D23 Teases Sunday's Disney Park News

D23 is finally upon us again. I'm opting for a wrap up video this time. I'm hoping covering it all at once will save some time. Until then though, we've got a small taste of what's coming Sunday through their “Imagining Tomorrow, Today" Parks Pavilion. Obviously there's progress on Tron & Mickey's Railroad form the last D23. Some new offerings have been thrown out there now. The biggest of which for me is details on upcoming changes to Epcot. With talk of it being split into “neighborhoods”, & the addition of a Moana attraction where guest will interact with living water. Can’t wait to see some details for this! Especially what the neighborhood thing means for Future World. They also unveiled the Halcyon. This us the name of the “starship” you will be staying in if you opt to stay the night at Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios in the future. There's also a pretty bad ass model to go with. On top of all this Tony Stark has set up an expo to display Avengers Campus coming to California, Hong Kong, & Paris! I had first seen it in stills, but Disey Parks put out this video previewing the pavilion. Check it out for a small sample of the excitement to come. Can't wait to get into it! Definitely more to come. Check out the awesome pics below the video form D23 featuring g concept art for everything as well as a teaser of legacy & news things coming to Epcot.

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Disneyland Gives A Look At Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run In Action

I've still got awhile to wait before Galaxy's Edge opens in Hollywood Studios, & I get to find myself behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon. Until then though, Disneyland just put out this cool little video of what to expect from queue to actual ride. This attraction has a lot of layers to it. From the initial intro to the mission, to the waiting dock of the Falcon's inside designed with implicit attention to detail, all the way to the cockpit where you actually pilot the attraction. Which, by the way, I've completely made up my mind is the only way to go, pilot or co-pilot. This looks absolutely amazing. I was more excited about the actual land than I was this opening attraction. Now however, I'd have to say my excitement level is about even for both. How bout y'all? Who's made it to the Land already, & who can't wait for Hollywood Studios to take a chance at piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Meet Grace, The New Baby Gorilla At Disney's Animal Kingdom

I always love the new additions to Disney's Animal Kingdom. This time we have Grace. She's the newest addition, a baby girl that I hope to see really soon. This video was really fun. Not only did it give you a look at Grace, it shows the gender reveal party the Gorillas had at the park for all the guests to see. Gotta get to the park early usually to see the babies. So, sometime in the next couple of weeks, I'm gonna drag myself up to Animal Kingdom early to meet this adorable new addition.

Disney Parks Live For Hollywood Studio's 30th Anniversary Celebration

I had a really big choice this week. Actual monetary work was interfering with my Disney life. Putting me in between a rock and a hard place. I could've either made it to today's 30th Anniversary Celebration of Hollywood Studios, or made it to Hollywood Studios for May the 4th's Star Wars Day. Obviously me being me, I chose the latter of the two. So I had to live vicariously through Disney Parks Live for the Celebration's parade & wait till Saturday to see the new Wonderful World of Animation Fireworks & Projection show. Needles to say, that choice left me a little bummed. After seeing this though, I think I really made the right choice. Though I'll miss out on my 30th Anniversary button, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything I can't see Saturday. This 30th Anniversary parade was a little disappointing. Not only was the commentary as annoying as the worst Macy's Day Parade coverage, a lot of what could've been big payoffs were very anti-climactic. I thought we were gonna see something really cool with Indiana Jones. Only to be very dissatisfied with the final payoff. Same thing goes for the big Galaxy's Edge reveal to a very not enthused Chewy firing his bowcaster. No Droids, no Kylo, no Boba Fett, no Phasma. This whole thing felt like a lot of missed opportunities. For that matter, it felt like it was thrown together today. The only success for ke out of this went to Toy Story. They stole the show in my opinion. At least the speech at the end & shout out to the cast was more entertaining than the commentary. I definitely know I made the right choice on this one. May the 4th be with me. On a bright note however, I do really like the new logo for Hollywood Studios. What do y'all think? Did y'all see something I didn't? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Preview Of New Firework Show "Epcot Forever"

This looks absolutely amazing! I Epcot's current show Illuminations , but if I'm being honest, I don't love it. Especially after all the advances in the firework presentations at the other parks.  The current one comes off as a little tame to me. Looks like they're going to fix that. Disney just released this preview of their new show, Epcot Forever, set to debut October 1st, 2019, & it looks absolutely amazing. A combination of all the aspects of the previous shows, with a host of new features. Including remote, glowing kites, & more. You get some real looks here, as well as some absolutely beautiful concept art. I can't wait for this. I've thought it was needed for awhile, & this looks like a lot of fun. What do y'all think? I know some love Illuminations , but will this help you "Let it go"? Put your thoughts in the comments, like, & share.

