360 VR Walk Thru of Big Thunder Trail at Disneyland

Take a 360 VR walk thru of Big Thunder Trail as we head towards the 2019 opening of Star Wars Land at Disneyland! Use the Gear VR Goggles for the ultimate immersive experience!

Giveaway: Figment Mug + Starbucks Gift Card

Win this cute Figment mug plus a $20 Starbucks Gift Card! This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be notified by email! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vehicle Review: 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD - Summer of Heroes, Cars 3 and Legoland

It is time for another vehicle review! This time it is the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD! I reviewed the 2016 version back in December of last year! The 2016 version was one of my favorite and most luxurious vehicles to drive last year and the 2017 version is largely unchanged. Here is the link to that review:

Vehicle Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature Edition

Let's take a look at the fun adventures I had in the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD while checking out the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure, podcasting, media screening of Cars 3 and a trip to Legoland California! Wow, a busy week so let's get started!

The sun is rising on a new day and the fluid lines of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature make the vehicle look like it is in motion even when parked. I love the large mouthed grill, the large and expressive LED headlights and fog lights as well as the large 20-inch alloy wheels.

 It was worth it to be up early to get ready to check out the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure for the food, characters and of course the newest attraction, Guardians of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout!

Click the link to learn some of my tips to get the most out of your visit to Guardians of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout!

Sasaki Time's Tips for Enjoying Guardians of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout at Disney California Adventure!

I got to meet one of my favorite Marvel characters, Black Widow!

After spending time with super heroes it was time to slow things down and head into Radiator Springs.

While in Cars Land I got to meet Larry The Cable Guy who voices Mater in the movie Cars! Larry was super nice and was happy to take the time to pose for this selfie!

Sasaki Time's Mouse Ear Collection Unveiled!

Take a look at my personal collection of mouse ears! Believe it or not I never owned a pair of mouse ears until Disneyland's 50th Anniversary in 2005! Now I have a collection of 15 ears and growing!

Giveaway: Doc Hudson Oil Can Mug + Starbucks Gift Card

Celebrate the opening of Cars 3 with this awesome Doc Hudson oil can mug plus a $20 Starbucks gift card! The winner will be notified by email! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

15 Disneyland Resort Fun Facts About Sasaki Time!

Take a look at 15 Fun Disneyland Resort Facts About Me!

DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA ANNOUNCES ACTION-PACKED PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE FOR D23 EXPO 2017, JULY 14-16, 2017

DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA ANNOUNCES ACTION-PACKED PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE FOR D23 EXPO 2017, JULY 14-16, 2017

The Games Showcase returns to D23 Expo Arena, with special guests and surprise unveilings, on July 15

A Disney Products presentation—featuring surprises and giveaways—at the Walt Disney Archives Stage will help open the Expo on July 14

Disney Publishing Worldwide will unveil a treasure trove of upcoming titles throughout the weekend, while Oh My Disney will delight fans with more than 30 hours of fresh entertainment distributed across the Disney Digital Network

BURBANK, Calif. – June 15, 2017 – At the upcoming D23 Expo 2017, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) will showcase a blockbuster slate of programming from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. Fans will get an inside glimpse into Disney products and collectibles during a presentation on the Walt Disney Archives Stage, while exclusive news about games and interactive experiences will be unveiled during a presentation in the 3,400-seat D23 Expo Arena. In addition to the DCPI pavilion on the show floor, Disney Publishing Worldwide will go “behind the pages” of some of their upcoming books during a series of panels throughout the weekend. Oh My Disney will also bring fun, fan-focused live activations to the heart of the DCPI pavilion all three days on the Oh My Disney Stage.

Programming kicks off on Friday, July 14, the first day of the Expo and continues through the weekend:

The Walt Disney Company’s Celebrated Product Legacy and the Exciting Future Ahead

Friday, July 14, 10 a.m., The Walt Disney Archives Stage

Fans and collectors are invited to the ultimate inside look at how products and collectibles have become an essential part of the fan experience for Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. This session will provide a look back at the important role consumer products have played in the history of the Company, as well as a sneak peek at the product development process. Attendees will also get a first look at some of the most exciting upcoming and new product lines. And they can also expect a few surprises that no fan will want to miss!

Level Up! The Walt Disney Company’s Video Game Showcase

Saturday, July 15, 1 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

At the Games showcase, fans will experience never-before-seen gameplay, trailers, special guests, and other unforgettable surprises from across the Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel games portfolios. Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, DCPI, will kick off the presentation, which will feature many show-stopping moments including announcements from Marvel, and more information about highly anticipated games, including Star Wars Battlefront II™ from Electronic Arts, KINGDOM HEARTS III from Disney and Square Enix, and more.

