, music and mermaids. Mermaids, people! (I always wanted to be a mermaid, but that's not important right now.)

The chefs prepared some of the new fare that's going to be offered at the new Paradise Garden Grill. They totally had me at "chimichurri."

We were taken on tours of the new Disneyland Hotel Signature Suites. I was torn between the Adventureland Suite and the Mickey Mouse Penthouse. (I have to admit that the MM Penthouse won because of the Red Leather Mickey Chairs.) Yes, it's quite the Mouse Pad.  Get it? Mouse Pad? *cracks up at her own joke*

Here's a video recap of my enchanting, beautiful, delicious, amazing, and magical day. And yes, there are live mermaids. It's as if all of my wishes had come true.

What a Perfectly Perfect Disney Day.

Thanks, Disney!

Are you planning on visiting any of the Disney parks this summer? Tell me.

[DISCLAIMER: I was invited by Disney Promotions to come and preview the new attractions and taste the food. I was not compensated, nor was anything required of me. The opinions of how fun and fabulous everything was are my own.]

A Pirate's Life for....you? - A Cool Giveaway

You know how much I love All-things-Disney.

And can I just tell you how ready I am for summer? Not just because I'll have lots of down time (yay!), but also because summer is Blockbuster Movie Season. Am I right?

First movie on my List of Blockbuster Movies I'm Looking Forward To: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES which will be released next week just in time for my birthday. (Thank you, Disney People!)

Here are my reasons (in no particular order):

• Johnny Depp.
• Penelope Cruz.
• The Fountain of Youth.
• I can wear scarves and heavy eye makup and no one will think it's weird.
• I have a Very Cool Piratey Giveaway.
• Best movie quotes EVER.
• One of Lucy's teachers from last semester, Tim Powers, wrote the novel that the screenplay was based on, but that's not important right now. (Notice the cool inscription, which reads: "For Lucy - Who will be signing books for me one day! Cheers, Tim Powers. I know. Shut up.)

 

So, here's what the generous folks at Disney Studios Motion Pictures are providing for this Very Cool Piratey Giveaway Pack: 

1) PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES T-shirt in adult sizes of S, M, L (winner chooses)

2) PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES bandana in black

3) PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES temporary tattoo (2 per winner)

I'm very pleased! This is some awesome pirate loot.

So, it's time to play along with me.

For a chance to win the Cool Piratey Giveaway Pack, please leave your favorite Cap'n Jack quote or dialogue from any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Only in the comments section of this post.Or just leave a piratey sounding comment.

I'll choose a winner on Monday, May 16th at 11 am PST.

The film debuts on Friday, May 20th.  (Yay!)

Just to get in the groove, I'm going to go “Like” PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN on Facebook at: http://www.Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean

Please enjoy the movie trailer. Then think of your favorite quote and leave it here for me.

Okay, I'll start:

Cap'n Jack Sparrow: We are very much alike, you and I, I and you... us.
Elizabeth: Oh. Except for a sense of honor and decency and a moral center. And personal hygiene.
Cap'n Jack Sparrow: Trifles.

Good luck!

TANGLED - A Winner.

I realize the times and dates of the TANGLED screening might not have been convenient for many of you, but thanks to those of you who entered the giveaway. The winners will receive One - Admit TWO pass to the pre-screening of the film.

I know that sounds confusing, but it still means that 2 people get in. So start looking for a friend to take!

Congratulations to the TANGLED winners in the following cities:

LOS ANGELES:

Denise Bidot said...

If I had 70 feet of hair, I'd gather all of my family together and get have the biggest group hug ever! I mean how else can you hug over 30 people at once, and then, when done I'd donete it all for the less fortunate :) my daughter would love to see it in Los Angeles

MIAMI:

Ody Fabregas said...

Marta,

With 70 feet of hair I can have 5 wigs made to help Children Battling Cancer. How awesome would that be?!!!
Can't wait to see Tangled in Miami!!!!

Besos!!!!

HOUSTON:

Marshall and the Movies said...

I am in Houston, and with 70 feet of hair, I would plop myself down in a barber's chair and give my hair to Locks of Love. That would be a whole lot of wigs for deserving cancer patients.

Marshall of "Marshall and the Movies"

CHICAGO:

The OC Josh said...