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The Food Of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Three things I immediately noticed when D23 released all their pics & descriptions of the food. One, I immediately got a Satuli's Canteen from Pandora vibe. Second, it seems there won't be a traditional sit down restaurant, which is A-Ok with me. And third, even a galaxy far, far away has tacos! Here's the full rundown. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, owned by Chef Strono "Cookie" Tuggs, will feature Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms; the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy; the Felucian Garden Spread, a plant-based kefta “meatball” dish with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread; the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce; the Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw; the Oven-roasted Burra Fish, featuring Dijon-crusted sustainable fish with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; the Oven-roasted Tip Yip, featuring roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp. Dessert options include a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse, and chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard. With two children’s menu options: fried chicken with macaroni and cheese; and chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing). Ronto Roaster will have a pod racer engine powered BBQ pit featuring Meiloorun Juice, the Turkey Jerky, and the Ronto Wrap filled with spiced grilled sausage and roasted pork. On a lighter snack note hit Kat Saka’s Kettle for the colorful Outpost Mix, a popcorn snack combining savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. It seems like the hardest part of all this will be figuring out what you want. That’ll be my main issue. Make sure to check out the drinks too in the article before this.

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New Plans Unveiled For Epcot's WDW 50th Anniversary Updates

We've known for awhile my favorite park was going to go through some big changes for the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. Now Disney's gave us a concept look at some of these major changes to come. First, they're finally going to do something permanent with the "Wonders of Life" pavilion. Turning into an interactive "city", full of interactive experiences, Disney characters, hands on activities, & engaging entertainment. Reminds me of a suped up Innovations of the past, but they're saying this will be a play pavilion unlike anything we've ever seen. According to Zach Ridley, portfolio executive at Imagineering it's described as an "immersive 'city'" where we'll "explore, create, & interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. Also mentioned was more details for the update coming to the park's entrance. The "Leave a Legacy" photos will be moved just outside the gate. Hopefully minus the giant "tombstone" looking objects they're attached to. They'll be replaced by a beautiful new setup of pathways, greenery, & a newly reimagined fountain. There will also be significant redevelopment between Spaceship Earth & the Wolrd Showcase Promenade that will be announced at a later date. Until then they releases this amazing concept art of what's to come. However, if you really can't wait to see more, they also announced a new Experience Center coming later in the year to the Odyssey Events Pavilion. Her you'll find interactive exhibits to help fully visualize all the park projects taking place. More on that once it pops up. While the downtime for Epcot during all this is going to drive me crazy, I can't wait for this amazing park to get a much needed facelift. It's probabaly my favorite place on the world, & I hope this can help make it that for more people.

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A Little Underwhelmed With Description Of "Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy"

Disney put out this video getting into the details for the Lighting McQueen's Racing Academy attraction coming to Hollywood Studios, & honestly, I'm a little let down. The description given sounds pretty much exactly like Turtle Talk with Crush . Which if you're not familiar is an attraction at The Seas with Nemo & Friends  in EPCOT, where you sit in a theater & talk to a giant screen with Crush the turtle. He interacts with the audience questions via an actor behind the screens, with the animation keeping up in real time. Giving us the illusion of actually speaking to Crush. It's an alright concept, the little ones love it, but I'm not sure they love it enough to throw in what sounds like an exact carbon copy with Lightning McQueen replacing Crush, only one park away. I was excited for a Cars  attraction. Lord knows how much I love Cars  & Cars 3 , but this let me down a little. I was really hoping for something new. I'll definitely still check it out, just in hope of being pleasantly surprised. After this I'm not holding my breath though. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

New Details On "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"

