Today I am arbitrarily starting a new periodic feature in which I briefly “round up” some of the miscellaneous Disney-ish happenings I’ve recently come across but didn’t blog about earlier. Because sharing is caring.

In the beginning of May, I, along with around 80 others, boarded the Disney Fantasy for the AllEars group cruise. Were you there?

If you weren’t, you missed a ton of fun, but can read all about it on Deb’s Digest

As is the case with all the AllEars cruises, the ship was lovely and the company was fabulous. New for me on this cruise were the ports of the Cayman Islands and Falmouth, Jamaica. On these islands we were able to go to Hell…

…Get up close and personal with turtles…

…and have tea in an old Plantation House where they BURIED A GIRL IN THE BASEMENT.

…So, something for everybody.

After disembarking, I was able to catch a glimpse of the first weekend of Star Wars Weekend featuring some familiar faces…

…And some new fireworks.

On the whole, I think the Disney acquisition of Star Wars has really given a shot in the arm to this event which, as entertaining as it has been for the last few years, was beginning to show signs of stagnation.

After I returned from all that merriment, Disneyland hosted it’s third 24hr event “Rock Your Disney Side.”

Although I wasn’t able to attend for the whole time, as I have in the past, I did make it from around 8pm to 6am, which seemed sufficient. This time around crowds seemed pretty consistent and didn’t drop off as much in the early hours as last year.

One impressive display I was able to visit recently was the Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad

In his backyard in Anaheim, past Disneyland canoe guide David Sheegog has created an elaborate backyard railroad themed around some familiar and iconic Disney structures.

All the Disney animated features are also represented in various displays around the yard, and all five of the Disneyland Railroad engines have been replicated from scratch.

Sheegog plans further expansions for the railroad, including Rainbow Ridge, Rainbow Caverns, and Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.

Open houses for viewing are held several times throughout the year–the dates can be found on the website. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to check out this charming display!

Also in the area, the historic Anaheim Packing House saw its grand opening on May 31st.

As part of the Anaheim Packing District, it joins the Packard Building and the Farmer’s Park in revitalizing Downtown Anaheim and providing a public market/food hall as well as a communal gathering space.

Although at least half of it is still under construction, there are already some strong food establishment offerings open, running the gamut from fish and chips, to ramen, to poutine, to hand-made popsicles.

With an emphasis on fresh food in a unique setting (and free wifi,) the Packing House seems sure to become a busy social hub for the community. The close proximity to Disneyland makes it a good choice for off-property dining as well.

Anaheim Packing House website

Then on June 7th, the Pasadena Symphony and POPS started their summer concert series at the LA Arboretum. Led by Principle Conductor Michael Feinstein, their first entry of the season, “Feinstein’s Favorites” included a number of guest performers, one of which was Richard White–the voice of Gaston, from “Beauty and the Beast.”

The series will be ongoing throughout the summer, and information can be found at http://www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org/pops-summer-series-2014/ The next concert, “Broadway’s Leading Ladies,” will be held on June 28th, and will feature (among many other talents,) Susan Egan, who is the voice of Meg in “Hercules,” and who originated the role of Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway.

Also on June 7th, the artist SHAG, who has previously done work for Disney commemorating Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary, the Disney Cruise Line, and more, had a signing at the WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney. The Gallery debuted his latest piece, “Morning in the Magic Kingdom.”

Customers were allowed to have two items signed that had to be purchased at the event. Vouchers were handed out at time of purchase with a number to hold your space in line.

Finally, this week brings us to E3–Electronic Entertainment Expo–which should herald all the latest news as far as Disney’s video games. The expectation is that we’ll be treated to demos of Disney Infinity’s new Marvel additions, as well as updates on Disney Fantasia and hopefully the announcement of upcoming games in the Star Wars universe.

One of the events taking place during the expo open to all comers is “Video Games Live”–a concert of video game music performed live. While they do shows worldwide, this one, on June 11th, will be premiering music from Disney Fantasia as well as a multitude of other properties. Ticket information can be found here.

So! That’s what’s been happening around here. Until next time!

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