Movies
TrollsFest, Movie Review, Universal Studios Parks
by MBE Kids Editor
Rachel Marks
TrollsFest Movie Pre-Release Kickoff
My family and I had the most enchanting time at TrollsFest, a pop up event promoting DreamWorks latest kids movie Trolls Band Together. The outdoor event took place outdoors at Century City Westfield in Los Angeles earlier this month, ahead of the picture's opening on November 17 nationwide.
MBE partnered with Trolls Band Together, post contains affiliate links
We arrived at TrollsFest with high spirits and anticipation as my family are big fans of everything Trolls-related, especially the previous two Trolls movies, Trolls and Trolls World Tour, which are both available to rent or buy. Joining me for the day for this fun live family entertainment assignment were my three kids -- Izzy, Ori, and Arya (ages 5, 2.5, and 1), my husband Chaim, and my dear friend Danielle along with her two sons, Jojo and Alex, ages 6 and 2.
The variety of activities catered to a wide age range of girls and boys activities. From Trolls makeovers (hair, nails, and makeup by Hally Hair and Sally Hansen Nail Polish), meet and greets with the characters to a chance to spin the wheel to win prizes like Trolls Poppy & Pout lip balm and movie theater tickets from Fandango to see Trolls Band Together, a Trolls-inspired miniature golf course, and more, there was something for everyone making this an ideal family outing for both sons and daughters.
One of the highlights of the event's festivities for my husband and I was undoubtedly Izzy's sheer excitement upon meeting his all-time favorite Trolls character, Poppy in real life. The joy and amazement in his eyes as he interacted with Poppy was truly heartwarming to watch and made for some wonderful photo opportunities that will make wonderful mementos for the future.
Izzy and his buddy Jojo were inseparable throughout the afternoon, sharing all the fun that TrollsFest had to offer. Another especially memorable moment was the video photo booth opportunity for the kids to record themselves performing on stage with the film's all-star boy band, BroZone. There was also a Trolls Party Plane photo opp provided by Southwest Airlines, but my toddler lost his attention span, so we couldn't stick around and wait our turn for that one.
Trolls-themed food and drinks also did not disappoint. In addition to brightly colored Trolls flavored Icee drinks which our boys loved, there was also Shine Water in specially-designed bottles and a Trolls milkshake by Shake Shack available. Ultimately, TrollsFest proved to be an immersive fan event like no other for us all.
Trolls Band Together Mom's Movie Review
Shortly before the movie was officially released to the public, my boys and I had the chance to see Trolls Band Together on the big screen.
My big boy, already very familiar with the Trolls enterprise and all the loveble and colorful characters, absolutely loved it. Meanwhile, though it was the first Trolls movie he has seen, my 2-1/2 year-old seemed mesmerized by the on screen action of all the colorful characters as well as the soundtrack playing in the background.
Speaking of the characters, it's worth noting that the movie's voiceover cast includes some of Hollywood's best known names: Anna Kendrick (Queen Poppy), Zooey Deschanel (Bridget), Justin Timberlake (Branch), Amy Schumer (Velvet), Troye Sivan (Floyd), Camila Cabello (Viva), Eric Andre (John Dory) Zosia Mamet (Crimp), Daveed Diggs (Spruce), Kid Cudi (Clay), among others.
The story revolves around Poppy who learns that Branch used to be a member of the band BroZone with his brothers Floyd, John Dory, Spruce and Clay. As the movie opens, brother Floyd is kidnapped. When Poppy and Branch discover this, they jump into action to save Floyd and to reunite with all of the brothers.
As always in family-friendly films, the movie's script has specially-written lines that intentionally reach and engage the grownup moms, dads, and caregivers. Adult appeal is also enhanced thanks to the score's musical performances by such A-listing vocal artists as Justin Timberlake who reunites with his boy band, NSYNC, for the movie. Other established solo vocal artists on the soundtrack include Camila Cabello and Troye Sivan.
Trolls at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando
While Trolls Band Together dances into theaters nationwide, both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are celebrating the iconic Trolls enterprise by offering park guests some really fun limited-time experiences for the entire family tying in with DreamWork Animations' new film.
Trolls-inspired Universal Theme Park Specials
Trolls Refreshments
Themed Beverages at Mel's Diner (Hollywood) and Schwab's Pharmacy (Orlando)
- Tiny Diamond Shake (both Coasts): Vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with Oreo cookies, whipped topping, and topped with edible silver glitter
- Poppy's Popping Strawberry Shake (Hollywood only): Strawberry soft serve ice cream topped with whipped cream, Blue-Raspberry Pop Rocks candy and flower sprinkles
- Poppy's Popping Strawberry Lemonade (Orlando only): Strawberry Dole Whip, sweet lemonade, strawberry sorbet, topped with Blue-Raspberry Pop Rocks candy and flower sprinkles
- BroZone Shake (Orlando only): Vanilla soft serve ice cream with whipped topping and ganished with Blue-Raspberry Pop Rocks and colorful Nerd Candy
Rockin' Trolls Photo Opportunities
Park guests can pose with fan-favorite Trolls Character Poppy as she rocks her dazzling new band attire during special meet and greets inside Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood. Also, interactive sets at Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk Hollywood where guests can digitally interact with characters, along with a dual-sided photo backdrop that gives participants the chance to be on stage with Trolls characters Poppy and Viva
New Trolls Merchandise
Throughout both Universal parks, guests can shop for a specially-curated selection of new Trolls merchandise including a stylish new purse, cute figurines of the characters, apparel and more
Kids who are Trolls lovers across a wide age range will definitely appreciate any of the cool toys and parents will love the apparel choices ranging from cozy pajamas and slippers to unisex casual wear and the prettiest girls party dresses for girls that we've discovered on Amazon for you.
Start your holiday shopping
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