Disney and Beyond News - San Diego Comic Con 2017 Special

Welcome to Disney and Beyond, your one-stop-shop for all things Disney and Pop Culture. Today in the news, we take a look at all the biggest Film and TV announcements to come out of San Diego Comic Con 2017.

Disney and Beyond Unboxing - Tokyo Treat (July)

Welcome back to the Disney and Beyond blog.

Today it's time for an unboxing video. This week we take a look at some tasty Japanese snacks with the July premium box from Tokyo Treat. Yummy!

Disney And Beyond Friday Feature - Gotta Represent ‘Em All: Disabled Characters in Gaming

I’ve been a gamer for long as I can remember, going all the way back to my first console at the age of five.  Some of you may even remember my article from last where I regained the ability to play the games for myself with the fantastic support provided by the charity, Special Effect.  However, as I was sitting at home playing one of my many games on the PS4, something struck me that I’d never paid much attention to.  What is it?  I shall tell you.

In all my years playing computer games, I've never once played as a disabled character.  That got me to thinking, are there any disabled characters in computer games?  After thirty minutes of deliberation, I came up with two characters; one of those was Professor Xavier, the wheelchair-bound leader of the X-Men and Daredevil, the blind vigilante from Hell's Kitchen, both of which are characters from other medium.  I'm not even sure if Professor Xavier was even a playable character!  Since having those initials thoughts, I've discovered a couple more, the majority of which are non-playable characters, or bit parts.  I certainly haven't discovered any games where the central character has a form of disability.  But are side characters enough?  Would a game featuring a central character with a disability be worthwhile?

To answer those questions, I shall take on the latter first.  It’s clear why certain types of games don’t feature disabled characters; you couldn’t have a person in a wheelchair storming the beaches in Normandy for example.  Historical games require historical accuracy.  Realism is also a big thing in gaming right now, so any situation where it would be unrealistic to have a disabled character gets a pass.  But other genres have no excuse.  Take The Sims for example, a game that at its essence is supposed to simulate life.  Surely it would be more realistic to have disabled characters feature, or at the very least, an option to create one?  But there isn’t and it’s the same with Fantasy and Sci-fi.  Anything is possible in those genres and yet, you never see a character with enhanced mobility aides.  So to answer my first question, no it isn’t enough.

Disability is a very broad spectrum, so I understand that it would be hard to please everyone.  But in the 21^st Century, to ignore us entirely, is just plain wrong.  Billions are invested every year in the gaming industry, so why can’t they invest a little of that in to improving diversity in games.  Not only could it be educational, but it would also do wonders for disability awareness.  So, come on developers, show me what you've got.

Until next time... To infinity and beyond!

Disney And Beyond Friday Feature - Top 5 Disneyland Paris Thrill Rides

Hello and welcome back to Disney And Beyond, your one stop shop to all things Disney and Pop Culture.

Today it's time for a Friday Feature. This week I'm following on from my last top 5 Disneyland Paris attractions video which was about attractions for guests who need to remain in a wheelchair. This time, I'm looking at the top 5 Disneyland Paris thrill rides for guests who are a bit more adventurous.

Disney and Beyond News - Disney D23 Expo 2017 Special (Part Three)

Here's the final of our D23 Expo specials. This time I take a look at all the Disney films from D23 Expo 2017.

This is the third of three parts, so don't forget to check out the first two parts which cover the Disney Parks announcements and the Disney Gaming announcements respectively.

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Disney and Beyond News - Disney D23 Expo 2017 Special (Part Two)

Hey everyone, here's part two of the Disney and Beyond D23expo news roundup. This time I take a look at the three major game titles coming out over the next year. Enjoy!

Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you don't miss any Disney and Beyond content.

Disney and Beyond News - Disney D23 Expo 2017 Special (Part One)

Here is the latest video over on the Disney and Beyond Youtube Channel. Today in the news, we take a look at all the Disney Parks and Resorts announcements that came out of D23 Expo 2017.

Disney D23 Expo 2017 Special - Star Wars Land Model

Hello and welcome to Disney and Beyond. Here's a quick look at the  Star Wars Land Model being showcased at D23 Expo in Anaheim right now.

Taking Control: My Gaming Comeback

I remember the first time I held the controller of a gaming console.  I was five years old, on holiday with my parents and some family friends whose son owned a Sega Master System. Straightaway I was hooked to the fast pace and exciting action taking place on the screen. I was in control. I was the omnipotent God controlling the lives of the pixelated men jumping and kicking on screen. And that summer, I owned my first games console and haven't really looked back since.

