88th Annual Academy Awards
Hollywood`s finest in film came together Sunday night to celebrate another wonderful year of film. This glamorous event took place at the beautiful Dolby Theatre in sunny Los Angeles. This is the most highly anticipated night in film especially for the cast and crew of The Big Short, Bridge Of Spies, Brooklyn, Mad Max Fury Road, The Martian, The Revenant, Room and Spotlight who were all nominated for Best Picture, which was won by Spotlight. Although these are just a few films from the night, there was so much more to the 88th Academy Awards ceremony including fashion, celebrities and unforgettable performances.
Along with the prestigious award of Best Picture, there were many awards given out that night. Best actress in a Lead Role was won by Brie Larson for her performance in Room. Actor in a Supporting Role went to Mark Rylance for his performance in A Bridge of spies. Actress in a Supporting Role went to Alicia Vikander for her performance in The Danish Girl. The Best Animated Feature Film went to Pixar for the third year in a row. And the most anticipated win of the night went to Leonardo DiCaprio for his performance in The Revenant. His much awaited win began with a standing ovation followed by his brilliant speech which touched on the issues of climate change and other natural issues. These were just a few of the honorable awards given out that night.
The night was also filled with inspiring performances from Sam Smith, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga to name a few. Sam Smith gave a beautiful performance of “Writings On The wall”, which later won for Best Original Song. The Weeknd performed his nominated hit “Earned It” from the film Fifty Shades of Gray. His performance was accompanied by dancers, gymnasts and trapeze artists which closely mimicked his music video for the song. Lady Gaga was one of the last performers to take the stage. She lit up the stage with her performance of “Till It Happens to You”. This performance was introduced by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., he then addressed the crowd and asked viewers to take a pledge: “I will intervene in situations when consent has not or cannot be given. This star filled event not only acknowledged the hard work and dedication put into the current film season but also current events that not only impact the world but also the world of film. The countdown is already set for the 89th Annual Academy Awards and the much anticipated year of film that has just begun.
Written by Sandra Costanzo
Disney Pin Trading
Are you looking for a way to make your 
next trip to Disney a little more magical? Have you ever tried pin trading? With all the collections and series to choose from, there are pins out there for everybody. And what makes it even more fun is that you get to interact with the cast members while trading. Each cast member at every merchandise location has a full lanyard of new pins. They are always excited to trade with you and sometimes they even make a game out of it. If you see a pin with the back facing forward then you found a mystery pin. Depending on the cast member you can either choose that pin or answer a trivia question to see it. Whether it’s a mystery pin or a visible pin, it’s always fun to find all the pins you need to collect the set.
Even though the cast members are always eager to trade and interact with you. There are always rules to this fun filled game. Here are the top 7 rules to remember while pin trading.
1. Make sure to ask the cast member to see their lanyard without touching or grabbing their land yard without permission.
2. Don’t feel obligated to trade. If they don’t have a pin you need, it’s okay! Just thank them anyway.
3. If you would like to trade, tell the cast member which one you need and which one you are trading.
4. There is a limit of 2 pins per trade.
5. Make sure to put the pin back on the pin before handing it to the cast member. This prevents anyone from getting poked.
6. Keep your hand open so the cast member can place the pin on your hand without dropping it.
7. Thank the cast member for the trade and they will do the same.
Pin trading is fun for all ages and the perfect way to interact with the cast. You can purchase starter packs of pins that come with lanyards at most merchandise locations. You can also buy individual pins and lanyards. There are also pin specific locations in each park that have exclusive pins. Next time you are in Disney, don’t forget to check out the pin trading works. Happy trading!
Written By: Sandra Costanzo
It’s a Very Merry Christmas at Walt Disney World!
It’s a very merry Christmas time at Walt Disney World. What better way to celebrate the holidays then with cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas parades and Mickey Mouse.
Right after Halloween night comes to an end the elves at Magic Kingdom transform a spooky Halloween spectacular to a winter wonderland. The party starts off with snow all down Main Street. And yes you read that right, snow in Florida! There’s nothing a little Disney Magic can’t do.
During the snow the Magic Kingdom is filled with Christmas tunes and scents of fresh baked cookies and candy. That’s because throughout the park, there are complementary cookies and hot coco. The cookies and hot coco were my favorite part of the party aside from Mickey and Minnie in their festive attire of course. During the holiday season Frozen stars, Anna and Elsa transform Cinderella castle into their very own glimmering ice palace. This transformation is done with the help of the crowd chanting snow and ice. They get even more help by their friends, Olaf and Kristoff. The night also includes a special Christmas parade called Mickeys Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. The parade kicks off with Mickey and Minnie greeting their holiday party guests and also the princesses accompanied by their princes, an appearance by Olaf and it wraps up with Santa Claus. The parade is followed by celebrate the magic which is a colorful projection show on Cinderella castle. After celebrate the magic comes the much anticipated holiday firework show.
The firework show is always the best way to end a fun filled night of cookies, hot cocoa, singing and dancing to Christmas tunes and Mickey and his pals.
It’s a wonderful time to be in Disney.
Written by: Sandra Costanzo