New details just came out for my number 1 anticipated thing coming this year. It originated from a strange place, financial newspaper, Barron's. I came across it via The Disney Blog. A reporter got a full walkthrough of the attraction's, & gave some pretty thorough details of the experience. Like the bridges to Pandora, both entrances will serve as a kind of scene change. You'll go from dark to light as you're immersed in a brand new world that'll look, smell, feel, & sound totally Star Wars. One of the main attractions, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run , will put you in control of the fastest ship in the galaxy. Apparently Hondo Ohnaka of Star Wars: Rebels  fame will lead the adventure, as he's borrowed the Falcon from Chewbacca for a special mission. You'll head through to the 6 person cockpit passing familiar settings, specifically mentioning the 3-D holographic chest board. Your input at the controls will affect the actual ride in real time. Not only determining your outcome, but also affecting your experience in the land as a whole. For example, hearing about how well or not you did through whispers around the area when you visit the store or Oga's Cantina . There was also a couple new details on the other attraction, Rise of the Resistance.  The ride will start off with the queue, walking through a Resistance base. Then you're "captured" by the First Order, & taken aboard their ship. That's where the trackless ride comes in with the transport. Leading to the escape complete with Kylo Ren, stormtroopers, & an AT-AT Walker the reporter was especially impressed by. He talked a little about Oga's Cantina , it having a real feel of A New Hope's  cantina scene. Featuring alcoholic beverages, a first for Disneyland, & a non-dairy blue milk, the seating will be sparse. Most likely to encourage guests to move on through with their drinks. There will be one less seat among tubes & vessel filled bar, if I have anything to say about it. I'm planning on spending a good amount of time there in particular. The final piece of light shedded on the new land came in its form of Pandora's Banshee. Visitors will have the option of purchasing, or "adopting", their own droid. Even giving it it's own personality. Examples were given of it being scared, & signaling when stormtroopers are near. These are portable, & as awesome as it sounds, they went on to mention possibilities of full size R2-D2 style droids for those that want to shed out some big bucks. Could you imagine having your own full size droid? Depending on how deep your pockets have to be, I might have to settle for mini droid, but I'll still take it either way. All in all, the biggest detail I'm excited about that came out is hands down the ones about these droids. Much like Pandora's Banshees, I'm sure I'll brave the 5 plus hour lines to get my hands on one day one. Anyway, what do y'all think? Any of these details get you more excited for the new land? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

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Disney Parks Releases Sneak Peek At "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"

This is the Christmas present I was waiting for! Disney Parks has released a sneak peek at their newest addition to both Disneyland & Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I've already watched this video three times through, & I'm totally convinced I'm going to break down in tears as I finally get to walk through this highly detailed, emersive land. They break down the attractions, the "Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run" & the "Rise of the Resistance". The latter of which is actually starting to sound more impressive, but the attractions just don't matter to me yet. I can't wait to get totally lost in this land. Just to be immersed in a galaxy far, far away does everything for me. To be able to sit in a bar, sorry, cantina with aliens, my lightsaber & blaster by my side, is more than I could possibly imagine I was ever going to get in my lifetime. Just seeing this, & knowing how close it is has me all emotional. I can't wait for this to happen. How bout y'all? I'm not gonna ask your excitement level. I wanna know what you're looking forward to the most? Put it in the comments, like, & share. And may the Force be with you!

New Info On Disney Spring's "NBA Experience"

Disney Parks blog has just unleashed a whole slew of updates & some concept art for Disney Spring's upcoming NBA Experience that has been being built where DisneyQuest used to stand. This thing sound awesome. When I was a kid I was all about some NBA basketball, & I would have totally went nuts for this. In addition to a NBA themed retail store, this place is going to totally put you right in the middle of the NBA. Or as close as you can be without actually being drafted. Check it out:

  • Experience one of the biggest milestones for a basketball player at the NBA Draft with a photo moment that re-creates the atmosphere of the draft stage.

  • Track and improve their jump shots and passing skills in a replicated NBA Combine challenge, complete with a scouting report that highlights their stats at the end of the session.

  • Step onto the court and hear the roar of the crowd as they maneuver through a series of timed shots to aim for a high score.

  • Execute the perfect slam dunk just like NBA superstars, captured by cameras surrounding adjustable baskets.

  • Test their ball-handling skills with an interactive trainer who will challenge them with a variety of dribbling routines.

  • Use an oversized slingshot to launch basketballs at hoops of varying heights, making as many shots as possible before the clock runs out in this thrilling timed challenge.

  • Immerse themselves in the rich legacy and history of NBA and WNBA championship-winning teams.

  • Access a team locker room that showcases up-to-date statistics and visuals of top NBA and WNBA players.

  • Test their knowledge of the NBA and WNBA – past and present – during a trivia game with up to 25 participants competing against one another to be champion.

  • Enjoy two 180-degree cinematic presentations that showcase the in-arena experience moments before the start of the game, as well as special stories from the players’ perspectives.

  • Take a seat at an interactive multi-screen module to watch replay clips from NBA games, using the tools at their stations to make the right calls.

  • Play interactive basketball games, from the fan-favorite Pop-A-Shot to modern video games.