Chicago!
I would make a scarf to keep myself warm.

 

Congratulations to all you TANGLED people! Shoot me an email witht the subject line that says, HEY MARTA! I WON STUFF ON YOUR BLOG and I will forward you your Pre-screening pass along with your local theater information.

I *heart* Disney. sigh

 

 

TANGLED - A Giveaway.

All four of my kids are grown now, but it wasn't too long ago that we religiously made plans to watch whatever new Disney offering was available. In fact, we haven't missed a Disney film yet.

You know that we love All Things Disney (especially Disneyland, see my Disney Scavenger Hunt as proof). That love affair started for me when I was very young and has continued through the recent release of Toy Story 3. (Yes, I wept copiously through the entire thing. Shut up.)

Today I am delighted to invite MBFCF readers to enter a drawing for the chance to win 2 Advance Screening Passes for TANGLED in 3D in each of the following cities:

• CHICAGO - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 PM
• DALLAS - Wednesday, November 17 at 7:00PM
• HOUSTON - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00PM
• LOS ANGELES - Monday, November 22 at 7:00PM
• MIAMI - Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00PM
• NEW YORK - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00PM
• PHOENIX - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00PM
• SAN ANTONIO - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00PM
• SAN DIEGO - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00PM
• SAN FRANCISCO/SAN JOSE - Thursday, November 18 at 7:00PM

From the press release:

Walt Disney Pictures presents "Tangled," one of the most hilarious, hair-raising tales ever told. When the kingdom's most wanted - and most charming - bandit, Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi), hides out in a mysterious tower, he's taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn's curious captor, who's looking for her ticket out of the tower where she's been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief, and the unlikely duo sets off an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse (named Maximus), an over-protective chameleon (named Pascal), and a gruff gang of pub thugs.

Do we love just about anything Disney? Do we further love Zachary Levi?? (Chuck.) Umm....YES!

So we all agree this is a must-see? (I thought as much.)

Take a peek:

If you are available to attend the 3D Preview Screening of TANGLED at the time stated in your city, and you'd like to enter this giveaway which will Admit 2, please leave a comment on this post and tell me:

• What would you do with 70 feet of hair?
• Also, tell me what city you are in.  

I will choose a winner from each area (so tell your out-of-town friends!) on Saturday, November 13th at 11:00 AM Pacific Time.

I think if I had 70 feet of hair I would invest in  Brazilian Blowout product, but that's not important right now... ;-)

Getting the Party Started

The beginning of December (last week) always signals the countdown to Christmas. And as I've said before, we don't usually decorate our house or even put up a tree until closer to Christmas. (Yes, ours is the "dark house" in the neighborhood for most of the month, but that's not important right now.)

But just because we don't start decorating, doesn't mean we don't start celebrating!

We went to Disneyland last week with my BFF, Pam and her husband, Pastor Gene and their daughter, Mary and grandaughter, CJ. Our friends live over 250 miles away and we only get to see them when they come down to Disneyland which is, of course, the perfect place for us to hang together. In fact, Pam and I have been hanging out at Disneyland (particularly at Christmastime) for over 30 years now.

That's me, Pam & Gene. Circa 1977 on the porch of one of the facades on Main Street. I remember it was the year they opened Space Mountain and besides Christmas shopping, and taking our Christmas Card photo in front of the Disney tree, we went specifically to ride Space Mountain.

I have a pretty good memory for these things. Which is why I told Pam, "We need a photo right here on this spot."

She agreed.

I love that in spite of time and distance we are still friends. Disneyland friends. Best Friends, Forever. =D

We had such a great day. It was not too hot and not too cold and we rode rides and ate and watched parades. All the same things we used to do so many years ago. Only now, maybe a little slower. (Shut up.)

 

I think our kids love the thought that maybe we were both young once and they kind of like that sense of shared history. You know, like, "Mom was once young. Who knew?" =D

So we rode my favorite, the Jungle Cruise.

 

Pastor Gene and Adam braving the wild jungle adventures.

 

I do I love the Jungle Cruise. Except for the part where my kids like to point out that I'm as old as this particular elephant who has been showering here since Disneyland opened in 1955. Sheesh!

 

Which makes me think, "Hey, I look pretty good for my age...."

