EGX September 2017: Overview

September feels like such a long time ago now and to be honest it is as I write this, as I've mentioned previously I decided to take a break from writing my blog last year and now I feel inspired I have decided to write my review for my trip to EGX in Birmingham.

For those who don't know EGX is the UK's biggest gaming convention and its held at the NEC in Birmingham which is a huge events arena in the North. My partner Joel had visited a few years previous and ever since has wanted to go back as he had only been for one day but this time around we decided to stay for two days which was worth it as it gave us more time to trial games and meant we avoided the weekend rush.

The event it's self was absolutely massive spreading over 3 different halls and at one point we weren't sure if we were going to actually see everything we wanted to. I didn't play that many games over the two days because we were there more for Joel but I did play a couple.

Nintendo had a huge section set up show casing some new games but the one I was most excited for was Mario Odyssey which was the first game we actually lined up to play and it was AMAZING so easy to play and so enjoyable.

I have to admit I didn't really make any notes about the event massively as I didn't think I would be writing this post at all so I did some goggling to find out exactly what games we did play or Joel played. As mentioned we played Mario Odyssey and then Far Cry 5, Detroit, Dragon Ball Fighter Z, Sonic Forces, Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy, Star Wars along with some other indie games.

I was also made to play a game of Destiny 2 which I was just terrible at. Joel wanted to play as there was a chance of winning a new console so I kindly waited with him to then be asked by another two people if we wanted to join there team ... oh dear! They were only playing the game because they wanted the free TShirt out of it which makes sense but I felt rather embarrassed because there were people watching us.

I have to admit the whole two days were a lot of fun exploring all the new up coming games, watching competitions and having a look around. I love RPGs although I wasn't 100% sure I was going to enjoy Detroit but Joel made me play and I'm so glad he did as the game was incredible and so easy to control, I can't wait for the game to come out later this year.

There were some great photo opportunities dotted all about the event which were great fun and also gave you the chance to win some cool prizes.

The only thing I had to say I was disappointed about was the merch available this time around, last time Joel went he said there were loads of things I would have loved but this time it was a little flat. He managed to pick up some amazing things but me not so much, but I did come home with some extra cash so I can't complain.

Overall EGX was a great event, I wish the Sims would come to these events especially as they were releasing the Sims 4 Cats and Dogs that year meaning it would have been an amazing time to show case it before the release. Would I go again? Yes I actually would as it gave me the chance to play some games I usually wouldn't.

Beauty And The Beast Afternoon Tea

When my friend asked if I wanted to go to the Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea how could I refuse especially when there was only a few spots left and I knew how hard people were finding it to get spaces but little did I know this wasn't the afternoon tea in London but literally only a 10 minuet drive from my front door at Old Down Manor.

I had been to Old Down Manor previously for a works summer do and the house and the grounds are beautiful and would make the most perfect location for this afternoon tea and saved me money on travelling to London.

It couldn't have been the most perfect afternoon, the weather was perfect and the views across to the seven bridge were beautiful especially sitting in one of the rooms with the big bay windows overlooking.

When we arrived and were invited in to the main room the decorations were beautiful and perfectly themed for the afternoon tee. Not long after we sat down our food was brought out accompanied by a Mrs Potts which was full of tea which was a super cute touch.

The afternoon tea included a range of classic finger sandwiches and scones with jam and cream but that wasn't all they had some super cute theme Beauty and the Beast treats which included a white chocolate and rose dessert, salted caramel chocolate pot, Cogsworth shaped chocolate fudge cake, rose macaroon and a coconut snowball truffle in honour of the classic snow ball fight scene.

Everything that came with the afternoon tea was well presented and tasted amazing, I think my favourite had to be white chocolate and rose dessert there was just something about combination that made it taste beautiful.

After finishing our food we were surprised with a visit from Belle herself, we had seen online she was there select days but had no clue it would be when we were there so that was a great added bonus so we took some photos and later on she even came around and sang for us which was beautiful.