My experience of gaming has been extensive over the years, having owned nearly every console that has ever existed. Gaming is a big part of me, whether it be a sports game, a beat ‘em up, a first person shooter, or an RPG. You name it, I've played it. But my love of gaming has taken a back seat for the last 15 years. With the ever increasing weakness in my arms and hands, playing computer games got to the point where it just wasn't worth the effort. I was getting less functionality out of my body and therefore less ability on the games. Couple that with the ever increasing complexity of games, which require more buttons to press, it was almost impossible. My pixelated persona became a shadow, a backseat gamer, destined to watch those do the things that I loved to do. It’s true what they say, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

That was until last year, when I stumbled across a charity called Special Effect. All it took was an initial contact email to them and arrangements were made for them to visit me in my family home. They came, looked at the problem and within a few hours, I was back in control. I haven’t stopped playing since. It really is the most amazing feeling being back in charge. Like a phoenix, I’m reborn. I really couldn’t be happier with the outcome. How did they do it? I shall explain.

My rig, as I’ve now named it, consists of an adapted PlayStation 4 control pad that has four micro switches plugged into the handles that can be mapped to any button that I require via the console settings. They essentially replace the trigger buttons on the shoulders of the control pad. That is then mounted to a photography camera bracket in order to bring it level with my chin, which I use to manipulate the left analogue stick. Each button is positioned where I can easily press them; one for each hand and two on the wings of my headrest. I also have voice controls set up for more complex games to give me increased functionality. It took around three hours to come up with the solution and implement it.  I couldn't be happier with it, as it works for me and only takes around ten minutes to set up each time I want to play.

I think I’ve said it twice already in this blog, but I’m so happy to be playing again. Watching was fun for a time, but nothing beats doing it yourself. Gaming gives disabled people a chance to do things in life that they may never get to do. When I'm playing I can run, jump, or fight. I can be anything I want to be without the limitations of my disability. The guys at Special Effect have given that back to me and I wouldn't change it for the world. I can’t ever thank them enough.

Until next time… To infinity and beyond! 

Disney and Beyond - Disney D23Expo 2017

Hello and welcome back to Disney And Beyond, your one stop shop to all things Disney and pop culture.

Today it's time for a Friday Feature. This week I'm looking at the Disney D23expo happening right now in Anaheim. I talk about all the things that I hope will be there and all the things that have already been confirmed.

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Disney and Beyond News #2 - Pop Culture Edition

Welcome to the Disney and Beyond News #2 - Pop Culture Edition. Today we look at the latest film and TV announcements including the title for the next Jurassic World, the new Jumanji and Deathnote trailers, along with an Assassin's Creed Anime . Plus, we also take a look at the world of gaming with Splatoon 2, Battlefield 1, Overwatch and Hearthstone.

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Spider-Man Homecoming Review

I’ve been a Spider-Man fan for as long as I can remember, growing up watching the 90's cartoon on Fox Kids.  My generation of Spidey fans has also been lucky to see several big-screen versions of the character, albeit some being better than others.  With Spider-Man now firmly in the MCU fold, it's time for another outing.  And this one has definitely got my spider-sense tingling.  In a good way.

For those of you that have been living in a cave, Spider-Man Homecoming picks up where the Captain America: Civil War airport fight leaves off, with an excited Peter Parker (Tom Holland) longing for another shot with the big leagues.  Instead, he’s left cleaning up after street thugs, when he stumbles across weapon dealers using alien tech.  Eventually, he encounters the ring-leader, Adrian Toomes, AKA The Vulture.  Then it’s down to the usual superhero fair.  Except this time, the plot is handled incredibly well, with a good balance of small, subtle scenes mixed with the high octane action sequences that we've come to love with the MCU.  It's nice to finally see something different with Spider-Man.

Tom Holland is probably one of the standout performances of the year so far. The casting directors over at Marvel always do a fantastic job when casting iconic characters.  They certainly haven't disappointed here.  Despite two prominent Avengers being in the movie, Spider-Man is never overshadowed.  Again, it seems that they've found the right balance between established characters and the new ones.  In fact, all of the young actors are handled very well and it's nice to see the director coming from a small production into something so big, and yet, managing to hit the ground running.

As great as this film is, nothing can ever be perfect.  There are a few niggling things in this, but nothing too distracting.  Sometimes the action sequences have a little too much shaky cam, which makes it hard to focus on what's actually happening in the scene.  Also, it would've been nice to see Spider-Man doing a bit more of the acrobatic hand-to-hand fighting that he's known for, rather than relying on a vast array of gadgets.  I can see why they’ve opted for the gadgets, but it's always good to watch a nice punch-up.  Having said that, the action sequences are still very enjoyable and incredibly well thought out, particularly the sequence involving the Washington monument, which is just amazing.  As is the scene with the ATM robbery.

Overall, this is a fantastic return to form for the Spider-Man franchise.  Not since Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2 has it been so enjoyable.  It's funny, quirky, with a great cast of characters that I can't wait to see again. There really isn't much in the way of negative comments that can be said about this film.  I highly recommend that you go and see it and I'm very excited for the next one.

            

Until next time… To infinity and beyond!