 

Here we are at the top of Tarzan's Treehouse. Somewhere I have videotape of us bouncing up those stairs to get there. This day it took us a while to catch our breath. Ha! But we got the photo!  (I just wanted proof I had done all those stairs.)

The day culminated with the lovely parade and the magical moment when they light the castle and shoot off fireworks and it snows! Can it get any more magical than that???

 

The fireworks! Stupendous! Made me cry. (they always do!)

How much more magic can I stand? We got to kick off our Christmas celebration at Disneyland with some of our favorite-practically-like-family friends. Adam bonded with their grandaughter, CJ. They were so cute together.

 

And of course, by the end of the night, I was able to get my four kids in a photo together rockin' the castle in the background. (Which was a main event for me.)

 

Aren't they just adorable? CJ liked how they looked away and wanted to do it too.

 

I like how the balloon happened to escape into the photo too. A nice touch. (Look at CJ's face, she was really working it!)

 

And of course, The Pensieros and the Castle.

What a practically perfect day.
Glad I got to share it with my best friend, forever. In my favorite place. With my favorite people. It just doesn't get any better than this.

Hi Pam! Love you MORE!

So you see, even if we don't have decorations up, the celebrations have already begun.

Merry Christmas!

Magical Summer Moments

Sunday, September 6, 1970. My very first concert.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Their opening act was Little Stevie Wonder who had just had a big hit with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

This was my very first concert. I found the ticket tucked away in my high school photo album. Thirty-nine years ago today.

 

I remember being a little salty still from the beach (Playa del Rey) earlier in the day.

I remember it was a double-date. My date, Terry, who was sixteen at the time (I was fifteen) had only had his driver's license for two months and drove an ancient red station wagon. Seatbelts? What?? =D

 

We drove up through the Hollywood Hills. You have to drive through a neighborhood of palatial homes to get there. I remember being shocked and surprised by this as only a wide-eyed fifteen-year-old can be.

But, ah... once we got into the Greek and found our seats...

The music was classic Motown. The air smelled clean and fresh as only outdoor concerts can. There's that roar and rush as the performers take the stage.

The lights! The sounds! The oh-my-gosh-they're-RIGHT-THERE-onstage amazement! Our favorite songs being performed live. They have never sounded better.

It was a magical night for me and one of my very fondest memories. My first live show. Notice the ticket price - $5.00. Wow.

I love that I can pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with live shows. There was nothing like it. NOTHING. The music seriously came alive in a way that couldn't be captured over the radio or through vinyl.

It was live. And I was alive. And I was THERE.

That feeling has never left me. I have been to dozens of live shows since. And am never disappointed.

I recently took a Facebook quiz and was able to list over 50 acts that I had seen live, not counting stage, plays, and musicals.

The first two will always be Smokey and Stevie. It was one of those definining moments in my life. Who knew?

1. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. *
2. Stevie Wonder.
3. Chicago.
4. The Beach Boys. *
5. Glady Knight and the Pips.
6. The Temptations.
7. The Four Tops.
8. The Grateful Dead. *
9. Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. *
10. The Moody Blues. *
11. Fleetwood Mac.
12. Rod Stewart.
13. Linda Rondstat.
14. Carole King.
15. James Taylor.
16. Barbra Streisand.
17. Tito Puente.
18. Oscar de Leon.
19. Celia Cruz. *
20. Willy Chirino. *
21. Marc Anthony.
22. The Tubes.
23. Elvis Costello.
24. KC & the Sunshine Band.
25. The Monkees.
26. Tower of Power.
27. Johnny and Edgar Winter.
28. Bruce Springstein. *
29. J. Geils Band. *
30. Peter Frampton.
31. Boz Scags.
32. Michael Jackson.
33. U2. *
34. Chayanne.
35. Alejandro Fernandez.
36. Jethro Tull.
37. Huey Lewis and the News.
38. The Doobie Brothers.
39. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. *
40. Van Morrison.
41 The Allman Bros.
42. The Rolling Stones.
44. Brian Wilson.
45. Paul McCartney.
46. Peter Gabriel.
47. Loggins & Messina. *
48. Julio Yglesias.
49. The Go-Go's.
50. Jimmy Buffett.
51. Andy Garcia.
52. Gloria Estefan. *
53. The Marshall Tucker Band.
54. Lynrd Skynrd.
55. Charlie Daniels Band.
56. The Who.
57. Stephen Stills.
58. Warren Zevon.
59. Junior Walker and the All-Stars.
60. The Rascals.