Overall this was an amazing afternoon out and for only £25 per person which was worth the money for the amount you got. I can't compare this to the one in London but in my eyes it was just as good. Over the christmas season they were doing a Frozen themed one so who knows if this year they may come back with some other themed events.

Top Movies of 2017

A little bit later than usual but not forgotten that's for sure as this is one of my favourite posts to write each year. Choosing this years movies was actually very difficult with so many amazing ones gracing our screen, hence why my usual ten has turned in to eleven for this year.

One thing I am going to say is that so many of these movies this year had such incredible soundtracks that I haven't stopped listening to since seeing the movie. In no particular order here we go ...

La La Land
Now I'm not a massive lover of musicals I will tell you that now and which might shock some people I cannot stand Mamma Mia or Hair Spray but there are some I absolutely love and La La Land was one of them. I have to admit I didn't know it was actually a musical I had just seen how many awards it was up for and all the good reviews and decided to go and luckily I loved it otherwise it could have been a long few hours.

From the moment the first song started I just knew it was a film I was going to love. The on screen chemistry from Emma and Ryan was perfect making the movie enjoyable along with the story, settings and soundtrack making me fall in love.

The Greatest Showman
The moment I saw the trailer for this movie I had to go and see it without a doubt the trailer its self looked incredible alone and another movie that from the moment it began I fell in love and instantly knew I needed to see it again.

The casting was spot on throughout and especially with Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron both two beautiful men. The soundtrack to this movie is another incredible one which I haven't stopped listening to since I saw it in the cinema. The movie was so upbeat and incredible done.

Girls Trip
I didn't actually see Girls Trip in the cinema as I had no one to go with and I wasn't sure if it was going to be a lot like bridesmaids but a friend of mine lent me the DVD over Christmas and I have to admit I haven't laughed that much in agessss and I mean proper tears running down my face laughter.

What a brilliant movie with hilarious stupid moments which I could totally see happening on many girls trip and I look forward to seeing it again.

Baby Driver
Another movie with another incredible soundtrack and anyone who has seen this movie will totally agree that the music just fits in so well with each scene. Such an amazing cast as well for the film with the main character called Baby being played by Ansel Elgort who is one of my favourites along with Lily James another actress I adore. The movie is about Baby who is a get away drive who relies on the sound of music to be the best around and that he is!

Beauty and The Beast - Live Action
Ever since the announcement of this movie I had been so excited for it to be released especially when then they went and announced the cast and shown a preview trailer. Even though some people weren't happy with Emma Watson playing Belle I couldn't have been more happier with being a Harry Potter lover as well as Dan Stevens playing the beast.

I actually went to see this movie 3 times in the cinema thats how much I loved the movie, everything about it was perfect the attention to detail and also another amazing soundtrack. My favourite song from the original movie was Be Our Guest and it was done so well I loved it.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle 
First thing I'm going to say is why did they have to kill his pug :( yes I know his girlfriend then goes and gets him the most adorable new little pug but come on whyyyyyy! Anyways now we are past that extremely sad moment the rest of the movie was amazing, I loved that there is another spy organisation in the United States which Channing Tatum was part of and especially how the movie ended meaning there must be a 3rd one coming at some point.

The Lego Batman Movie

With The Lego movie being such a huge success, when this was announced I just knew it was going to be an amazing movie. Yes its meant to be for kids but this movie has so many adult references and funny scenes that makes it great for all ages.

Hidden Figures
I knew from the trailer I had to see this movie with there being such a great cast chosen to re tell this incredible story of the 3 ladies that helped with the space launch.

Guardians of The Galaxy: Vol 2
As soon as the first movie finished at the cinema I just wanted there to be a second film so bad and when he flipped over that tap and it said Vol 2 on the other side we just knew it was coming. It was worth the wait for such an amazing movie and cast which has you laughing throughout even though there are some sad scenes its an incredible movie with another amazing soundtrack!

Spiderman: Homecoming

How many Spiderman movies do we need? Lots apparently but this one is by far the best one yet, I love that we got to meet our new Spiderman during the most recent Captain America movie and since that point on I was very excited for this movie as Tom Holland was such a good choice.