I'm going to be so all over this. I actually can't even figure out what I want to do more. The slingshots, dunk cam, Combine challenge, or just let lose on some interactive basketball games. I had my doubts on this one, but it's shaping up to he pretty cool. Your thoughts? Put it in the comments, like, & share. 

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Amazing New Details & Teasers For "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"

If you've managed to just patiently wait for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge,  coming next year to Disneyland & Disneyworld, then this is about to destroy that patience. Disney Parks Blog released some amazing information that came out of DestinationD this weekend. First, was the only thing we didn't know we need for a Star Wars  themed land. Paying attention to what seems like every detail, John Williams himself has created the score that will accompany us through our own Star Wars  stories. That video was followed by our first teaser look at the attractions. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will put guests behind the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy in one of three unique flight crew roles. While, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance  will puts guests in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. The videos look amazing, even if you only get a vague feel of the attractions. This is also all paired up with the Disney Play app for an extra hands on level of emerson. At DestinationD, Chapek also shared new information about the currently in-development  Star  Wars -themed resort coming to Walt Disney World Resort. From the moment you board your launch pod (teased in the concept art below), you’ll experience a  fully-immersive, multi-day  Star Wars  adventure  aboard a luxury starship complete with high-end dining, space-view cabins, and exciting action. Scheduled to open at  Disneyland Resort  in summer 2019 and at  Walt Disney World Resort  in fall 2019, I can't wait. My lightsaber & heavy blaster are ready. Part of me feels like I've been waiting my whole life for this. Anyway, what do y'all think of this awesome new Galaxy's Edge  details? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

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Disney Gives A Countdown On The Upcoming Skyliner

Gotta take some time out for this. I was more excited than I should be for this one already, but now that I've been hopping from park to park on the monorail, I'm even more pumped for this to be up & going. Disney gives you some facts in this video countdown style. For me however, the most important piece of information is this connecting the parks in another way. With its completion, the only park not networked in will be Animal Kingdom. This makes a day between all the parks so much easier. On top of the fact that these concept images are beautiful! I could see riding these with no rhyme or reason at all. Even without a destination, this just looks like an amazing, relaxing ride. What do y'all think? Am I the only one who's super excited for these? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

New Concept Art For "Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad" Plus Another New Addition Coming To Hollywood Studios

With the opening of Toy Story Land  this weekend Disney Parks Blog wanted to make sure we knew there was still more to come. First, they released this friggin awesome concept art for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad , the ride that will replace one of my all time favorites, Ghe Great Movie Ride . This was the first reveal for the ride car, & it came with this setup: "The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy's train for a wacky, wild ride." This ride sounds like it's going to be totally amazing the more we hear. It should be too. This is the first time Mickey gets a proper attraction, & it all started with a mouse. I'm so excited for this one to finally get finished. The second big announcement came in the form of Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy .  A first of it's kind show, debuting early 2019 & located by Aerosmith's Rocking Rollercoaster where you'll come face to face with Lightning McQueen. He'll showcase the things he's learned over the years with all of his friends from Radiator Springs. They're being pretty vague on this one. Which honestly makes me even more curious. Anytime Disney says first of it's kind, you know you're in for something special. Anyway, what do y'all think of this awesome news? Put it in the comments, like & share.

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Did You Catch The "Toy Story Land" Dedication?

Disney Parks went live for the dedication ceremony for Hollywood Studios newest addition Toy Story Land  today. I would've been there but we've got some developments here that are taking priority. Hence, the announcement I keep teasing, that is still coming. I'm really bummed wasn't able to make it though. They went all out for the opening day of this one! I mena, Tim Allen was there!! Buzz friggin Lightyear!!! The stage setup was awesome! The whole dedication show for that matter was really entertaining. The video was hard to watch though. It started off with all the food, & I couldn't get it off my mind through the whole video. Besides the aesthetic, the food at Toy Story Land is what really has me excited. I've never been a fan of eating at Hollywood Studios. Pulled pork grilled cheese & S'mores sandwiches though? I can really get behind that. Also in this vid are some quick looks at Epcot's GOTG Awesome Mix Live,  Magic Kingdom's Incredible Summer , & Animal Kingdom's Donald's Dino Bash . Fun dedication though. I should see these in about a month. Can't wait to share them firsthand. Let me know your thoughts on this awesome dedication, as well as Toy Story Land in general. Put em in the comments, like, & share.