(NOTE: There are many more. I keep remembering a few more each day...)

Even now, the excitement and fun of a live concert or show still calls to me. Of all the fun things we do now, going to shows is still high up there on the list.

 

These are programs and tickets from just this summer.

Amy and I saw Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

 

We have season tickets to the Orange County Performing Arts Center. This was for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

 

And of course, here we are in New York, on Broadway, waititng to see Wicked.

Las Vegas at the Wayne Brady Show.

Andy Garcia at the Conga Room.

David Copperfield at the Long Beach Arena.

 

Dana Carvey at the Orleans in Vegas.

 

We collected our favorite friends to accompany us to see Fiddler on the Roof (which coincidentally happened to fall on Lucy's birthday, but that's not important right now.) Go figure!

And of course, Disney's Electrical Parade.

 

We usually take the cheesy "I-was-there" photo. And even if it's blurry, we call it good. This was at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater where we saw the Pacific Symphony on their Rodgers and Hammerstein movie night.

 

That's us in all our Uber-Geeky glory.

We have passed on the love of the theater and live entertainment to our kids. In fact, we've taken to scouring ticket sales at the beginning of the summer to find the best deals.  (I know. Uber-geeks.)

But I was reminded that this is a love that started thirty nine years ago (today) in what was for me, a magical moment in time. And even though the ticket prices are way higher than $5.00(!) live theater and concert-going is still very much a part of my life and of my family's life.

And I have the ticket stubs and cheesy pictures to prove it. =D

Do you have a favorite concert or show? Do you remember your first one? Tell me about it. I want to know.

It's my blog and I'll whine if I want to

List of stuff that's stressing me out right now:

• We returned from our trip to Washington D.C. and New York a week ago and I'm still catching up on laundry.
• Lucy has a performance this coming weekend for which I am painting backdrops and overseeing costumes. Our first technical rehearsal was today and I'm pretty exhausted.
• Jonathan and I are working furiously to complete a scrapbook from our trip. (Digital, of course. =D) This is his end-of-the-year project and he's doing a wonderful job of mastering Photoshop Elements, getting historical details right and putting up with my perfectionism all at once.
• I am struggling with pain in both my knees (old cheerleading injury. *sigh*) which is making me fussy because of everything else I'm trying to get done so I'm going all Carly-Simon-"I-haven't-got-time-for-the-pain" about it.
• I haven't cooked a decent meal for about a week now. (While sometimes this is a good thing, right now I'm just feeling all slackery about it. I should add right here that my amazing husband has not complained even once and has even been helping to procure food for the kids and for us. Smart man knows he'd just be going hungry too, but that's not important right now. Thanks, E!)
• Did I mention that I helped launch ANOTHER blog?? Yes, I know. Shut up. (Go check out the Tiki Tiki here.)
• I'm old. {*big, fat, heavy sigh*}

List of stuff I have to be GRATEFUL for:

• We got to go to Washington D.C. and New York!!! (Umm... hello?!)
• Lucy is going to be wonderful as Mrs. Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie next weekend. I can't wait!
• Jonathan is such a smart and creative kid. He's a delight to work with. (How many 13 year olds can you say that about?)
• My doctor prescribes vicodin. ;-)
• My husband is a golden god.
• I have had the privilege to launch another blog!! It's such a great project. I love it already. (Go check out the Tiki Tiki. I mean it!)
• I got to celebrate my birthday at Disneyland and yes, I'm actually as old as Disneyland, which makes me doubly cool. ;-)

See what I did there?

As Amy Kikita would say, "You just added some cheese to your "whine." 
Okay. I'm over it. Thanks for listening.

Tomorrow we'll be back to our regularly scheduled blogging....

"Snap out of it!"
~ Loretta Castorini, Moonstruck

Celebrate TODAY.

Disneyland. The Mandatory Mickey Face Picture. March 2007:

Disneyland. The Mandatory Mickey Face Picture. May 2008:

Disneyland. The Mandatory Mickey Face Picture. January 2009:

(I guess most people use a calendar to mark the passing of time. =D)

This is exactly why I am totally loving Disneyland's tag line for this year:

*HEAVY SIGH*