There is something about this movie that just feels different to the rest of them. Its fresh, funny and not like the usual movies that were released before this one. I can't wait for more.

Paddington 2

Who doesn't love Paddington? The first movie was so good and such a cute movie that when they announced the second I was so excited. These movies are just such good feel films and are perfect for any age young or old. I do have to admit I did shed a tear during this movie as it got a little sad in some places and plus he's just so cute. 

There are still so many movies that I loved in 2017 and that didn't make it in to my Top 10 list but this year these are some of my favourites, What movies have you seen this year that you really enjoyed?

I actually think 2018 is going to be my hardest post for movies with Disney having an incredible line up this year so we will have to see with Coco already making it on to the list and the year hasn't even  really began yet.

Update: Top Ten Disney Movies

So I feel that it's time for an update on my top ten Disney movies, my original post was posted way back in November 2014 which you can read here and happens to be one of my most viewed posts. Last time I actually didn't include any Pixar movies so this time around there will be a couple on my list!

So like last time here is a list of all my favourite movies before I narrow them down to my top ten and if you compare my original post to this one you will notice some have stayed and some have moved out of the top ten as new movies are released.

Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lady and The Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Rescuers, The Great Mouse Detective, Oliver and Company, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Toy Story, Pocahontas 2, A Bugs Life, Toy Story 2, The Emperors New Groove, Lady and the Tramp 2, Monsters Inc, Cinderella 2, Mulan, Mulan 2, Ratatouille, Bolt, Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, Toy Story 3, Monsters University, Big Hero 6, Coco, Moana, Zootopia, Inside Out, Wreck It Ralph, Nightmare Before Christmas and Finding Dory.

1. Pocahontas

2. Coco
3. Zootopia

4. Tangled

5. Robin Hood

6. Ratatoullie

7. Mulan

8. The Emperors New Groove

9. Cinderella

10. Moana

As you can see taking a look at my new list movies have defiantly come and gone from my list and that’s not because I don’t like them anymore it’s just what I’ve been watching recently had changed. Like my massive love for Mulan at the moment where I could watch it every day if I could and Emperors New Groove has always been a favourite of mine but recently after watching it with my partner we keep doing little bits from the movie and it’s just funny meaning it’s crept up on to the top 10. Who knows where things my stand in another 4 years time we will have to see!

Which are your favourites?

Lets Talk ... Tokyo

It feels like forever since I said me and Joel were planning a trip to Tokyo back in 2016, finally now in 2018 it's safe to say the holiday is officially booked and we are going! Even though I've been super excited and secretly planning the whole trip since that point it feels more real now we have the trip booked and paid for.

After taking a hiatus from my blog for a while I've had a few people over on my Instagram ask me if I was going to be writing up my travel plans and I have to be honest I wasn't 100% sure if I was going to or not but here we are and here I am trying to get my mojo back.

So... whats the deal?

We are off to Tokyo for Joel's 30th Birthday which is in November so during the winter season in Japan which isn't an issue for us as we would rather be cold and wrap up warm then be boiling plus looking at previous weather forecasts its still actually been pretty mild during the weeks we are planning to go.

The weeks we have chosen to go have been set really since we decided to go away with Joel's birthday falling directly in the middle which is perfect. We fly on Monday 5th from our local Airport which is 45 minuets from our house which is GREAT and I'm so glad we found out we could fly from there as its saved us hotel and travel costs going from Birmingham or London ... thank you KLM. We arrive bright and early on the 6th which is going to be the only issue as we have to wait until 3pm to check in to our hotel whoops but at lease we can go and leave our luggage and explore the area probably taking that day a little easier after the long haul flight and crazy time difference.

I've never done a flight longer than 6 and half hours before so I am very nervous about the 14 hour flight but I know it will be worth it in the end. We then have 10 full days in Tokyo from when we arrive to explore leaving on the 16th. We have opted to just stay in Tokyo on this trip as its completely out of our comfort zones and money is tight at the moment. 