Disney Books Panels and Presentations

Friday, July 14, Sunday, July 16, various stages

Guests will be able to go inside the pages of their favorite classic and contemporary stories during Disney Publishing Worldwide’s series of exclusive panels and presentations.

●      On Friday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena, Gravity Falls series creator Alex Hirsch and Star vs. The Forces ofEvil series creator Daron Nefcy will discuss what it’s like to bring hit Disney XD series from the screen to page with bestselling titles Gravity Falls: Journal 3 and Star vs. The Forces of Evil: Star and Marco’s Guide to Mastering Every Dimension.

●      Mindy Johnson, author of Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, will interview a panel of animators past and present and share how women make remarkable contributions to the legacy of Walt Disney’s animation studio. The presentation will take place on the Walt Disney Archives Stage on Friday, July 14, at 4:30 p.m.

●      Disney Legends Richard Sherman and Floyd Norman will invite fans to the D23 Expo Arena on Saturday, July 15, at 6 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind discussion about their upcoming book A Kiss Goodnight.

●      Marcy Smothers, author of the upcoming title Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food, will show guests in the Walt Disney Archives Stage on Sunday, July 16, at 10 a.m. how Walt Disney infused fun and creativity into his food—from his family’s kitchen table to the Happiest Place on Earth.

●      On Sunday, July 16, at 4:15 p.m. on Stage 28, Kingdom Keepers author Ridley Pearson, Disney Legend Marty Sklar, and fellow Imagineers will explore the history of Disney Parks through Maps of Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai.

●      Celebrating the 90th anniversary of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Dave Bossert and David Gerstein, authors of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons, will showcase the definitive history of the iconic character on Sunday, July 16, at 6 p.m. on Stage 28.

Throughout the weekend, select authors and artists will be available for signings and meet and greets at Talent Central and the Disney Dream Store.

DCPI Pavilion and Oh My Disney Stage

In the DCPI pavilion on the show floor, fans can “Live the Magic” and experience how Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel can enrich their daily lives. Divided into four distinct lifestyle environments, guests will be able to preview and experience all-new cross-category offerings from Disney’s licensees, authors and artists, including playing the latest games from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, immersing themselves in the pavilion’s park environment of outdoor play and creativity, or watching cooking demos in the kitchen environment featuring influencers from Disney Family and Disney Publishing Worldwide.

At the heart of the DCPI pavilion is the Oh My Disney Stage, which will bring the fun, fresh voice of Oh My Disney to life through daily surprise-and-delight moments, including celebrity guests, panels, performances, game shows, toy unboxings, first looks, and a live taping of The Oh My Disney Show hosted by Maker creator Alexys Gabrielle. The stage’s events, programs, and shows will be shared live across the Disney Digital Network’s editorial channels like Oh My Disney, Disney Style, Polaris, and Disney Family and social accounts for every Disney character, franchise, and film. The full Oh My Disney Stage schedule and live streams will be revealed in July.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

About Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media

Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that brings our Company’s stories and characters to life through innovative and engaging physical products and digital experiences across more than 100 categories, from toys and t-shirts, to apps, books and console games. DCPI comprises four main lines of business: Global Licensing, Disney Retail, Publishing and Digital Media, and Games, Apps, and Labs. The segment is home to world-class teams of app and game developers, licensing and retail experts, a leading retail business (Disney Store), artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations and bring the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. (C) 2017 MARVEL

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which will take place July 14–16at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG, MARK HAMILL, LEONARD MALTIN, JOHN STAMOS, LESLEY ANN WARREN, THE STARS OF HERCULES, AND MANY MORE JOIN D23 EXPO¹S ROSTER OF EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESENTATIONS

WHOOPI GOLDBERG, MARK HAMILL, LEONARD MALTIN, JOHN STAMOS, LESLEY ANN WARREN, THE STARS OF HERCULES, AND MANY MORE JOIN D23 EXPO’S ROSTER OF EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESENTATIONS 

And, for the first time ever at D23 Expo, fans will get to enjoy a daily street party, featuring celebrities, Disney characters, and live music on the show floor.

BURBANK, Calif. (June 13, 2017) – The excitement is ramping up from “zero to hero” for D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the three-day spectacular, which takes place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, guests will have the chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hercules with members of the cast and creative team; hear from Disney Legends, including 2017 inductee Mark Hamill, during a panel hosted by Leonard Maltin; and enjoy the music of Walt Disney’s classic live-action musicals in a remarkable stage production featuring Lesley Ann Warren and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. John Stamos will host a chat with Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering. Plus, the Walt Disney Archives will host three days of presentations on its own stage. And, for the first time, guests will be able to enjoy a daily “Ultimate Fan Street Party” right on the show floor. 

