Muppet movies we'd like to see

Last week production of the new "The Muppets . . . Again!" started in London.

We know that this movie, starring Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey, centers around a tour of Europe. And we know it is coming out next year. But wouldn't it be fun to see some classic movies made into Muppet movies.

How about Miss Piggy starring in "Cleopigtra." Or Kermit The Frog in "Pirates of the Amphibian." If you wander around the outside of MuppetVision 3-D at Hollywood Studios at Disney World you'll be able to see movie posters of the Muppet movies we'd like to see:

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Menu revealed for Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World not only will offer entertainment and topiaries but this year will offer a showcase of food.

Around the World Showcase will be pavilions featuring small plates and beverages.

                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman

The menu, according to the latest information on the Disney website includes:

The American Adventure:  The Smokehouse - Barbeque and Brews includes pulled pork, smoked brisket and craft beers.

China:  Lotus House will have spring pancake, taro-bacon puff pastry and bubble tea.

France: L’Orangerie will have a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and a selection of French wines.

Florida Fresh:  Watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines.

Fruits by the Glass:  Mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale.

Germany:  Bauernmarkt Farmer's Market will serve  spring pea and mushroom bread pudding, potato pancakes and a variety of beers. 

Italy: Primavera Kitchen will be serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails and Italian wines.

Japan:  Hanami will feature “frushi,” or fruit sushi, grilled seafood sticks and sake. 

Mexico: Jardin de Fiestas will feature crab tostadas, pork tacos, the strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights.

Moroco: Taste of Marrakesh will serve lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula and desert rose cocktail.

Pineapple Promenade: Spiced rum Dole Whip, pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more. 

United Kingdom: The Cottage Savories, Trifles and Tea will have tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.

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Disney has 3 nominations in 55th Grammy Awards

When the 55th Grammy Awards are presented Sunday night (8 p.m. EST on CBS) Disney will have three nominees vying for awards.

"The Muppets" soundtrack is up for an award in the Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media category. It is going up against "The Descendants," "Marley," "Midnight In Paris" and "Rock Of Ages."

In the Best Song Written for Visual Media category, the song "Learn Me Righ by Mumford & Sons" from the movie "Brave" and the song "Man Or Muppet" by Bret McKenzie  from "The Muppets" will are going up against "Abraham's Daughter" by T Bone Burnett, Win Butler & Régine Chassagne from "The Hunger Games," "Let Me Be Your Star" by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman from "Smash" and "Safe & Sound" by T Bone Burnett, Taylor Swift, John Paul White & Joy Williams from "The Hunger Games."

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Filming for Spider-Man 2 begins in New York

Filming of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" began in New York City, according to the Marvel website.
In this sequel, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), goes up against his newest villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx) while an old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) returns. In addition Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

The movie stars Garfield, Foxx, DeHann, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Shailene Woodley, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, and Sally Field.

The movie is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner, with a previous draft by James Vanderbilt, and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are the producers.

The movie is scheduled to be released May 2, 2014.

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Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs to re-open in the summer

Disney publicity photo of Senses

The redesigned Senses Spa at the Saratoga Springs Resort in Disney World is scheduled to re-open in the late summer.

The new facility will include 10 treatment rooms offering an array of services including water therapy, massage and facials. Manicure and pedicure rooms depict lighting and textured fabrics. Design materials and textures, including stone, are designed to connect with the earth and speak to the serenity and tranquility associated with nature, according to Disney.

A cave-like grotto will lead to a Jacuzzi room where handmade mosaics will be placed on the wall with heated lounges, a whirlpool and steam room.

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14 things that happened this week in the Disney Universe

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, new ambassadors, new music, new clothing and tickets for a Fanniversary are all just part of what was going on in the Disney Universe during the first week of February.

Here's a quick look at what's was going on in Disneyland, Disney World and beyond.

Disneyland

• As part of Black History Month, a dozen gospel choirs from across Southern California will perform at the California Adventure on Feb. 16.
• The Circle D Ranch welcomed two new horses
• Disneyland unveils it's new Ambassador Team.
• The all-new, live stage production, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” debuts this summer.
• An African-American family is suing Disneyland after, the family claims, an actor who portrayed the White Rabbit character from "Alice in Wonderland" refused to hug or touch their children because of their skin color,reports CBS Los Angeles station KCBS-TV.
• The Fantasy Faire opening March 12 will have Maurice’s Treats.

Disney World

• The famous California Grill closed Feb. 1 for a renovation that will last until the end of summer. What's a fine-dining-and-fireworks connoisseur to do until September? We have some suggestions, depending on what you're looking for:
• The day after leading the Baltimore Ravens in a 43-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, quarterback Joe Flacco showed up in Disney World for his parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Universe

• Tickets are on sale for D23's special Fanniversary Celebration events all over the country. 
• Disney to make standalone Star Wars movies
• 'Wreck-It Ralph' wins big at the Annie Awards
• Mariah Carey will premiere her new single 'Almost Home' on Feb. 19 as the lead single from Disney's Oz the Great and Powerful soundtrack.
• Disney unveils new line of fashion clothing and toys based on new Oz movie

Topic of The Week

Are Disney princesses good role models?

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Disney unveils new line of fashion clothing and toys based on new Oz movie

Do you want the look of Glinda, Evanora, or Theodora from the upcoming movie "Oz The Great and Powerful?"

You'll soon be able to. Disney has unveiled a new fashion and toy collection inspired by the movie, which will be released March 8.

CDI, Jem, Sue Wong, Joe Vilaiwan, Jerome C. Rousseau, Tollytots are all behind a collection of couture fashions, apparel, designer shoes, accessories, limited edition costumes and toys.

"This assortment of Oz The Great and Powerful product reflects the spectacular adventure and stunning world showcased in the film," Jonathan Symington, vice president of licensing for Disney Live Action Studios at Disney Consumer Products said in a news release.

The variety of products include a dress collection from designer Sue Wong, inspired by the character Evanora, Theodora, Glinda and China Girl. The dresses are anywhere from $400 to $800 at Nordstrom and Macy's.

Designer Joe Vilaiwan created over 52 styles of jewelry. And high-fashion designer Jerome Rousseau created shoes available at Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, with a special silver shoe available exclusively at Shoescribe.com. The cost for the shoes, about $600.

If you actually want to dress up as Glinda and Wicked Witch, you can, with adult costumes featuring couture fashion detailing and embellishments, including real feathers, delicate lace and leather. These will be available at Disney Store locations and at DisneyStore.com. from between $350 and $400.

The costumes for little girls are for Glinda costume and China Girl at Disney stores from between $40 to $80.

There are also 11.5 inch dolls featuring Oz, Glinda, Theodora and Evanora at the Disney Store for about $34.50 each.

Other items available include: Oz graphic tees, a necklace and ring set. for girls, Glinda's Signature Tiara and Light up Wand, reversible tutus and fashion dolls.

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