We originally had an apartment booked for the trip but after noticing that the hotel we wanted to stay in was reduced to half price for the full duration of our stay so we decided to change saving us £200 which was handy with paying more for the flights so we could fly locally. The hotel is located right by Tokyo Disneyland meaning we can make the most of the free shuttles they run to and from the parks or we could actually walk which I wouldn't mind doing.

As mentioned in a previous post Joel has indeed agreed that I could have two days in Disney which happen to fall at the start of the trip due to the crowd calendar for the parks meaning they will be the best days to go but it also means I won't have to worry about holding money back for during the trip I can just spend what I like right away as I have a feeling that's where most of my money will be going.

We were going to do the Ghibli museum as well but its actually closed the two weeks we are there which is gutting but just another reason to go back.

So with the basics of my trip covered I don't want to drone on too much and make this a very lengthy post so, I plan to split these up in to a series for you to read over the course of the next 9 months before we go as I have plenty of stuff planned already and notes written.

What to expect before I go:
1. Tokyo DisneySea Plans
2. Tokyo Disneyland Plans
3. Places we plan to Visit
4. Shopping
5. Food
6. What's in my Bag

What to expect when I return:
1. Various Trip Reports
2. Tokyo Disney Haul
3. Tokyo Haul
4. Useful Tips - I've already found these so useful so hopeful I can provide some of my own

So with only 266 days to go and time already flying by let the planning commence!

Disneyland Paris September 2017: Day 4

With it being our final day of our trip we needed to make sure we watched all the castle stage shows and the parade as due to poor planning or bad weather Thursday was the only day that worked well for us. After having another lie in again we headed straight for the studios to ride Crush Coaster and Tower of Terror one more time.

After the long wait for Crush and short wait for TOT we made our way back over to the main park for a few final photos and to grab a spot for the Castle shows as it made sense to do the two that were directly after each other meaning we could save time and keep our spot which was amazing. This was the first time I had chance to try out the continuous shooting mode on my camera during the shows and it took some amazing photos and the shows themselves were amazing each were full of my favourite characters and catch songs.

Time for lunch and we couldn't not have one last Jedi Burger and Yoda Cupcake which I have been craving ever since I was in Disney last February and I still am now wishing I was going this month also.

After lunch we decided to ride Star Tours and Hyper Space Mountain one last time before lining up and waiting an hour or so for the parade to get the best spot ever. Although this didn't go to plan we got on the ride as planned and as it started me and Emma was singing the theme tune as normal before we were slammed to a halt after completing the first loop. After being stuck in the dark for what felt forever we had noticed we had indeed broken down which was actual quite fun in the end seeing the ride in the day light and how they fit so much in to such a small area.

By this time it has started to rain but fear not we still had an hour until the parade was due to start so we grabbed our spot and waited and kid me not during the whole hour it rained on and off 5 times but by the time the parade started it was bright blue skies and the weather was on our side for once.

So my honest opinion about the parade, I avoided all videos and sneak peaks so that I didn't spoil the experience for myself and I have to admit its no Magic On Parade but that's not saying I didn't enjoy it because I did really enjoy the new song after worrying I wouldn't and the new floats were great and colourful but the only thing that disappointed me was that two of the floats were missing and some of the characters that were meant to be on them in they're new outfits were just walking behind in they're normal attire which was a little sad.

So happy with the photos my new Sony Alpha 6000 took during this trip, they're so clear and vibrant. The continuous shooting mode is just incredible for catching the most amazing photos during the shows and parades, can't wait to try this out in Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea.

With the rain starting again and an hour until our reservation at Billy Bobs we made our way for our final ride on Hyper Space and yes we did go it again after it broke down because we just had to with it being one of our favourites. With us being super tired and wet by this point Billy Bobs was just a quick affair but it was still as good as I remembered even though I wasn't really in the mood by this point.

I just wish I had stayed and seen Illuminations one final time before we left but never mind I'll be back Disneyland Paris and hopefully with an annual pass this time so I can do multiple trips with a few people.

Until next time....