Just-announced panels: 

Mousequerade

Friday, July 14, 11 a.m., Stage 28

Mousequerade, the fan-favorite costume competition that invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired designs, returns to D23 Expo 2017. Join judges Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars Rebels), Kara Saun (costume designer for Descendants 2), Yvette Nicole Brown (ABC’s The Mayor), and the contest’s host, Disney’s Jim Babcock, to watch dozens of finalists compte in five exciting categories for the $2,300 grand prize! 

The Golden Girls: A Celebration of Friendship, Laughter, and Cheesecake

Friday, July 14, 2:30 p.m., Stage 28

In the 25 years since the final episode of The Golden Girls aired in 1992, the television series has become an enduring fan favorite that continues to be watched throughout the world. Celebrate with us as we bring together the show’s creators andother speci al guests for this unforgettable event.

  

Disney Legends 30th Anniversary

Friday, July 14, 4:15 p.m., Stage 28

Join film historian Leonard Maltin as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends program with a remarkable lineup of individuals who have each left an indelible mark on the Disney legacy, including Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy and Pluto), Imagineering Legend Bob Gurr, Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, and 2017 inductee Mark Hamill. 

Melodies in Walt’s Time: The Music of Disney Live-Action Films

Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

In the 1960s, Walt Disney sought to expand his filmmaking style beyond animation and bring music to a variety of new live-action film projects. D23 Expo will celebrate these magical, musical movies in a live stage extravaganza—hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featuring Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Dotrice, and other renowned guest stars, joined by live musical performers and a 20-voice chorus—to showcase Summer Magic, Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire, and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, as well as others.

Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules 

Sunday, July 16, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

From the heights of Mount Olympus to the depths of the Underworld, celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney classic that put the “glad” in gladiator! Join a group of legendary artists and filmmakers who brought Hercules to life, including directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (“Phil”) and Ken Duncan (“Megara”), as well as Megara and Hercules themselves—Susan Egan and Tate Donovan—as they recount stories of making one of the most epic animated features of all time.  

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 80th Anniversary Screening

Sunday, July 16, 3:15 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

For eight decades, Disney fans have whistled “Heigh Ho” while they worked. Now, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Walt Disney’s first-ever animated feature, D23 Expo is proud to present a special screening of the film that started it all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering 

Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

Join a fascinating conversation, hosted by John Stamos, with three Imagineering Legends—Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and 2017 Disney Legend inductee Wayne Jackson—as they recount true-life anecdotes and share personal stories about the celebrated artists, designers, and technical wizards who established the foundation and guiding principles for groundbreaking Disney experiences around the globe.

Also coming to D23 Expo…

Walt Disney Archives Stage

The popular Walt Disney Archives Stage returns, more than doubling its capacity, as it hosts 17 panels and presentations throughout the weekend. Disney notables, such as director Pete Docter, Disney Legend Jim Cora, producer Don Hahn, Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse), Imagineers Diana Brost, Jason Grandt, and Chris Merritt, plus many more, will participate in panels throughout the weekend. Fans will enjoy exploring many of Disney’s worlds, from the incredible work of Marc Davis and the original characters of the Disney Parks (such as Figment and the Country Bears) to the women of Disney animation and an incredible virtual walk-through of the Walt Disney Studios on Hyperon Avenue. Visit D23expo.com for the complete schedule.  

Center Stage

Located in the center of the D23 Expo show floor, Center Stage will be the heartbeat of the Expo and a hub of activity throughout the weekend. Aimee Carrero, the voice of Disney’s Elena of Avalor, will perform live for the first time, and will be joined by special guests including Lou Diamond Phillips who voices series’ villain, Victor Delgado.  Also performing on Center Stage will be Temecula Road, Tomasina, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, nerd-rock group Kirby Krackle, and Susan Egan, who will sing favorites from Beauty and the Beast. Disney animators, including Eric Goldberg and Mark Henn, will show aspiring artists “how to draw” throughout the weekend.Marvel’s Brian Crosby will show fans how to draw Spider-Man and Groot. And Bill Rogers, the “voice of Disneyland,” will be on-hand each day to record fans’ outgoing voicemail messages in his signature dulcet tones. The complete lineup will be available in the coming weeks on the D23 Expo app.

D23 Expo’s Ultimate Fan Street Party

For the first time at D23 Expo, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind street party—right on the D23 Expo show floor. Twice each day the cavalcade will travel down Mickey Avenue, with a live band, beloved Disney characters, high-energy dancers, and celebrity grand marshals! Stan Lee and Mark Hamill will grand marshal the first cavalcade on Friday, July 14, and members of the cast of Descendants 2 will lead the second that day. Additional talent and times to be announced in the coming weeks and will be available on the D23 Expo app. 

Talent subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com. 

Ticketsfor D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase ticketsfor $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets arealso available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visitD23expo.com. 

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and atDisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, followDisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.