I Actually Want To See This "GOTG Awesome Mix Live" Show Now

When I first heard about this concert at Epcot, I'll admit, I really wasn't that excited. I absolutely love the Guardians of the Galaxy,  & probably even more so the soundtracks. Those soundtracks have basically fueled the years in which they were released for me. I just didn't really think this show was going to come off as anything but a cheesefest. Seeing this little preview video though, has made me realize this isn't a cheesefest, it's an amazingly awesome cheesefest. It does seem corny, but the actors look great, & it looks like it's a lot of fun. I've gotta check this out now. Funny what looks like a throwaway experience at Disney can always fool you. My past couple of visits I've been trying things I never had before, & I've found some real diamonds in the rough. This looks like it could be one of them. You really can't judge a book by its cover, & that especially rings true at Disney Parks. What do y'all think though? Would y'all attend the Awesome Mix Live? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Disney Parks Gives Some More Looks At "Toy Story Land", Opening This Weekend

Unfortunately, I'm not able to attend the opening of Toy Story Land  this weekend. The reason involves that big announcement I keep teasing. There's just too much going on right now for me to make it down there. It'll definitely be sooner than later before I do though. Until then, we all get to enjoy the newest addition to Hollywood Studios via Disney Parks videos. First up today is an ariel view of the Slinky Dog Dash. A rollercoaster that is really starting to grow on me. I'm still not 100% on all the coasters popping up at Disneyworld Parks. I just feel like that's a copout from the imaginative attractions Disney is known for worldwide. At least it is a heavily themed coaster. Whats really got me excited for Slinky Dog though, is how smooth it looks. I've never seen a smoother looking ride to a coaster. On the other side however, it also looks pretty basic. Putting this one in the "how long do I want to wait in queue for this?" category. I could see loving this one on a slow day. A weird word to use for a rollercoaster is relaxing, but Slinky looks just that. I will take into consideration this is for the little ones as well, & with that in mind it's probably the perfect, first coaster. Then, speaking of perfect, the next video Disney Parks put up was a friggin awesome look at Toy Story Land all lit up for nighttime. I keep saying I'm more excited about just walking around this place. Now that seems like an all day, through the night event. As amazing as this place looks, it looks even better at night. Nostalgia is replaced by a beautiful carnival of light. My camera's going to overload once I get here. Can't wait for the opening weekend videos coming next week. I'm sure it won't be long before I go take a look at this place too. When that happens, I'll make sure to give a first hand look. Curious though, what's everyone else thoughts on this new addition? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Get Some New Looks As "Imagineers Put The Finishing Touches On Toy Story Land"

June 30th is coming around the corner fast, & with it Hollywood Studio's newest addition, Toy Story Land. Disney Parks just released this video showing some of the highlights, & interviewing some of the imagineers als they put on some finishing touches before opening day. You can tell they're all really excited. Even if they do get the land opening in between Pandora & Galaxy's Edge. In which, I'm sure it's gonna be cool, but come on. It pales in comparison to those. I did see some things in this video that helped get me a little more excited for this land. I can't wait to be surrounded by giant versions of some of the classic toys I grew up with. The wooden glider is what really did it for me. I'm now more excited to just look around, & see what toys I can find than anything. I want to explore even more so than the attractions now. If that's not enough, look below at the next video for a look at the park at night. It looks like a carnival/fair all lit up. It really is beautiful. I really can't wait to see this land, even if it's destined to be the third place land of recent additions. The rest of the second video gives a look at the awesome merchandise. As well as some of the food selections. Which look great, especially for what I've grown to expect at Hollywood Studios. They also manage to sneak in a look at the new Incredibles float coming to Disneyland's Paint the Night parade. Which is shaping up to look pretty friggin awesome by the way. Curious though, what is everyone else's excitement level for Toy Story Land? Put it in the comments, like & share.

New Details & Pre-order Available For "Play Disney Parks" App

Disney released more details onnew mobile app coming for use at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this summer. Now available for pre-order, at the App Store and Google Play, the Play Disney Parks app will allow guests to play with family and friends while waiting in line for attractions. They're not really giving any exact details, just the activities will interact with select attraction queues, & the app will feature games that bring favorite Disney stories to life in immersive new ways. They've also mentioned that guests can earn and share digital collectibles when they reach achievements for experiences in the app, across the Disney parks. If that doesn't do it for ya, they're throwing in some Disney trivia as well. This will definitely help kill boredom while in the queue, provided you can keep your battery charged as well. There's some screenshots below, as well as the title page. I really want to see this in action before I judge it. How "queue interactive" it is will he the thing that really does it for me. If the app makes stuff happen, that's friggin awesome. If it's just another glorified cell phone game, I'll pass. What do y'all think though? Does this sound exciting? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

 

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