A few weeks ago, I got offered an AMAZING opportunity. I've been telling you all about the upcoming Disney movies that are slated to hit theaters in 2015, and I happened to mention that Kevin Costner was one of my favorite actors. WELL, the universe (or a few of the wonderful people at Disney Studios) heard me and I've been invited to attend the #McFarlandUSAEvent in Los Angeles from February 5th to 8th!
Not only will the trip include the film release of "McFarland, USA" - where I'll meet THE Kevin Costner, I'll also be providing coverage for the In-Home releases of "Big Hero 6" and Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast (where I'll meet Ginnfer Goodwin!). Plus, I'll get to preview two upcoming episodes of the ABC comedy "Fresh Off the Boat" and the Disney Channel original Bad Hair Day movie!
"McFarland, USA" (opening in theaters on 2/20, so mark your calendars!), is based on the 1987 true story of novice runners from McFarland, and their Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner). With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. This film looks so inspiring and I can't wait to see it!
I'll be covering the press junket for "McFarland, USA", where I'll get to interview Kevin Costner and additional cast, filmmakers and the real life inspirations behind the film! My husband is just DYING over the fact that I'll get to meet Mr. Costner. To say he's one of the biggest "Field of Dreams" fans in the country would be a bit of an understatement!
Here's the official trailer for McFarland USA:
While I'm in town, I'll also get to attend a special press day at Walt Disney Animation Studios (insert OH MY GOODNESS here!) for the in-home release of "Big Hero 6"! I'll have the opportunity to interview the filmmakers, Ryan Potter (voice of “Hiro”), Daniel Henney (voice of “Tadashi”) and Scott Adsit (voice of "Baymax").
Did you see Big Hero 6? Did you love it?
As if these events weren't enough, I'm also going to attend a special press day at DisneyToon Studios for the In-Home release of "Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast! I'm going to go totally fan girl for a minute and tell you that I'm going to get to interview Ginnifer Goodwin (voice of “Fawn”) - also known as Snow White from "Once Upon a Time". I just adore her!
It doesn't stop there though! On this trip I'll also get to preview two soon-to-air episodes of ABC’s new family comedy, "Fresh Off the Boat," (sampled twice in ABC’s Wednesday night comedy block on Wednesday, February 4th at both 8:30 and 9:31 p.m., followed by its time slot premiere on Tuesday, February 10th at 8:00 p.m., ET) and meet with the show’s Writer and Executive Producer Nahnatchka Kahn as well as available cast from the show.
Last, but certainly not least, I'll screen the upcoming Disney Channel Film "Bad Hair Day" (premiering Friday, February 13th at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT) followed by an interview session with star and Executive Producer Leigh-Allyn Baker.
Doesn't this trip sound fantastic?!
I'm so excited to meet up with the bloggers for all of these fun events!
Follow along with me from ⅖ to 2/8 while I share about this event on social media.
Be sure you're following @vivaveltoro on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtags:
#McFarlandUSAEvent
#BigHero6Bloggers
#NeverbeastBloggers
#FreshOffTheBoat
#ABCTVEvent
#BadHairDay
Disclosure: I'll be attending this event at no cost. All opinions are 100% my own.
Debra Degering says
OMG! I am so jealous! You are living the life I have for myself, and the twins, in my head! How did you get started doing all of this? I'm very curious and would LOVE to be doing what you are doing. The farthest I've gotten is reviewing Step 2 toys online. I had hoped that they would send toys to be tested, but that has not happened yet.
Any guidance you have would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Debra Degering
Janessa Solem says
I'm SO excited for you to go on this trip and look forward to reading your coverage and following you on social media!
Brandy says
WOW!! congratulations! Sounds amazing!! (Have any room in your luggage for a fellow traveler?)
Andrew @ Mommy's Busy says
Great post, Ruth! I'm looking forward to meeting you, Kevin and Baymax too! 🙂
Becky Fry (momof-3boys.com) says
I'm so excited to meet everyone too! It'll definitly be a trip for the record books.
Erica C. says
Which film/show are you most excited about for this trip??? I still haven't seen Big Hero 6, can you believe it! Baymax looks so huggable.
Rachel Mouton says
Oh my goodness! I cannot wait to meet you 🙂 This is going to be so much fun.
Myrah Duque says
It will be a fun trip! looking forward to meeting you!
James Zahn - The Rock Father says
It's gonna be a great adventure... like an action movie sequel - some familiar faces teaming up for a mission in some different places.
Jackson Powell says
Did your trip meet your expectations? My wife works at Dreamworks in the San Francisco Bay Area. We're moving to LA this summer. She might work for Disney again (she worked there years ago as a 2D animator). We *love* Disneyland, and movies. My 10 and 7 year old balled even after the watching Big Hero 6 the third time! I admit I cried too. Great movie!
Did Mr. Costner seem nice? My wife's met quite a few actors, some nice and some not. I won't name names 🙂
I'm in awe of actors that don't get warped by fame and stay grounded.
Ruth V. says
I leave for the trip tomorrow morning! I'm so excited 🙂
Jackson Powell says
Oh wow! I'd love to hear what your experiences are. Safe trip!