Disneyland Paris in a Wheelchair – My Top Tips

I've been in a wheelchair my whole life and I feel very fortunate that I've been able to travel to and visit many places around the world.  It hasn't always been easy, but it's always been doable.  I love an adventure, none more so than travelling to a Disney theme park.  I've been to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, six times and I've been to Disneyland Paris four times.  They’re two of my most favourite places in the world, so much so, that I decided to purchase an annual ticket for Disneyland Paris to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

I think the main reason I love the parks so much is because Disney are one of the best companies around the world for accommodating guests in wheelchairs.  There are very few theme parks where a disabled person can remain seated in their chair, whilst being able to go on a ride.  There certainly aren't any in the UK that I know of.  I love the fact that there are attractions in Disneyland Paris that I can take part in, along with my family and friends.  Going there, I don't have to sit on the sidelines.  Don't get me wrong, there are still attractions and rides that can't take a wheelchair, but that's to be expected.  I can't see a wheelchair ever be able to go on a rollercoaster, as it would be a health and safety nightmare.  But something is better than nothing.  As I said before, Disney do a lot more than most.

However, as accommodating as Disney can be, there are still a few things that a person should know before they consider attending a Disney park in a wheelchair.  I've done it quite a few times now and with my annual pass for Disneyland Paris, I thought it would be a good opportunity to give my top tips and opinions on the parks in France, the Disneyland Park and the Studios Park, for those that are thinking of visiting.  So, without further ado, let's get started.

1. Do Your Homework

Travelling to Disneyland Paris when you're in a wheelchair is no different to going anywhere else.  You should always make sure that you've done all the research that you can possibly do on subjects that might affect you.  For example, although there are a lot of rides that can accommodate a wheelchair, these are still fewer than the ones that can't.  Take a look at the rides and attractions that can accommodate you before making a decision as to whether you still want to go.  You might find that the attractions aren’t to your liking, or that there aren't enough to warrant the cost of having a holiday in Disneyland Paris, as it can be very costly.  Also, check what the rooms are like in the hotel you're planning to stay in, especially if you require a walk-in shower for example.  I can't stress enough how many people don't do their homework before going, get out there and encounter a lot of problems.  Making sure you know everything before you go will make your life a lot easier if problems arise.

          2. Take Your Documentation

Although Disneyland Paris is very good for people in wheelchairs, it's still necessary to prove that you require the special assistance, or concessions that are available.  Disneyland Paris has what they call an access, or green card.  Anybody with a disability can obtain one of these cards by going to the guest relations at City Hall inside the park, but you need to provide certain documents to prove that you are disabled and require one.  Currently, Disneyland Paris requires a person in a wheelchair to provide their blue parking badge, benefits letter, or doctors letter stating your disability and why you may need to skip cues, or take a carer with you on to ride.  When I went in March, I took every piece of documentation I could find that related to my disability.  If you're planning on getting an annual pass, a carer can accompany you for free each time you visit, but you will need a letter from the doctor stating why you have to have a carer with you to be in the park.  If you're coming from outside of Europe, any documentation you have from your country should be sufficient to prove your disability. 

           3. Check the Size of Your Wheelchair

Despite the fact that some of the rides can take a wheelchair on board, they can only accommodate wheelchairs of a certain size and shape.  It does vary from ride to ride, so the best thing to do is measure your wheelchair and then contact Disneyland Paris via telephone to check that the rides will be able to accommodate you.  Also, if you are able, I would advise taking a manual wheelchair, as a lot of the rides can't accommodate powered wheelchairs, or electric scooters due to the size and weight.  Again, the Disneyland Paris representatives will be able to advise over the telephone.

             4. Don't Forget to Have Fun

Disneyland Paris is full of magic and wonder, so one of the most important things that you can do is to have fun.  Enjoy your time there and make as many happy memories as possible. And the key to that is to make sure that you go fully armed with all the information that you could ever possibly need.

So those are my top tips for visiting Disneyland Paris if you’re a guest in a wheelchair.  I love it there and I love the way in which they do as much as they possibly can to include disabled guests.  I've been twice already this year and I plan on going another three times before the year is over.  I truly am a massive fan.

If you want more information on Disneyland Paris for guests in a wheelchair, this week's Friday Feature on the Disney and Beyond YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/2tlhone) is my top five attractions that guests can take part in whilst remaining in their wheelchairs.  Please do hop on over and check that out.  Also, please don't forget to like, share and comment below, as I would love to hear your thoughts and I'm more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.  Thank you for reading and I really do hope that this has been useful for you.

Until next time… To infinity and beyond!

Disney And Beyond - My Top 5 Disneyland Paris Attractions

Welcome to the first Friday Feature for Disney and Beyond. This videos ties into today's blog article, as I discuss my top 5 Disneyland Paris attractions for guests that prefer to stay in their wheelchair. Enjoy

Disney and Beyond News #1 - Disney Edition

Here's the first episode of the Disney and Beyond news. Today we look at the Disney Parks news including changes to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Epcot announcements and the Walt Disney Co. takeover of Disneyland Paris. Plus, we also take a look at the Inhuman's trailer. Enjoy!